Box: December 2020

Close to home

Another feature of 2020 is that we will all be spending the holidays somewhere near home. Forget about skiing and a New Year’s party with the whole gang, and hunker down to something closer to a visit with family or a neighbor, board games with the kids, and what is left of Netflix that you haven’t seen yet. Let IWCoK help where we can – this Christmas we have concentrated on wines from “Around here” , with a couple of added surprises to spice up your holiday table.

After a long absence from the IWCoK box, we have two Czech wines this month that are absolutely stunning. Both from winemaker František Mádl, I am sure you are going to be as excited about the quality as I am. For me these were the best Czech wines I have had in the past 2 years. Judge them for yourself! We also include a white red combo from Austria. Of course this includes a Veltliner that can’t be missed, but also a Zweigeltrebe for that light, spicy touch.  Rounding out our neighborhood tour is a German Riesling, that will be an elegant addition to the holiday table.

And in sticking with a long club tradition, Bordeaux is part of the agenda again this year. Every Christmas table needs that elegant bottle (and octane ;-) to make dinner with all the family joyous.

Make sure to enjoy these holidays and reflect on all that is good around you. Forget the day to day and the R factor, and be with your loved ones with a great class of wine at your side.

 

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Villa Bianchi

Wine description:

  • Country: Italy
  • Grape: Cuveé
  • Alcohol: 12%
  • Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
  • Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
  • Supplier: VinoDoc.cz
  • vivino: 3.5
  • Price: 195 Kč

Mike's Tip

Think of Verdicchio as Gruner Veltiner's southern cousin. "Verde" or green comes from the slight green / gold cover of this grape full of citrus and acidity. This is a very fresh wine best served with salty foods.

Vermentino di Sardegna “Terre Fenicie”

Wine description:

  • Country: Italy
  • Grape: Vermentino
  • Alcohol: 12%
  • Style: Medium-bodied dry white wine
  • Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
  • Supplier: VinoDoc.cz
  • vivino: 3.5
  • Price: 230 Kč

Mike's Tip

Vermentino is the most typical white grape grown on Sardinia. Look for a initial burst of grapefruit and citrus, but with a long full bodied finish. This is a relaxing wine that will go great with fish, and continuing after dinner .

Beton

Wine description:

  • Country: Czech Republic
  • Grape: Cuveé
  • Alcohol: 12%
  • Style: Medium-bodied dry white wine
  • Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
  • Supplier: VinoDoc.cz
  • vivino: 3.9
  • Price: 199 Kč

Mike's Tip

Depth, structure, and medium dry, this wine is a mouthful! Look for mixed berries and lemon, with a long full finish. Will go perfect with spicy Asian food and (bonus) your mother in law will love it - a very easy, inviting drink. Madl is the man!

Fusser

Wine description:

  • Country: Germany
  • Grape: Riesling
  • Alcohol: 12%
  • Style: Medium-bodied dry white wine
  • Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
  • Supplier: VinoDoc.cz
  • vivino: 3.6
  • Price: 280 Kč

Mike's Tip

A classic Riesling giving you so much green apple, you may not want desert. You get a classic balance of zesty excitement and sugar, that makes this a great all round dinner drink.

Rosso Conero Serrano

Wine description:

  • Country: Italy
  • Grape: Cuveé
  • Alcohol: 13%
  • Style: Medium-bodied red wine
  • Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
  • Supplier: VinoDoc.cz
  • vivino: 3.4
  • Price: 199 Kč

Mike's Tip

This deep red and purple blend of Sangiovese and Montepulciano brings a mouthful of rich fruit and spice. Look for black berries and cherries, a little black pepper and some light smoky notes.

Malý Vinař – Mádl

Wine description:

  • Country: Czech Republic
  • Grape: Blaufrankisch
  • Alcohol: 13%
  • Style: Medium-bodied red wine
  • Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
  • Supplier: VinoDoc.cz
  • vivino: 3.8
  • Price: 220 Kč

Mike's Tip

My reactions when I tasted this wine for the first time - WOW. I never thought (EVER) that I would have a Czech Frankova with this depth and structure. One of the best made Czech red wines I have ever drank - exceptional.

Château Bourdieu

Wine description:

  • Country: France
  • Grape: Cuveé
  • Alcohol: 14,5%
  • Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
  • Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
  • Supplier: VinoDoc.cz
  • vivino: 3.6
  • Price: 270 Kč

Mike's Tip

A classic Bordeaux blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Franc. Excellent structure and tannin. Expect more fruit than pepper and you won't be disappointed with this classic blend.

Fritsch Zweigeltrebe

Wine description:

  • Country: Austria
  • Grape: Zweigeltrebe
  • Alcohol: 12,5%
  • Style: Medium-bodied red wine
  • Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
  • Supplier: VinoDoc.cz
  • vivino: 3.8
  • Price: 260 Kč

Mike's Tip

This Zweigelt has a medium to strong body, and only light peppery tones on the finish. The result if a robust red ready for red meat with the hallmark spies on the edge. Excellent value for money.