Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault. Replace the latter with Mourvedre and you get a classic Rhone blend. This has nothing to do with Rhone reds, though.
Savage Thief in the Night 2018
syrah
Summer red – an 11% alc. Hungarian Syrah, Válibor 2018 from Balaton
This is no ordinary Syrah. How often do you see 11% alc. on the back label of a red made from this powerful grape? Continue reading
New wave Hungarian Syrah – Heimann Válogatás 2017
A small batch Syrah from one of Szekszárd’s top producers, Heimann. The new generation – jr. Zoltán Heimann – is making more and more impact on the winery style and I’m sure this wine reflects his ideas.
Something special – Greenock Creek Apricot Block Shiraz 2014, Barossa Valley
Unmistakeably Greenock Creek – it’s so different to all Aussie reds I know. To me, the style is even more unique than Wendouree’s.
Hungarian Syrah with a nod to Northern Rhone – Losonci 2018 from Mátra
I’m a long time proponent of Syrah in Hungary. I believe it’s more suitable for our climate than other French varieties. Syrah could produce some of the country’s best red wines and it could also make captivating everyday wines -Cabernet and Merlot fail on that, among others.
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 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.