Box: July 2019

It’s Verde Again!

Vinho Verde with IWCoK in summer is a sure thing. Why in the hottest month in the year would we look any further for light refreshing wines? Answer = we wouldn’t and that is why we come back to this part of Europe EVERY summer :-) Vinho Verde here we come.

Without question these are my favorite white wines when the weather is hot. Not warm days, I’m talking 30+. It may be on the weekend at lunch, after work in the evening, or whenever, but in the heat you need the lower alcohol content that comes standard in these wines. 11 to 12% won’t tire you out after a glass or two and the light effervescence you often find in these wines is particularly refreshing. All these wines are on a base of Alvarinho, which is a bit acidic, but also a crisp in the mouth and a perfect partner to fried fish. Yes, your fish & chips will be a dinner deluxe with the right Vinho Verde – don’t be ashamed!

Portuguese reds from the Douro are a very different affair. Dark and complex, they are delicious but not to be drank until the sun goes down and things cool off a bit. These wines cry out for grilled meat, or heavier dishes as they are full of flavor and spices. Even if you like a glass of red with your chicken or pork, leave these for the beef, lamb or burger. These wines are a mix of the indigenous grapes of the region, and is pretty heavy stuff!

Hope you enjoyed your holidays on the beach if your already back, or enjoy the break if you are now going off. Where ever your were / are / or going, be adventurous and try the wines – YOU are IWCoK Experts !

 

Be a member

Crasto

Wine description:

  • Country: Portugal
  • Grape: Cuveé
  • Alcohol: 12%
  • Style: Medium-bodied dry white wine
  • Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
  • Supplier: CerFis wines
  • Price: 245 Kč

Mike's Tip

Not your everyday wine here, but a more complex blend of citrus, minerals and a long buttery finish. Look for flower hints and a finish that will leaving you longing for more.

Ventozela

Wine description:

  • Country: Portugal
  • Grape: Cuveé
  • Alcohol: 12%
  • Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
  • Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
  • Supplier: CerFis wines
  • Price: 185 Kč

Mike's Tip

Acidity and bubbles - what more do you look for in a everyday Vinho Verde ? Less complex than the other whites, this is the perfect just do it wine for the hot summer afternoon. Serve cold and enjoy.

Passáros

Wine description:

  • Country: Portugal
  • Grape: Cuveé
  • Alcohol: 12,5%
  • Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
  • Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
  • Supplier: CerFis wines
  • Price: 200 Kč

Mike's Tip

Citrus and minerals and a bargain at the price. From one of the most respected winemakers of the region, you will find a lot of structure for a light summer fling.

Muros Antigos Loureiro

Wine description:

  • Country: Portugal
  • Grape: Cuveé
  • Alcohol: 12,5%
  • Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
  • Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
  • Supplier: CerFis wines
  • Price: 220 Kč

Mike's Tip

A little bit of bubble and all the minerals of the sea. This is a classic Vinho Verde if you ever needed an example. Remember this one.

Ecos

Wine description:

  • Country: Portugal
  • Grape: Cuveé
  • Alcohol: 13,5%
  • Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
  • Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
  • Supplier: CerFis wines
  • Price: 220 Kč

Mike's Tip

Go past the nose and concentrate on the palate. This is a fruity wine with a medium to full body. Light enough for white meat and definitely right for casual dining.

Infiel

Wine description:

  • Country: Portugal
  • Grape: Cuveé
  • Alcohol: 14%
  • Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
  • Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
  • Supplier: CerFis wines
  • Price: 240 Kč

Mike's Tip

An easy drinking wine with soft tannins. Although the label is playful, this wine was aged in an oak cask for 12 months. Mellow, medium, full body. Perfect for a Netflix evening.

Mariana

Wine description:

  • Country: Portugal
  • Grape: Cuveé
  • Alcohol: 14%
  • Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
  • Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
  • Supplier: CerFis wines
  • Price: 230 Kč

Mike's Tip

Remember we said, "Mix of local grapes" ? Well this one is 40% Touriga Nacional, 30% Aragonez, 20% Alicante Bouschet and 10% Trincadeira. Trying saying that after a glass ! This is wine is a little lighter than the others with a different flavor all together. Look for citrus and cardamom.

Quinta Vale d´Aldeia

Wine description:

  • Country: Portugal
  • Grape: Cuveé
  • Alcohol: 14,5%
  • Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
  • Drink: Wine suitable for aging
  • Supplier: CerFis wines
  • Price: 270 Kč

Mike's Tip

Black berries, plums, vanilla, wood and top quality wine making. This was the value wine of this months box. This is a wine you will want to put under the house, and come back to in 5 years to find liquid gold. Let breath before drinking.