Happy Wines
Happy Tuesday Club Members!
Finally! The sun is shining and the rain has stopped. We have been super busy here in the past few days, working on that exciting project I mentioned to you last week.
Not long now until I can reveal it all to you so keep an eye out for our newsletter, as always, at your favourite time of the day.
Do you have some spare time this evening? Why don’t you head over to our Home page to catch up on our wine discoveries, tips and reviews.
Today’s mood calls for ….
Happy wines
It was one of those weeks last week. I have planned lots for our Accidental Wine Club, unusual grapes to try, new regions, and made Chinese instead of pizza for Friend. But for some reason, I couldn’t make a decision when it came to picking those bottles and kept feeling that the week was calling for something else.
You know the feeling when the only thing you want is some, well, happy wines? And if you need happy wines you must have Riesling! I know I have introduced some already but trust me, happy wines=Riesling.
Anton Finkenauer Kreuznacher Riesling QbA Trocken was our first choice for the evening. Friend and I haven’t tried a German one together and I really wanted him to see the difference between an Old World and a New World wine. If you are new to the Riesling game, this bottle is a great starting point.
There is no Riesling like a German one and this one was no exception. Soft peach and melon scents as soon as you lift the glass. It feels a bit floral too but it’s only a hint. Then that first sip brings it all together: green apples, invigoratingly citrusy feel with a rounded and quite long (for a young Riesling) finish. It’s light, delicate, mineral and fruity and so easy to drink! And that little bit of gentle spritz at then? That’s the most fun part of this wine.
I can’t recommend this enough, especially if you are used to sipping New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. This is as fruity but much more aromatic and way more fun. Oh, and only 12%!
Name: Anton Finkenauer Kreuznacher Riesling QbA Trocken
Origin: Nahe, Germany
Grape: 100% Riesling
ABV: 12%
Notes: Soft melon and peaches on the nose, hint of floral notes too. Green apples, citrus on the palate. Aromatic and very well rounded, great balance of sugars and acidity. Slight spritz at the end
Price: £11.99/bottle, 6 x bottles for £71.94
Recommend with: Anything that makes you happy! But goes well with a light fish if you wish
Where: Anton Finkenauer Kreuznacher Riesling Trocken 2022 | Strictly Wine
Our next stop in the world of Rieslings was Marlborough, New Zealand. Will it be more full-bodied? Or have a higher level of alcohol? Friend was wondering. And the short answer was no, to both.
All fruit for this Riesling was harvested from a single vineyard ( from one of three ) and the grapes underwent a long, controlled fermentation to create an off-dry and low-alcohol wine. You wouldn’t believe it if I told you it was only 10.5%!
Pale, straw-coloured wine in the glass, appeared to be as aromatic as its German friend. More citrus, especially lime on the nose and the same peach note but here it gives a touch of warmth to the wine. With flavours of tangy lemons and crunchy green apples and the added sweetness of the honey; this wine can create quite a joyful experience. It might not have a very long finish and it is less refined and balanced than the German Riesling but it is worth trying. Dainty, silky and very refreshing.
Name: Lake Chalice The Falcon Marlborough Riesling
Origin: Marlborough, New Zealand
Grape: 100% Riesling
ABV: 10.5%
Notes: Citrus notes on the nose, especially lime and some honey alongside sweet peach. Zesty citrus and green apples, medium acidity. Quite short finish, off-dry, easy-drinking wite
Price: £12.95
Recommend with: Great as an aperitif and goes well with a crayfish salad too
Where: Lake Chalice 'The Falcon', Marlborough, Riesling – Aitken's (aitkenwines.com)
Did you think we missed out on our usual Crémant at our Accidental Wine Club? Don’t worry, we would never do that! And this one became a firm favourite from the array of Crémants we had a chance to try.
Gratien & Meyer Cremant De Loire Brut from the Loire Valley, France is predominantly made from Chenin Blanc grapes as well as some Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay. It is so pretty, almost floaty if you can say that; with scents of apples, pears and white blossom flowers. A classic Loire-style sparkling wine. And for only £12.50 a bottle, I might have to change my shopping list for Christmas .
Price: £12.50
Where: Gratien & Meyer Cremant De Loire Brut 75Cl - Tesco Groceries
The Ambassador
Oh, I almost forgot to tell you, The 4pm Club has officially acquired an Ambassador! Well, Friend decided to give himself a new title, in our 2-person wine club. Job description? Unknow. Workplace? So far my house. Working hours? Only on a Tuesday night, surrounded by lots of wine. But watch this place, you never know what the future brings and his hopes for fame might happen one day!
Next time…
Wine shopping for December, the big reveal, Friend said my wines are too nice
Have a grape day!
The 4pm Club