A ‘Virtual’ Vinous Voyage of Discovery
Whilst we are sadly not able to travel and explore new pastures, (or vineyards) at present, we are thankfully still able to experience new wines and momentarily perhaps, imagine we are no longer in the confines of our own back garden.
The quarantine support case below, represents a selection of incredibly exciting wines from, some may consider, surprising locations, which offer truly exceptional value! The Virtual Vinous Voyage of Discovery case contains 3 bottles of each wine below @ £153.99 -Special Offer Price £138.55
I am definitely mad about this Mad Dry Furmint! The sensational sweet wines of Tokaji in Hungry are or course, world-renowned, but Istvan Szepay of Mad Wine KFT was determined to let the world know how great their beloved Furmint grape is, as a dry wine, when grown on the region�s superb volcanic terroir. His son, Istvan Szepay junior, is now carrying on the quest, producing these wonderfully fresh dry wines.
Delicately floral and mineral on the nose, with delicious white peach fruits and clean/volcanic minerality and refreshing acidity.
Whilst we always select our wines for their quality and do not actively seek out producers who are organic or bio-dynamic, we so often find that the wines which really excite us, are indeed made by these principles. We have also generally found it much more interesting when growers work to bring out the best of their indigenous grapes, rather than re-plant their vineyards with the current, in- vogue, variety to follow a trend.
The beautifully expressive wines of Guerila in the Slovenian district of Vipavska Dolina are perfect examples. The family estate was founded in 2005 by Zmagoslav Petric. Inheriting his father�s respect and passion for the earth and environment, Zmago sought out the best location and terroir which he chose to plant with only local varieties, including the Zelen and Pinela, which are not found in any other region. The vineyards are 100% biodynamic, the grapes are handpicked and the wines are bottled without filtration.
A really enticing bouquet of tropical pineapple and peach fruit, combined with citrus and hints of camomile which carry through to the palate. Silky smooth, with lovely depth and �gras� with a refreshing lift of citrus acidity.
I can still recall the amazingly cheap but unashamedly rustic Romanian Pinot Noirs that invaded our stores, some thirty years ago. What a fabulous revelation it was for me, therefore, to discover the wonderfully pure wines of Calusari. Thanks to the dedication and investment of the English owner, Philip Cox and his Romanian wife Elvira, the Crarmele Recas estate consistently produces wines of top quality. The meticulously managed vineyards were re-planted some 12 years ago and are sited on the undulating hills of Viile Timisului. All the grapes are de-stemmed and the vinification here is forward-thinking and open-minded. Each vintage, Philip invites top winemakers from other regions to help his team at Calusari to ensure they produce the best possible wines. With fermentation in stainless steel and no new oak in the short elevage, the 2018 Pinot Noir, offers wonderfully pure, vibrant, red fruit and subtle spice flavours, with a delightfully harmonious and elegant balance. This is a delicious wine to enjoy over the summer months!
2017 PINHA, ROBEIRO SANTO, DOC, DAO, CARLOS LUCAS VINHOS
This wonderfully expressive and charming wine from Dao in Portugal is as alluring as the story behind its origin.
Under the ownership of Carlos Lucas for the past 15 years, this ancient estate once belonged to a priest and is enclosed by a stream separating it from the surrounding forests of pine, eucalyptus and oak. It has hence become known as Quinta do Ribeiro Santo � or �Holy River Estate�.
The poor granite soils with large rocky outcrops are perfect for viticulture and are managed with great respect for the environment. Like Calusari, Carlos Lucas adopts a modern approach to viticulture. Hand-picked and carefully selected, the grapes are all de-stemmed and vinified and aged in vat.
Again, this is far removed from the dry tannic, earthy examples of Portuguese wines of old, but neither is it a simple one-dimensional clone but is brimming with personality and sense of place, with fabulous fragrant aromas of black fruits and subtle hints of pine. Super life on the palate, with sweet black fruits and hints of pepper. Glorious balance and harmony