Box: February 2020
Land of cork
One of things about enjoying a great wine is also the ceremony of opening the bottle, and of course pulling the cork. It is this little piece of tree bark that holds the wine inside the bottle and lets it breath just enough. The most environmentally friendly product on earth – nothing dies in the process and it is 100% recyclable. A wine stopper for millenniums !
This month’s box is 100% from the land of cork – Portugal where 50% of the worlds cork comes from. In among all those cork trees are some fantastic vineyards that bring both light refreshing whites and deep full bodied reds full of plum and spice.
Our whites this month start with a classic Vinho Verde with just a touch of effervescence. Its those tiny bubbles on your tongue that make it so refreshing on a warm day. We also bring a chardonnay full of pineapple, and a clean, salty mix with a complicated finish. Filling out this months whites is a IWCoK first, a Portuguese Riesling (and you thought it only grew in cold climates ! )
For the red selection, we tried to bring a mix of not only the big “Jammy” full bodied wines of plums and tobacco, but also 2 medium bodied wines that will not over power you or your meal. Look for strength in Pimenta, balance in Kopke and tannin in Giesta before jumping into the juicy Sol, full of fruit and licorice. I found these (like most) Portuguese reds complex. So get ready for a world of flavor.
Now as we come out of winter (indeed earlier than we should be) , lets put some taste of sunshine on the table. And for sure re-cycle those corks !
Curvos Superior Verde
Wine description:
- Country: Portugal
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 12%
- Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: portske.cz
- Price: 180 Kč
Mike's Tip
Fresh lime & grapefruit gives good acidity to a classic vinho verde. Very lightly effervescence to give that familiar sparkle in your mouth, this does best when served very cold and with light food – fish, humus and salads.
Quinta da Lapa
Wine description:
- Country: Portugal
- Grape: Chardonnay
- Alcohol: 12,5%
- Style: Rich, full-bodied dry white wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: portske.cz
- Price: 189 Kč
Mike's Tip
This is the first Chardonnay I have ever had from Portugal and what a surprise. Loads of pineapple and a long buttery finish. Low in acidity and full in the mouth, this one needs some proper food as its’ full body demands a partner.
Kopke Branko
Wine description:
- Country: Portugal
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 13%
- Style: Medium-bodied dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: portske.cz
- Price: 260 Kč
Mike's Tip
This is a medium to light bodied wine with a surprisingly long salty and acidic finish. We could describe this wine as a bit of an “introvert genius”. The nose and first impression in the mouth comes across as average, but give it a chance and enjoy the 2nd half, the finish was complicated and interesting. My favorite white in this months’ box.
Quinta da Sant Ana
Wine description:
- Country: Portugal
- Grape: Riesling
- Alcohol: 12,5%
- Style: Rich, full-bodied dry white wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: portske.cz
- Price: 365 Kč
Mike's Tip
Another IWCoK first, a Portuguese Riesling! Indeed this noble wine comes from a less traditional place, but has all the qualities of its’ cousins from lands much farther north. A mix of citrus, earth and fruit flavors make this a well-balanced wine that will do well with fish and pork.
Pimenta
Wine description:
- Country: Portugal
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 14%
- Style: Medium-bodied red wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: portske.cz
- Price: 180 Kč
Mike's Tip
Full and powerful, yet not overpowering!. An elegant balance of dark fruit, vanilla, chocolate and spice. Look for hints of black current and clove in this 14% mix of Portuguese spice. This is definitely a food wine, so hook it up with red meat or spaghetti bolonese . (it’s a red that likes accompaniment – no need ot over complicate).
Giesta
Wine description:
- Country: Portugal
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 13%
- Style: Medium-bodied red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: portske.cz
- Price: 197 Kč
Mike's Tip
This red brings out the tannins that the rest of the box left behind. A medium bodied red, full of cherry and pepper that will be an elegant part to any dinner. For those looking for a Portuguese red without all the jammy tones, this is your ticket.
Kopke Tinto
Wine description:
- Country: Portugal
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 13,5%
- Style: Medium-bodied red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: portske.cz
- Price: 260 Kč
Mike's Tip
A full bodied red with a touch of acidity to make for a full mouth and short finish. Look through typical plums and berries and enjoy the tobacco and leather flavors. It is the subtle undertones that make this wine great, so pair with meat without sauce or other dinner stuff that isn’t overpowering.
Sul
Wine description:
- Country: Portugal
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 13,5%
- Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: portske.cz
- Price: 198 Kč
Mike's Tip
Juicy, straight forward and easy to drink. This is a medium bodied black fruit wine, with a hint of licorice and other earthy spices. A little pepper too so pair it with a burger and you can’t go wrong!