Box: December 2016
Holiday spirit
Holiday time once again and time to let loose. We didn’t hold back this Christmas at IWCoK either, and have put a selection of the fanciest wines on the planet for you and your friends.
Our white wines this month run the entire range. The Pinot Grigio is a guaranteed crowd pleaser with this soft fruity taste, a Falanghina for that relative who (thinks) he has tried everywhere, and a very elegant Saugvignon Blanc from the Loire valley that is elegant enough for royalty.
The reds start with a Robert Parker 90 point Tempranillo from Spain that will not disappoint anyone looking for those smoky, leathery flavors that these wines bring. Next up we bring a Bordeaux blend that is now an IWCoK holiday tradition. When can you ever have enough of that fabulous Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blend ? And to top things off, we have a Prague Wine trophy CHAMPION Ripasso. Not just an Amarone relative, but a rich full bodied elegant wine that you will enjoy sipping on all evening.
So do your best not to worry about the shopping and dinner preparations (all your relatives will be back next year again :-0 ) and most important: Stay Calm and IWCoK On !
Domain dela Jasse Blanc Chardonnay
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Chardonnay
- Alcohol: 13,5%
- Style: Rich, full-bodied dry white wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: Víno výhodně.cz
- Price: 249 Kč
Mike's Tip
Fresh - For those who like their Chardonnay more Old world, this one is for you. Good acidity and fresh banana and white fruit flavor not clouded over with too much oak. Exactly what we expect from Burgundy and a fitting table companion.
Villebois Touraine Sauvignon Blanc
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Sauvignon blanc
- Alcohol: 13,5%
- Style: Rich, full-bodied dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: Víno výhodně.cz
- Price: 319 Kč
Mike's Tip
Elegant - The Sauvignons from the Loire Valley are famous the world over. This is a crisp, full white perfect for a plate of oysters or other cold salty fish. Think about your holiday appetizers for this one, or that something special for those who will only be drinking white.
La Duna
Wine description:
- Country: Spain
- Grape: Tempranillo
- Alcohol: 14%
- Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: Víno výhodně.cz
- Price: 239 Kč
Mike's Tip
Wild - 91 Parker points is really all you need to know about this one. A rich and complex Tempranillo that hints off all things black! Tobacco, leather, black current and berries. I found this wine back in August and have been waiting for a special occasion to put it on the table. Merry Christmas!
Lynx
Wine description:
- Country: United States
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 14%
- Style: Medium-bodied red wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: FANDA Group
- Price: 209 Kč
Mike's Tip
Starter - A simple Primitivo (Zinfandel) is one of those go everywhere reds. This has a small blend of Syrah to make it a little spicy, and all the fruitier. Go for this one when you need a little oil and inspiration in the kitchen preparing those monster meals for the extended family. Simple but effective :-)
Falanghina
Wine description:
- Country: Italy
- Grape: Falanghina
- Alcohol: 13%
- Style: Medium-bodied dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: Víno pro Vás
- Price: 259 Kč
Mike's Tip
Complicated - Indeed we are all about trying new things, and a wine made from the Falanghina grape is going to be one of those. Coming from the Latin word falangae, it refers to the sticks wine makers put in the ground to hold up the wines. This is a regional wine from the south of Italy and Greece, with a light peach tone and a good dose of citrus. Be ready for some acids.
Pinot Grigio
Wine description:
- Country: Italy
- Grape: Pinot grigio
- Alcohol: 12,5%
- Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: FANDA Group
- Price: 265 Kč
Mike's Tip
Crowd Pleaser - Named regional champion in this years Prague Wine Trophy, this versatile "everyone loves me" white wine will go with just about everything on your holiday table. Lightly and refreshing with a good balance of fruit and acidity, grab this one when your not sure what the crowds of in-laws will like.
Chateau Gromel
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 13%
- Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: FANDA Group
- Price: 300 Kč
Mike's Tip
Classy - I can not remember a December box where we didn't have at least one Bordeaux included. I am of the Merlot / Cabernet camp, and this one offers all the tannins one would expect with a majority Merlot blend. Deep, rich and fruity, this one is perfect for any serving of beef.
Ripasso Valpolicella
Wine description:
- Country: Italy
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 13,5%
- Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
- Drink: Wine suitable for aging
- Supplier: Víno pro Vás
- Price: 325 Kč
Mike's Tip
Rich - Gold Medal Prague Wine Trophy. More up-market than Valpolicella superior, but more affordable than Amarone, Ripasso is the perfect half way house. Ripasso is made from using the dried skins of the grapes used for making Amarone, is is kind of the local's secret for best value. Expect a very full body and a secret sauce flavor. (It's in the skins!!!)