Box: March 2018
What brought Čáp
We do this every year, and I honestly believe that each year Czech wines get better and better. Add to this a family winemaker that comes up with new things, and keeps improving, it is a pleasure to return to. Čapka – We’re back…
Light and fresh wines that are inviting and immensely drinkable. In fact all the wines from Čapka had a friendly, familiar quality about them. Forget for a moment about wines with a distinct character and thing about what makes [you] happy, wines that are nice to drink. We are home :-)
To round things out we dropped in a couple of family vineyard whites from Germany, that offer a bit more “distinct” minerality, and for the red lovers, two more full bodied wines that can only come from lands farther South.
So come and enjoy some of what grows right in our back yard and a few special treats from around Europe.
Ryzlink Rýnský
Wine description:
- Country: Czech Republic
- Grape: Riesling
- Alcohol: 12%
- Style: Light and refreshing dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: Winery Čapka
- Price: 209 Kč
Mike's Tip
Yellow and gold in color, look for citrus fruits and a hint of grass and herbs. Sometimes a lower alcohol content helps so much and this as a great example of an enjoyable wine that is light and fruity and immensely easy to drink.
Veltlínské zelené Battonage
Wine description:
- Country: Czech Republic
- Grape: Grüner Veltliner
- Alcohol: 12%
- Style: Rich, full-bodied dry white wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: Winery Čapka
- Price: 209 Kč
Mike's Tip
This is a much heavier and complex wine having passed through the "battonage" or mixing process. As the wine ages over 6 months, the sediment at the bottom of the barrel is mixed in with the wine creating complexity. White meat and goat cheese for this one.
Georg Julius Sauvignon Blanc (Organic)
Wine description:
- Country: Germany
- Grape: Sauvignon blanc
- Alcohol: 13%
- Style: Medium-bodied dry white wine
- Drink: Wine for immediate consumption
- Supplier: Víno výhodně.cz
- Price: 199 Kč
Mike's Tip
This family winery in Germany has a long history of creating quality biologic wines. A classic Sauvignon with good acidity from citrus fruits and a touch of minerals.
Landgraf Riesling Gutswein (Organic)
Wine description:
- Country: Germany
- Grape: Riesling
- Alcohol: 12%
- Style: Medium-bodied dry white wine
- Drink: Wine suitable for aging
- Supplier: Víno výhodně.cz
- Price: 299 Kč
Mike's Tip
Another family winemaker, this time creating biological Rieslings from the best vineyards in Saulheim. Get past the green apple in the nose, and you are greeted with a mineral delight will only improve with age.
Cabernet Moravia Premium
Wine description:
- Country: Czech Republic
- Grape: Cabernet Moravia
- Alcohol: 13,5%
- Style: Medium-bodied red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: Winery Čapka
- Price: 369 Kč
Mike's Tip
Moravia are doing remarkably well with what little sun we get. This is a well balanced medium bodied red aged for 12 months in French oak. Lots of black currant and a surprisingly full bodied Moravian.
Zweigeltrebe Premium
Wine description:
- Country: Czech Republic
- Grape: Zweigeltrebe
- Alcohol: 13,5%
- Style: Medium-bodied red wine
- Drink: Wine with potencial 2 to 5 years
- Supplier: Winery Čapka
- Price: 369 Kč
Mike's Tip
A medium bodied red with dark fruit and just a hint of vanilla. For those not familiar with this variety, this will be a great introduction given it's soft flavor, balance and lack of green pepper. Think about a dinner with pork or other white meats.
Villa Travignoli
Wine description:
- Country: Italy
- Grape: Sangiovese
- Alcohol: 13%
- Style: Medium-bodied red wine
- Drink: Wine suitable for aging
- Supplier: Mr. Sklenička
- Price: 395 Kč
Mike's Tip
And just when you thought we would never find another Tuscan "Ripasso". This style is making a comeback to Tuscany after a 100 year break ! This makes the wine fruitier and more full bodied. Bring out the beef for this or just sit back and relax.
Bourbon
Wine description:
- Country: Slovenia
- Grape: Cabernet Saugvinon
- Alcohol: 14,5%
- Style: Full-bodied, rich red wine
- Drink: Wine suitable for aging
- Supplier: Vína-slovinsko.cz
- Price: 599 Kč
Mike's Tip
The only thing wrong with this wine is the bottle is too small :-) This is a "Top Shelf" Slovenian Cab that can hold its own against any Bordeaux. Dark fruits and exceptionally dry. 100% lovely.