Yesterday’s blind tasting with friends featured many good and some great wines, and this time the whites impressed me the most. My favorites were the most expensive ones in the lineup, though.
For Grenache lovers – a dry red from Maury, Domaine de l’Arboussa 2015
The more un-fortified Grenaches I try from this traditionally vin doux naturel producing part of France, the more convinced I am that it’s really a special place for the variety. Andrew Jefford is right.
A different take on Villányi – Rácz Miklós Tamás Cabernet Franc 2017
After the unusual Pinot noir (reviewed here), an even more surprising Cabernet Franc from young talent Rácz Miklós Tamás. A Cabfranc without oak, from the home of over-oaked red wines? I’m sure fellow winemakers think Miklós is crazy, but in my opinion this wine is as close to terroir expression and elegance as you can get, from this variety in this region.
Chateauneuf-du-Pape visits II: Domaine de Cristia
Following the nice visit at Domaine Grand Veneur, I also had an appointment at Domaine de Cristia this May. Time was short, but I won’t complain – I was blown away, and not just by the wines.
Shiraz-Cabernet from Provence: Château Sainte Marguerite Symphonie Pourpre 2017
A French take on Shiraz-Cabernet. Or do they make the original one? This blend is not uncommon in the south of France, just think of such icons as Domaine de Trevallon.
A few favorites from the DropShop Portfolio tasting
The annual tasting of the whole range of wines of Drop Shop, probably Budapest’s oldest wine bar and shop took place yesterday. I did not take notes, simply went just to have fun, but here are some worthy mentions.
A Rhone blend from Australia – Aphelion The Affinity 2017, McLaren Vale
A classic Rhone blend from a new wave Australian producer called Aphelion. I came across the name while reading an article about McLaren Vale Grenache on The Wine Detective’s blog, which put it onto my must-try list. Luckily their wines (some of them at least) are available in Europe, at OZ Wines UK, so my order was soon on the way. Their pure Grenache, the Confluence made a bigger impact on me, but this is very good, too. Continue reading
A good Languedoc rosé – Gérard Bertrand Cote des Roses 2018
Fancy bottles does not mean the wine cannot be good. This rosé is a good value too.
Elegant and poised, quite close to Provence in style. While it’s delicate, the texture is somewhat viscous, with the impression of a fuller body. Restrained, pretty aromas of peach and white currant, it’s rather a textural wine. Nuanced and delicious, a nice rosé, highly recommended.
Rating: good, 86 points.
Price: 2500 HUF (Auchan supermarket), or 8-9 Euros.
Value: very good.
Tasted: August, 2019.
Source: I bought it in Auchan.
Drinking window: 2019.
Malbec from the Loire Valley: Domaine des Rochelles 2017
If you are not familiar with the Loire Valley, then it might come as a surprise that Malbec is grown there, and quite a few producers offer it in their assortment. Continue reading
A beauty: Domaine des Roches Neuves “Les Roches” 2017, Saumur Champigny AOC, Loire Valley
Cabernet Franc from the Loire Valley is one of my favorite wine styles. And everything I love about it is showcased by this bottle. Continue reading