Box: August 2018

Last summer days

In this unusually hot summer, we all need something to keep us cool. Stay out of the sun, don’t get bogged down in anything too heavy and drink light and refreshing wines! This is the IWCoK Survival strategy and it is brought to you from our friends at K2T.

We decided to focus on Central Europe this August, and build a box around Riesling and Veltlin. Perfect white wines for light food in the evening. Lots of minerals and acidity that will leave you a clean light taste in your mouth. It’s salads and fish this month, and no need to look farther than these to whites. The Rieslings were in fact so impressive, we included two!

Staying in the region, what better than an Austrian Zweigeltrebe! Trust me we picked this wine carefully as Zweigeltrebe can be tricky. We found this one to have an easier finish, a bit rounder in the mouth, but keeping that light spicy texture. Plus it comes from Mr. “Kellner” ! How could we go wrong ? Through in a French Malbec, a Portuguese bombshell cuvee heavy enough to put an army to sleep in this heat (We tried it – it works!) , and you have a mix of reds for any taste.

So if your just back from holiday and not yet quite ready for real life, stuck at home without air conditioning (like us), or just looking for a way to chill out in the last couple weeks before school, a light summer wine is THE strategy for keeping your head on straight. Enjoy the last days of summer folks.

 

Be a member

Kellner Gruner Veltliner

Wine description:

  • Country: Austria
  • Grape: Grüner Veltliner
  • Alcohol: 12,5%
  • Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
  • Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
  • Supplier: K2T
  • Price: 209 Kč

Mike's Tip

A clear and light straw color can be found in this is this simple "Veltliner". You will find a nice fresh acidity of citrus fruits making it perfect for a schnitzel, mashed potatoes or a salad!

Luc Pirlet Sauvignon Blanc

Wine description:

  • Country: France
  • Grape: Sauvignon blanc
  • Alcohol: 13,5%
  • Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
  • Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
  • Supplier: K2T
  • Price: 244 Kč

Mike's Tip

Sauvignon Blancs with their light yellow-green color are the trendy white wine at the moment. Look for a mix of citrus and current with a hint of nuts. A delicate wine made for summer salads and vegetables.

Kellner Riesling

Wine description:

  • Country: Austria
  • Grape: Riesling
  • Alcohol: 13%
  • Style: Rich, full-bodied dry white wine
  • Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
  • Supplier: K2T
  • Price: 270 Kč

Mike's Tip

This is a elegant dry wine with a pronounced mineral flavor and acidity. Take a sip and leave in your mouth and you will find those bubbling minerals on your tongue! Light summer foods recommended.

Manz Stieg Terasse Kabinet Riesling

Wine description:

  • Country: Germany
  • Grape: Riesling
  • Alcohol: 13%
  • Style: Rich, full-bodied dry white wine
  • Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
  • Supplier: K2T
  • Price: 348 Kč

Mike's Tip

A classic Riesling that can hold up to any competition. A full bodied wine with a mix of mineralogy and acidity. Look for subtle tones of apricot (and less sublet tones of rocks).

Luc Pirlet Malbec

Wine description:

  • Country: France
  • Grape: Malbec
  • Alcohol: 13,5%
  • Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
  • Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
  • Supplier: K2T
  • Price: 249 Kč

Mike's Tip

Indeed it has been a long time since we had a dark, full blooded Malbec in our mix. Deep and dark not just in color but in taste, look for soft earthy and caramel tones mixed with berries. A full bodied wine crying for a steak or other meat on the grill. This is BBQ time!

Terras d’el Rei

Wine description:

  • Country: Portugal
  • Grape: Cuveé
  • Alcohol: 13%
  • Style: Medium-bodied red wine
  • Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
  • Supplier: K2T
  • Price: 136 Kč

Mike's Tip

Sometimes you just want a glass of red and don't want to pull the cork on something "special". Finding a reasonable table wine that tasted good and won't split your head open the next day isn't easy, but this cuvee fits the bill. Better than good enough, a solid OK.

Kellner Zweigelt

Wine description:

  • Country: Austria
  • Grape: Zweigeltrebe
  • Alcohol: 13,5%
  • Style: Medium-bodied red wine
  • Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
  • Supplier: K2T
  • Price: 270 Kč

Mike's Tip

Spiky, smoky and black black black berries. I find Zweigelts to be a bit mysterious in their taste. Sometimes spicy, sometimes fruity, sometimes very light. This one has a very smooth finish making it good for a Zweigelt novice. Indeed this is red wine from Austria, so give it a chance.

Touriga Nacional Carmin

Wine description:

  • Country: Portugal
  • Grape: Cuveé
  • Alcohol: 14,5%
  • Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
  • Drink: Wine suitable for aging
  • Supplier: K2T
  • Price: 428 Kč

Mike's Tip

Dark ruby red with hints of vanilla and cedar, this is a grape indigenous to Portugal. Sometimes a bit spicy, the quality of this wine comes through in a smooth fruity flavor. Mix with salami or other spicy meats.