The benchmark of Beaujolais Cru – for me at least. Not a wine trying to be top Burgundy or whatever it isn’t, but it’s a complete wine. A beauty.
Beaujolais Cru greatness: Clos de la Roilette 2017, Fleurie
The affordable South African red I want to drink – Rascallion 45 RPM 2016
South Africa is not my most frequent choice when it comes to reds around 10 Euros. Wines like this could easily change my attitude.
Discover Hungarian Wine: A Visitor-Friendly Guide – new book on Hungarian wine
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/exoticwinetravel/discover-hungarian-wine-a-visitor-friendly-guide
Visiting French wine regions? Tons of books are out there to help you. What if you are about to explore the uncovered part of the wine world, like Croatia or Hungary? Here is a helping hand: let me introduce you Exotic Wine Travel and the latest addition to their Visitor-Friendly Guide series, “Discover Hungarian Wine”. I caught up with Matthew Horkey, one of the two authors, to learn about the book and the motivation behind it. Continue reading
A great dry Furmint – Kovács Nimród Winery 2015, Eger, Hungary
I might be overly enthusiastic about this wine, but I’m so happy to find a dry Furmint I really like, as I struggle to love the variety recently (sweet Tokaji is a clear exception, though).
Fortified Grenache – Mas Amiel Maury 2015
After this recent Maury Sec, let’s see a classic Maury: a fortified, sweet one. If the wine is just half as good as the design… that label is stunning!
Three serious white wines from three countries
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.