Box: June 2019
Primi!
The first days of summer bring the first wines of summer. Indeed this month is all about the “Primi”.
Nothing to do with primitive wines or culture, Primitivo (or primi) is about the first grapes to be harvested. These are wines associated with the southern half of Italy, where the hot sun ripens the grapes quickly, concentrating the sugar inside to make them very full bodied, fruity and strong. So be the first to dig into this months selection of Primitivo, and other wines from the south.
Southern Italy is not just about strong reds, but also buttery whites. Chardonnay and Grillo are native to the region as well, both offering a full body and long oily finish that will go great with the salmon you were planning on grilling this weekend. Top it off with a light refreshing Sicilian blend, and you are ready for the weekend.
And one more “First” for June is our new supplier ABA wines. The team at ABA may be relatively new to the Czech wine seen, but given that they have collected a hand full of Prague Wine Trophy Gold medals in their first 2 years of operation, it is safe to say we will be back for more!
Agave Chardonnay
Wine description:
- Country: Italy
- Grape: Chardonnay
- Alcohol: 12%
- Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: ABA
- Price: 198 Kč
Mike's Tip
If you were ever looking for an example of a straw colored white, this is it. Classic chardonnay with green hints. Fresh, fruity and just enough acidity to go perfect with some oily fish.
Giada
Wine description:
- Country: Italy
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 11%
- Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: ABA
- Price: 225 Kč
Mike's Tip
A perfect light white for a hot day. Pale and light in alcohol, this straw yellow wine has a very fruity aroma and will leave your mouth clean and fresh. Delicate and light. Stay with the salads here.
Catarratto Chardonnay
Wine description:
- Country: Italy
- Grape: Chardonnay
- Alcohol: 12%
- Style: Medium-bodied dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: ABA
- Price: 279 Kč
Mike's Tip
I wasn't completely truthful here. Indeed this wine is a chardonnay base, it also blends Catarratto to give it a fuller flavor. A great balance between flavor and acidity, with a long finish you will enjoy.
Grillo
Wine description:
- Country: Italy
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 12%
- Style: Rich, full-bodied dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: ABA
- Price: 279 Kč
Mike's Tip
Grillo delivers a more full and complex flavor than the others in this months box. A bit oily, this wine has a full body and a long, soft, fruity finish. Very subtle and goes with everything.
Acanto Primitivo
Wine description:
- Country: Italy
- Grape: Primitivo
- Alcohol: 13,5%
- Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: ABA
- Price: 198 Kč
Mike's Tip
This should be the first Primitivo out of the box. Like every Primitivo, this is a full bodied wine tasting of plum and dark fruits. These grapes got a lot of sun, so even though it is a young wine, it still caries a lot of flavor.
Il Rosso
Wine description:
- Country: Italy
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 13%
- Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: ABA
- Price: 279 Kč
Mike's Tip
This mix of Nero d'Avola, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, brings a fresh, slightly dry taste. Cherries just jumping out of the bottle!
Abasc
Wine description:
- Country: Italy
- Grape: Primitivo
- Alcohol: 14%
- Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: ABA
- Price: 279 Kč
Mike's Tip
Get out the pasta and a lot of red sauce for this one. Bolognaise = perfect. Deep dark red, the sweet vanilla scent will greet you, plums and cherries will follow. Very full and easy drinking. More effective than any sleeping pills ;-)
Nireus
Wine description:
- Country: Italy
- Grape: Negroamaro
- Alcohol: 14%
- Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: ABA
- Price: 343 Kč
Mike's Tip
Think of Negroamaro as a Primitivo with a little spice. The style here is a bit more wild than its' better known brother, but no less intense or full. Another wine you want to pair with a hearty plate of beef or pasta with ragu sauce.