Box: June 2018
Balkan heat
Everything about this months box is BIG and Balkan. Balkan as all the wines come from Bulgaria via our friends at VinaBG. But Big ?
Big because Bulgarians like their wines strong! Not for the shy, the big red blends that they are famous for all rock up with an alcohol content of at least 14.5%. Indeed this is not wine for vegetables or humus. Big because this box has the highest Vivino rating we have ever had . With an average rating of 3.9, I am confident that everybody will be back for a second glass.
Bulgarian whites for me are primarily about two varieties. Viogner with its long, honey like finish and Muscatel with it’s perfume like nose.
What I didn’t know is that Muscatel has many varieties, and this time we went for its’ lesser known cousin “Tamianka”. Light and floral, this will be a refreshing hit on warm summer days.
And what to say about this months reds that doesn’t start with OMG. Of course the blends are huge, but the varietals as well ! You will find a fantastically smooth Rubin, a Cabernet Franc at an incredible price, and a number of other blends all ready to sit down with a BIG piece of grilled something. Be it salami, sausages, or a steak, you are going to want to drink these with something hearty.
These wines will also age well just in case you are not ready for a such a heavy wine in the heat. My suggestion, try one with the grill then order 6 more to hide away till Christmas :-)
A Good Year
Wine description:
- Country: Bulgaria
- Grape: Sauvignon blanc
- Alcohol: 14,5%
- Style: Medium-bodied dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: VínaBG
- Price: 189 Kč
Mike's Tip
Pale yellow and a little green, this Sauvignon is beautifully presented in its vessel. Relatively soft, but still plenty of flavor of lemon and grapefruit. Refreshing from start to finish.
eXcentric
Wine description:
- Country: Bulgaria
- Grape: Viogner
- Alcohol: 13%
- Style: Medium-bodied dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: VínaBG
- Price: 259 Kč
Mike's Tip
Viognier is one of the white varieties Bulgaria does really well. Always with a long finish, look for the taste of apricots, honey, ripe exotic fruit and vanilla. This wine taken from a single vineyard is smooth and juicy!
A Good Year
Wine description:
- Country: Bulgaria
- Grape: Chardonnay
- Alcohol: 14,5%
- Style: Medium-bodied dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: VínaBG
- Price: 189 Kč
Mike's Tip
A mix of citrus, honey and vanilla makes this a fuller bodied wine. Great for an Indian take away or what you grabbed from the local Pho!. The finish is quite long, with just a hint of pepper.
Tamianka
Wine description:
- Country: Bulgaria
- Grape: Muscat
- Alcohol: 13,5%
- Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: VínaBG
- Price: 229 Kč
Mike's Tip
Something for sure you have never tried before. Tamianka originates from the middle east, but is found predominantly in Bulgaria and other Eastern European countries today. It is related to Muscatel - so expect a heavy partfum of flowers, but a relatively light taste.
Bratanov SSS
Wine description:
- Country: Bulgaria
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 14,5%
- Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: VínaBG
- Price: 259 Kč
Mike's Tip
Another winner from Bratanov, this time in a Merlot and Syrah blend. The label does not do this wine (or the winery) credit. Full and fruity and perfect for anything off the grill.
A good year
Wine description:
- Country: Bulgaria
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 14,5%
- Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: VínaBG
- Price: 189 Kč
Mike's Tip
Dense and full of all fruits that are black. The Cabernet Frank gives it its jammy fruitiness and the Cabernet Sauvignon a huge body and finish. Vanilla, soft, round and chocolately sweet - you will find it all here.
Zahir
Wine description:
- Country: Bulgaria
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 14,5%
- Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: VínaBG
- Price: 239 Kč
Mike's Tip
If there is such a thing ;-), this is the lightest red of the bunch. Think red fruits instead of black, cherry and raspberry. A nice soft tannin giving it that touch to cut through some fat. This is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese & Alicante Bouchet.
Uniqato
Wine description:
- Country: Bulgaria
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 14,5%
- Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: VínaBG
- Price: 259 Kč
Mike's Tip
I was expecting something completely different. Rubin is a mix of Nebiolla and Syrah, giving it the potential to be very, very full and tannic. But, this wine was so well balanced, it is an easy drink even on its one. Big flavor and like all the regional reds, lots of juicy red fruit.