Exciting times! As I've said in my emails, the whole point of Wine Club is to enable us to talk about wine and in my opinion, the subscription stopped me chatting to you on WhatsApp and text....and I miss that banter and (my) nervous energy. I also miss, finding wines that some of you say....'it was quite nice' :-) Trying to understand what makes you like wine...and what makes me like wine is so intereting to me. Friends say to me, they like this and like that...and we all know the first rule of York Wne Club.......'there are no wrong answers'.
We're always looking for new and interesting wine....whether it's from York Wine Club, Tesco or Aldi...there ARE beautiful wines to be found everywhere. I'm greatful that you invest in our little club to explore further.
So, this month, we begin our first intrduction to the wines....via Zoom!
You buy the wines, I'll talk you through my selection and what I love about them and why I chose them. I may also bore you with some details on the history, geography, terroir, the grape varietal and the winemaking, in return you can tell me to shut up!
The Zoom will be an introduction to the wine, a chat through the vineyard and the science. I'm not expecting you to drink 6 bottles in one evening. At York Wine Club....we drink responsibly :-) But I hope you come along, and select a bottle or two to sample.
This month we explore (accordin t'web) the largest two wine producing regions in the in the World (2021 data). Namely Italy & Spain.
Italy is a hugely complex wine region, with more grape varieties than any other region...most of them native to Italy and not seen out of the region. It's also the largest wine region in the World. Spain on the other hand has a long history of wine making, but only recently emerged on International markets. It has concentrated on barrel aging wines, but more recently has begun to follow the French appellation and 'village' system of quality as well.
This month, it's four whites and two reds.
From Spain, we begin light and fruity with this Viura grape (as in, the same grape in Cava) from Rioja, then add complxity with the 2nd wine from just south of Zargoza (a garnacha blanca) and then finish with a classic Tempranillo Rioja with HISTORY!
From Italy, we begin with a wine as rare as 'hens teeth', a Sauvignon Blanc from the Veneto in the North (a Pinot Grigio stronghold), then a beautiful Fiano from Sicily, then back to the North for a Valpolicella Ripasso for warmth and delight.
This is where we debate. In my opinion, there is great choice across them all. Something for everyone and a gentle walk through a dinner party wine pairing.
I hope you can join the Zoom - if I'm on my own, it'll be sad, but I'll enjoy the wines. Big love as always....Matt x
Monte Llano Blanco Rioja 2021
The 2016 vintage took place later than the previous year due to a very cold end to the winter. The summer was very dry but the stored water in winter meant that this did not impact on the quality of the fruit. Harvest took place in excellent weather conditions and produced a very good quality of fruit. Upon arrival at the winery the Viura grapes (those used in Cava) are gently pressed to extract the best aromas, this produces 50% of the grape yield. The juice undergoes a cool, slow fermentation in stainless steel tanks at temperatures of 16-18 deg C for two weeks. The wine is bottled fresh after fermentation. Tasting Notes: Tropical, vibrant white Rioja with a whiff of banana and a refreshing perfume of lemon and lime. Food Match: Works well on its own but is also perfect with seafood, vegetarian dishes & soft cheeses.
Garnacha Blanca Nativa 2021
From Bodegas CARE in Carinena, just south of Zaragoza between Madrid and Barcelona. The Vineyard sits between 450 and 700 meters above sea level, with very little rain, strong winds and a lot of sun. The soils are rocky with slate, quartz and clay. The fruit is harvested at night and managed in as sustainable way as possible reducing the necesity for excessive spraying treatments. This wine is created from Garnacha Blanco, the white colour mutation of the World famous Garnacha varietal. It brings a lovely light twist and sophistication to the wine. Bodegas Care support the local consveration areas and national parks to help enrich the region's ecosystem and biodiversity. This layered varietal white has been aged 2 months in French oak barrels on lees. Tasting Notes: This bright white wine displays pale yellow with steel and green tones. The nose is very intense, with white floral aromas, hints of aromatic herbs and citrus. The fruit is ripe and exotic (passion fruit and grapefruit) with a light aging in oak to create outstanding balance between its freshness and structure. The aftertaste is long and rich. Food Match: Perfect pairing with tuna tartar, seafood paella and shell fish.
Rioja Crianza Heredad de Tejada 2018
A vineyard with huge history in the Rioja region. From the area of Sonsierra in Rioja Alta (High), these vineyards are on poor soils of Ebro's terraces with low production volumes. The grapes have between 8 and 10 days of static maceration to avoid over-extraction of tannin. Followed by spontaneous fermentation with native yeasts at 24 deg C. Very small amounts of sulfur are added. Aging for 18 months in French, Eastern European and American oak barrels. 10% of new barrels and 90% of used barrels from 2 to 6 uses. Tasting Notes: Assemblage of aromas from the barrel (cream, cocoa and vanilla) with black as well as ripe fruits. Typical Tempranillo liquorice aromas at the end with spicy notes. Pleasant, elegant profile shows fresh sensations from beginning to end. A good structure, provided by the Tempranillo variety, with the velvety character of its barrel aging. In the end it is reminiscent of cherry and leaves a very pleasant unctuous feeling. Food Match: Traditionally, Rioja Crianza is paired with local roast lamb and pork dishes, chorizo, jamon iberica and aged hard cheeses. However, Rioja Crianza is a very versatile wine, and is a great match with all manner of dishes, even being a hit with spicy food and curry.
Via Nova Sauvignon Blanc 2020
Sauvignon Blanc from the Veneto? Well this is exciting and unique! Grapes harvested from vineyards in the Veneto, near the border with Trentino. They benefit from some altitude and from the cool nights of the alpine foothills which give Sauvignon Blanc its mineral texture and herby aromas. After crushing and cold settling, the wine is inoculated with yeast, fermented at controlled temperature for around a week, racked, filtered and bottled within a few months of harvest. Tasting Notes: Bright pale lemon yellow in the glass with a nose showing elderflower, honeysuckle and passion fruit. On the palate it refreshes with delicious minerality and a gossamer-light body. Food Match: A fantastic wine by the glass, but will also match fresh crisp foods, from salads to white fish.
Fiano IGT Terre Siciliane, Molina Vento 2021
This is a native grape to Italy, the Fiano grapes which make up this wine originate from remote areas of Trapani on the western tip of Sicily, in vineyards grown on black soil that is rich in clay and silt, and largely resistant to drought. These characteristics make the land ideal for the growing of flavoursome, complex grape varietals. Grapes are destemmed before being placed in a pneumatic press and pressed gently. The juice is then fermented in stainless steel tanks for around 10 -15 days, at a controlled temperature of 18-20°C. Tasting Notes: Delicious Fiano, packed with tropical fruit, the bouquet a vibrant blend of refreshing lemon and spicy cedar. Food Match: The classically light flavours in this Fiano mean it will balance well with equally light dishes. Serve with a seafood pasta starter, or a prawn salad.
Valpolicella Ripasso DOCG 2019
A classic Valpolicella from the Corvina grape! The term ‘ripasso’ has always had a very specific meaning for producers and oenologists in the Valpolicella area. It is a winemaking technique which has a long and consolidated tradition in the area and which, as far as anybody knows, has no equivalent in any other region, in Italy or elsewhere. The ‘ripasso’ system involves macerating Valpolicella wine on the fermented skins of grapes previously used to make Recioto or Amarone. When the new Amarone/Recioto has been racked off the skins, fresh Valpolicella wine is added to the same tank and left in contact with the partially fermented pommace. The aim of the process is to add smoothness, complexity and body. Tasting Notes: Ruby-red in colour tending to garnet with age; it offers a slightly ethereal perfume of red fruits with notes of vanilla. The flavour is fine, velvety and balanced, with good body and intensity. Food Match: This wine perfectly pairs with cool dark night first courses, cold cuts, game and roast meats and medium-seasoned cheese.
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