Box: October 2016
Best In October alias BIO
Indeed this in B.I.O. month at IWCoK, featuring a selection of bio-dynamic wines that will surely please even the most discerning of you. The best thing for me was the complete absence of those flavors and scents that you often get in these natural makings. Saying it more simply, you would never know that these are Bio wines unless I told you:-) and this makes them even better.
- Big flavor from southern Italy. We have gone back to a previous IWCoK contributor at 12e Mezzo for two new wines from their collection. A lovely Malvasia full of herbal scent, and a big bold Primitivo that will match up with anything off the grill.
- Three refined Frenchmen. I have a lot of confidence in the Colombard / Sauvignon Nature Secret Blanc, that many of you will find very acidic and spicy. Exactly what made the other Colombard from this winery so popular with our members a couple years back. Fresh citrus and grass will be jumping in your mouth and a perfect match for a seafood salad.
- And the finally? if your are really interested in who today’s “Rock Stars” of the Bio wine world are, just google Zorzal from Argentina. We have 3 wines from this super hot producer, with each wine having a unique and dominant taste. Robert Parker was right about these guys – you won’t find a wine in their collection with less than 89 points. Get ready to rock!
So in what is anything but a calm, demure box of bio-dynamic wines destined for gentle tree huggers, we are getting a full on, mouth full of flavor (without the preservatives and a head ache ! :-) enjoy in large quantities….
Zorzal Malbec
Wine description:
- Country: Argentina
- Grape: Malbec
- Alcohol: 14%
- Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: CELLARIUS
- Price: 314 Kč
Mike's Tip
Another big wine from Zorzal. Malbec is such an easy red to drink with its soft tannin and round, chocolate finish. This one grows at an altitude of 1300m in Mendoza Argentina. The altitude and dry climate make this a naturally occurring region for biological wines as bugs and mold don't like it [up there]. Not only is it good for you, but it also saves the winery a heap of $$$ on sprays.
Zorzal Torrontés
Wine description:
- Country: Argentina
- Grape: Torrontes
- Alcohol: 12%
- Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: CELLARIUS
- Price: 314 Kč
Mike's Tip
I wanted to include a Torrontes because it is typical to the region and it has a specific floral taste with a touch of fruit that will leave you searching. Think passion fruit and pineapple and top it off with a touch of acidity. lite and enjoyable.
Zorzal Chardonnay
Wine description:
- Country: Argentina
- Grape: Chardonnay
- Alcohol: 14%
- Style: Rich, full-bodied dry white wine
- Drink: Wine suitable for aging
- Supplier: CELLARIUS
- Price: 314 Kč
Mike's Tip
First think to know about this wine, is there is no rush. The massive alcohol content and huge flavors will last for years. Or give this big gun a taste and order another carton to put in the cellar for special occasions. More round than fresh, but nowhere near the Chilean oaky sort that you may expect. This is a gem, be ready.
12 e Mezzo bianco
Wine description:
- Country: Italy
- Grape: Malvasia
- Alcohol: 12,5%
- Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: Wine Food Market
- Price: 245 Kč
Mike's Tip
Think of steep cliffs dropping off into the sea.
Puglia was THE place back in the day for the Hollywood crowd. The wines were another one of the reasons to keep coming back. This Malvasia has all the classic marks you expect from the region. A lite white, it has strong hints of white flowers and is a great one to practice your knowledge of floral scents.
12 e Mezzo roso
Wine description:
- Country: Italy
- Grape: Primitivo
- Alcohol: 12,5%
- Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: Wine Food Market
- Price: 245 Kč
Mike's Tip
Honestly, have you ever had a bad Primitivo from Puglia ? This one does not buck the trend. Full and fruity, but not quite as heavy as some of the other Zinfandel that we have tried.
Perfect for a burger at lunch time, and finish it off that evening with some cheese.
Saint Jaume
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 13,5
- Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
- Drink: Wine suitable for aging
- Supplier: Chez Greg Père et Fils Praha
- Price: 332 Kč
Mike's Tip
This deep, dark red is a real mystery. A cuvee of Carignan, Grenache, Syrah, and Cinsault is ink black, and has a lushes velvety fruit taste. I didn't find any rust of mushroom hints, which meant this was one of the first red Bio wines I have had that was great for relaxing with on the couch. Elegant and full - think grilled protein with this one !
Nature Secrete blanc
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 11,5%
- Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: Chez Greg Père et Fils Praha
- Price: 199 Kč
Mike's Tip
Fresh, citrus power. This wine will not leave undecided. It is a "love it / Hate it" wine for sure. You are going to really want to have this with something salty, like calamari or other sea food. Think of it as a wake up call for your mouth!
Nature Secrete rouge
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 13%
- Style: Medium-bodied red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: Chez Greg Père et Fils Praha
- Price: 310 Kč
Mike's Tip
A cuvee of two lessor known red grapes, Tannat and Pinenc or Fer. These are dark purple grapes grown primarily in the South West of France. Although deep in color, the wine is a medium bodied red that will go with just about anything.