Box: June 2016
Back to the beginning
Who would of thought, that we would still be at this gig after 5 years?!
Even believing that we tapped into something really big (haha), thinking that we would still be here while keeping our day jobs and family all happy (they haven’t said anything to me yet…) was a stretch of the imagination. Just shows to go, there is nothing more tenacious than a wine club owner. Yep, one TMF J (raci se zeptej Mika, tady nemuzeme to psat ;-)
So to celebrate our 5th birthday box, we have gone back to one of our first and long time partners – Wine Food Market. A staple for many of us, so surely no introduction necessary.
Keeping with tradition of never the same vino twice, we are bringing out a whole slew of new additions from Wine Food. Be it a light summary Gavi perfect for an outdoor lunch or picnic, a robust Barbera with heavy tannins, or Primitivo with that big round finish that so many of us like, this is like a Giro d’Italia of wine. North to South, we covered it all!
So grab your cork screw and open your birthday bottle. Have a drink, sit back and get ready for all those surprises we already have planned for THE NEXT FIVE !!!
Posta Piana Primitivo
Wine description:
- Country: Italy
- Grape: Primitivo
- Alcohol: 13,5%
- Style: Medium-bodied red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: Wine Food Market
- Price: 189 Kč
Mike's Tip
Most of my wine geek friends always confront me with a Zinfandel joke whenever we do Primitivo. (If you still don’t know, it’s the same thing) Yes I know, Californians drink this stuff by the container load, but that must mean there is something appealing about this grape. Deep ruby color and a full bodied round finish just cries out for some salami or hard cheese. A lot of flavor at a bargain price.
Gavi il Doge DOCG Broglia
Wine description:
- Country: Italy
- Grape: Cortese
- Alcohol: 13%
- Style: Medium-bodied dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: Wine Food Market
- Price: 219 Kč
Mike's Tip
Ask yourself a seriouis question. “Have you ever met somebody who doesn’t like Gavi ?” Like really, how can you not love this stuff. What makes this one vern better is that it gives great value for money. Remember Piemonte is one of those fancy neighborhoods in the wine world, and finding good, affordable wines from there can be tricky. This one hits the sweet spot. Light straw color and fresh fruity taste. An IWCoK sure thing!
Kaltern Pinot Grigio Caldaro
Wine description:
- Country: Italy
- Grape: Pinot grigio
- Alcohol: 13%
- Style: Medium-bodied dry white wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: Wine Food Market
- Price: 289 Kč
Mike's Tip
The whole reason I don’t do many Pinot Grigio in our boxes, is that I rarely find any that are really good. It’s one of those wines that never go really wrong, but at the same time are memorable. This wine is exacly why we are making an exception. A fantastic sweet and sour tangy flavor that I guarantee you will not be able to put down. The best Pinot I can remember for years – REALLY.
Chardonnay DOC Borgo Molino
Wine description:
- Country: Italy
- Grape: Chardonnay
- Alcohol: 12,5%
- Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: Wine Food Market
- Price: 199 Kč
Mike's Tip
What I liked hear was the lower acidity and taste of pear and citrus fruits. Crisp and clean, this was a great middle ground between the French and American chardonnay types that will (hopefully) please everybody.
Chianti colli Fiorentini il Cortile
Wine description:
- Country: Italy
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 13,5%
- Style: Medium-bodied red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: Wine Food Market
- Price: 279 Kč
Mike's Tip
I love Chianti because of the clarity and tannin. I think a lot of people are surprised by this. Not a big round robust wine, but something more subtle offering a balance of tannin, fruit and alcohol. Great for cold foods. Buttered bread, mortadella, salami and black olives. To die for…
Barbera Casaret DOC Abbona
Wine description:
- Country: Italy
- Grape: Barbera
- Alcohol: 14%
- Style: Medium-bodied red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: Wine Food Market
- Price: 269 Kč
Mike's Tip
If you are familiar with red wine from Piedmonte, you will know that his is home to some very heavy reds. This one is not so extreme, with a little lighter texture and clarity. You still get pleanty of tannin and just a taste of oak, so suggest grilled meat here and other heavy food. Probably best for a non “School night”. I can’t imagine not over consuming with this one. After all, Abona is itself a legend in the region…
Vermentino Mavriana DOCG Gallura
Wine description:
- Country: Italy
- Grape: Vermentino di Gallura
- Alcohol: 12,5%
- Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: Wine Food Market
- Price: 219 Kč
Mike's Tip
What it find that really distinguishes a good Vermentino, is the floral taste that comes out. Very different from the citrus that you find so predominantly in white wine. Already from the nose you can smell flowers and the taste is a balance of that and minerals. This is exactly what you should expect from this variety and area. A true ambassador.
Posta Piana Negroamaro
Wine description:
- Country: Italy
- Grape: Negroamaro
- Alcohol: 13,5%
- Style: Medium-bodied red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: Wine Food Market
- Price: 189 Kč
Mike's Tip
Another grape variety that is typical for the South of Italy. Unlike Primitivo, this wine is a bit lighter with a touch more tannin and oak. I find this preferable for grilled beef or pork, where you get just a bit of fat you need to cut through. I suggest giving this one a good hour to breath, or decant if you can’t wait.