Box: February 2018
New South
Why new ? It’s not the wines we haven’t had before (we always do that), but rather the quality and flavor coming out of these wines that knocked my socks off. After a January of lighter whites and reds, February moves into much heavier territory.
New is also a feature we decided to add this month, providing each wines “Vivino” rating. If you haven’t downloaded Vivino yet to you phone, this is a user based ratings app that will give you some feedback on just about any wine you buy. Simply scan the label, and voila. Although you don’t get professional rankings, the large number of users gives a very solid base and matches up quite well with the pro’s (like IWCoK members :-)
Our supplier Mangustino has turned us on to some really special wines here. Start with the whites. We have 3 Chardonnays each with a very different taste, but all with that red thread of a full long tail. These wines are not subtle. And if subtle is more your thing, we have you covered with a more floral offer in the Torrontes.
The reds are exactly what you expect big in flavor. The merlot it a parade of fresh red fruit, another a blend of Malbec and spice that will have you licking your lips, and a Cabernet this is one of the finest I have had for months ( I mean awesome….) And what we a proper wine club be if we didn’t offer you something from the region that you haven’t had before ? Try the Carmenéra.
Both Chile and Argentina have climates that are difficult to match anywhere in the world. Warm days, cool night and high altitudes all leave a special mark on the wines of the this region. It is time to explore a new south, and you will not be disappointed.
San Estaban Chardonnay
Wine description:
- Country: Chile
- Grape: Chardonnay
- Alcohol: 12,5%
- Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: Mangustino
- Price: 209 Kč
Mike's Tip
This is an easy go to chardonnay for those who like that classic long finish without the overbearing flavor of oak. The winery makes a big point about picking these grapes only in the morning, which I take to mean that it lacks any other remarkable quality. Don’t get me wrong, this is a entry level white that holds its own in its price range, and a solid Vivino rating stands behind it.
Diamandes Chardonnay
Wine description:
- Country: Argentina
- Grape: Chardonnay
- Alcohol: 14,5%
- Style: Rich, full-bodied dry white wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: Mangustino
- Price: 399 Kč
Mike's Tip
It is not often that you find a white wine with 14.5% alcohol, and when you do it better have the character to pull it off. This wine has that “something” that makes it work. Look for a mouthful of pears and mango and a slightly pronounced mineral flavor. And with many Chardonnay of this caliber long tail. A perfect wine for salmon.
Villard Chardonnay
Wine description:
- Country: Chile
- Grape: Chardonnay
- Alcohol: 13,5%
- Style: Rich, full-bodied dry white wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: Mangustino
- Price: 499 Kč
Mike's Tip
Very, very impressive. For those who love a chardonnay full of vanilla, oak and butter, look no further. Villard have a long history of winemaking in France, and this has come through is this very sophisticated white. The tail on this cannon with for sure “Love you long time” ;-)
Chakana Torrontes
Wine description:
- Country: Argentina
- Grape: Torrontes
- Alcohol: 13,5%
- Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: Mangustino
- Price: 229 Kč
Mike's Tip
Torrontes is a grape known for its floral tones and is typically very light in color and taste. Look for white fruits, like melon, peach and banana. I found a lot of that in the tail making this wine much fuller that similar ones that I have tasted. Try this food with some sushi or a tikala masala. It has enough flavor to hold its one with something a bit spicy.
San Estaban Merlot
Wine description:
- Country: Chile
- Grape: Merlot
- Alcohol: 13%
- Style: Medium-bodied red wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: Mangustino
- Price: 239 Kč
Mike's Tip
This light and fruity merlot will go best with white meats, fish or even a salad. Its has just a hint of pepper, but by no means is it overpowering or unpleasant. The fruits in this wine jump right out at you. Exactly what a young and playful wine should be. Definitely smooth enough for drinking on its own or.
Vistamar Cabernet Sauvignon
Wine description:
- Country: Chile
- Grape: Cabernet Saugvinon
- Alcohol: 13,5%
- Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: Mangustino
- Price: 349 Kč
Mike's Tip
Elegant and pleasant for any occasion. This is a “Go to” red for any occasion when you want to relax. Full bodied and very round, this is a wine perfect for steaks of a movie on the sofa. Trust me, you are going to want more of this.
Vistamar Camenera
Wine description:
- Country: Chile
- Grape: Carmenére
- Alcohol: 13,5%
- Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: Mangustino
- Price: 349 Kč
Mike's Tip
What a great ambassador for a grape that we don’t get too many chances to try. If “Smokey” comes to mind, you are spot on. Get past the smoke, you will find a medium bodied red with a little spice and red fruits. Best served with white meat, port or chicken will do well, and do not let the nose put you off. A wine with a lot of character.
Caoba Blend
Wine description:
- Country: Argentina
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 13%
- Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: Mangustino
- Price: 249 Kč
Mike's Tip
Although this blend is 60% Malbec, the addition of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot make it less chocolate and more spice and tannin.. The spices have been tamed with 6 months of aging in French oak, but the tannin is still very pronounced. This means it is more a food wine than one for easy sipping. Pair it with beef or gulash. You will want something for the acidity to cut though.