Box: May 2018

Across the country

Be it the Hills of Alsace, the valley of the Rhone, the southern cost or the planes of Bordeaux, we put a little bit of everything in this box. All with the help from our friends.

Starting in the Alsacian hills, we have a lovely, “nutty” Pinot Blanc that is fast becoming my white wine of choice these days. Light acidity, fresh, floral and a short finish, it is so easy to sip away even without food. From the same area we bring a much more serious Riesling, for those who want something all the more complicated.

And what would a “almost summer” box from France be without a rose ?  That familiar strawberry color and flavor is indeed here to find.

While we make our way south, why not a Rhone valley wine from the countryside near Chateau Neuf du Pape ? This is every bit the wine (and blend) from just outside the appellation. A very, very good wine from the Rhone. And lets end our wine safari in Bordeaux with a classic blend that has an impressive fruitiness and full body.

So think of this months box as the pre-summer Wine Safari. Adventure, variety and all in the comfort of your own home – luxury and inspiration for what may come next.

On to the wines !

 

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Domaine de Bagnoles

Wine description:

  • Country: France
  • Grape: Cuveé
  • Alcohol: 13%
  • Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
  • Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
  • Supplier: Mangustino
  • Price: 179 Kč

Mike's Tip

This is a 50/50 blend of Sauvignon and Colombard (a grape variety that you may remember from other wines we have had from the south of France). A nice balance of floral and citrus tones. Not too much acidity and light enough for a weekend lunch date.

Domaine de Bagnoles rose

Wine description:

  • Country: France
  • Grape: Cuveé
  • Alcohol: 13%
  • Style: Light and refreshing rose wine
  • Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
  • Supplier: Mangustino
  • Price: 179 Kč

Mike's Tip

The rose color of this wine is beautiful to start with, and the mix of 3 grapes give it a balanced fruit taste. Best served very cold on a hot summer evening with friends. It will dissapear the minute you open it.

Domaine de la Graveirette

Wine description:

  • Country: France
  • Grape: Grenache
  • Alcohol: 14%
  • Style: Medium-bodied red wine
  • Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
  • Supplier: Mangustino
  • Price: 389 Kč

Mike's Tip

No surprise that this was a 90 Parker point wine - an absolute delight from the Rhone. I am not a huge Grenache fan myself, and I would have never picked this wine as this variety. Smooth, fruity and a bit sweet, this is a red meat wine that will take you to Provence with the first sip.

Domaine de la Tour Blanche

Wine description:

  • Country: France
  • Grape: Riesling
  • Alcohol: 12%
  • Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
  • Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
  • Supplier: Mangustino
  • Price: 379 Kč

Mike's Tip

This highly rated Riesling has a very dry, mineral flavor that is crisp and very short on the palate. Aged for 12 months in large barrels, look for nutmeg and a chalky flavor. Indeed, a bit "nuts".

Domaine de la Tour Blanche

Wine description:

  • Country: France
  • Grape: Pinot blanc
  • Alcohol: 12%
  • Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
  • Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
  • Supplier: Mangustino
  • Price: 349 Kč

Mike's Tip

If this Pinot did not come in a bottle, you would swear that there is nothing wet about its' content. Aged for 12 months in large barrels, bone dry yet very aromatic. Lovely from the start and pair with light foods.

Mas de Bagnols

Wine description:

  • Country: France
  • Grape: Cuveé
  • Alcohol: 13,5%
  • Style: Medium-bodied red wine
  • Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
  • Supplier: Mangustino
  • Price: 265 Kč

Mike's Tip

This is a suprisingly light blend of Syrah and Grenache that will do will with pork or even fish. You get a little spice of the Syrah at the end, but nothing overpowering. An everyday red for any occasion.

Château Fredignac Terroir

Wine description:

  • Country: France
  • Grape: Cuveé
  • Alcohol: 13,5%
  • Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
  • Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
  • Supplier: Mangustino
  • Price: 329 Kč

Mike's Tip

Stay with me here - this wine is exciting! From the first sip the touch of Cabernet Franc pounds you with fruit, then the Merlot comes and gives you some lovely tannin. For those who prefer something other than Cabernet Sauvignon in their Bordeaux, this will will not dissapoint (just look at the score!)