Box: November 2017
Spring in South America
When the sun sets, it is rising somewhere else. So,,, although we are already in the grasp of winter here, the beach party is just starting in South America. Grab our swim suit, because this month we are off to warm, Latin America.
What is the one white grape that Chile and Argentina get right EVERY SINGLE TIME ? Sauvignon of course, and to take advantage of arguably the best sauvignon (after New Zealand) we took a tour de force. Three Sauvignons and a well known local variety “Torrontes” will be bringing that mineral flavor to all our tables in November.
In red, the first thing that probably comes to may of your minds is Malbec. Not being a huge Malbec fan myself, I was really surprised with the 2016 vintage, I liked it – a lot. I don’t know if it was a poor harvest, a cold summer or what, but I found the wines to be much lighter, clearer and all together easier to drink. So apologies now if your expecting huge, chocolate round, never leaves your palate flavor, but if you want a very drinkable medium bodied red, you are in for a treat.
I could say the same thing for the Syrah. A little more bite, but great acidity and a clean finish.
So no hunkering down this November, it’s light, it’s bright and summer is just around the corner ;-)
Tamaya Vina Casa Sauvignon Blanc
Wine description:
- Country: Chile
- Grape: Sauvignon blanc
- Alcohol: 12,5%
- Style: Medium-bodied dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: K2T
- Price: 235 Kč
Mike's Tip
Green and rocky. Although it sounds strange, these are the best words to describe this grape. Green for the grassy color and flavor, rocky for the minerals that are mixed in. Without question, the best grape for oysters and cold fish. Mnam.
Santa Ema Sauvignon Gris Reserve
Wine description:
- Country: Chile
- Grape: Sauvignon
- Alcohol: 13,5%
- Style: Medium-bodied dry white wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: OpenWine s.r.o.
- Price: 342 Kč
Mike's Tip
Much more subtle and dry. Sauvignon Gris is actually a pink grape with a toned down version of the Sauvignon Blanc characteristics. This makes it an easier wine to drink, and this aged gem will be emptied in no time.
Amplus
Wine description:
- Country: Chile
- Grape: Sauvignon blanc
- Alcohol: 13%
- Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: K2T
- Price: 322 Kč
Mike's Tip
Of all of the Sauvignons in our box, this one is without question the most balanced. Fresh fruit and acidity from grapefruits, the taste is very subtle with a great mineral finish. Perfect for fish on the grill or goat cheese.
Torrontes Baudron
Wine description:
- Country: Argentina
- Grape: Torrontes
- Alcohol: 12,5%
- Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: K2T
- Price: 232 Kč
Mike's Tip
Torrontes is a native Argentinean variety known for peach and apricots on the nose, and a balanced fruit and citrus flavor. Close your eyes for the first smell and you will also have a light floral scent. Good for white fish and hard white cheese.
Baudron San Jose Merlot
Wine description:
- Country: Argentina
- Grape: Merlot
- Alcohol: 13%
- Style: Medium-bodied red wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: K2T
- Price: 165 Kč
Mike's Tip
If this wine looks familiar, you are thinking about the Syrah we had from the same winery. The Merlot offers a bit more acidity and tannin, but with the same great value for money proposition as the other. Easy, not complicated and perfect for a glass with dinner any Tuesday night.
Mendoza Heights Malbec Merlot
Wine description:
- Country: Argentina
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 13%
- Style: Medium-bodied red wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: OpenWine s.r.o.
- Price: 219 Kč
Mike's Tip
Light and an easy pairing wine for just about anything. Mendoza is Argentina's largest wine region and is one of the highest wine growing regions in the world. The only criticism I had of this wine was the brown, boring label. The contents of the bottle is anything but.
Santa Ema Syrah Reserve
Wine description:
- Country: Chile
- Grape: Syrah
- Alcohol: 14%
- Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
- Drink: Wine suitable for aging
- Supplier: OpenWine s.r.o.
- Price: 342 Kč
Mike's Tip
Blackberry, chocolate and pepper. Syrah can be a tricky grape if your not into complexity. I found good balance here without too much pepper that turns many people away. Smooth and earthy, look for hints of leather. (and leave the salad in the fridge for this one).
Malbec Varietal Baudron
Wine description:
- Country: Argentina
- Grape: Malbec
- Alcohol: 13%
- Style: Medium-bodied red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: K2T
- Price: 232 Kč
Mike's Tip
What I liked about this wine was it was so "accessible". Not that you can buy it everywhere, but the flavors and finish were so easy to drink. I got the fruity Malbec flavor but with a shorter tail end. Absolutely enjoyable for any occasion.