May 2017 Meeting - Vinum et Canum

This month's presentation was given by Graham and Lynn who unusually presented on dog related wines...

As some of you will know we acquired a puppy recently, so in a moment of madness it seemed appropriate to do an evening of dog related wines! More specifically wines related to the genus Canis which includes wolves, foxes etc.

The Wines

Grenache Rose 2015 – Gray Fox vineyards, California, USA

This vineyard is named in honour of the Grey Fox that plays a vital role in balancing the eco-system surrounding the vineyards. The Grenache Rose is bursting with flavours of fresh strawberries with a clean crisp finish. Ideal served chilled as both an aperitif or with chicken salads.  

Alcohol content 11.5%, price £6.50, Sainsbury’s

 

Gewurztraminer 2015 – Alsace, France

This “Alsatian” wine (sorry) from the Sainsbury’s Taste the Difference range has a complex and elegant style, with a taste of lychees and rose petals with notes of Turkish delight. This exceptional wine is produced by top winery Cave de Turchheim  in the beautiful region of Alsace in eastern France. It is perfect with spicy Thai curries, and might have some bite based on the alcohol content!   

Alcohol content 13%, price £8.00 Sainsbury’s.

 

Dog Point Malborough Sauvignon Blanc 2016, New Zealand

"Wine of the week: It’s hard for any New Zealand sauvignon blanc to stand out from the massed crowds, but Dog Point always stands tall with its depth, vibrancy and perfect balance. The duo behind it are Ivan Sutherland and James Healy, who originally worked together at the legendary Cloudy Bay as chief viticulturist and head winemaker, respectively. At Dog Point their approach is environmentally friendly and organic in the vineyard – around 2000 sheep graze there in winter – and non-interventionist in the winery. The 2016 sauvignon has a mouth-watering, smoky, flinty, struck-match aroma and is brimming with lime, passion fruit and green herb flavours and a long, mineral finish. Most of it will be drunk as soon as it’s bought, but Dog Point is a sauvignon that ages well, if you have somewhere cool and dark to keep it, just a thought. Otherwise, drink it now with fish, seafood, vegetables including tomato-rich dishes, goats’ cheese or Asian-inspired dishes. - Joanna Simon"

Alcohol content 13%, price £13.50, Wine Society.

 

Peloton rouge 2013– Painted Wolf, W.O. Coastal Region, South Africa

A brooding rich and spicy blend of Shiraz, Pinotage, Mourvèdre and Grenache with a long velvety finish, to make this wine a tremendous ride. Sold to support Wild Dog conservation projects in South Africa.

Alcohol content 14%, price £8.95, Wine Society

 

Yellow Label 2015 – Wolf Blass – South Australia

“This Cabernet Sauvignon is a robust and full-flavoured example of the grape, exhibiting blackcurrant and plum flavours with a hint of dark chocolate, smooth, soft and well balanced in terms of acidity and tannins. Good to drink on its own (and very drinkable straight after opening) and would work well with hearty food. It's the kind of wine you would be happy to come back to again and again as a regular 'everyday' wine. E. L. Wisty.”

 Alcohol content 13.5%, price £8.00, Sainsbury’s (on offer at Tesco for £6.50).

 

The Wolftrap 2015 – Cape of Good Hope, South Africa

In a top South African vintage, this Syrah, Mourvèdre blend is better value than ever. Sweet blackberry fruit is enhanced, but in no way dominated, by a hint of oak; classier than this price point would generally merit. The Wolftrap is a spicy, aromatic, red blend that has been French oak matured. The name is a tribute to the pioneers who in the early days of the Cape erected a wolf trap at Boekenhoutskloof. To date, no wolf either real or imaginary has been seen in the valley.

Alcohol content 14.5%, price £7.95.