September 2015 Meeting - New Discoveries

New Discoveries in Wine from Croatia to South Australia was presented by Sue & Bim who asked us to guess which country these wines came from...

 

We didn't get many right!

1.     Valdivieso Blancs de Blancs Grande Cuvee 2010

This sparkling wine is aged for 3 years on lees before disgorging (which is the minimum requirement for Champagne).  This winemaker dates back to 1879 and they were the first company to make sparkling wine in their region/country. Their winemaker now is from New Zealand and the grapes are sourced from both their vineyards and bought-in grapes.  Best with Cheese straws.

Type: Sparkling  Country: Chile Grape: Chardonnay Alcohol: 12% Price: £13.95

 

2.     Hilltop Estates Cserzegi (‘chair-seggy’)  2014

 Flowery, grapy muscat aroma and refreshing dry palate, this wine has become a popular aperitif. The winery is an hour’s drive north of the capital city, close to the border of a neighbouring country.  The estate is situated on a hill affording a majestic view of a famous river below.  Best with Prawns.

Type: White Country: Hungary Grape: Cserzegi Fuszeres Alcohol: 11% Price: £5.95

 

3.     Juanico Benteveo Chardonnay

Unoaked chardonnay with aromas & flavours of apples & pears with a hint of honey. Made by modern company that is this country’s largest wine producer. The main challenge to making wine here is the high humidity from about 1100mm of rainfall (a vine usually requires around 700mm. There are 12 grapes varieties grown at this vineyard.  Best with Beef Carpaccio; prawns; pasta

Type: White Country: Uruguay  Grape: Chardonnay Alcohol: 12.5% Price: £6.95

 

4.     Skouras Cuvee Prestige 2013

This white wine is a blend of 2 grapes, one grown at  1500ft & the other at 2400ft in Peloponnese Greece. The grapes are fermented in stainless steel vats. This wine is Fresh, crisp acidity, lively, aromatic. This winemaker has been in the forefront of his country’s modern wine revolution.  The top wines made at this state of the art winery are world class.

Type: White Country: Greece  Grape: Moschofilero/Roditis Alcohol: 12.5% Price: £8.50

 

5.     Anselmann Regent  2013

This was a members find. Deep coloured with bags of soft, uncomplicated sweet, black fruit flavour. This winemakers family heritage can be documented as far back as early 12th century and today, four siblings  together with their Mother, oversea one of the largest wine estates in this country.

Type: Red Country: Germany  Grape: Regent Alcohol: 13% Price: £7.95

 

6.     MavroKalavrita, Tetramythos  2013

This is a delightful rarity organically produced.. It has a quite light colour, like pinot noir, with a cherry-fruit nose and ripe spicy fruit flavour.  Would make a delicious spring/ summer red drunk cellar cool, perhaps with tuna and sun dried tomatoes. The vines are planted at altitude near this country’s popular ski resort. Best with Pasta, pizza, cheese

Type: Red Country: Greece  Grape: black  kalavrita  Alcohol: 13% Price: £8.50

 

7.     Vina Zorzal Graciano, Navarro  2102 

The fruit which is sourced from excellent 35 year old vines, spends just 4 months in oak so as not to mask the fruit, but add a vibrant and exotic touch to its classic flavour.

Critics comments:

This has to be one of the best value red wines being offered the Wine Society just now.  Fabulous big, juicy intensity of immediate red berry fruits make this hugely attractive for an everyday wine. It’s uncomplicated with all its focus being on fresh fruits; it’s well balanced. It’ll make a great Christmas and pre-Christmas party. Also good slightly chilled. Delightful with pasta, vegetable dishes, cured sausages, cold cuts or grilled meat. 

Type: Red Country: Spain  Grape: Graciano Alcohol: 13.5% Price: £6.95