Box: October 2015
IWCoK with the Winery of the Year
It’s true that we only do Czech wines when we find something truly special. This month we certainly have “something special” We are happy to present the Winery of the year, Mikrosvin of Palava.
The winery of the year award is not based on a single wine, but on he most points awarded across a portfolio. Be it a Chardonnay or a Welshriesling, they all count. And given they had this years “Must Have” portfolio, IWCoK has put together our own version. Call it the best of Palava (without the trip down the D1) !
To start with, we thought it would be fun do do a vertical set of Welshrieslings. Three different years and vine qualities for you to test your tastes on. Be it the young table wine, or the aged and refined memorable year of 2012, you decide what gives you the most bang for the buck. Not to be confused with a classic Riesling, the origins of this grape are not entirely clear. It may have been via the Romans or the Balkans or and one theory claims, it originated in the Champagne region and adopted by the Austro-Hungarian monarchy. I am not much of a history buff, but I interpret this to mean that it was worth to fight over…
In keeping with the single variety theme, we also included a classic Chardonnay, a Veltlin to round out the whites. This was actually really easy as it is a Mikrosvin philosophy not to create any cuvee. These guys like it straight up to allow everybody to taste the distinct flavors of the varieties used.
Then comes what we hope will be our members turning point on Czech reds. We included two Pinot Noirs that I thought give a great flavor of the grape, and at tremendous value for money. Some will call them sour, some will call it light, but the point is this low yield, light colored red grape variety does best in for cooler northern climates, and is THE grape behind some of the most valuable reds in the world – we are talking Burgundy. Not that we are trying to compete with Gevery-Chambertin, but IWCoK is all about value for money, and these wines certainly fit right in.
So on to the wines and the celebration of the Winery of the Year – Mikrosvin!
Welshriesling Železná VOC Traditional Line
Wine description:
- Country: Czech Republic
- Grape: Welschriesling
- Alcohol: 13%
- Style: Rich, full-bodied dry white wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: United Drinks
- Price: 371 Kč
Mike's Tip
This is the flag ship of all the Welshriesling. Exceptionally full bodied created by a great sugar and acid balance. Open you nose and smell the pears and flowers. The best wine in it's category that I have had here!
Chardonnay 2014 Flower Line
Wine description:
- Country: Czech Republic
- Grape: Chardonnay
- Alcohol: 12%
- Style: Medium-bodied dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: Mikrosvín
- Price: 239 Kč
Mike's Tip
Think Chablis, not California. If you like your Chardonnays a bit more tart with a short finish, but still all the banana tones you like (but didn't know they were there), this will do you just fine. Young, crisp and clean - every bit the quality of more expensive imports.
Welshriesling 2010 Traditional Line
Wine description:
- Country: Czech Republic
- Grape: Welschriesling
- Alcohol: 12,5%
- Style: Floral sweet semidry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: Mikrosvín
- Price: 299 Kč
Mike's Tip
This one will fall into the semi sweet variety as you will immediately notice a higher sugar content with less pronounced acidity. This will make for a much longer finish and leaves a number of tastes on your tongue. Thing raisins and grapefruit. This will be a great wine with Asian food or anything else you make have in the fridge that is a bit spicy.
Welshriesling 2014 Standard Line
Wine description:
- Country: Czech Republic
- Grape: Welschriesling
- Alcohol: 11%
- Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: Mikrosvín
- Price: 144 Kč
Mike's Tip
Although a "Fresh, young thing", all the typical tones of the grape can be found here. Look for nuts and honey that were mixed over some rocks ;-) You will find a strong mineral element running through this one partly as the acidity comes out on top of the sugars. A great everyday drink at a great price and every bit the quality of competing imports.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot 2012 Traditional Line
Wine description:
- Country: Czech Republic
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 12,6%
- Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
- Drink: Wine suitable for aging
- Supplier: Mikrosvín
- Price: 306 Kč
Mike's Tip
A rounder, full bodied red from our country you would be pressed to find. Maybe a pity to drink now, as this one still has plenty of potential. Buy a case, but it away, come back in 6 years and you have a Czech treasure chest.
Pinot Noir 2011 Flower Line
Wine description:
- Country: Czech Republic
- Grape: Pinot noir
- Alcohol: 12%
- Style: Medium-bodied red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: Mikrosvín
- Price: 239 Kč
Mike's Tip
The color gives it away immediately. But before you taste it, close your eyes and take a deep smell. You will find a bowl of forest fruit right under your nose. This wine has many of the same characteristics of it's younger brother, but has a bit fuller taste and longer finish. Probable the better of the 2 reds to start with if you are not a Pinot fan (as this one is a little easier to understand).
Pinot Noir 2012 Standart line
Wine description:
- Country: Czech Republic
- Grape: Pinot noir
- Alcohol: 12,5%
- Style: Medium-bodied red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: Mikrosvín
- Price: 144 Kč
Mike's Tip
Honestly, I think this is about as good a red as the Czech's can make, and I am not being demeaning. For this price - magic. The light rusty color and an extremely low sugar count brings out the fruit taste that are so often hidden. White meat with this one - and give it a chance. It may make you a Pinot "liker" instead of a hater.
Gruner Veltliner 2013 Flower Line
Wine description:
- Country: Czech Republic
- Grape: Grüner Veltliner
- Alcohol: 12%
- Style: Medium-bodied dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: Mikrosvín
- Price: 239 Kč
Mike's Tip
Light straw color and fill of the "Green" grassy flavor you expect with this wine. Many call this "nettles" but it is actually grass and minerals giving it this peppery rustic flavor. No fence sitting with a Veltin - you are eihter in or out!