Box: September 2017
News from Smíchov
Everybody in our club knows we have a “thing” for Wine food in Smíchov. Be it breakfast on the weekend, tastings in the Konírna, or our annual box, we never get tired of this sure thing. This time we are doing a bit of a preview for IWCoK members, to show off what is new and coming for the season.
If there was a central theme to this months box appart from “New”, it would be “Light”. We really wanted to strech out the last days of summer with whites that remind us of the seaside (indeed the seaside IWCoK didnt see this summer) and reds that were not so full that would work for those last few BBQs.
So before you start pulling the corks on these in the coming days, we suggest making a trip down the Smíchov and loading up on some cheese and mortadella, something that fancies you for the grill, and take these outside while we still have a chance.
Roccafiore Grechetto
Wine description:
- Country: Italy
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 12,5%
- Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: Wine Food Market
- Price: 219 Kč
Mike's Tip
Light with a distinct citrus flavor comes across your pallet with this lesser know variety. We assume that is is an anciant greek grape, that made its way across Europe a very long time ago. Clear and crisp, it will bring you back to that summer holiday by the sea.
Falanghina
Wine description:
- Country: Italy
- Grape: Falanghina
- Alcohol: 13%
- Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: Wine Food Market
- Price: 269 Kč
Mike's Tip
This is only the 2nd time we have had this anciant wine variety from Southern Italy in our box. A native Italian variety, this wise a distinct pronounced mineral flavor. This is a wine typically drank with fish. Calamari heaven.
Vermentino Mesa
Wine description:
- Country: Italy
- Grape: Vermentino
- Alcohol: 13%
- Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: Wine Food Market
- Price: 269 Kč
Mike's Tip
Something different that we love to come back to, Vermentino from Sardinia what a distinct floral taste. A great wine for sipping or with food, take this one to those last days of warmth and sunshine on the balcony or garden.
Lugana Pasini
Wine description:
- Country: Italy
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 12%
- Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: Wine Food Market
- Price: 359 Kč
Mike's Tip
Evidently, wines from around lake Garda are "The" trendy thing right now in Italian wines. The minute we tried this one we needed no more convincing. Our summer of 17 favorite bar none, it offers a great balance of fruit and acidity.
Rosso Conero
Wine description:
- Country: Italy
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 13%
- Style: Medium-bodied red wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: Wine Food Market
- Price: 199 Kč
Mike's Tip
This was my pick for best value for money. A bit "tangy", this mix of Montepulciano and Syrah gives a suprising full flavor for the price. Lots of tannin here, so best to have some food about, but be it chips or a steak, it will be perfect for a mid week treat.
Lagrein Niklas
Wine description:
- Country: Italy
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 13%
- Style: Medium-bodied red wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: Wine Food Market
- Price: 269 Kč
Mike's Tip
Remember that this is a "High Altitude" red. What that means is that in the hills of Alto Adige near the Austrian border, the reds are lighter. Lagrein is spicier than a Pinot Noir, but should still be eaten with white meat or even fish. Definitely a food wine and will not fit the bill if you are looking for a round "sipper" for the sofa.
Valpolicella Vicentini
Wine description:
- Country: Italy
- Grape: Valpolicela
- Alcohol: 13%
- Style: Medium-bodied red wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: Wine Food Market
- Price: 259 Kč
Mike's Tip
Many of you may recognize the label, if not the winery. Vicentini's Soave Classico is one of our all time favorite whites from WineFood. This red coming predominantly from Corvina, is light and tannic, so a good companion to grilled meats with a a little bit of fat, or salami.
Cannonau Sorella
Wine description:
- Country: Italy
- Grape: Cannonau
- Alcohol: 15%
- Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: Wine Food Market
- Price: 329 Kč
Mike's Tip
We needed at least one red this month that was thick and round enough to cut with a knife. Cannonau comes predominantly from Sardinia, and offers that mouth full that we all love. Rich and full of cherry, a sure thing for a dinner party, or to spoil yourself with watching Netflix.