Box: September 2022
Chasing Portuguese Sun
This month we look west for a catch of fresh and sunny Portuguese wines all from a new IWCoK supplier – Organic Wines. Get ready for lots of Vinho Verde and big plum filled reds – Its’ Portugal time.
The most iconic Portuguese white is without question Vinho Verde. Made primarily from Alvarinho, they come in a variety of presentations from inexpensive, low alcohol everyday wines, lightly effervescent wines and more serious, citrus and mineral filled long finishers. Something for every table.
The reds are a mix of Latin love. Starting with a big, chocolatey Malbec, moving over to a Spanish cuvee from a much loved producer, and finishing off with a big Sicilian Nero d’Avola.
Lets finish off the last days summer time with some sunshine. Welcome in these new wines with a smile and a glass ;-)
Liv
Wine description:
- Country: Portugal
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 12%
- Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: Organic-wines.cz
- vivino: 3.6
- Price: 208 Kč
Mike's Tip
Basic peaches and pairs. Light and extremely easy to drink at 12% alcohol. Perfect for when you want a glass with lunch that will not decide your entire afternoon.
Calcada
Wine description:
- Country: Portugal
- Grape: Albarino
- Alcohol: 12,5%
- Style: Medium-bodied dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: Foltýn Wine
- vivino: 3.7
- Price: 275 Kč
Mike's Tip
Think of green apples and wet stones. A balance of dry, slightly acidic fruit and minerals. A class act that is ready for a serious dinner of fish or chicken.
Tola White
Wine description:
- Country: Italy
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 12%
- Style: Medium-bodied dry white wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: CELLARIUS
- vivino: 4.0
- Price: 320 Kč
Mike's Tip
A blend of Chardonnay and Inzolia, this is a medium bodied white from Sicily. This producer does not do subtle. The tropical fruit flavor of the chardonnay is balance by the lighter and short partner, leaving it a refreshing drink that won't overpower a salad or white fish.
Casa do Arrabalde
Wine description:
- Country: Portugal
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 12,5%
- Style: Medium-bodied dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: Organic-wines.cz
- vivino: 3.7
- Price: 219 Kč
Mike's Tip
Yet another "serious" vinho verde. Look for citrus fruits and mineral tones. Light enough for a salad but with enough backbone to hold up to chicken. A versatile dinner wine.
Los Haroldos
Wine description:
- Country: Argentina
- Grape: Malbec
- Alcohol: 12,5%
- Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: Foltýn Wine
- vivino: 3.8
- Price: 185 Kč
Mike's Tip
Malbec is about dark fruit, chocolate, and spice, and this one is no exception. You will find a balance of tannin, sweetness from the plums and blueberries and a touch of acidity. Big flavor demanding "big" food that will not be overpowered. Red meats go best.
Casa de la Ermita
Wine description:
- Country: Spain
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 13,5%
- Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: Foltýn Wine
- vivino: 3.8
- Price: 195 Kč
Mike's Tip
One of my favorite Spanish producers. This blend of Monastrell, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Tempranillo has a dry, oaky flavored with lots of licorice and plum. A real treat.
Merkén Reserva
Wine description:
- Country: Chile
- Grape: Merlot
- Alcohol: 13,5%
- Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: Foltýn Wine
- vivino: 3.7
- Price: 195 Kč
Mike's Tip
An easy, fruity Merlot that will not break the bank. Not overpowering but look for a lot of cherry and red fruit jumping out. Great with some spicy salami or sausage.
Chiantari
Wine description:
- Country: Italy
- Grape: Neronet
- Alcohol: 13,5%
- Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: Foltýn Wine
- vivino: 3.9
- Price: 280 Kč
Mike's Tip
Bold!. Big dark fruit flavor with a bit of sweetness and light acidity. This is nothing about subtle. This is a big red that needs t breath and be best served with a bit of grilled dinosaur. Last summer days BBQ here we come