Box: December 2014
Fancy 4th Christmas
Unbelievable how quick time flies.
Not only is it already Christmas, but this is IWCoK’s 4th Christmas. OMG – who would of thought that we would make it this far! Well, we DID and having all this experience we know that December has to have not only great wine, but also it has to be fancy. These December wines may well be on your Christmas table, and this means the perfect opportunity to show off a bit.
For me, the perfect fancy and Christmas is Bordeaux and it’s neighbors , so all our wines are from the region and for sure they will taste and look the part on your table and for your holiday guests. And keeping with last year’s holiday tradition, all the wines are brought to us this month from our friends at Chez Greg and Fils.
Christmas also means gifts, so we have come up with an IWCoK surprise that can be with you all the time. What is it exactly ? Lets just say it is being recognized as one of our exclusive members 24/7. Look for an envelope in your box or in the post in the coming weeks with your Christmas surprise :-)
Set your expectations high for 2015 !
Richemer Chardonnay, Languedoc
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Chardonnay
- Alcohol: 13%
- Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: Chez Greg Père et Fils Praha
- Price: 170 Kč
Mike's Tip
This wine maker has his vines right just off a port close to Bezier giving them all an excellent climate all year round. This chardonnay will first impress with the fruit up front, but than comes around with a buttery finish that many of you Chardonnay drinkers love. Simple and an excellent value.
Richemer Sauvignon, Languedoc
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Sauvignon
- Alcohol: 12,5%
- Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: Chez Greg Père et Fils Praha
- Price: 170 Kč
Mike's Tip
I know what your saying "More Sauvignon !?!". Answer is YES because it is a great variety for Christmas because it works well as an aperitif (the acidity cleans your pallet), goes great with sea food (perfect for oysters, shrimp, or marinaded fish) and a top pick for goat cheese. You would be cursing me if we didn't have one in there. The 12.5% content also makes it easier for those who are not so familiar with this grape.
Saint Mont, Les vignes retrouvées
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Sauvignon blanc
- Alcohol: 13,5%
- Style: Medium-bodied dry white wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: Chez Greg Père et Fils Praha
- Price: 286 Kč
Mike's Tip
The "Re-discovered Vines" is the most refined white in this month's box. Made exclusively from local grape varieties, Gros Manseng, Arrufiac and Petit Courbu. Somebody called this one a "Saugnignon Blanc for intellectuals". I'm not sure about that, but expect a lot of variety in this fresh but rich wine.
Château Prignac, Bordeaux
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Cabernet Saugvinon
- Alcohol: 14%
- 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 much more serious affair with a strong pretense of oak. This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is the more tannic of the two Bordeaux, and has a much shorter finish. Look for cedar, vanilla and plum flavor in this Medoc. And you can drop the fun fact on your friends that this winemaker uses the same guidance as the more famous Chateau Latour and Margaux! (like I said - SERIOUS).
Saint Mont , Les Bastion
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 12%
- Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: Chez Greg Père et Fils Praha
- Price: 208 Kč
Mike's Tip
Some of you may remember one of last years hit wines Colombelle and the red St. Go. This one comes from the same producer and has a bit more refigned mineral taste. There is a lot of rocks in this soil, so look for stone and acidic flavor. (Fun fact - this is supposedly the favorite white wine of the Irish Ambassador in Prague!).
Château Florie Aude, Bordeaux
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 14%
- Style: Medium-bodied red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: Chez Greg Père et Fils Praha
- Price: 210 Kč
Mike's Tip
This was one of the top value for money wines I found this year. This blend matches Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot, and Petit Verdot in a light steel tank combo that comes across fruity and exceptionally drinkable (even on it's own). E very elegant presentation and a super bottle to pull out on any occasion as it offers a very main stream taste.