Happy Sunny Day Club Members!
Oh, it’s nice to be finally back and writing to you all! Decided to take a little bit of a break and use the time to focus on more wine-related work and tastings. However, since I have a lot to share with you, especially on some of the amazing stuff I had a chance to try ( more about those in the next newsletter), I thought I better get the pen out again!
What to expect in the coming weeks? Italian treasures, Chardonnay on the spot, and a long-awaited night of Vouvray…and I can’t wait to reveal the wines I managed to taste!
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The random selection from last month
I spent ages going through the wines I have been trying recently. Trial and error, as they say, but it is always so much fun. Luckily for me, and of course for Friend; the wines I pick are never really unacceptable but sometimes are just simply not that good. I usually try to get the best out of them all and focus on the positives: are any of the grape’s characteristics detectable? Relevant to the region or winemaker? Nose, palate, finish? Price point?
So after considering everything, I picked the below wines for several reasons. They are a little bit different from those usual bottles you see everywhere, all at a reasonable price, easy to share it with friends and you know what? Perfect for a finally warmish spring night!
Zana Sauvignon Blanc, Romania
Every dedicated Sauvignon enthusiast should add this delightful bottle to their must-try list. Fresh citrus and gooseberry notes, along with a touch of passionfruit and a zesty acidity; an elegant drink that’s perfect for a warm spring evening. It’s so easy on the nose as well as on the palate, would be hard for anyone to dislike it. It’s not one of those wines that you keep dreaming about but sometimes you just want to enjoy a nice glass of wine and nothing else. And this delivers!
Name: Zana Sauvignon Blanc
Origin: Cramele Recas Estate, Romania
Grape: Sauvignon Blanc
ABV: 12%
Price: £9
Where: Zana Sauvignon Blanc - Ocado
Patricius Tokaj Dry Furmint
Another one from the Eastern European wine trail I thought was worth mentioning is Patricius Tokaj Dry Furmint. And whilst most of you think of ‘Tokaj’ as a sweet, luscious dessert wine; this Dry Furmint shows so well how much of this grape is really capable of!
This wine boasts a distinctive fruity character, complemented by a perfumed nose due to the Furmint grape, along with notes of green apples and citrus. On the palate, there’s nice minerality and elegant, vibrant acidity to deliver the same fruitiness as the nose. Peach, pear and a touch of almond; well-balanced and easy-to-drink white wine. Would highly recommend it for those who are looking for something similar to French Chardonnay in terms of length and structure but without that full body if you are not a fan. Great food wine!
Name: Patricius Tokaj Dry Furmint
Origin: Tokaj, Hungary
Grape: 100% Furmint
ABV: 12.5%
Price: £10.99
Where: Tokaj Furmint - Waitrose
Cave de Turckheim Gewürztraminer
I think I can honestly say I never had a bad bottle of Gewürztraminer, ever! I am sure I am quite lucky with that but every time I try a bottle, I am so relieved that it never disappoints. And this one was no different.
Super fruity on the nose with lychee and lots of pineapples and that distinctive floral scent. On the palate are the usual suspects; honeysuckle and peach but what makes it interesting is the spicy, gingery finish at the end. Definitely on the sweeter side being medium-dry but very well-balanced with great acidity. Try it with Asian food and you will never look back!
Name: Cave de Turckheim Gewürztraminer
Origin: Alsace, France
Grape: Gewürztraminer
ABV: 13.5%
Price: £11.49
Where: Cave de Turckheim - Waitrose
Quinta da Lapa Alvarinho
Alvarinho, well, what can I say? Whenever Friend and I are having a no-plan night, this grape always appears in our choices. Next to Vouvray and Riesling, it is on our list of ‘Happy Wines’. And if you have tried it before, you will know why.
A beautifully aromatic Alvarinho with jasmine & ripe pineapple aromas and a ton of minerality. Even one little sniff is enough to make you smile and fall in love with it instantly. Fresh & fruity on the palate with hints of green citrus & tropical fruit, it’s smooth and textured with a soft, refreshing finish.
Name: Quinta da Lapa Alvarinho
Origin: Tejo, Portugal
Grape: Alvarinho
ABV: 13%
Price: £15
Where: Quinta da Lapa Alvarinho - Drinkworthy
Next time…
Vino, Vita e Amicizia…
Have a grape weekend!
The 4pm Club