More November Wines - WIne Century

 Another 2 wines from the Wine society. 

1. Hasandede 2017 - Turkey. 

This would be wine #219. A dry white wine from the Ankara region in Turkey. £8.50. 

The back label says: "It has notes of mint, laurel, linden, quince, lemon leaves. It has grapefuit and green apple aromas with a fresh and aromatic palate" 

A very ordinary white wine, I'm afraid. Think Ski-Chalet bulk Vin Blanc. 

Not dreadful, but simply not that good. I have had worse, and it wasn't undrinkable, but... 

Quality - 5/10. VFM - 4/10. Would I buy again? No. 

 

2. Roter Veltliner 2019 - Austria.

Wine #220. Roter Veltliner, Familie Mantler "Ried Sandburg" £8.50. This is a very similar, but completely unrelated grape to the Gruner Veltliner. Still a white wine. The problem for this wine, is that it is quite nce, but very similar to the much more familiar Gruner Veltliner, but simply not as good. 

Quality - 7/10. VFM - 7/10. Would I buy again? No. Buy GV instead 

November wines - Wine Century

 2 Recent wines which might be of interest

Bulgarian Misket

The Wine Society £6.95

Tasting Notes:

Misket, from Bulgaria, is nothing to do with the more famous "muscat" but does share similar characteristics. The nose is bursting with aromas of juicy oranges, blossom and roses, which continues on the crisp, refreshing palate, where it is joined by notes of zesty lime.

I have to agree with this – quite similar to a Muscat, but not so in-your-face grapey. A very good wine at the price – I'd give it 8/10 for quality and 9/10 for VFM. Definitely buy again

This was my Wine Century Wine no: 217. I'm working towards 300, but not in a serious manner – it is getting too much like hard work. Far harder to find and procure the obscure varieties! 

 

German Dunkelfelder. Toni Jost, Cuvee D, Dunkelfelder/Spatburgunder

Vineum, Boppard. Approx 10Euro.

Wine Century Wine no: 218.

Dunkelfelder is a dark-skinned variety of grape used for red wine. It was created by German viticulturalist Gustav Adolf Froelich (1847-1912).[1] He probably crossed Färbertraube (a teinturier) with Blauer Portugieser.[2] The variety, initially called Froelich V 4-4, did not receive any attention for several decades until work was continued on it at Geisenheim grape breeding institute in the 1930s. It was named Dunkelfelder (dunkel = dark) by ampelographer Helmut Becker, due to its unclear parentage and its dark colour. Dunkelfelder received varietal protection and was released for general cultivation in 1980.[1]

In 2006, there were 372 hectares (920 acres) of Dunkelfelder in Germany, with an approximately constant trend.[3] Plantings of Dunkelfelder are primarily found in Ahr, Baden, Nahe, Palatinate and Rheinhessen.[1]

This is very deep red/purple wine, but light and not tannic. Certainly a bit different

I'd give it 8/10 for quality and 8/10 for VFM. Definitely buy again

 

German WInes from Boppard, Middle Rhine

In mid-August, I was able to get away for a few days to Boppard in Germany, to meet some old friends. Boppard is at the centre of the Mittel-Rhein wine region so I took the opportunity to buy some wine while I was there. There is a shop called Vineum Boppard which sells and ships wine to all across the EU, and ships 18 bottles for 15Euro, so about 80p/bottle.

The shop also acts as a kind of a wine bar; you can sit outside on the square and taste 3 wines for 5 Euros, from a very large range. This also means that they have plenty of wine open to taste when you are buying too.

Their website is www.vineum.com

One of the big problems with German wine is that it is very difficult to get the good stuff in the UK; the bad old days of Blue Nun, Liebfraumilch and Black Tower all but destroyed the UK German wine sales. In Germany, in Boppard, however, there was a massive range of great local wines all at less than 10Euro a bottle, which you just cannot get in the UK.

So, I bought 18 bottles for shipping, about 8 different wines, all tried in the shop. Mostly white, a rose, and a red.

So, once it turned up – about 10 days later, I took the opportunity to have some fellow wine society members round to check out 4 of them.

Wine 1

Weingut August Perl. Bopparder Hamm, Feuerlay, Hochgewachs. Riesling 2019. Trocken. 12.5%

**8.01 Euro

A classic light, Rhine Riesling. An easy drinking Riesling, dominated by citrus fruits, 8/10

 

Wine 2

Weingut Heilig Grab. Bopparder Hamm, , Hochgewachs. Riesling 2018. Trocken 11.5%

**7.65 Euro

Some spritz in this one, a little more age than Wine 1, which actually takes the fine edge off it. Otherwise very similar.7/10

Wine 3

Weingut Lorenz. Bopparder Hamm, Riesling Spatlese 2017. Feinherb 11.0%

**8.91 Euro

This one is a little older, nearly 3 years in the bottle. Feiherb is much the same as Halb-Trocken, but without the precise legal definition for acidity and residual sugar. Has a maturity to it. It felt a bit flat directly after the 2 Trockens, but returning to it later, was much more rounded and just nicer. 8/10

 

Wine 4

Weingut Konigshof. Bopparder Hamm Feuerlay, Riesling Auslese 2016. 9.0%

**15.21

The best of the 4. This is a classic sweet Riesling, with a great balance of sweetness, fruit, acidity. Almost perfect.9/10

** All prices were after 10% discount, without shipping. We got 10% off for 18 bottles, then the shipping was 15 Euro, so it all balanced out pretty much

 

The Rule of 6

 Sadly, while we were hopeful of being able to start something (up to 30 people in a large hall perhaps), the new "Rule of 6" has completely put a wet blanket over everything we might have been able to do. 

So back to a waiting game.

Lockdown WIne #9 - Grauer Burgunder from Lidl

This weeks lockdown wine comes from Robert W in the wine society

Grauer Burgunder from Lidl bin end £3.99, was originally £8. Also known as Pinot Gris and Pinot Grigio. Grown primarily in Baden and the Pfalz.

On the nose stone fruit light apricot and apple, also on the palate. To the eye a goldy pink colour. A semi dry refreshing wine at 13.5%. Accompanied our roast belly pork Jersey Royals, carrots and roast parsnips.

Cut through the fat of the belly pork and cleansed the palate nicely.

Even got thumbs up from Christine who prefers red wines.

 

 

Lockdown Wine #8 - Falanghina (Italy)

Another wine from the Wine Society - a rather less obscure grape variety this time

Wine: The Wine Society Falanghina

Country: Italy, Region: Campania

Grape: Falangina

The Wine Society : £8.90

Value for Money – 9/10

Quality/Flavour – 9/10

An excellent middle of the road dry white. Crisp, dry, well made, but also full bodied.

Would I buy it again – Yes

From the Wine Society blurb

Grapes: 100% Falangina

13.5% Alcohol

Falanghina is one of Italy's many native grape varieties that we feel shouldn't be left under the radar! With tangy citrus and seductive apricot flavours, this is a lovely versatile wine from Campania to add to your selection.

From Wikipedia

Falanghina, also called Falanghina Greco, is a variety of wine grape, Vitis vinifera, used for white wines. It is an ancient grape variety which may have provided a basis for the classical Falernian wine, and has considerable character.[1] It is cultivated on the coast of Campania north of Naples,[1] and frequently consumed in southern Italy along with seafood.[2] The name for the wine appears to derive from the Latin falangae, or stakes for supporting the grapes in a vineyard 

 

Lockdown Wine #7 - Bostovan Dor Feteasca Neagra And Pinot Noir

Another wine from my Wine Century stocks (which are nearly running out!) - another VERY obscure grape variety

Wine: Bostovan Dor Feteasca Neagra And Pinot Noir

Country: Moldova

Grape: Feteasca Neagra And Pinot Noir

From: Turton Wines: £10.50

Value for Money – 8/10

Quality/Flavour – 8/10

A thoroughly decent full bodied and smooth red. Quite reminiscent of a Merlot. Soft tannins.

Would I buy it again – Yes

From the Turton Wines blurb

Grapes: 51% Feteasca Neagra 49% Pinot Noir.13% Alcohol 

A Moldovan red wine matured for up to 12 months in oak barriques for intense aromas of dark fruit and forest floor. The rich palate shows a fine flavour of wild berries, tones of blackcurrant and black cherries with herbal nuances and subtle cranberries, candied fruits and vanilla.

From Wikipedia

Fetească Neagră (Romanian pronunciation: [feˈte̯askə ˈne̯aɡrə]); English: Black Maiden) is an old pre-phylloxeric variety of Romanian - Moldovan grape,[1] cultivated mainly in several areas in the Romanian regions of Moldavia, Muntenia, Oltenia, Banat, Northern Dobruja[2] and also in the Republic of Moldova.

These grapes produce dry, demi-dry or sweet wines, with an alcohol content of 12-14%,[3] a deep red colour with ruby shades, and a black currant flavour, which becomes richer and smoother with aging. 

Lockdown WIne #6 - Badacsonyi Kéknyelű, Sabar 2018. Grape - Keknyelu

A very rare grape variety from Hungary; only 50 Hectares.

From the Wine Society: A true delicacy made from kéknyelu, an almost mythical Hungarian white grape variety grown in a mere 50 hectares of vineyard in the Badacsony region, next to the stunningly beautiful Lake Balaton. The wine is crisp, medium-bodied and with delicious pear, stone fruit and red apple freshness.

Wine: Badacsonyi Kéknyelű, Sabar 2018

Country:Hungary

Grape: Keknyelu

From the Wine Society, £12.50

Value for Money – 5/10

Quality/Flavour – 7/10

For me, it was just another half decent well made white, but not outstanding and quite pricey.  So, interesting, but not worth crossing the road for.

Lockdown WIne #5 - Prince Stirbey 2018, Romania. Grape: Tamaoioasa Romaneasca

Another wine from my Wine Century collection - a VERY obscure grape variety

Wine: Prince Stirbey 2018.

Country: Romania

Grape: Tamaoioasa Romaneasca (Muscat family).

From the Wine Society, £11.50

Value for Money – 6/10

Quality/Flavour – 8/10

A very pleasant white wine, but quite pricey for what it is. The grape variety is a relative of the Muscat, and you can taste that in the wine. It is something more than the everyday well made, clean fresh whites that we are all used to.

From the Wine Society listing: - The indigenous Romanian tamâioasa româneasca grape produces an enchanting dry white with delicate white fruit, citrus and white-flower aromas and rounded flavour.

Lockdown wine #4 - Mantinia, Moschofilero grape.Greece

Another one from my collection - an unusual grape from Greece, but this one you can get from the Wine Society

Semeli Estate: Mantinia, Moschofilero grape.Greece

The Wine Society £10.95

From the Wine Society Webpage:

This exceptional Greek white beautifully captures the lemon and rose-petal bouquet of the moschofilero grape, with an added hint of spice. Its fresh dry palate makes this is a natural with Greek-style mezedes or as an aperitif.

This estate was launched by the Kokotos family in 1980, beginning with 7 hectares of vineyards in Attiki, outside Athens. Initially they planted just international varieties – namely cabernet sauvignon, merlot and chardonnay – but nearly 20 years later the family also invested in vineyards in Nemea, planting more indigenous varieties like moschofilero and roditis on well-drained slopes, 450 metres above sea level. The vineyards are now certified organic.

From me:

A very nice white – very similar to Viognier, but without that oilyness. Lots of flavour and body – very definitely something to this wine. If you like Viognier, but find it a bit much, this is a wine for you

Value for money – 4/5.

Flavour/Well made etc: 5/5.

Lockdown WIne #3 - Sinano Grand Deluxe, Japan

My Daughter got me this from her recent trip to Japan (late January) as a gift. Its a half bottle, bought from a gift shop. You will not find it for sale anywhere in the UK, as far as I can see.
Sinano Winery is in Nagano, the kikyogahara valley.

http://www.nagano-wine.jp/english/visit/kikyogahara/shinanowine.php

Red Wine
12%
Grapes: Merlot and Muscat Bailey A.

It is "unusual" It has considerable residual sugar, although not sweet as such - a bit like those cheaper californian wines. It gets an online rating of 2.5/5.0 so not that great. Without the sweetness it might be OK, but I'd really give it a miss. I mean, its drinkable, but....

The interesting thing about it is the Muscat Bailey A grape variety
Muscat Bailey A is a deep pink-skinned grape variety used to make light red wines in Japan. It was bred in the 1920s by Kawakami Zenbei, the "grandfather" of Japanese wine.
Muscat Bailey A is a hybrid with a complex genetic heritage. It was created by crossing Muscat of Hamburg with Bailey, itself a little-known crossing whose family tree includes Triomphe and two interestingly named American hybrids, "Big Berry" and "Extra". Muscat of Hamburg (also known as Black Muscat) is a dark-skinned variety used more commonly for table grapes than wine production.
Today, Muscat Bailey A is one of Japan’s most popular wine grapes. It is most often used to make light-styled, fruity reds, low in both tannins and acidity. It is planted in roughly 370 acres (150ha) of vineyard, mostly in the Yamanashi Prefecture, immediately west of Tokyo. Very little is to be found in Niigata Prefecture, the variety’s homeland.

This, of course, explains the sweetness.

S

Lockdown Wine #2 Las Maletas Malbec

And this ones is from Robert W.

Sampling a nice drop of Las Maletas Malbec while cooking dinner.

2015 vintage with specially selected grapes from the Mendoza region of Argentina. 14% fruity nose, damson and a touch of blackcurrant on the tongue with pronounced tannins and reasonable length..

Lockdown Wine #1 - Sangue di Giuda, Croatina Grape

Given the interruption to the regular activities of the UWS, I thought I'd revert to my story of the Wine Century.

I've done the 100 – and have a very nice certificate, and have gone past the 200 now..I have sort of stopped, but if something comes up. Well. Why not? .

So, I have a number of bottles of wine of obscure grape varieties which need drinking. This is one of them. I will be posting weekly on this until I run out.....

I bought this for the Croatina grape, but as an added bonus it has some Uva Rara in there. Nope, I've not heard of either before.

Croatina Grape: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Croatina

Uva Rara: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uva_Rara

The Wine: Sangue di Giuda 2017, Bruno Verdi.

Region: Pavese, North East Lombardy - City of Pavia

Grapes: Croatina, Barbera, Uva Rara

The interesting thing about this wine is that it is a sweet red wine, low in alcohol at 8.5%, lightly sparkling. Quite like Lambrusco.

I've actually been putting off opening this bottle, as in Sweet Red Wine - really?

 But, it is really nice! Very deep red, light but powerful at the same time, and not that sweet.

The website says:

Intense ruby red with violet tinges, it has a large and complex nose rich in fruity olfactory sensations with a clear memory of typical aromas of wine at a young age. Sweet, slightly moved, fruity, soft, slightly tannic, long, with a very pleasant persistence. Try it with salami or young cacciatorino, fruit tart, homemade donut.

 You will not see it in the supermarket - but it is not too expensive online at <£10 from various sources.

I bought it from Turton Wines,

https://www.turtonwines.co.uk/products/bruno-verdi-sangue-di-giuda-paradiso?_pos=1&_sid=14d455724&_ss=r

Also available from other suppliers

Coronavirus -COVID 19. Meetings Cancelled

Due to the most recent government advice we have decided to cancel the next meeting. It is likely that more meetings will need to be cancelled.

Feruary 2020. Pippa Hayward, Sicilian WInes

This month we had Pippa Hayward, Wine Educator and also of the The Good Wine Shop in Kew, presenting Sicilian Wines.

The wines were:

1. Mandarossa Vermentino 2018 Cantine Settesoli, Menfi. IGT Sicilia. Grape: Vermentino. From: The Wine Society £6.95
2. Regaliali Case Vecchie 2017. Tenuta Tasca D'Almerita. DOC Sicilia. Grapes: Inzolia, Greciano, Catarratto, Chardonnay. From: Majestic £8.99
3. Grillo 2018. DOC Sicilia. Grape: Grillo. From: Marks & Spencer £7.00
4. Frappato 2018, Cantine Paolini, Marsala. IGPT Siciliane. Grape: Frappato. From: The Good Wine Shop in Kew, £9.50
5. Fondo Filara Etna Rosso 2016. Tenuta Nicosia, Catania. DOC Etna Rosso. Grapes: Nerello Mascalese, Nerello Cappuccio. From: The Wine Society £12.50
6. Nero d'Avola 2017. Tenuta Rapitale, Camporeale, Palermo. DOC Sicilia. Grape: Nero d'Avola. From: Waitrose £9.99
7. The Society's Sicilian Reserve Red 2015. DOC Rosso Sicilia Reserva. Grape: Nero d'Avola. From: The Wine Society £8.50
8. Marsala Superiore Dolce 5 Anni. Cantine Vito Curatolo Arini. DOC Marsala Superiore Dolce. Grapes: Grillo, Catarratto, Inzolia. From: Waitrose £11.99

The eagle eyed will spot several uncommon grape varieties in there, all native to Sicily. With the Frappato – a light red – Pippa introduced us to the smashing concept of the “school night red” - a light, lowish alcohol red wine, ideal for a “school night”. A terrific idea!

The first 3 whites, all well made, clean, fresh, showed that there is nothing to be scared of from these less common grape varieties, although as Sicily is a massive wine producer, they aren't really that “uncommon”at all. Sicily produces more wine than Australia.

2 of the 3 reds are Nero d'Avola, a Scilian grape variety we've not seen that much of in the UK until recently. I remember early versions were somewhat challenging, but they are improving in leaps and bounds, and certainly the Wine Society version can hold it's head up at the price.

The last wine, the Marsala has a bit of a story. The rules for Marsala were “relaxed” which meant almost anything went, so much Marsala was just not Marsala, and quite often wierd. The Italians have put some effort into tightening the rules, with the rsult of a much improved and consistent wine. Try it.

January 2020 - New Years party.

In January, we had the New Years Party. It was good.