Box: June 2017
Alles gute
Liebe Freunde – This month we have departed from all those romance languages and lands, are decided to do something far more serious ;-) Alles Gute aus Deutschland und Österreich and all with our new supplier V11 Wine and Deli in Vinohrady.
And wow what a pleasure to do this with not only Riesling (which I am sure you will all expect) but other fresh blends and a couple deep, dark, serious reds that you will not believe came from someplace this far North.
My pick for the most relaxed white wine of 2017 has to be Schweinerei from Poysdorf. Our motto is wine should be fun, and this winemakers philosophy is exactly that. The earth, the farm and enough booze – we got a party in this light refreshing cuvee! Of course we didn’t neglect the more classic Riesling for you serious folk out there.
Austrian Merlot ?! You bet! And this baby from the south east border with Hungary got a big dose of sun and power. OK, not quite as much as say a Sicilian Nero d’avola, but plenty of heart all the same. And the German OPUM ? Break out the steaks
So even though this month may be a bit of “destination unknown” for some of you, rest assured that there is something for everybody even if you don’t have a dirndl or lederhosen set !
Kesselring Auxerrois
Wine description:
- Country: Germany
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 12,5%
- Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: V11 Winebar and Deli
- Price: 279 Kč
Mike's Tip
Here is something you probably haven’t tried before. Auxerrois (pronounced o.zer.wa) is a typical variety for Alsace and Germany and the north of France. Yes, it does well in colder climates. And if you think this tastes a bit like a Chardonnay don’t be embarrassed, it is a direct descendant. Look for plums and nuts in what I found to be this months easiest drinking wine.
Kesselring Riesling feinherb
Wine description:
- Country: Germany
- Grape: Riesling
- Alcohol: 12,5%
- Style: Rich, full-bodied dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: V11 Winebar and Deli
- Price: 279 Kč
Mike's Tip
This is a semi dry Bio version of Riesling that delivers a fabulous sweet and sour punch. Much more intense flavors in this wine, given the additional sugar and acidity. Full bodied and a real mouth full.
Kesselring OPUM
Wine description:
- Country: Germany
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 14%
- Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: V11 Winebar and Deli
- Price: 329 Kč
Mike's Tip
Something about Germans and BIG guns. This is a big one.. A cuvee of Cabernet, Merlot and Syrah, look for the flavor of berries, vanilla and nuts in this full bodied red is not what you will expect from a mild German climate.
Kesselring Riesling Trocken
Wine description:
- Country: Germany
- Grape: Riesling
- Alcohol: 12,5%
- Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: V11 Winebar and Deli
- Price: 279 Kč
Mike's Tip
In the classic Riesling style, we find a fruity and acidic taste. Look for peach and pineapple in this dry, mineral filled, award winning stinger from Germany.
Gmeinbock Schweinerei
Wine description:
- Country: Austria
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 12%
- Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: V11 Winebar and Deli
- Price: 290 Kč
Mike's Tip
I bought this one before I even tasted it. They describe this wine as, “A wine for any occasion or circumstance, and a little messy”. These guys from Poysdorf just across the Czech border are perfect IWCoK ambassadors i.e. Wine should be fun, and this easy living cuveé is a delightful drink. Light, fun and messy.
Gmeinbock Merlot Saubrunn
Wine description:
- Country: Austria
- Grape: Merlot
- Alcohol: 13,5%
- Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: V11 Winebar and Deli
- Price: 319 Kč
Mike's Tip
Honestly, this is the most powerful Merlot I have ever tasted out of Austria. Saubrunn is a small town in Burgenland, very close to the Hungarian border. Look for dark cherry, a touch of oak, tobacco and a long chocolate finish.
Dornfelder
Wine description:
- Country: Germany
- Grape: Dornfelder
- Alcohol: 12,5%
- Style: Medium-bodied red wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: FANDA Group
- Price: 250 Kč
Mike's Tip
Dornfelder is the most commonly grown red grape variety in Germany. For a basic wine, I found a very good balance of fruit and tannin, with a surprisingly long fruity finish that was just a little sweet. Simple in presentation, but one that can absolutely hold its own in this price range.
Stellenrust Kleine Rust
Wine description:
- Country: South Africa
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 14,2%
- Style: Medium-bodied red wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: FANDA Group
- Price: 199 Kč
Mike's Tip
A fruity, medium bodied mix of Pinotage, Shiraz, and Cinsaut coming from a winery nearly 100 years old. A simple instruction for this one = serve with red meat. Beef or lamb, they will both fit the bill.