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Win a Case of Wine.
UK only I guess but the Independent has free to enter competition to win a case of French wine; all part of the National Dinner Party Week.
Wine Writing.
Beau in a post titled Brown Spice-Accented Peaches had a great discussion going last week about the style of certain writers tasting notes. I found a couple of poetic tasting notes in a Spanish/English wine magazine; inspiring.
"We stand before two very different landscapes. The warm Aconcagua and the cold Patagonia. But between them is a perfect, magical, cordilleran balance. A fresh, tasty lamb and a mature, structured wine. This Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdoit blend is a true backpacker. Despite its lineage, it has no problem sitting around a fire to share a roasted lamb leg eaten with the hands and no napkins, just a handful of herbs. The red and black wild berries, dry leaves and spices complement a body as round as the full moon and the intense flavours of the lamb. A slight menthol touch seals the marriage, pleasing those who prefer to cover the meat with mint-based sauces, trying perhaps, like a woman in age denial, to conceal the traces of time." For a Von Siebenthal Carabantes, 2003.
"This dish yearns for a Chardonnay, but I resist the temptation with all my might. I cannot conceive a rarity as tuna fish from Easter Island in the hands of such an abused variety, so I opt for a Sauvignon Blanc from Leydia. The overwhelming acidity combines with a lively citrus background that supports controversial melted butter; tropical fruits and vanilla0ice-cream-over-wafer-flutes notes. In the mouth the wine does not wreck; instead, it docks in the palate with its sails fully deployed. The barrel contribution intertwines with the toasted fish notes, while the minerality and natural acidity that bring back the cold Humboldt waters are a perfect match for the still beating tuna center." For a Carces Silva Sauvignon Blanc Amayna Barrel Fermented 2004.
But if you are after something a little more succinct try http://redwinehaiku.blogspot.com/ with such gems as
Fat luscious droplets
Another Spanish hat trick
Three grapes & five stars
For Panarroz Jumilla 2003 (Spain). Superb.
"We stand before two very different landscapes. The warm Aconcagua and the cold Patagonia. But between them is a perfect, magical, cordilleran balance. A fresh, tasty lamb and a mature, structured wine. This Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdoit blend is a true backpacker. Despite its lineage, it has no problem sitting around a fire to share a roasted lamb leg eaten with the hands and no napkins, just a handful of herbs. The red and black wild berries, dry leaves and spices complement a body as round as the full moon and the intense flavours of the lamb. A slight menthol touch seals the marriage, pleasing those who prefer to cover the meat with mint-based sauces, trying perhaps, like a woman in age denial, to conceal the traces of time." For a Von Siebenthal Carabantes, 2003.
"This dish yearns for a Chardonnay, but I resist the temptation with all my might. I cannot conceive a rarity as tuna fish from Easter Island in the hands of such an abused variety, so I opt for a Sauvignon Blanc from Leydia. The overwhelming acidity combines with a lively citrus background that supports controversial melted butter; tropical fruits and vanilla0ice-cream-over-wafer-flutes notes. In the mouth the wine does not wreck; instead, it docks in the palate with its sails fully deployed. The barrel contribution intertwines with the toasted fish notes, while the minerality and natural acidity that bring back the cold Humboldt waters are a perfect match for the still beating tuna center." For a Carces Silva Sauvignon Blanc Amayna Barrel Fermented 2004.
But if you are after something a little more succinct try http://redwinehaiku.blogspot.com/ with such gems as
Fat luscious droplets
Another Spanish hat trick
Three grapes & five stars
For Panarroz Jumilla 2003 (Spain). Superb.
Webchat: Wine with Curry.
As a prelude to World Curry Week, wine expert Charles Metcalfe will be online on Monday October 3rd for a live discussion. Charles will be chatting about the art of matching wines with Indian cuisine - something we'll all appreciate I'm sure. The event is sponsored by Alsace Wines so expect these gorgous wines to feature heavily."Purity of fruit, good acidity and low levels of tannin mean that the aromatic wines from Alsace complement perfectly the wonderful variety of flavours of Indian cuisine. From a light and supple Pinot Blanc to a soft, full Pinot Gris, a bone-dry, but elegantly fruity Riesling to a full-flavoured Gewurztraminer, there's sure to be something to suit your favourite dish."
Click through to WebChats TV for full details.
French wine union rejects EU/US deal.
French co-ops have rejected the recent EU-US wine accord claiming the deal will not benefit European producers as much as the Commission thinks.
Beveragedaily.com
"France's wine cooperatives union (CCVF) has called the agreement 'unacceptable'. It said that even if the US succeeded in gaining protection for the 17 names 'there would be no concrete changes'. 'Businesses already using semi-generic names [for their wines] could continue using them for an unlimited time period,' the CCVF said.
While I can understand the postions commentators such as Huge Johnson and Tom Wark are taking I think they should remember that the wine industry in France is a very proud one, steeped in tradition and bound by laws and as such they should receive a little more respect and understanding of their ideas and these traditions. I too can see the stance made in some areas, in the face of declining sales and the popularity of New World wines, is akin to putting your head in the sand but putting water in wine for example seems plain wrong to me. It appears to me that the Americans lack confidence in their own products in wanting to label them Champagne and Port rather than use their own geographic descriptors which have potential to be equally as good and as well known as the originals.
Beveragedaily.com
"France's wine cooperatives union (CCVF) has called the agreement 'unacceptable'. It said that even if the US succeeded in gaining protection for the 17 names 'there would be no concrete changes'. 'Businesses already using semi-generic names [for their wines] could continue using them for an unlimited time period,' the CCVF said.
While I can understand the postions commentators such as Huge Johnson and Tom Wark are taking I think they should remember that the wine industry in France is a very proud one, steeped in tradition and bound by laws and as such they should receive a little more respect and understanding of their ideas and these traditions. I too can see the stance made in some areas, in the face of declining sales and the popularity of New World wines, is akin to putting your head in the sand but putting water in wine for example seems plain wrong to me. It appears to me that the Americans lack confidence in their own products in wanting to label them Champagne and Port rather than use their own geographic descriptors which have potential to be equally as good and as well known as the originals.
Search Tags: wine food & drink
Restaurant Champagne Prices Slammed.
Judges at the prestigious Gosset "best champagne list" competition criticised restaurants for their prices. UK restaurants are massively overcharging customers for champagne, according to a leading producer.
Scotsman.com
"Some of the venues that entered the awards were charging up to £100 for a bottle of non-vintage bubbly. Beatrice Cointreau, CEO of Champagne Gosset, which runs the awards, said "greedy pricing" among entrants risked putting diners off ordering champagne. 'Sadly there was still evidence in the UK of shocking, greedy pricing which we feel does little to encourage the uninitiated to try champagne,' she said.
Scotsman.com
"Some of the venues that entered the awards were charging up to £100 for a bottle of non-vintage bubbly. Beatrice Cointreau, CEO of Champagne Gosset, which runs the awards, said "greedy pricing" among entrants risked putting diners off ordering champagne. 'Sadly there was still evidence in the UK of shocking, greedy pricing which we feel does little to encourage the uninitiated to try champagne,' she said.
Central Otego Dam Project.
A huge 217 million litre dam is being built to help irrigate 237ha of grapes on the McArthur Ridge development at Springvale, northeast of Alexandra in Central Otego, New Zealand.
Stuff.co.nz
"The Central Otago Pinot Noir Estates residential project will feature the second-largest planting of pinot noir grapes in New Zealand when it is completed. The principal of Nimbus Group Ltd, the parent company of Central Otago Pinot Noir Estates, Robin Schulz, said water from the 217,000cu m dam would be used for irrigation and frostfighting on a pinot noir vineyard eventually covering 237ha."
Stuff.co.nz
"The Central Otago Pinot Noir Estates residential project will feature the second-largest planting of pinot noir grapes in New Zealand when it is completed. The principal of Nimbus Group Ltd, the parent company of Central Otago Pinot Noir Estates, Robin Schulz, said water from the 217,000cu m dam would be used for irrigation and frostfighting on a pinot noir vineyard eventually covering 237ha."
Genetically Modified Vines Worry French Winemakers.
The Alsace region has the only planting of genetically modified vines in France. Researchers have planted the vines in the hope of finding a way to battle the damaging "court-noue" virus afflicting a third of the country's vines.
Struff.co.nz
"French scientist Jean Masson carefully unlocks the gate of a heavily protected open-air enclosure. Behind the fence and security cameras there are no wild animals or convicts, just 70 vines."
Struff.co.nz
"French scientist Jean Masson carefully unlocks the gate of a heavily protected open-air enclosure. Behind the fence and security cameras there are no wild animals or convicts, just 70 vines."
Wine Tasting Note: Barra Estate Vineyards Zinfandel, 2003, Mendocino, California.
Wine Tasting Note: Barra Estate Vineyards Zinfandel, 2003, Mendocino, California.Fresh and Wild £8.99 Vintage Roots £7.95
Made from organically grown grapes. A full aroma of black fruits, spices and baked-cake nuances. A big - huge - palate of coffee-edge ripe black fruits. Tannins are finely grained while the alcohol seems higher than the 13.5% mentioned on the label. Red fruits and coffee on the lingering finish. Juicy acidity keeps the sweet fruit in check.
Scribblings Rating - 92/100
BBC Radio 4 The Food Programme.
Crisis in the French Wine industry? Radio 4's Food Programme
BBC Radio 4
"BBC Radio 4's Food Programme (25.09.05) features wine writer Andrew Jefford exploring the crisis in the French wine industry - declining consumption at home, and fierce competition from New World brands - He talks to Jean-Marie Suavet from Georges Vigouroux in Cahors (Chateau de Mercures and others), Raymond Blanc who is changing his wine list and moving away from New World Wines and others"
Also from www.frenchduck.co.uk/frenchwines.htm
BBC Radio 4
"BBC Radio 4's Food Programme (25.09.05) features wine writer Andrew Jefford exploring the crisis in the French wine industry - declining consumption at home, and fierce competition from New World brands - He talks to Jean-Marie Suavet from Georges Vigouroux in Cahors (Chateau de Mercures and others), Raymond Blanc who is changing his wine list and moving away from New World Wines and others"
Also from www.frenchduck.co.uk/frenchwines.htm
Manoir Aux Quat'Saisons drops New World Wines.
Raymond Blanc at Manoir Aux Quat' Saisons is dropping New World Wines from his wine list in favour of French.
Manoir.com
"For the first step, we are removing from our list, all the over-oaked, `New World` style red wines, regardless of their origin. We are bidding goodbye to, and ridding our cellars of, wines that are unbalanced, whether through jammy fruit, lack of tannin or too much oak. We will also remove all of the white wines which are flavoured with too much vanilla, over-oaked or too buttery... these wines may be enjoyed as an aperitif with friends but do not enhance and complement fine food."
From http://www.frenchduck.co.uk/WHATSON.htm
Manoir.com
"For the first step, we are removing from our list, all the over-oaked, `New World` style red wines, regardless of their origin. We are bidding goodbye to, and ridding our cellars of, wines that are unbalanced, whether through jammy fruit, lack of tannin or too much oak. We will also remove all of the white wines which are flavoured with too much vanilla, over-oaked or too buttery... these wines may be enjoyed as an aperitif with friends but do not enhance and complement fine food."
From http://www.frenchduck.co.uk/WHATSON.htm
Biodiversity in Wine.
Biodiversity's links with wine are put to the test during an international Sauvignon taste off by US Sauvignon winemaker and lecturer John Buechsenstein for a group of local winemakers and marketers.
Wine.co.za
"Our challenges as winemakers are discovering and deciphering the local flavours that define terroir. The last thing you'd want to do with grapes grown in a special place such as say, Marlborough, is to make that wine in an international style.' His thinking is surely on a similar tack with SA's wine and biodiversity proponents."
Wine.co.za
"Our challenges as winemakers are discovering and deciphering the local flavours that define terroir. The last thing you'd want to do with grapes grown in a special place such as say, Marlborough, is to make that wine in an international style.' His thinking is surely on a similar tack with SA's wine and biodiversity proponents."
Wine Tasting Note: Domaine de Grand Selve Rouge, 2002, VDP Saint Sardos, France.
Wine Tasting Note: Domaine de Grand Selve Rouge, 2002, Vin de Pays de Saint Sardos, France.The aroma can only be called complex - fleeting hints of dark undergrowth, violets, licorice and a hint of reductive properties. Flavours are more fruity but with an earthy edge to the lavender and bitter chocolate finish. The acidity lends a rustic edge, dominating as it does the mid-palate. Food is required for this full-bodied wine. This is an interesting blend of Syrah 50%, Cabernet Franc 30% and Tannat 20%. Alcohol 12.5%. Worth tracking down.
Scribblings Rating - 90/100
This particular cuv�e was first bottled in 1995. The grapes are sourced from land that held the original vineyards of the area, owned by the Grand Selve Abbey, which is pictured on the label.
World's First Inflatable Pub.
I try and not duplicate postings over my various writing commitments but this was just too much fun not to include here. The world's first inflatable pub! Coming to a village fete and garden party near you. It measures 40ft long, 19ft wide and has enough space for 30 customers. Amazingly it takes just 10 minutes to inflate.
NewVoices: Wine Podcasts
The podcast fever continues - I don't think there are enough hours in the day to listen to all the wine related ones sadly. First off is Fermentation Media - run by two Australians - Leam and Sam. They are going to be joining in with Wine Blogging Wednesday which should be fun.
Then there is The Oz Wine Show, again Australian. This one is run by a guy called Hugo. Thirty minutes of reviews, education, interviews and wine news are promised per cast. Should be interesting.
Then there is The Oz Wine Show, again Australian. This one is run by a guy called Hugo. Thirty minutes of reviews, education, interviews and wine news are promised per cast. Should be interesting.
Wines from Matetic Vineyards, Chile.
The second 'discovery' at the Explore Chile Tasting was the range of wines presented by Matetic Vineyards. It was the packaging that caught my eye; good shelf presence as they say. The vineyards are planted in the San Antonio region. This has a cool climate being 18km from the Pacific. The estate has 60 hectares under vine, all of which were planted in 1999. The grapes are grown organically. There are two ranges the Corralillo and the EQ (equilibrio/equilibrium).
Notes taken at Explore Chile Trade Tasting September 2005.
Wine Tasting Note: Matetic EQ Sauvignon Blanc, 2005, San Antonio, Chile.A big grassy introduction to the range. A delicious complexity involving sherbet, limes, barley and melon. Fresh, crisp, smooth and very drinkable. Alcohol 14.5%
Scribblings Rating - 92/100
Wine Tasting Note: Matetic EQ Chardonnay, 2004, San Antonio, Chile.Barrel aging and fermentation on this Chardonnay. Rich and well structured, quite a bit of oak but revealing itself in a toasty edge rather than dominating the pear and quince flavours. Alcohol 14%.
Scribblings Rating - 88/100
Wine Tasting Note: Matetic EQ Pinot Noir, 2004, San Antonio, Chile.Another Pinot for Chile to be proud of. Wonderful nose, rich, complex, forceful fruit. Stylish palate too with licorice and plums with a long finish. Alcohol 14.5%
Scribblings Rating - 90/100
Wine Tasting Note: Matetic Vineyards EQ Syrah, 2004, San Antonio, Chile.Very deep and concentrated colour. Lovely complexity on the nose - fruits, earth and a lifting perfume add to the enjoyment. The palate is ripe and full with a similar complexity. Concentrated.
Scribblings Rating - 90/100
Wine Tasting Note: Matetic Vineyards Corralillo Chardonnay, 2003, San Antonio, Chile.Peachy ripeness here with good long length and an excellent array of complex flavours. Oak influence is evident but this just adds to the apricot and peach flavours. Rounded, smooth and very drinkable. Alcohol 14.5%
Scribblings Rating - 92/100
Wine Tasting Note: Matetic Vineyards Corralillo Merlot/Malbec, 2003, San Antonio, Chile.The next vintage is going to have a splash of Cabernet Franc added to the blend; as it stands this is formed of 80% Merlot and 20% Malbec. Jolly good it is to! Blackberries dominate the nose. Smooth and ripe on the palate then a huge burst of ripe blackberry envelope the senses before a big lick of tannin kicks in to keep all in check. Juicy.
Scribblings Rating - 92/100
Wine Tasting Note: Dioniso Ruiz Ijalba, 2002, Rioja, Spain.
One of the more interesting wines available in the Rioja In Retail tasting. Not only is it made from organically grown grapes and comes from a very rare variety, it also tastes rather lovely; which is always a boon in a wine.Wine Tasting Note: Dioniso Ruiz Ijalba, 2002, Rioja, Spain.
Available from Vintage Roots for £13.95.
This is made from Maturana Tinta, a native grape, rescued from oblivion by the estate. Only 20 vines remain according to the bottle label. The wine is delightful with an intense aroma of spicy red fruits. The palate has a complex array of flavours - chocolate and plums mainly with a delicious balsamic sweetness. Perhaps lacking a tad in the mid-palate (nothing a spot of food wouldn't negate) this comes in with 13.5% alcohol.
Scribblings Rating - 92/100
Celebrities Wine
For months I have been meaning to do a round-up of all the wine estates owned by celebs. I still may do; but if you are hankering after a taster the BBC has a piece on Gerard Depardieu and in passing mentions Francis Ford Coppola, Sting, Cliff Richard and Mick Hucknell. Anyone know of any more?
BBC.co.uk
"What makes Mr Depardieu different is that he has been making wine since the early 1980s. Indeed, this might explain why his looks resemble many people's idea of a contented French farmer. Never one to pander to Hollywood's demands for air-brushed body perfection, his characterful Gallic features and happily ample waistline appear to have been born to drive a tractor through a field of vines."
BBC.co.uk
"What makes Mr Depardieu different is that he has been making wine since the early 1980s. Indeed, this might explain why his looks resemble many people's idea of a contented French farmer. Never one to pander to Hollywood's demands for air-brushed body perfection, his characterful Gallic features and happily ample waistline appear to have been born to drive a tractor through a field of vines."
Musings on Rioja.
It is the height of the Wine Tasting season in the UK - although I missed the large Argentinean generic tasting and will not be able to make tomorrows 'Cracking Wines From France' tasting, unfortunately - it explains the constant stream of tasting notes. From the dozens tasted I am only detailing those wines that I think really stand out; those that offer a point of difference, value for money or just good, flavoursome drinking. Many wines I have tried recently were hardly worth crossing the road for. Uninspiring. Drinkable but dull.
Today's Rioja in Retail tasting is a case in point; after slurping through a table of reds, whites and rosés I was distinctly underwhelmed. Admitidly the wines were at the cheaper end of the price scale but I wondered if I should bother tasting any more. I went for lunch (nowhere near as good as the French buffet yesterday) and went straight for the top end of the price bracket. We are talking £30/£40 a bottle. Better, as you would hope, but excessively priced.
It must just be Rioja. They fail to excite. Having said that there were just a few I think worth tracking down. Notes to follow over the next few days.
Today's Rioja in Retail tasting is a case in point; after slurping through a table of reds, whites and rosés I was distinctly underwhelmed. Admitidly the wines were at the cheaper end of the price scale but I wondered if I should bother tasting any more. I went for lunch (nowhere near as good as the French buffet yesterday) and went straight for the top end of the price bracket. We are talking £30/£40 a bottle. Better, as you would hope, but excessively priced.
It must just be Rioja. They fail to excite. Having said that there were just a few I think worth tracking down. Notes to follow over the next few days.
Wine Tasting Note: Domaine de Marquestus Blanc, 2004, VdP Saint Sardos, France.
Ever heard of Saint Sardos? Nope, me neither. So it was good that I made the effort to get to the South West France tasting yesterday to try them. I am not entirely sure exactly where it is but some where near Toulouse I should guess. I have three wines from this Domaine, this is the dry white. I do not have details of prices either, but they are not hugely expensive (£5.20 for this white according to the French language website but local taxes with change this of course).Wine Tasting Note: Domaine de Marquestus Blanc Sec, 2004, Vin de Pays de Saint Sardos, France.
This is a fresh, crisp blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle and Chardonnay and rather nice it is too. The acidity is crisp but the weighty palate balances this out. A touch of honey and lime on both the palate and aroma but there is a depth to the flavour that is quite interesting. An excellent aperitif or for matching with fish or seafood. Alcohol 12%.
Scribblings Rating - 88/100
Wine Tasting Note: Clos Triguedina Black Wine, Cahors, France.
A bizarre location for a South West France tasting today - a side crypt in a 14th Century Church near Smithfield Market. Cramped and dusty but an interesting range of wines and a superb buffet. One wine that stood out was this 'black wine'. The Triguedina estate has revived a production method that died out in the 19th century. A portion of the Malbec grapes are dried out in ovens for a day before fermentation. The resultant colour is very deep, hence the name.Wine Tasting Note: Clos Triguedina The New Black Wine, 2001, Cahors, France.
Only 4,000 bottles of this interesting wine were produced. Deep and concentrated palate, tannins aplenty but supported by plenty of mulberry and plum fruit. Quite complex with hints of dried prunes, stewed fruits with a red berry acidic streak. The wine is produced totally from 100 year old Malbec vines (aka Auxerrois).
Scribblings Rating - 90/100
Wine Tasting Note: Dourthe Barrel Select St Emilion, 2003, Bordeaux, France.
Wine Tasting Note: Dourthe Barrel Select St Emilion, 2003, Bordeaux, France.Available from Waitrose for £9.99.
Cedar and red fruits dominate the nose. Well structured with balanced acidity and tannins which leave a lovely lick around the gums. Hints of spice, tobacco and coffee on the palate leading into a firmly flavoured finish. This is a blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. Another wine crying out for a nice steak or lamb.
Scribblings Rating - 90/100
Wine Tasting Note: Dourthe Pey La Tour, 2004, Bordeaux, France.
Wine Tasting Note: Dourthe Barrel Pey La Tour, 2004, Bordeaux, France.Available from Tesco for £5.99.
Pen, spicy plum aroma. Medium-bodied, juicy acidity, soft tannins and lightly peppery red fruits cover the palate. Well balanced and good length. A perfectly acceptable Claret. Comprises a typical Bordeaux blend of grapes - 75% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. The estate lies 15 kilometers to the east of Bordeaux town. Apparently the ruins of a medieval castle lie in the vineyards; would have thought the rubble would have got in the way.
Scribblings Rating - 86/100
WIne Tasting Note: Dourthe Barrel Select Medoc, 2003, Bordeaux, France.
Wine Tasting Note: Dourthe Barrel Select Medoc, 2003, Bordeaux, France.Available from Threshers for £8.99.
A soft palate with a firm tannic structure that comes to the fore on the finish. The aroma is not so open. Medium to full-bodied. Good red fruit flavours lead into a finish enlivened with just a smidgen of licorice and herbs. It is nice but really needs food, lamb springs to mind - which is lucky as that is what I am having tonight. The blend here is 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot. Alcohol 13%.
Scribblings Rating - 88/100
The Best In The Last 30 Days.
So much for taking today off from blogging; I have been tagged! And its contagious. Agh.
Beau tags Lenn. Lenn tags the Wine Chicks. They tag Tim mid-cast who then, generous to a fault, goes and tags liddle o' me. The tag being, if you havent followed the links, "The best in the last 30". Which bottle or glass of wine have I sampled over the last 30 days would I class as the 'best'? Tricky, as I have been to several tastings over the last month; it being the wine tasting season in UK trade circles.
I am going to plump for two wines from Spy Valley in New Zealand. The full tasting notes will appear in the full write-up but honestly, amongst all the wines recently I have slurped and spat, these really stood out. Many wines over the last few weeks, although perfectly drinkable and enjoyable, didn't really excite, were not distinctive enough I guess to be truly memorable. These two from New Zealand really bucked that trend. The specific wines are the Spy Valley Pinot Gris 2004 and the Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2004. They both retail for �8.99 in the UK which I regard as a bargain.
Who though to tag next..? Over to you - Cam down in Australia.
UPDATE: I never was one to read the rules before playing a game so totally missed the fact I have to tag a foodie too. Umm, Anne class yourself as tagged!
Beau tags Lenn. Lenn tags the Wine Chicks. They tag Tim mid-cast who then, generous to a fault, goes and tags liddle o' me. The tag being, if you havent followed the links, "The best in the last 30". Which bottle or glass of wine have I sampled over the last 30 days would I class as the 'best'? Tricky, as I have been to several tastings over the last month; it being the wine tasting season in UK trade circles.
I am going to plump for two wines from Spy Valley in New Zealand. The full tasting notes will appear in the full write-up but honestly, amongst all the wines recently I have slurped and spat, these really stood out. Many wines over the last few weeks, although perfectly drinkable and enjoyable, didn't really excite, were not distinctive enough I guess to be truly memorable. These two from New Zealand really bucked that trend. The specific wines are the Spy Valley Pinot Gris 2004 and the Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2004. They both retail for �8.99 in the UK which I regard as a bargain.
Who though to tag next..? Over to you - Cam down in Australia.
UPDATE: I never was one to read the rules before playing a game so totally missed the fact I have to tag a foodie too. Umm, Anne class yourself as tagged!
Wines From Casa Marin, Chile.
Vina Casa Marin is located just 4 km from the sea in the San Antonio Valley Region, making it the closest vineyard in Chile to the Pacific Ocean. The unique climatic exposure and wide variety of soils found here give birth to a unique viticultural terrior modified, as it is, by the cooling breezes from the Ocean."We allow nature to tell us when the time is right for picking. Our aim is to let the wine reflect the terrior where it comes from and delight us with its aromas and textures." Maria Luz Marin, winemaker.
Notes taken at Explore Chile Trade Tasting September 2005.
Casa Marin
Wine Tasting Note: Casa Marin Sauvignon Blanc Laurel Vineyard, 2004, San Antonio, Chile.Lay and Wheeler £13.95.
The Laurel Vineyard is planted on a windy hill-slope that needs irrigation for the vines to be successful. It faces north-east which matters here as the other Sauvignon in the range is from a different vineyard with a different exposure; you can taste distinct differences between the two immediately. This is good. A lovely perfumed nose, dry, fresh, floral. Juicy with complex herbs and citrus flavours. Think how those vines have struggled though fog and wind to produce such intense and delicious flavours. My favourite of the entire range. Alcohol 14%.
Scribblings Rating - 94/100
Wine Tasting Note: Casa Marin Sauvignon Blanc Cipresses Vineyard, 2004, San Antonio, Chile.Price around £12.
The other SB in the range; from a hill-top facing north and south. Again windy and very poor soils requiring irrigation. A touch of honeyed richness here sets the nose from this one apart from the Laurel Vineyard rendition. Touches of guava and gooseberry to the fruit driven flavour.
Scribblings Rating - 90/100
Wine Tasting Note: Casa Marin Sauvignon Gris Estero Vineyard, 2004, San Antonio, Chile.The Estero Vineyard is located on a hillside slope overlooking the brook ('estero') after which it is named. Facing south it again has poor soil. This wine was very interesting, not just because of the unusual grape variety, but on the nose and palate too. A smoky edge revealed itself after a swirl - plus kiwi and gooseberry - while the palate is quite rounded and ripe, not grassy like the Sauvignons but full of citrus flavours. Crisp acidity and quite high alcohol (14%).
Scribblings Rating - 90/100
Wine Tasting Note: Casa Marin Gewurztraminer Casona Vineyard, 2004, San Antonio, Chile.Lay and Wheeler £14.45
This has a gorgeous aroma - restrained in a Turkish Delight kind-of-way more a little hint of spicy decadence and a palate that, while soft and lightly rose-tinted, comes across as fresh and pure with a wonderful texture. Peach and lightly peppered chocolate on the long finish. Lovely.
Scribblings Rating - 92/100
Wine Tasting Note: Casa Marin Pinot Noir Litoral Vineyard, 2003, San Antonio, Chile.Price around £12.
This vineyard is relatively flat, located at the bottom of the estates hilly area. While ripe and rounded I couldn't really pick up anything distinctively different from the Lo Abarca vineyards Pinot. It's good though.
Scribblings Rating - 90/100
Wine Tasting Note: Casa Marin Pinot Noir Lo Abarca Hills, 2003, San Antonio, Chile.Price around £15.
The Lo Abarca vineyard again occupies a hill top location. The wine is firm and broad with a ripe, rounded, cherry led palate. Toasty oak on the finish hailing form the 14 month lees aging in French oak. Alcohol 14.5%.
Scribblings Rating - 90/100
Newvoices: Maud on Wine from South Africa.
At last a South African wine blogger! I was beginning to think that no one in SA was ever going to join the wine blogosphere; but Maud Letzler has just left a comment on one of my South African wine posts revealing her Maud on Wine Blog. Hurrah. Looking forward to reading her views.
US-EU Wine Accord Criticised.
Some are not happy at the recent EU-USA Accord over protecting regional wine names... (although the Greeks are)
Yahoo News
"It's sad that the USA, now a great wine country, continues to protect a few producers who are abusing the identity of others instead of using honest labelling for true consumer information"
Yahoo News
"It's sad that the USA, now a great wine country, continues to protect a few producers who are abusing the identity of others instead of using honest labelling for true consumer information"
Search Tags: wine food & drink
Chirac and Taittinger
Another chance to engage in a little French-bashing and stand ingredulous at their arrogance; Chirac is planning, apparently, to stop any foreign attempts to purchase the Taittinger Champagne producer. Mr Fr�re, a billionaire Belgian investor, is interested.
Times Online
"THE billionaire Belgian investor Albert Fr�re warned the French authorities against 'xenophobia' yesterday after claims that President Chirac wanted to prevent him buying Taittinger Champagne. Mr Fr�re reacted after reports in France that M Chirac was seeking to keep France�s fifth-biggest champagne house in Gallic hands. The reports, which were denied by the President�s office, come amid accusations of a return to protectionism in France. "
Times Online
"THE billionaire Belgian investor Albert Fr�re warned the French authorities against 'xenophobia' yesterday after claims that President Chirac wanted to prevent him buying Taittinger Champagne. Mr Fr�re reacted after reports in France that M Chirac was seeking to keep France�s fifth-biggest champagne house in Gallic hands. The reports, which were denied by the President�s office, come amid accusations of a return to protectionism in France. "
Europe and US agree on wine.
With agreement over the restricted use of 17 names in the US and wine-making practicies now recognised, the EU and USA end their 20-year wine war. Burgundy, Chablis, Champagne and Sherry are all covered and oak chips and preservatives too.
The Times
"As part of a transatlantic wine agreement, European producers have won strict measures governing the use of famous European wine names 'including champagne, port and sherry' in the United States. But it comes at a price: Europe will have to allow Americans to sell wine made using shockingly non- traditional methods."
The Times
"As part of a transatlantic wine agreement, European producers have won strict measures governing the use of famous European wine names 'including champagne, port and sherry' in the United States. But it comes at a price: Europe will have to allow Americans to sell wine made using shockingly non- traditional methods."
Search Tags: wine food & drink
Bibendum Tasting.
I spent a very enjoyable three hours or so yesterday sampling a range of wines from Bibendum.
This Primrose Hill based retailer serves many trade customers but also has a loyal private client base. Highlights, to me, included the Spry Valley range (New Zealand) - the whites especially - and the Mitchelton range from Australia. Had a very enjoyable chat with Toby Barlow, the Mitchelton wine maker. Plenty more notes to write-up before next weeks batch of tastings (France, Argentina, Rioja... phew).
This Primrose Hill based retailer serves many trade customers but also has a loyal private client base. Highlights, to me, included the Spry Valley range (New Zealand) - the whites especially - and the Mitchelton range from Australia. Had a very enjoyable chat with Toby Barlow, the Mitchelton wine maker. Plenty more notes to write-up before next weeks batch of tastings (France, Argentina, Rioja... phew).
Wine Adventure Coming To Tescos.
Aimed at the 'new generation of wine drinkers' (whoever they are) and offering tasters a 'balanced blend of wine education and entertainment' this new gift pack will be available in Tescos through to Christmas. Price is set at £10.This is the first in a series of boxed Wine Tasting Adventures and offers a CD with interactive tasting exercises around the (Gallo) wines in the pack. Three 187ml bottles and a 'bonus track' featuring Joe Wadsack are included.
"This first Wine Tasting Adventure takes about 45 minutes to complete so is ideal as pre-dinner party entertainment for groups. It is just as enjoyable to take with a partner during a quiet night in."
Wine Tasting Note: Vergelegen Sauvignon Blanc, 2004, Western Cape, South Africa.
Wine Tasting Note: Vergelegen Sauvignon Blanc, 2004, Western Cape, South Africa.Listed by Sainsbury's for £7.99.
This wine was selected to accompany a recipe from Nigel Slater's new book as detailed in the latest Observer Food Monthly; the dish is the Courgette and Lancashire cheese crumble. The food was rather a good match for a fine, mineral-boned Sauvignon such as this one. The green-grassiness complemented the courgettes in the dish; the crisp acidity cut through the cheese. Elderberry and green peppers add to the complexity. Alcohol 13%. More at the Vergelegen Website.
Scribblings Rating - 90/100
Rare Cognac Blend Launched.
There are just 1,888 bottles available worldwide and just 80 available in the UK for this £4,400 a bottle cognac. Cuvee 1888 is a blend of Grande Champagne cognacs which date back as far as 1870.Ireland Online
"It is described as having aromas of, among other things, dried fruit, walnuts, hazelnuts, raisins, prunes, candied orange and cocoa. The 700ml decanters come in a decorative wooden gift box along with a solid block of Pierre Frapin perfume encased in a gilded gold fob watch."
Search Tags: cognac food & drink
Slurp, Gargle and Spit.
Well I don't say AH exactly but this article is a good introduction to the 'art' of the wine tasting. Basically slurp, gargle and spit - which is a great name for a team of solicitors!
WineXMagazine
"To get as much information about a wine, you need to look, smell, taste and feel a wine - try it on if you like. Sure, the information you get makes more sense if you know what you're looking for, but you can only start looking for what you want when you know what you don't. So hide any inhibitions, open up and say ah.
At least there's one thing about the wine you're sure to get right, that is, if the wine is made from a red or white grape. If you're stumped at this early stage, I'm afraid this is gonna be a bit of a challenge..."
WineXMagazine
"To get as much information about a wine, you need to look, smell, taste and feel a wine - try it on if you like. Sure, the information you get makes more sense if you know what you're looking for, but you can only start looking for what you want when you know what you don't. So hide any inhibitions, open up and say ah.
At least there's one thing about the wine you're sure to get right, that is, if the wine is made from a red or white grape. If you're stumped at this early stage, I'm afraid this is gonna be a bit of a challenge..."
Crisis at Unwins!
Just received (unconfirmed but reliable) information that things at Unwins just keep on getting worse. Shop Managers 'at an unspecified time in the future' are no longer to exist! Apparently a 'manager' will be placed in charge of 7 shops; those existing managers that are not sacked outright will become 'customer care supervisors'. What that means to those provided with accommodation above the stores is anyone's guess. I will spare you the graphic details of how the news was broken to managers (badly to say the least) and what the reaction was to this news to your imagination.
I ask you, what a way to treat your loyal staff who have held on in there though some really bad times. The stock situation is terrible - I have a picture to post of a cigarette gantry at a local shop. Empty.
Unwins is a 300 odd shop wine retailer chain based in the South East of the UK. They have been having difficulties for several years.
UPDTAE: some confirmation using slightly different wording.
I ask you, what a way to treat your loyal staff who have held on in there though some really bad times. The stock situation is terrible - I have a picture to post of a cigarette gantry at a local shop. Empty.
Unwins is a 300 odd shop wine retailer chain based in the South East of the UK. They have been having difficulties for several years.
UPDTAE: some confirmation using slightly different wording.
Chilean Wine Tasting
I have spent most of today at the main Autumn showcase for Chilean Wines in the UK - Explore Chile 2005. This is a trade tasting organised by the promotional body Wines of Chile.
I didn't quite realise how dominated the Chilean wine shelves are with big brands. While there were plenty of importers and distributors present I didn't really find anything unusual. I started with the Errazuriz range, sauntered around a bit, and then happened upon two stands right at the back of the hall.
I was amazed at the quality, the individuality and character of these companies wines - both are new to the UK, so no retail stockists as yet. If you ever see wines from Matetic Vineyards or Casa Marin (which stood out with some dynamic packaging) you really must try them. Full tasting notes to follow; but I was so excited by these wines I just had to tell someone!
While I was slurping on the Marin range I noted two buyers from Majestic Wines standing next to me... you never know.
I didn't quite realise how dominated the Chilean wine shelves are with big brands. While there were plenty of importers and distributors present I didn't really find anything unusual. I started with the Errazuriz range, sauntered around a bit, and then happened upon two stands right at the back of the hall.
I was amazed at the quality, the individuality and character of these companies wines - both are new to the UK, so no retail stockists as yet. If you ever see wines from Matetic Vineyards or Casa Marin (which stood out with some dynamic packaging) you really must try them. Full tasting notes to follow; but I was so excited by these wines I just had to tell someone!
While I was slurping on the Marin range I noted two buyers from Majestic Wines standing next to me... you never know.
TN: Vinedos del Contino Graciano, 2001, Rioja, Spain
Wine Tasting Note: Vinedos del Contino Graciano, 2001, Rioja, SpainGreat Northern Wine Company, SpainDirect.co.uk £40.
This is 100% Graciano which is seldom seen as a single varietal due to small vineyard area and the requirement for a warm climate. The wine has seen 14 months ageing in a mix of French and Hungarian oak. Production is small at 3,000 bottles. Another wine sampled at the April Penin tasting.
Located in the Rioja Alavesa region, the Contino estate maintains 62 acres planted with Tempranillo, Mazuelo and Graciano vines. In 1974 the estate produced Rioja's first single vineyard estate bottled wine. 1994 saw the initial vintage of a single varietal Graciano; there are now 62 hectares planted with this variety.
Wild fruit flavours abound, intense and concentrated with plenty of tannin to see this through several years. Delicious.
Scribblings Rating - 94/100
International Wine Challenge - Retailer Awards.
Wine Magazine has published the winning retailers in the International Wine Challenge.
Top gong goes to the Wine Society as Overall Merchant of the Year. Sainsbury's is the Supermarket of the Year and Majestic the High Street Retailer of 2005.
Cooden Cellars is the Small Independent winner - congrats to the three person team behind this dynamic company. (Pity their website is down). Plenty of other awards to country specialists and regional merchants all detailed on the magazine's website.
Top gong goes to the Wine Society as Overall Merchant of the Year. Sainsbury's is the Supermarket of the Year and Majestic the High Street Retailer of 2005.
Cooden Cellars is the Small Independent winner - congrats to the three person team behind this dynamic company. (Pity their website is down). Plenty of other awards to country specialists and regional merchants all detailed on the magazine's website.
TN: Fillaboa Seleccion Finca Monte Alto, 2002, Rias Baixas, Spain.
Wine Tasting Note: Fillaboa Seleccion Finca Monte Alto, 2002, Rias Baixas, Spain.
Available from Lay and Wheeler for £15.95.
Back in April I was invited to attend a Spanish wine tasting hosted by Jose Penin. Who he? One of the top Spanish wine critics repsonsible for the annual Penin Guide to the Wines of Spain. His tasting highligted his Top Ten in terms of style, typicality and value.
The tasting was hurried and my notes are a little confused. For this wine I have A combination of Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling on the nose - a green grassy edge. Palate showing a little bottle age, very good length with the intensity of aroma showing great complexity with some age. Strawberry edge to the flavour. 100% single-vineyard Albarino. Production is 220,000 bottles.
Scribblings Rating - 92/100
This is a variety I would like to see grown in a New World setting; perhaps, though, the Atlantic climate of Galacia in which this unique grape thrives, with its high rainfall and hot temperatures when sunny, is not replicated elsewhere.
Available from Lay and Wheeler for £15.95.
Back in April I was invited to attend a Spanish wine tasting hosted by Jose Penin. Who he? One of the top Spanish wine critics repsonsible for the annual Penin Guide to the Wines of Spain. His tasting highligted his Top Ten in terms of style, typicality and value.
The tasting was hurried and my notes are a little confused. For this wine I have A combination of Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling on the nose - a green grassy edge. Palate showing a little bottle age, very good length with the intensity of aroma showing great complexity with some age. Strawberry edge to the flavour. 100% single-vineyard Albarino. Production is 220,000 bottles.
Scribblings Rating - 92/100
This is a variety I would like to see grown in a New World setting; perhaps, though, the Atlantic climate of Galacia in which this unique grape thrives, with its high rainfall and hot temperatures when sunny, is not replicated elsewhere.
TN: Carlyle Wines Classic Rutherglen Muscat, NV, Victoria, Australia.
Wine Tasting Note: Carlyle Wines Classic Rutherglen Muscat, NV, Victoria, Australia.
Available from Bonhote Foster for £6.99 half bottle.
A contender for the recent Wine Blogging Wednesday challenge for accompanying a rich chocolate cake. Rutherglen muscats are a unique Australian style of fortified wine; and this is a fine example. A stunning green tinged tawny colour with a heady aroma full of cream, toffee and burnt orange. Add brandy-snaps to this mouth-filling array and you have the palate. Delicious.
Scribblings Rating - 92/100
Available from Bonhote Foster for £6.99 half bottle.
A contender for the recent Wine Blogging Wednesday challenge for accompanying a rich chocolate cake. Rutherglen muscats are a unique Australian style of fortified wine; and this is a fine example. A stunning green tinged tawny colour with a heady aroma full of cream, toffee and burnt orange. Add brandy-snaps to this mouth-filling array and you have the palate. Delicious.
Scribblings Rating - 92/100
Tesco Champagne Gets the IWC Trophy
You have probably heard by now that a humble Tesco own-brand chamapgne has won the top prize in the International Wine Challenge. In case not...
Scotsman.com
"The champagne which costs less than £15 a bottle battled off more expensive brands to win. It is the first time in the awards' 22-year history that a supermarket bubbly has won the category. The Tesco entry, which costs £14.79 per bottle, beat 282 other non-vintage champagnes, including leading names of the champagne world such as Taittinger, Lanson and Mumm, who were among the competition's other entrants."
Scotsman.com
"The champagne which costs less than £15 a bottle battled off more expensive brands to win. It is the first time in the awards' 22-year history that a supermarket bubbly has won the category. The Tesco entry, which costs £14.79 per bottle, beat 282 other non-vintage champagnes, including leading names of the champagne world such as Taittinger, Lanson and Mumm, who were among the competition's other entrants."
Beer Ogle-Meter.
From those fun chaps at Milwaukee's best brewer - Miller. A light diversion for the eyes - the Beer Ogle-Meter.Storms threaten French Wine Harvest.
Freak storms have ravaged France�s Languedoc-Roussillon region, threatening to damage the new wine crop by leaving some vineyards under water at the crucial harvesting stage.
Beverage Daily
"Much of Montpellier turned into a ghost town late Tuesday as police told shops and cafés to shut after France's meteorological office put the whole region on a 'red alert' for extreme weather. The deluge that came was, in the end, less violent than expected, but still flung down enough water to flood villages and vineyards in the region - just as wine makers had begun their annual grape harvest."
Beverage Daily
"Much of Montpellier turned into a ghost town late Tuesday as police told shops and cafés to shut after France's meteorological office put the whole region on a 'red alert' for extreme weather. The deluge that came was, in the end, less violent than expected, but still flung down enough water to flood villages and vineyards in the region - just as wine makers had begun their annual grape harvest."
Decanter Wine Awards.
Decanter magazine has announced the results of their World Wine Awards. If these things interest you they are all printed in the latest issue of the magazine or you can view online. I know which one I prefer...
- Over £10 Regional Award Winners
- Over £10 All Gold Medal Winners
- Over £10 All Silver Medal Winners
- Over £10 All Bronze Medal Winners
- Over £10 All Commended Wines
Wine Blogging Wednesday 13 - With Chocolate.
Chocolate and Zucchini is hosting this months WBW; the theme being wine with chocolate. Clotilde kindly supplied a recipe for making the cake. I duly followed the instructions deviating only slightly by adding a little splash of my wine choice into the mix. The resultant cake is very chocolaty and perhaps a little too sweet for my wine.
My choice? A Marsala. I was looking for something a little different; port was too obvious, an excellent Australian fortified muscat I have detailed before and while there were several likely candidates sampled at a recent tasting I can't recall ever sampling a Marsala. Then I noted that I could use some in a recipe for Guinea Fowl and the decision was sealed!
Produced on the western end of Sicily, Marsala is a fortified wine; brandy is added during the production process, much in the same way as sherry is made. Rather than using a solera system, Marsala is aged in simple casks. The time spent aging dictates the quality; 1 year and the wine is Marsala Fine, 2 years minimum and it is Marsala Superiore and so on up to 10 years aging with the grand Marsala Vergine Stravecchjio o Riserva.
The level of sweetness can vary too - there are dry (Secco) versions and Semisecco (off-dry) and Dolce (Sweet). My bottle is labeled sweet but was not as sweet or as sticky as I was expecting.
Wine Tasting Note: Pellegrino Marsala Superiore Sicily, Italy.
Widely available for £6.99.
A wonderful amber-mahogany colour with a powerful aroma. The palate is sweet(ish) with a complexity of nuts, dried fruits and wood. Cleaning acidity. Long length enlivened by the alcohol; which is 18%. Made from Catarrato, Grillo and Inzolia grapes.
Scribblings Rating - 88/100
My choice? A Marsala. I was looking for something a little different; port was too obvious, an excellent Australian fortified muscat I have detailed before and while there were several likely candidates sampled at a recent tasting I can't recall ever sampling a Marsala. Then I noted that I could use some in a recipe for Guinea Fowl and the decision was sealed!
Produced on the western end of Sicily, Marsala is a fortified wine; brandy is added during the production process, much in the same way as sherry is made. Rather than using a solera system, Marsala is aged in simple casks. The time spent aging dictates the quality; 1 year and the wine is Marsala Fine, 2 years minimum and it is Marsala Superiore and so on up to 10 years aging with the grand Marsala Vergine Stravecchjio o Riserva.
The level of sweetness can vary too - there are dry (Secco) versions and Semisecco (off-dry) and Dolce (Sweet). My bottle is labeled sweet but was not as sweet or as sticky as I was expecting.
Pellegrino Marsala
Wine Tasting Note: Pellegrino Marsala Superiore Sicily, Italy.Widely available for £6.99.
A wonderful amber-mahogany colour with a powerful aroma. The palate is sweet(ish) with a complexity of nuts, dried fruits and wood. Cleaning acidity. Long length enlivened by the alcohol; which is 18%. Made from Catarrato, Grillo and Inzolia grapes.
Scribblings Rating - 88/100
It is a shame that this old and illustrious style of wine is declining. Despite an illustrious past Marsala seems relegated to culinary uses - well in the UK at least. There appears to be just the one brand and this one wine readily available on the high street. More details on Marsala at Delia Online. With the chocolate cake it was fine, a little more sweetness would have helped, as would a larger slug in the cake!
Californian v South African Pinotage.
Peter May in his latest Pinotage club newsletter details a tasting comparing Pinotage from California, New Zealand and South Africa. I wonder if they have missed the unique style of South Africa Pinotage as they state that "Cape wines were marked down for high acidity and a 'dirty nosed' 'barnyardy' aspect, blamed on Brettanomyces, which "most California winemakers regard as undesirable and a product of poor winemaking."
http://www.californiawineandfood.com/wine/pinotage.htm
http://www.californiawineandfood.com/wine/pinotage.htm
TN: Marotti Campi Rubico, 2002, Marche, Italy.
Wine Tasting Note: Marotti Campi Rubico Lacrima di Morro d'Alba, 2002, Marche, Italy.Available from Oddbins for £7.99.
Lacrima is the grape variety one that is only grown on the hills north of Jesi in the Marche region of Italy. It produces a strangely scented wine - not unpleasant, just uniquely different and even more pronounced the following day. Notes of roses and blackberries with a unpinning of tar on both the nose and palate. The wine is dry, approachable with a good level of tannin making it more suitable for food than drinking on its own. Very distinctive.
Scribblings Rating - 92/100
The meat was supposed to have been guinea fowl and the wine was supposed to have been a Cannonau. Finding neither in Henley I had to plump for a Poussin and this Rubico.
The dish, taken from The Wine Lover Cooks Italian, by Brian St.Pierre, was 'Sarah's Guinea Hens alla Rusticana', or rather based-on, seeing as the main ingredient was different. Poussin alla Rusticana I guess. Cannonau by the way is a red from Sicily made from Cannonau, known elsewhere as Grenache.
The dish is simple to make, brown the meat, add a sauce made from chicken stock, garlic, anchovy fillets, tomato paste, wine, chopped olives, and a pinch of cayenne pepper and cook, covered, for around 45 minutes. When the meat is cooked, a big splash of Marsala dolce is added. With the Rubico it worked beautifully.
For our first experiment from St.Pierre's book this was a great success.
The dish, taken from The Wine Lover Cooks Italian, by Brian St.Pierre, was 'Sarah's Guinea Hens alla Rusticana', or rather based-on, seeing as the main ingredient was different. Poussin alla Rusticana I guess. Cannonau by the way is a red from Sicily made from Cannonau, known elsewhere as Grenache.
The dish is simple to make, brown the meat, add a sauce made from chicken stock, garlic, anchovy fillets, tomato paste, wine, chopped olives, and a pinch of cayenne pepper and cook, covered, for around 45 minutes. When the meat is cooked, a big splash of Marsala dolce is added. With the Rubico it worked beautifully.
For our first experiment from St.Pierre's book this was a great success.
TN: Trivento Otra Vida Viognier, 2004, Mendoza, Argentina.
Wine Tasting Note: Otra Vida Viognier, 2004, Mendoza, Argentina.Falling off the shelf at Oddbins £4.99.
Chilean producer Concha y Toro has expanded into Argentina utilising winemaker Federico Galdeano's skills in producing a great range of wines from the Trivento estate. For a fiver this is exceptional. A mouth-filling array of peachy, crisp apple fruit coupled with a spicy complexity. A nice orange edge runs into the finish. The Oddbins website recommends this with crab cakes served with a mango salsa; but I supped this an an aperitif. Alcohol 13%.
Scribblings Rating - 88/100
Not sure about the front labels declaration - "Passionate people who live life to the full and at full volume. We created this range of wines to give you a taste of another life. We hope you enjoy La Otra Vida." Taste of another life... I am quite happy with my own life, thank you very much, and I really don't want to be shown people at 'full volume'.
Ultimate Wines Autumn Tastings.
While I do not want Spittoon to become a tasting notification board (there are better sites out there) I will just give a plug for the Ultimate Wines forthcoming calendar. The reason I mention them is that I often attend these great evenings in Marlow. There are also two tastings in London.
- Portuguese Wines 8th October £25 per person (Marlow)
- Spanish Wines - beyond Rioja and Cava 10th November £35 (London)
- Spanish Wines - beyond Rioja and Cava 12 November �25 (Marlow)
- Grab-Bag Christmas Tasting 2nd December �35 (London)
- Grab-Bag Tasting 3rd December £25 (Marlow)
Flickr Wine Group.
The Cultured Wino reports on a new flickr photo-group - Wine Memory Jogger. This, as the name suggests, is an aid to remembering wine - each bottle photo links back to a members tasting note. Will be interesting to see how it develops.
Flickr, for those who don't know, is a massive photo sharing/storage/tagging site now owned by Yahoo.
Flickr, for those who don't know, is a massive photo sharing/storage/tagging site now owned by Yahoo.
TN: Little Creatures Pale Ale
Beer Note: Little Creatures Pale Ale, Fremantle, Australia.Available from Oddbins, Sainsbury's, Waitrose, Only Fine Beer £1.49.
This award winning ale - Beer of the Year by BBC Good Food Magazine, Champion Ale and Champion Brewery at the Australian International Beer Awards - takes its name from the live yeasts used to ferment and condition the beer. When a cooling beer is required this is the one I reach for. Lychee aromas and fruity flavour too, light and hoppy. Good company website too.
Scribblings Rating - 90/100
TN: Mermoud Sauvignon Blanc, 2002, Geneva, Switzerland.
Wine Tasting Note: Mermoud Sauvignon Blanc de Lully, 2002, Geneva, Switzerland.From Nick Dobson Wines £11.95.
A little obscure - I mean just how many Swiss wines to you see let alone drink? This is probably only available (in the UK) from Nick Dobson, a specialist in Swiss, Austrian and Beaujolais wines. It is a little expensive but you have to allow that for exclusivity and uniqueness. The wine itself is a fine steely-boned Sauvignon. A floral, lemon, pear aroma with grapefruits and a green edge overlay a soft palate; one that bursts with a pure grassy-sherbet flavour and an excellent richness. Characterful and a real find.
Scribblings Rating - 92/100
TN: Bodegas Penalba Lopez Torremilanos Gran Reserva, 1996, Ribera del Duero, Spain.
Wine Tasting Note: Bodegas Penalba Lopez Torremilanos Gran Reserva, 1996, Ribera del Duero, Spain.Available from Decanter Wines for £16.50.
Magical - a mouthfilling layer of soft, sweet fruits that are mellowing into a savoury plum while. There is an edge of tomato richness to the aroma with complexity that comes from age. Needs an hour or two open to really develop. Alcohol 13%.
Scribblings Rating - 90/100
The website, from Spanish specialists Decanter Wines, is excellent with plenty of detail on each of there wines. They show that this wine made from Tinto del Pais (aka Tempranillo) was aged for 30 months in French oak barrels. They recommend it with grilled or roast meat dishes, rich game or other powerful flavours and also mention some breathing is required.
Spittoon Extra and other bits.
As promised the subblog for all blog-happenings, SpittoonExtra is now operating. It will be the home of End of Month Eggie, Sugar High Fridays and Euro Blogging By Post. It has its own RSS feed. Thanks to Reza for helping with the technical backend stuff.
I know it is all last years news but Sideways just arrived from my DVD rental people; looking forward to watching that over the next couple of days.
A book also arrived today The Wine Lover Cooks Italian by Brian St. Pierre, only flicked through it so far but looks good. Expect plenty of Italian wines and food matching stuff shortly...
I know it is all last years news but Sideways just arrived from my DVD rental people; looking forward to watching that over the next couple of days.
A book also arrived today The Wine Lover Cooks Italian by Brian St. Pierre, only flicked through it so far but looks good. Expect plenty of Italian wines and food matching stuff shortly...