Box: March 2022
March Madness
March Madness used to have another meaning for me. Normally, it referred to the Basket Ball championships in the US. Today it is more likely to describe what is happening in Europe, or the fact that despite crazy inflation and a 2nd mortgage every time you fill your car with fuel, we can still find highly rated wines at affordable prices. I want to believe it is the last one ;-)
This month’s box starts with a contribution from the Austrian winemaker Pfaffl, where each one of the 2 whites and 1 red come with a Vivino rating of at least 3.9. To that we add a light Vermentino and a classic Gavi to the whites that will give you the tools to solve any food pairing questions you may have.
In the reds we have a classic Spanish Tempranillo and a IWCoK first with two hearty Moldavian reds. I have wanted to get back to that part of Europe for quite a while, and have finally found a new winery that is both affordable and delivers a consistent quality suitable for our tables.
Enjoy this adventure in a new part of Europe, and lets all hope that April is not as “Mad” as March.
Austrian Pepper
Wine description:
- Country: Austria
- Grape: Grüner Veltliner
- Alcohol: 13%
- Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: Aperittivo.cz
- vivino: 4.0
- Price: 194 Kč
Mike's Tip
Before you say, "Another Austrian Gruner Veltliner", take a look at the Vivino rating and the price. We never say no to quality at a bargain price. Lime, pepper, and green apples.
Austrian Elder
Wine description:
- Country: Austria
- Grape: Sauvignon blanc
- Alcohol: 13,5%
- Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: Aperittivo.cz
- vivino: 4.2
- Price: 194 Kč
Mike's Tip
There has not been a year that this wine scored lower than 4.0! Dry and acidic, look for gooseberry and crisp melon and apricot taste. Another top value wine from the producer Pfaffl.
Vermentino di Toscana
Wine description:
- Country: Italy
- Grape: Vermentino
- Alcohol: 13,5%
- Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: CELLARIUS
- vivino: 3.4
- Price: 283 Kč
Mike's Tip
Picture the taste of this wine as wild flowers growing out of a cliff of rock. Delicate floral tones with a underlying minerality. Perfect for white fish, soft cheese, or some olive oil and fresh bread.
Gavi di Gavi
Wine description:
- Country: Italy
- Grape: Gavi
- Alcohol: 13,5%
- Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: CELLARIUS
- vivino: 3.9
- Price: 329 Kč
Mike's Tip
We can agree that Gavi is the white king of the Piedmont region. Strong citrus tones with a long oily finish, perfect for salty fish, sushi or even blue cheese. (preferably not all at same time) …
Austrian Cherry
Wine description:
- Country: Austria
- Grape: Zweigeltrebe
- Alcohol: 13%
- Style: Medium-bodied red wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: Aperittivo.cz
- vivino: 3.8
- Price: 194 Kč
Mike's Tip
You probably see a trend here. Simply put, Pfaffl does a great job with their entry level wines, and all at a great price. Zweigelt is a fairly specific grape. Full of pepper and cherry wrapped in a light jacket. This is not a full bodied wine, so best with chicken or pasta (leave the steaks alone).
Valdillo
Wine description:
- Country: Spain
- Grape: Tempranillo
- Alcohol: 14%
- Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: Bourgogne Wines
- vivino: 3.6
- Price: 289 Kč
Mike's Tip
Classic Tempranillo to go with most things. Open at least one hour before drinking or decant to mellow the alcohol that wants to jump out after opening. Some pepper and leather and a mix of red fruits. Lunchtime BBQ is the perfect match here.
Expat Cabernet Sauvignon
Wine description:
- Country: Albania
- Grape: Cabernet Saugvinon
- Alcohol: 14%
- Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: CELLARIUS
- vivino: 3.6
- Price: 319 Kč
Mike's Tip
Our first ever Moldavian wine and what potential. Deep purple in colour and still coming across a bit young. Best to decant for at least an hour before serving. Or put it away in the cellar for 3-4 years and come back to a real treat.
Expat Merlot
Wine description:
- Country: Albania
- Grape: Merlot
- Alcohol: 14%
- Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: CELLARIUS
- vivino: 3.6
- Price: 319 Kč
Mike's Tip
Moldova wine part 2. This time a merlot full of cherry and a touch of acidity. Best to let breath before drinking, and pair with a hearty steak off the grill that is not too lean. A little fat and gristle works well for Merlot !