Box: February 2017
The Black Box
What does a Black Box bring to mind for you? Is it a magical object? A key to solving a mystery? Or the end of something and leading to the start of something new ? For us at IWCoK, it is all three!
It is the end of our old web protection protocol, that some may have notices was hacked for a day! It is no mystery why we were hacked given the 100,000s of Google searches we get each day (yep, heavy traffic) And most importantly, it is the magic that all of this month’s wines with Black Labels bring to your table!
We searched the world over (and our suppliers) to find not only elegant looking wines, but ones that meet our high standards of quality and value.
Our whites start in the south of France with a lovely light Piquepoul. Although it may sound a bit exotic, it is a fairly common variety in the Rhone and in Languedoc. We also have a very full bodies Chardonnay from the celebrated Argentinian grower Las Moras. These guys are no strangers to our box, as they consistently produce high quality wines, year after year,
We have 2 flagship reds this month. It is impossible to truly appreciate Italian red wines if you don’t know the basics of Sangiovese. This is the building block of Tuscany and the back bone of Brunello. Our Sangiovese has all the tell-tale characteristics, that you will immediately recognize: Strong Tannin, moderate acidity and a big fruity explosion of cherries and red fruits. Our second entry is a much more subtle affair. “Ink” is a blend of regionally grown reds from Austria. Much lighter in color and taste, with a hint of spice.
Enough from me. Go uncover the mystery of this month’s Black Box for yourself!
Las Moras Chardonnay Reserve
Wine description:
- Country: Argentina
- Grape: Chardonnay
- Alcohol: 13,5%
- Style: Rich, full-bodied dry white wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: CELLARIUS
- Price: 290 Kč
Mike's Tip
When a tried this, the first thing that came to my mind was the Chiquita Banana lady! If you don’t know her, picture the quintessential Samba singer in her costume with all that fruit on her head. Bananas and pineapple – an absolute delight.
Tola Grillo
Wine description:
- Country: Italy
- Grape: Greco
- Alcohol: 13%
- Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: CELLARIUS
- Price: 202 Kč
Mike's Tip
For me Grillo is a much oilier grape, with a finish that lasts a long time. Look for a bit more acidity and long tears on your glass when you swirl it around. Ideal with a cheese fondue or “white” meal with a higher % of fat.
Richemer Piquepoul
Wine description:
- Country: France
- Grape: Pinot noir
- Alcohol: 12,5%
- Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: Chez Greg Père et Fils Praha
- Price: 170 Kč
Mike's Tip
Even if you don’t think you have tried this grape, I bet you have! It is often found in blends including Chateauneuf-du-Pape. On it’s own it is a delicate straw color with a taste to match. Light and refreshing and not to be taken too seriously. A little fish and salad – perfect.
Saragio 2010
Wine description:
- Country: Italy
- Grape: Sangiovese
- Alcohol: 14,5%
- Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: Víno výhodně.cz
- Price: 255 Kč
Mike's Tip
Probably my favorite red wine variety with a big fat steak. Add a little fat on the side, and some gristle, you can’t find a better food pairing. The fruity taste will go great with lots of things, but it is the aggressive nature of the tannin and acidity that cuts the protein in your mouth. Be it a burger, meatball, roast, or steak, there is just one thing to remember with this one – Show me the Beef!
Beck Ink
Wine description:
- Country: Austria
- Grape: Cuveé
- Alcohol: 12,5%
- Style: Medium-bodied red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: Víno pro Vás
- Price: 275 Kč
Mike's Tip
I would imagine that you will either be “in” or “Out” with this one. 80% Zweigeltrebe and 20% Svatovavrinecke means this is a light, spicy wine with the flavor of peppers. However, it was surprisingly smooth given the parts used. Perfect for pork chops and boiled potatoes. Not an easy wine for the sofa, but interesting and quality all the way! I loved it.
Las Moras Black Label
Wine description:
- Country: Argentina
- Grape: Sauvignon blanc
- Alcohol: 13%
- Style: Rich, full-bodied dry white wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: CELLARIUS
- Price: 394 Kč
Mike's Tip
Spicy, green and full bodied. When you get that mix of sweet, sour, earthy flavor in a good Sauvignon, it is just magic. This top of the line addition from Las Moras is just that. Bomba.
Syrah Single Barrel
Wine description:
- Country: Bulgaria
- Grape: Syrah
- Alcohol: 14,5%
- Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
- Drink: Wine suitable for aging
- Supplier: VínaBG
- Price: 475 Kč
Mike's Tip
If you are looking for high end Bulgarian wine, from a young winemaker pushing the limits, this is it. Only 330 bottles made, this deep, dark Syrah is full of spice and red fruits. Drink it now for an elegant evening, or set it down for 10 years and come back for something exceptional.
Montenero
Wine description:
- Country: Italy
- Grape: Primitivo
- Alcohol: 13,5%
- Style: Medium-bodied red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: FANDA Group
- Price: 199 Kč
Mike's Tip
This is the guys at the party that EVERYBODY loves. Easy, not complicated, laughs at all your jokes and helps clean up after everybody else leaves. A super easy drink from a variety that everybody loves. A sure thing.