Box: February 2021
A Cellar in Town
When we at IWCoK talk about the cellar in town, we can only be referring to one place – Cellarius. Be it French, Czech, Italian or new world, these guys bring us the world one bottle at a time.
So what treasures have we dug up this February? Start with two bottles of a Czech and Austrian Veltliner. Grown just a few (hundred) kilometers apart, but with radically different tastes. You choose. Added to this we have two Spanish blends bringing a mix of oak and minerals in a straw-coloured refreshing drink perfect for the first hints of spring. Add in a German Riesling from one of my favorites and round things out with a subtle, floral scented Malvasia from the south of Italy.
Our reds this month are all leaning to the heavy, full bodied side of the table. Two wines from the Duero Valley (Spanish & Portuguese), a Spanish Crianza bursting with fruit and earth flavors, and a Sicilian blend of Nero d’Avola and Syrah that will sit you down on your sofa, and leave you there until the bottle is empty. So big and round your going to struggle to get it through the door. If something a (little) lighter in needed with a bit more tannin, try the Sangiovesse.
We keep coming back to Cellarius because they have a huge selection and a personal touch that always delivers QUALITY. A valuable combo anytime of year .
Alea Malvasia
Wine description:
- Country: Italy
- Grape: Malvasia
- Alcohol: 12,5%
- Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: CELLARIUS
- vivino: 3.7
- Price: 242 Kč
Mike's Tip
A light floral wine with hints of minerals from the Puglia region of southern Italie. A popular grape used to make light, low alcohol, pale wines across the Mediterranean.
Azabache Bianco
Wine description:
- Country: Spain
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 12%
- Style: Medium-bodied dry white wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: CELLARIUS
- vivino: 3.6
- Price: 228 Kč
Mike's Tip
This is a wine from the Rioja region of Spain. On of base of Viura, and 3 months in oak barrels, the wine has a pronounced body that is not over powering. Oak flavours come out clearly on top, so pair with fish for best results.
Care Bianco
Wine description:
- Country: Spain
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 13%
- Style: Rich, full-bodied dry white wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: CELLARIUS
- vivino: 3.9
- Price: 175 Kč
Mike's Tip
Lets call this one a Spanish Mouthful. A mix of chardonnay and Grenache Blanc make this a full bodies white with a fullness that makes it a relaxing drink even on its own.
Špalek Gruner Veltliner
Wine description:
- Country: Czech Republic
- Grape: Grüner Veltliner
- Alcohol: 13,5%
- Style: Medium-bodied dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: CELLARIUS
- vivino: 3.1
- Price: 204 Kč
Mike's Tip
We have been going so crazy over Austrian Veltliners lately, that we have missed something special right under our nose. This is a very refreshing wine with earthy tones and a mix of pear and melon. Every bit as interesting as the wines of our southern neighbour !
Tola
Wine description:
- Country: Italy
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 14%
- Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: CELLARIUS
- vivino: 3.6
- Price: 284 Kč
Mike's Tip
Flavor with a Capital "F". This mix of Nero d'Avola and Syrah from the island of Sicily is not one you will forget. The explosive fruit flavor is tamed by 2 years of aging in oak and in the bottle before making it to your table. Pair with red meats or heavy sauces. Nothing subtle about this wine.
Boira
Wine description:
- Country: Italy
- Grape: Sangiovese
- Alcohol: 13%
- Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: CELLARIUS
- vivino: 3.5
- Price: 267 Kč
Mike's Tip
For those who know me, Sangiovesse is one of my favorite varieties. And what a treat to find a Bio wine with none of typical earthy tones that turn so many people off. Look for cherries and a good helping of tannin. A perfect wine for a burger!
Calheiros Cruz
Wine description:
- Country: Portugal
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 14,5%
- Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: CELLARIUS
- vivino: 3.5
- Price: 246 Kč
Mike's Tip
This deep purple wine from the Duero region of Portugal presents you with an earthy smoke flavor. Light in tannin, this is a mouthful of plum and has a slight spicy finish. Pair with red meat off the grill.
Azabache Crianza
Wine description:
- Country: Spain
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 14%
- Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: CELLARIUS
- vivino: 3.5
- Price: 333 Kč
Mike's Tip
12 months in the barrel followed by 6 months in its bottle before ever seeing the light of day. This Crianza on a base of Tempranillo will bring you vanilla and earthy tones spread across a whiff of oak.