Box: March 2017
NE – SW
In the wine world, a “Vertical” tasting is where you sample a number of different yearly harvests, of the same wine. In the IWCoK world, a “Horizontal” tasting is where we sample wines from the North East and South West of the same country. That means brilliant light whites from the hills of Alsace, and deep, dark powerful reds from Bordeaux. Maybe the best of both worlds.
Alsace actually has a really interesting wine history and tradition. Really more German (rules, rules, rules) than French (c’est l’amour – baby), Alsace is 99% about varietal wines, or wines from a single grape variety. The most famous of these are dry Rieslings and fruity Gewurztraminers and Pinot Gris. But, knowing that our members are always looking for something exceptional, we found it! Edelzwicher is that 1%.
What can we say about reds from Bordeaux that you don’t already know ? Well, all of the reds this month are blends coming from the 4 classic Bordeaux varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec, and all have a rich and silky finish with soft tannins. Plus all of these wines are suitable for aging for 5-10 years. So if your falling a little bit behind, stick these in the back our your cupboard for a special occasion years from now.
So let us set off on our journey across France. Allez-y !
Chateau Grand Lys
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 13%
- Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
- Drink: Wine suitable for aging
- Supplier: Chez Greg Père et Fils Praha
- Price: 245 Kč
Mike's Tip
Great value and potential. Dark and rusty in color, I found a good balance of tannin and vanilla. Full bodied and really searching for a heavy plate of red meat or stew. Being still quite young, this wine has plenty of time to mature and pick up a few medals. Be ready for this to be your new favorite.
Chateau Grand Gamelle
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 13,5%
- Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
- Drink: Wine suitable for aging
- Supplier: Chez Greg Père et Fils Praha
- Price: 193 Kč
Mike's Tip
This is a smooth, gentle wine with a fresh fruity taste. Although predominately Merlot, the Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc add a smooth and very elegant finish. Look for the Cabernet Franc in both nose and finish. It has a very distinctive taste.
Chateau Hauterive
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Malbec
- Alcohol: 13%
- Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
- Drink: Wine suitable for aging
- Supplier: Chez Greg Père et Fils Praha
- Price: 235 Kč
Mike's Tip
This wine being from the Cahors appellation, it must have a minimum of 70% a Malbec and a maximum of 30% Merlot. Lucky for us they got the blend just right. The Malbec makes this wine much more “chocolaty” and less tannic than the other wines. It is definitely the easiest wine to drink for an evening on the sofa, or when not pairing with food.
Chateau tour Bel Air
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 13,5%
- Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
- Drink: Wine suitable for aging
- Supplier: Chez Greg Père et Fils Praha
- Price: 359 Kč
Mike's Tip
Wines coming from Saint Emilion like the other wines areas from the “right bank” are predominately Merlot dominated blends. This is no exception being 70% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc. Look for a big mouthful of red fruits with a touch of oak on the finish. If you decide to age it, the fruits will turn to a heavier tanning flavor while the wine turn to a rusty red color. Very elegant.
Colombelle
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 10,5%
- Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: Chez Greg Père et Fils Praha
- Price: 165 Kč
Mike's Tip
For those of you who say “You already gave us this wine”, I say “Au contraire mom ami “Although we have had a Colombard from this producer before, this is a young special edition wine that also contains 3 grape varieties. This 2016 vintage is very light, and a perfect companion for lunch in those first days of spring.
Martischang Edelzwicker
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 12%
- Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: Chez Greg Père et Fils Praha
- Price: 229 Kč
Mike's Tip
This is actually the only blended wine in the whole of Alsace. Literally translated it means “Noble Blend” and can consist of any of the official varieties from Alsace. This is typically what the farmers and locals have on tier table for lunch, and something you rarely see on the shelves in the shops. I found this one to have a great balance of acidity and fruit, making it a particularly easy to drink wine – pass me some formage!
Martischang Pinot Blanc
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Pinot blanc
- Alcohol: 12%
- Style: Rich, full-bodied dry white wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: Chez Greg Père et Fils Praha
- Price: 269 Kč
Mike's Tip
Without question the most full bodied white in this months offer. Aged for 10 months in a giant, 50 year old wooden “something”, this wine has a rich, complex flavor. Not a relaxing party wine, but something far more refined. A serious wine for a serious dinner. It even looks like gold straight out of the bottle.
Martischang Riesling
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Riesling
- Alcohol: 12,5%
- Style: Rich, full-bodied dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: Chez Greg Père et Fils Praha
- Price: 249 Kč
Mike's Tip
The classic Alsace white. Riesling makes up almost 25% off all the grapes grown in the region, given that this is the perfect climate for the variety. Dry and very “green” in flavor, the mineral and citrus flavors are a great pair for fish with fresh lemon, or even a light curry!