Box: August 2020
Austrian collection
For many of us, the 2020 summer holiday season meant a combination of home improvement, a domestic camping trip and maybe a long weekend in the Austria. We at IWCoK did all 3 and are happy to bring to you what we found on our trip. An assortment of Austrian Gruner Veltliner!
These Austrian white wines have been all the rage these past few years. Fresh, earthy and a little tart, they are great for warm weather when you want to keep the pallet light. Our featured winemaker this month comes from Kamptal and has given us a treasure of white wines to accompany our table. How many generations go into 200 years of wine making ? I don’t know either, but the family Hollerer have found a formula of “Making nature delightfully tangible and alive through its wines”.
We have three Gruner Veltliner this month, each one with that typical white fruit flavor and a touch of pepper. These wines are in the first instance refreshing, and make for a superb accompaniment for light summer meals. In addition, we also brought a Riesling and a Zweigelt that will fill out your search for other Austrian flavors.
For the hearty red lovers that need that shot of full bodied flavor, we have 2 big hitting reds from the southern Rhone and a special introduction to our first ever Corsican red. This is authentic winemaking at its best and for sure a source we will be coming back too.
In these last days of summer, be you at home or on holiday, enjoy the last days of holiday with some wines that will make you feel like your “there” even if your still in “Kosoř”.
Landwein
Wine description:
- Country: Austria
- Grape: Grüner Veltliner
- Alcohol: 12,5%
- Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: Mangustino
- Price: 189 Kč
Mike's Tip
Veltlin has been the "in" white wine these past years. Pale color, but full of fruit and what some call a "green" flavor of nettles or grass. This young wine introduces you to these flavors including a touch of pepper. Medium body and will go well with summer foods.
Ganslgraben
Wine description:
- Country: Austria
- Grape: Grüner Veltliner
- Alcohol: 12,5%
- Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: Mangustino
- Price: 249 Kč
Mike's Tip
A classic Veltliner with all the hallmark characteristics. A balanced wine with pear, lime and pepper. Fresh and tart, this wine has plenty of character and will do will with any fish or even noodle dish.
Gaisberg
Wine description:
- Country: Austria
- Grape: Grüner Veltliner
- Alcohol: 13%
- Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: Mangustino
- Price: 319 Kč
Mike's Tip
From one of the best locations in the entire Kamptal region. This Gruner Veltliner is very refined and balanced with a lovely taste of baked apples on the pallet. More complex flavor and just a touch of pepper in the finish.
Wohra
Wine description:
- Country: Austria
- Grape: Riesling
- Alcohol: 12,5%
- Style: Medium-bodied dry white wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: Mangustino
- Price: 389 Kč
Mike's Tip
The winemaker describes this well, "Classic stone fruit aroma and spicy herbs". Riesling combines high acidity and sugar to create a full bodied balance that with a long finish. Full power pleasure.
Wolfsgraben
Wine description:
- Country: Austria
- Grape: Zweigeltrebe
- Alcohol: 12,5%
- Style: Medium-bodied red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: Mangustino
- Price: 245 Kč
Mike's Tip
When it comes to Austrian reds, Zweigelt is arguably the most popular and specific to the region. Sour cherries, a touch of pepper and a bit of tannin, this is a light red that will go best with chicken or pork.
Domaine des 3 Lys
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 14%
- Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
- Drink: Wine suitable for aging
- Supplier: Mangustino
- Price: 269 Kč
Mike's Tip
Some places that you visit stick with you forever. Rochegude, (where this wine is made) is one of them. Dominated by the medieval castle Suze la Rousse this is a typical village in the Rhone valley producing full bodies red wines with strong red fruits. Syrah and Grenache - get the grill ready !
Ventoux, Veilles Vignes
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 15,5%
- Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
- Drink: Wine suitable for aging
- Supplier: Mangustino
- Price: 299 Kč
Mike's Tip
If you are a cycling fan, you will know the 1,900 m of mount Ventoux as one of the toughest climbs in the Tour de France. The area just south of the Cotes du Rhone is less well known so offers more value for the price. Medium to full bodied and as usual a touch of spice over a mouth of red fruit. And warning, you will never see the 15% coming ;-)
Casabianca
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Grenache
- Alcohol: 12%
- Style: Medium-bodied red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: Le Marché
- Price: 225 Kč
Mike's Tip
I am delighted to introduce our members to our first Corsican wine in IWCoK history. Any of you who have been there know that the island not only has beautiful beaches, but also fantastic old school wines that you can't find anywhere else. This winery's slogan is "Wine with a soul", and I am sure you will find one here.