Box: June 2022
In the Steps of the Pope
This month’s wine journey takes us to two locations that are famous not just because the make great wine, but also they were to home to many Popes in the last 1700 years. That’s a long time for good wine and probably why they are so good at it. Welcome back to The Rhone Valley and Sicily!
We start this month with wines from the region around Châteauneuf-du-Pape located near the popes palace in Avignon France. Rhone valley reds have a distinct flavour dominated by Grenache (or Garnacha for you Rioja lovers). Exceptionally fruity, but also having a heavy earthy feel that is always immedately noticeable. We bring three highly rated reds from the area that I am sure you will enjoy
Next we travel much farther south to the home of five popes, including everyone’s favorite Pope Agatha in 680. We can’t say for sure which Sicilian wines were Pope Agatha’s favorite, but we are betting on Nero d’Avola, Shiraz, Grillo and Inzolia – so we put them all in and you can decide for yourself.
Lastly, we go back north to the little less Papal Austria. Before doing our Pope box I was sure that Austrian wines played a bit part in Papal history, but….. How to say no to two Austrian wines with ratings like these. (Agatha would of loved them)
So join us in the footsteps of the Pope, and enjoy your June wine journey.
Sallier de la Tour Grillo
Wine description:
- Country: Italy
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 13,5%
- Style: Medium-bodied dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: VinoDoc.cz
- vivino: 3.6
- Price: 260 Kč
Mike's Tip
Some of you may remember previous Grillo from the south of Italy. What makes Grillo special and different from other regional wines is more body, and a longer finish. Good acidity and good body. Great with any fish or light chicken dish.
Sallier de la Tour Izolia
Wine description:
- Country: Italy
- Grape: Insolia
- Alcohol: 12,5%
- Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: VinoDoc.cz
- vivino: 3.5
- Price: 260 Kč
Mike's Tip
This is an indigenous grape from Sicily. Light and full of minerals, this is an ideal sipping wine on hot days and the crisp flavour and low alcohol mean it will keep you light on your feet. Excellent with fried fish or calamari - this is a summer vacation formula.
Austrian Apple
Wine description:
- Country: Austria
- Grape: Grüner Veltliner
- Alcohol: 13%
- Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: Aperittivo.cz
- vivino: 3.8
- Price: 194 Kč
Mike's Tip
We said it before and we'll say it again - Never enough Austrian Veltliner to go around in summer. This one was a Prague Wine Trophy Gold medal winner and full of crisp, green apples.
Austrian Peach
Wine description:
- Country: Austria
- Grape: Riesling
- Alcohol: 13,5%
- Style: Medium-bodied dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: Aperittivo.cz
- vivino: 3.9
- Price: 194 Kč
Mike's Tip
This winery just keeps delivering super quality and a fair price. This Riesling has over 650 Vivino ratings, and stands just shy of 4.0! Juicy and full of that sweet and acidic flavor that keeps you coming back for this grape. Perfect combo for cold (shell) fish.
Sallier de la Tour Nero d’Avola
Wine description:
- Country: Italy
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 13%
- Style: Medium-bodied red wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: VinoDoc.cz
- vivino: 3.7
- Price: 260 Kč
Mike's Tip
Deep, dark and hearty. A simple but honest Nero d'Avola from Sicily that is full of blackberry, vanilla and plum. Pair it with a messy burger or anything else that can stand up to the full bodied wine.
Sallier de la Tour Syrah
Wine description:
- Country: Italy
- Grape: Syrah
- Alcohol: 14%
- Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: VinoDoc.cz
- vivino: 3.6
- Price: 290 Kč
Mike's Tip
Syrah may not be the first variety that comes to mind when we say Sicily, but you find it readily available in the shadows of Primitivo and Nero d'Avola. This is a "light" red for the south, and more red berry flavour than blackberry. Look for cherry and cranberry tastes.
Le Petit Xavier
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 13,5%
- Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: VinoDoc.cz
- vivino: 3.5
- Price: 250 Kč
Mike's Tip
This is an entry level classic Rhone Valley blend from Xavier Vignon. A bit spicy and full of Grenache, it delivers a great balance of tannin and body at a very fair price.
Cotes du Rhone 2018
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 14,5%
- Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: VinoDoc.cz
- vivino: 3.6
- Price: 250 Kč
Mike's Tip
Lets start with a big number, 91. That is the rating given but leading wine critic James Suckling. This classic Rhone Valley blend of Mourvedre and Syrah, delivers the distinctive tastes you expect from the region. Pair wisely and let this wine breath, it packs a punch.