And the pruning begins
Happy February Club Members!
I am pleased to confirm that January is officially over! I was really looking forward to February and it is finally here. I will be pruning a couple of more times this month (hopefully the weather will hold out), attending a Decanter event in London with Friend, Chef’s birthday, trip to Dublin…I'm not even sure how I managed to fit it all into the shortest month of the year.
Oh, and I'm just about to go to an event to meet with the Founder and Vineyard Manager of one of the UK's biggest vineyards. Should be a good night!
And as always, head over to our Home page to catch up on our wine adventures.
Pruning fun
I have been looking forward to starting vineyard work again since harvest finished. And finally, pruning time has arrived! I dragged Friend along with me too, promised him the weather would be good and we were in luck. I must say, no matter how much I learnt about pruning in the past, from books, it was a very different scenario, actually doing it. A lot of decision making was involved, 2 buds, reserve cane, what to lay down, trying to see through the array of wooden sticks. But I loved it! Deciding on next year’s growth or having an impact on grape growing filled me with a lot of excitement. Even though it wasn’t black and white, as you can imagine no two vines are the same however, it felt like one of those challenges that you just want to keep doing, no matter how much is left.
That’s when I decided that somehow I would try to schedule in a couple of more days so I could help as much as possible. And hopefully, I will make the right decisions on the next cuts!
Vignerons de Florensac, Pique & Mixe Picquepoul Terret 2022
As you have guessed, after our vineyard adventure, we had to pick up some wines to try. We didn’t really plan a theme, just wanted to get something to suit the occasion. I am also trying to pick wines for Friend so he can practise tasting more and hopefully be prepared for his exam when he finally decides to take it.
The sunshine in the vineyard prompted us to get some lighter whites to start with and the country we picked was France.
Pique & Mixe Piquepoul - Terret is a delightful white wine from Languedoc-Roussillon and a very delicious and great alternative to Picpoul. A blend of Piquepoul blanc and Terret (an ancient Vitis vinifera, originating in Southern France) grapes, this wine brings a touch of warm, Mediterranean vibe to any night.
Pale yellow colour in the glass with a slight green hue. It’s on the nose where those exotic aromas first appear. Fresh and zingy lemon, juicy grapefruit, pomelo, lime zest. It reminds me of those beautifully arranged fresh fruit bowls I used to have when I was in Indonesia. It’s lively and fresh in the mouth and that richness is well supported by those citrus notes. A delightful, long finish.
Name: Vignerons de Florensac,Pique & Mixe Piquepoul - Terret 2022
Origin: Languedoc-Roussillon, France
Grape: Piquepoul blanc and Terret
ABV: 12.5%
Notes: Pale yellow colour with green hue. Citrus aromas, juicy grapefruit, pomelo and lime zest. Rich and lively, long finish
Price: £11.75
Recommend with: Ham croquettes or a light, creamy pasta with cod would go very well
Where: Thorne Wines
Domaine Dozon, Le Saut au Loup Blanc, Chinon AOC 2020
Since our love for Chenin is still on the high, I had to get something completely different from the demi-sec Vouvray.
Still from the Loire Valley, this Chinon Blanc is a powerful dry white wine. Made of 100% Chenin Blanc grapes, this is probably the best gastronomic wine we tried recently. Golden colour in the glass with thick, long legs. Subtle white flower note on the nose, followed by aromas of sweet vanilla and quince. Smoothly ripe on the palate, baked apples and a touch of spice that balances well between freshness and ripe fruitiness. A full-bodied dry wine with a persistent finish. Still very youthful and good to drink now but will keep well for a good few years. And delicious with scallops!
Name: Domaine Dozon, Le Saut au Loup Blanc, 2020
Origin: Loire Valley, France
Grape: 100% Chenin Blanc
ABV: 14%
Notes: Golden colour, subtle white flower, sweet vanilla and quince on the nose. Aromas of baked apple and a touch of spice, rich and well balanced. Full-bodied dry white
Price: £16.15
Where: York Wines
The red one
We had to have a red to finish off the night and what a great choice it was! I got this as a present many years ago and wasn’t really thinking of keeping it, kinda just forgot I still had it. But it was time to open it up.
A Merlot heavy blend with some Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot, it is delicate and intense at the same time. Ruby red coloured greatness in the glass with fresh raspberries and cassis on the nose, thanks to all the Merlot grapes. Dark chocolate and a bit of smokiness give even more power to this wine. Ripened fruits carry on the palate, full of flavour and so generous but so easy to drink. Very well rounded tannins with a long finish.
La Terrasse de La Garde 2013, Pessac-Léognan
Another from Christmas: Domaine Jean- Paul Picard, Menetou-Salon
Made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes, this is an excellent choice for all those Sancerre lovers who want to switch it up and spend slightly less on a great bottle of wine. A very aromatic nose (exotic and citrus fruits). In the mouth it is dry, round, and with surprisingly good balance. Fine and mineral, perfect with seafood or as an aperitif.
Origin: Loire Valley, France
Grape: Sauvignon Blanc
ABV: 12.5%
Where: Picked this up from the local wine shop for £14.99 but keep an eye on it when you are out and about
Next time…
Spanish wines, vineyard stories, prepping for London
Have a grape weekend!
The 4pm Club