The little brother of the Nipozzano turned out to be a superior wine. A benchmark for mid-range Sangiovese.
Exemplary Kadarka and great value: Eszterbauer Sógor 2019
I could not name a Kadarka from the last few years which was affordable and as good and well made as this entry level Eszterbauer. It even surpasses most of the expensive ones, as they are faulty to some extent, more often than not (main reason is that the variety is extremely susceptible to rot/Botrytis, harvesting healthy crop is rare, just ask Hungarian grape growers). Continue reading
Frescobaldi Nipozzano Chianti Rúfina Reserva 2017
The entry level, under 10 Euro Sangiovese called Pater is such an amazing rendition of the variety that I wanted to try a bit more serious version from the producer. But this Nipozzano Riserva 2017 turned out to be a disappointment. Continue reading
Value from the supermarket: Lidl Negroamaro Salento 2019
Another superb budget Italian red from Lidl. At this price (£ 4.99 in UK, 3 € in Hungary) most wines are better to avoid, yet this is not just serviceable but rather good.
Must try Hungarian Kékfrankos: Zachár 2018 from Sopron
I could not name many Hungarian Kékfrankos wines from the last one year that I liked so much, perhaps just one or two. A new producer to be watched for sure!
Ujvari Olaszrizling 2019
When thinking about young gun Hungarian winemakers, the name that immediately comes to my mind is Vivien Ujvári. She has been making standout dry and sweet whites at Barta in Tokaj, since she joined them in 2016, and by standout I mean the very best that have ever been made in the wine region – I could only recall a few early vintages of Zoltán Demeter and Szepsy that match them, and a few recent vintages of hidden gem Attila Orsolyák. Vivien’s family has a vineyard at lake Balaton, from which they just released their first wine, an Olaszrizling. Continue reading
Classleader: Ernst Triebaumer Blaufrankisch Ried Gemärk 2017
The best Austrian Blaufrankisch under 15 Euros, from the bunch I tried recently. Highly recommended.
A favorite of mine: Cote Mas Rouge 2019
Super, super little red from Languedoc. It’s the rare case when I’m 100% satisfied with a wine.
Tesco’s pretty South African Sauvignon Blanc 2020
Feiler Artinger Blaufränkisch Ried Ruster Umriss 2015
Current vintage is a five-year-old one – it’s getting close to what’s called a museum release in Australia. It’s indeed ready to drink. Continue reading