A new discovery for me. A Kadarka from Szekszárd which is different – not without a reason.
Lovely Kadarka from Toronyi, the Cinka dűlő 2017
Outstanding full-bodied red: Juan Gil Silver Label 2017
A little step up in price compared to previous Monastrells, but quality is higher, too. In other words a more serious wine and still the best value one can get for the money.
New wave Garnacha – El Hombre Bala 2016
Vinos de Madrid must be a Grenache lover’s dream. The Spanish wine region that makes this warm climate variety in a finessed, Burgundy style. That’s the promise. The first wines I tried a few years ago left me disappointed, though – they were less extracted than the usual Spanish Garnacha, but they were too funky and rustic. After skipping a few vintages I felt the need for a re-visit, but when tasted the El Hombre Bala 2016, I had the impression that nothing has changed.
Brancaia Tre 2016 from Tuscany
A proper red if you are in Tuscany mood. Continue reading
Not your usual Spanish Garnacha – Cuevas de Arom, As Ladieras 2015, Campo de Borja
The Garnacha from Campo de Borja I was waiting for a long time… I’m a fan of the region, following it since 2012, and while some wines like Alto Moncayo impressed me in a way, there is one thing which prevents me from really liking these wines: heavy-handed winemaking. Too much oak and acid adjustment, to be more precise.
Top dry Tokaji: Péter Pince Arcus Cuvée 2018
The top dry white from Péter Pince. It’s also one of the finest in Tokaj, if you ask me.
High alcohol red wines III. – Domaine André Mathieu, la Centenaire Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2016
Hitting 16%, this Chateauneuf du Pape has the highest alcohol in this series. La Centenaire is made entirely from Grenache, which is supposed to handle heat far better than Syrah for example, but to see such alcohol content on the label is not just a bit worrying. Yet this was the winner of the trio (the other two are the El Telar Monastrell and Maccone Primitivo), when it comes to handling alcohol.
High alcohol red wines II. – Bodega Vinnessens, El Telar 2016, Alicante DOP
Following the Puglia Primitivo, here is an other genre which tends to achieve high alcohol levels: Monastrell from south-eastern Spain. According to the label, this example, the El Telar 2016 from Bodega Vinnessens has the same the alcohol content as the Primitivo (15.5%), but it looks more out of balance in comparison.
High alcohol red wines I. – Angiuli Donato Maccone Primitivo 2018, Puglia IGP
Do you buy high alcohol red wines? I do, sometimes. While I prefer balance in my wines, I admit that I tasted some impressive high octane reds in the past, and from time to time I still like to try some. Especially in winter time, when it’s still cold and dark enough here in Central Europe, despite climate change.
Yet another great value Monastrell: Ego Bodegas Talento Eco 2018
If you want something bigger than the Telmo Rodriguez Al-muvedre, try the Talento Ego. Different style, but same quality, and again, amazing QPR.