Box: November 2019
Thanksgiving
November brings a few things to our calendar. The Thanksgiving party our friends through every year, Black Friday and the start of holiday shopping madness, and most importantly the light at the end of the year long tunnel. Yep the year is almost gone.
This Thanksgiving we decided to take a selection of wines from the Loire valley in France. Famous for Sauvignon and Cabernet Frank, we have added some delights of both varieties for you to taste. Mild weather and chalky ground give these wines a high mineral count and a freshness that makes them great for sipping with food.
And for those of you who are looking for reds with more sun and gusto, we have also included a number of superior Bordeaux to make sure our holiday dinner table looks the part. Classic Cabernet and Merlot wines that are fruity and full – perfect for a roast and vegetables.
So if you will be celebrating this Thanksgiving with friends or having a quiet Netflix evening with the family or just the dog, enjoy the fresh flavors IWCoK are helping you to start your holiday with ! God Bless.
Chateau du Donjon
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 12%
- Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: Mangustino
- Price: 239 Kč
Mike's Tip
White pears and grapefruit, wrapped up in a vanilla robe. Sound complicated ? It's not. This is a fresh wine with hints of these fruits making all the more interesting. Serve cold and with food.
La Hallopiere
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Chardonnay
- Alcohol: 13%
- Style: Medium-bodied dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: Mangustino
- Price: 160 Kč
Mike's Tip
French Chardonnay's are different. Less banana and butter and more peach and white fruit making it fresher. This comes from its terroir in the Loire with much milder temperatures. Serve with salmon and you will not be disappointed.
Kuyen
Wine description:
- Country: Argentina
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 12,5%
- Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: Mangustino
- Price: 199 Kč
Mike's Tip
This unusual cuvee is made from Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay, with a brilliant light yellow color. In the nose we have peach, pineapple and a slightly spicy touch. Refreshing and fruity with a touch of acidity. Serve with pasta.
Villard Reserve
Wine description:
- Country: Chile
- Grape: Sauvignon blanc
- Alcohol: 13,5%
- Style: Rich, full-bodied dry white wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: Mangustino
- Price: 399 Kč
Mike's Tip
Honestly, one of my favorite winemakers in the world. A Frenchman with a winery in Chile, a barrel business in France and a finger in very continent across world. Years of experience and a passion you can't miss. The story of him is also that of his wine - enjoy!
Chateau Fredignac
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 13%
- Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: Mangustino
- Price: 279 Kč
Mike's Tip
For a "simple" Bordeaux, this wine has collected more than a few medals. Be it from Hachette, Wine Enthusiast, or Decanter, they produce a consistent high quality blend.
Minervois Grande Tradition
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 14,5%
- Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
- Drink: Wine suitable for aging
- Supplier: Mangustino
- Price: 259 Kč
Mike's Tip
A blend of Grenache, Syrah and Carignan, this ruby red has a bit of spice and a long tail making it great for heavy / saucy dishes. And if you like it, this is a great value wine to put under the house for a few years. It will only get better!
Château Monrecueil
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Merlot
- Alcohol: 14%
- Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: Mangustino
- Price: 229 Kč
Mike's Tip
This Bordeaux "Superieur" made from Merlot makes for a very fruity red perfect for a steak of pork chop. Although the gold medal achievements are fairly rare, it is a consistent podium finisher with a collection of top 3 finishes from across the world. Classic presentation for a true star.
Bourgueil
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Cabernet Franc
- Alcohol: 13%
- Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
- Drink: Wine suitable for aging
- Supplier: Mangustino
- Price: 359 Kč
Mike's Tip
One of my favorite grape varieties. Bourgueil gets its strong red fruit aromas and smoky nose from the chalky terroir, called “Tuffeaux”. This is a light to medium bodied red with soft tannins and a fine finish. Perfect wine to serve with a "Pepka" or other baked cheese.