Box: January 2018
New year – New Adventure
What better way to start the new year than with our new supplier – Mangustino.
January’s wines are going to be a big change from what we had in December, and this is deliberate. December is all about (over) consumption. We are all feeling like we ate too much, thinking about diets and getting back to the gym. So, to not challenge your “plans”, we have replaced those huge full bodied, sweet and fruity reds and buttery whites with wines from Northern France. We are talking about a box full of the Loire Valley.
These wines from the Loire are light and thin, typical for the colder Northern climate. Perfect to end the excess of the holidays.
The whites are not overwhelming in their variety – Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, and Muscadet. The First two more green and mineral flavored, the latter more floral. The reds from the Loire are even less complicated. They do Cabernet Franc. (that’s about it). The interesting thing is that the same grape can taste so different when grown just on the other side of the hill.
So welcome in the new year in style be it in your home, or thinking about a visit to the Loire’s lovely Chateaux – some of the best in the world.
Saumur Blanc
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Chenin blanc
- Alcohol: 12,5%
- Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: Mangustino
- Price: 229 Kč
Mike's Tip
It is pretty rare that we have a Chennin Blanc in our box. This is a straw yellow delicate wine with a lemon flavor and a very long finish. From a steel tank, the taste is pure and fresh and will go great with a Vietnamese take away (really!)
Agrion Bleu
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Muscat
- Alcohol: 11,5%
- Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: Mangustino
- Price: 259 Kč
Mike's Tip
Exceptionally subtle for a Muscadet. This grape can often have a very strong perfume, but this time we much softer tone and a nice nutty and mineral flavor. The alcohol content at just 11.5% also helps to make this super easy and enjoyable.
Terra Ligeria
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Sauvignon blanc
- Alcohol: 12%
- Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: Mangustino
- Price: 178 Kč
Mike's Tip
Although a varietal Sauvignon, this wine is actually a cuvee of sauvignon from different parcels of the grower. Look for a nose full of grapefruit and cassis, and a full fresh acidic taste of green apple that will be a great pairing with tomato based soups, curries and all white fish.
Saumur Rose
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Cabernet Franc
- Alcohol: 12,5%
- Style: Light and refreshing rose wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: Mangustino
- Price: 239 Kč
Mike's Tip
I think it should be a crime to make a rose from Cabernet Frank as this grape makes such and exceptional red, but here we are. Very pale, and lots of black fruit and a touch of pepper. Pair with almost anything from pork to sushi.
Saumur Champigny
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Cabernet Franc
- Alcohol: 12,5%
- Style: Medium-bodied red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: Mangustino
- Price: 239 Kč
Mike's Tip
This is a very light red that may remind many of you of a Gamay. Very fruity and intended to drink slightly chilled. Will go best with salami or sausage, and a roasted chicken. This is definitely a wine to have with a meal or a snack outside. Not for a TV evening on the sofa.
Puy Notre Dame
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Cabernet Franc
- Alcohol: 13%
- Style: Medium-bodied red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: Mangustino
- Price: 355 Kč
Mike's Tip
Black Currant. If you miss this it can only mean you just brushed your teeth ;-). Much deeper in color, and draped in black fruit (berries and cassis). This wine will do well with white meat and salami. Mest to stay clear of steak and gulash.
Vacqueras Cellier des Princes
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 14%
- Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
- Drink: Wine suitable for aging
- Supplier: Mangustino
- Price: 379 Kč
Mike's Tip
Like all the wines of this region of the Rhone, be ready for a big robust flavor that will hold its own with any big chunk of red meat. The Grenache gives its its character, and the Syrah it’s elegance. Expect a bit of pepper in the tail, and make sure to let this wine breath before drinking. (this is the one you save for relaxing on the sofa ;-)