Took the opportunity last night to open a few interesting bottles with good friends who came over for dinner. Here’s what we enjoyed:
Bernkasteler Lay Riesling Kabinett 2003 Mosel-Saar-Ruwer Dr Loosen
A perfect aperitif and loved by everyone. Isn’t Riesling just a fantastic grape variety. Hints of apples and spice with a whiff of diesel on the nose. Light and crisp on the palate with refreshing acidity to balance the sweet element. At 7,5% alcohol I just don’t understand why everyone isn’t drinking these amazing wines. My only problem is that is slips down way too easily – a delicious drop.
Gorges 2004 Muscadet Sevre et Maine Jérémie Huchet & Jérémie Mourat
A new wave Muscadet that has been aged for years underground without lees stirring. Slightly iodine and herbal notes with a more floral character coming through. Rich and fat on the palate with a lovely weighty element. A fantastic match with the mussel, celeriac and saffron soup.
Corbec 2007 Valle de Uco Tupungato Masi Argentina
Masi Tupungato is the name of Masi’s winemaking project in Argentina where they are using their Italian Appassimento technique. It combines classic Italian grape variety Corvina with the signature grape of Argentina, Malbec. Sour cherry and spicy notes dominte the nose with rich ripe red smokey fruit overtones and a hint of bitter chocolate/cocoa. Rich and lengthy on the palate it’s very much in the Amarone style. Tannins are soft and integrated and the finish is long and rich. Great served with the rich beef casserole and roasted fennel. Thanks to Jos for sharing it with us!
Racines 2001 Bourgueil Frederic Mabileau
That bottle of Corbec was so good with the beef that we needed to open another red to go with cheese. This Cabernet Franc is classy and elegant. Taking its name Racines (roots) from the fact that the vines producing the grapes were planted by Frederic’s grandfather more than 45 years ago it has real style. Classic forest fruits and a little blackcurrant with a note of licorice, the 10 months in oak demi-muids (3-4 wines) have added a lovely dimension that by no means dominates the wine. A great match for the goats cheeses and comté.
Essencia Orange Muscat 2007 Quady Madera California
Quady only produces sweet wines and the distinctive Orange Muscat grape make a delicious accompaniment to fruit based desserts. Ripe orange and caramel dominate the nose with flavours of apricot, honey and orange blossom on the palate. We served this with yellow plums roasted with homemade sloe gin and vanilla. A light end to a rich meal.
