Box: October 2017
Everyday culture
Sometimes your just lucky. You unexpectedly bump into somebody and you immediately hit it off. That is what happened with the team at K2T wines. We had not come across K2T before, but looking at their portfolio and company motto, “Wine isn’t a luxury, but part of our daily lives” “Pití vína není luxus, ale součástí každodenní kultury”, there was just so much to like. So, 20 bottles and 3 hours later, we are happy to present our new supplier and a “Best of” selection of wines for October.
Of note this month were the wines from Luc Prilet from the south of France. Every wine we tried had something to offer, and as often the case in Languedoc, all at affordable prices. Be it the Chardonnay, rose, Merlot or the Cabernet Sauvignon reserve, each has a spot at our table.
Not sure if it is just me, but it feels like Gruner Veltliner is becoming the white wine of choice in restaurants across Prague. And as always, IWCoK is part of the in crowd :-). We decided to do one better and not only have an Austrian Veltlin, but also drop in a German Riesling to satisfy any Deutsche longing you may have over the weekend.
Their is so much more to tell, but the duty of our “daily lives” is calling. Grab that opener and enjoy.
Kellner Gruner Veltiner
Wine description:
- Country: Austria
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 12,5%
- Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: K2T
- Price: 219 Kč
Mike's Tip
I am sure I am not alone saying that Gruner Veltliner is the new "Black". It's popularity grows every year and Austria is the undisputed champion. The crisp and mineral flavor many describe as tasting "Green". Look for a little fizz at the end.
Luc Prilet Chardonnay
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Chardonnay
- Alcohol: 13%
- Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: K2T
- Price: 253 Kč
Mike's Tip
A fresh mix of peach and nuts with none of the oak to get in the way. A typical French presentation offering a very full flavor without a strong mineral presence typical of chardonnay's from Burgundy.
Manz Riesling Kabinett
Wine description:
- Country: Germany
- Grape: Riesling
- Alcohol: 12,5%
- Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: K2T
- Price: 348 Kč
Mike's Tip
Riesling was once known as the king of white wines. Not sure if that is still the case, but this dry, light white with a hint of strawberry is very, very good. Indeed the "President" picked up an extra case :-)
Luc Prilet Cinsault Syrah rose
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 13%
- Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: K2T
- Price: 253 Kč
Mike's Tip
It has been a very long time since we dropped a rose in the box. This fresh and elegant cuveé was worth the wait. What made this so attractive for me was the lack of Grenache in the blend, leaving it just as fruity, but much more subtle in flavor. Great for sipping any time, anywhere.
Baudron San Jose Syrah
Wine description:
- Country: Argentina
- Grape: Syrah
- Alcohol: 13%
- Style: Medium-bodied red wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: K2T
- Price: 165 Kč
Mike's Tip
A smoother, easy to drink table wine will be hard to find. I was impressed with the light balanced flavor of fruit and pepper. Think white meat or soup rather than heavier meats.
Luc Prilet Merlot
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 13%
- Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: K2T
- Price: 244 Kč
Mike's Tip
Ripe with a good helping of tannin, that's what I love about Merlot. Pair this with meat that has been on the grill with a little bit of fat and gristle and you will not be disappointed. A pork chops perfect date :-)
Luc Prilet Cabernet Sauvignon Les Barriques
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 13,5%
- Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
- Drink: Wine suitable for aging
- Supplier: K2T
- Price: 299 Kč
Mike's Tip
Dark, full and mature would best describe this beauty. Look for hints of vanilla from the oak, and a dark musty flavor of leather in this complex wine. For those looking for a "sure Thing" red, look no further. Delicious.
Monsaraz Alicante Bouschet
Wine description:
- Country: Portugal
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 14%
- Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: K2T
- Price: 327 Kč
Mike's Tip
Although we did wines from Portugal many times in the past, we have yet to have a Alicante Bouschet varietal. This one is IT!. Elegant mix of dark fruit, coffee, chocolate in a red so smooth, you won't be able to put it down. Warning - one bottle is NEVER enough.