Finally, as we are just over a fortnight to longest day, we convene on a warm, sunny evening to taste 6 wines that are often overlooked but in our (humble) opinion punch well above their weight.
Domaine Bourdon Saint Veran 2011
Domaine Bourdon Saint Veran 2011
We started our evening with this Southern Macon Burgundy, composed of 100% Chardonnay, this is a fairly full-bodied, round wine with a definite freshness. The hint of oak is well-balanced by the fresh, citrus notes which give way to a pleasing, honeyed nuttiness. This would work well with chicken or fish with creamy or buttery sauces.
Cullen Margaret River White
Next, we tried Cullen Margaret River White 2011 from Western Australia. An intriguing blend of six white grape varieties to produce a dry wine that is ideal for summer drinking. Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Verdelho and Riesling combine to produce this surprisingly complex wine. The palate exudes attractive perfumed floral, white peach, citrus and pineapple aromas with an underlying minerality. A lot going on here!
£15.50 per bottle
Ca dei Frati I Frati 2012
Our final white wine was the Ca dei Frati I Frati 2012 from Lugana, Italy. This wine is impressive even before it’s opened, with its distinctive, weighty bottle shape. However once in the glass, it continues to make an impact…for a white wine, it has a full-mouth feel, zingy, with citrus and grapefruit notes, it’s well balanced with peaches and apricot. Slight notes of ginger complete the long finish. An unusual and fabulous wine at £15.90 per bottle.
The 2013 release has just arrived, exhibiting all the characteristics that make Ca dei Frati I Frati such a gem.
After a brief pause it was on to our red selection; beginning with Austria’s Heinrich Burgenland Zweigelt 2011
Heinrich Burgenland Zweigelt 2011
This biodynamic wine is produced from old Zweigelt grape vines and carefully hand-harvested. Dark ruby–garnet in colour, with fresh sour cherry on the nose along with raspberry, liquorice, mint and clove. The palate gives notes of blackberry and bitter chocolate. The tannins are soft and rich, accompanied by understated acidity and a smooth finish. This went down really well with Jaffa Cakes…(but would also work well with more savoury dishes, it makes an interesting alternative to Pinot Noir) £16.70 per bottle.
Blason D’Aussieres Corbieres 2008
Our penultimate wine was the Blason D’Aussieres Corbieres 2008.
From deep in the South of France’s Langedoc region, this rich red exhibits a complex bouquet with elements of cedarwood, leather, cinnamon and black fruits. The six years of aging has softened the tannins nicely and allowed a hint of vanilla to develop. A super match with dishes such as Cassoulet, Venison, Wild Boar, barbequed sausages, beef en croute. (I’m hungry as I type this)
£13.25 per bottle
Saint Joseph Sainte Epine Domaine Michelas St Jemms
Our final wine for the evening’s tasting was the Sainte Epine Domaine Michelas St Jemms. Situated in the Northern Rhone, the St Joseph region is renowned for the production of Syrah wines. This example displays characteristic richness – there are notes of mocha and chocolate on the palate together with liquorice, finishing with a smooth earthiness. The subtle smoky pepperiness is much less “in your face” than many Southern Hemisphere Shiraz examples. No surprise that it is a Decanter Magazine Regional Trophy winner. £15.99 per bottle.
The verdict on the evening’s selection was that they were all winners; we’re delighted to have introduced these shining gems to a wider audience.
Next Tasting, El Dorado Rum on Friday 27th June followed by “New World Classics”, Friday 4th July, and then Vintage Champagne on Friday 8th August.
Click on the links or phone 01384 394518 for further details.
Roll on the Summer!