New listings tasting this Thursday
Could I pick a style theme for this tasting? Not really, but there will be plenty of "themed" tastings on Thursdays coming up over the rest of the year.
This Thursday is more about pouring some of the recent additions to the shelves that I've been most excited about. It's not really a tasting of "big hitters" (although the Macedonian red at the end may well offer that).
The feel is more of vibrant wines that express their region, with island/volcanic wines, cooler-climate reds and some aromatics thrown in. Many are produced in a hands-off fashion, without too much oak or manipulation in the winery. The "new wave" of Spain continues to play a big part.
Turn up any time between 4pm and 9pm this Thursday 28th February for a taste. We will be pouring samples of the wines, with all of them available to buy by the glass or to take away at a discounted rate on the day.
As a preview I have written some short notes below. Cheers!
Colet Vatua! Rose 2016, Penedes, Spain
£21.00 (£18.90 on the night)
We were pouring the white version of this all weekend and it was an absolute hit. Colet like to do things a bit differently from Cava, growing some more aromatic grape varieties in DO Penedes. This rose is a light salmon colour with really ripe strawberry fruit and a beautiful freshness. Not pictured.
Corneta Cucu 2017, Castilla y Leon, Spain
£16.00 (£14.40 on the night)
This is our first Verdejo to hit the shelves - a Spanish grape that I know will appeal to the Sauvignon/Chenin Blanc drinkers. This wine really does smell of fresh-cut grass and hints of the herb garden. There's a delicate spicy texture in the mouth and my notes read "length+++" which is always a good sign!
Nanclares Albarino 2017,Rias Baixas, Spain £22.00 (£19.80 on the night)
Albarino: the most requested grape from Spain here, so we've snatched another amazing one. This is an extremely fresh, elegant example, with just a touch of sweet spice/honey. Only a few thousand bottles made.
Rafols Gran Caus Blanco 2016, Catalunya, Spain £20.00 (£18.00 on the night)
The Spanish alternative: a blend of old vine Xarelo, Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay from the coastal mountains of Catalunya, aged for a couple of years before release. I was really impressed with the intense, bright fruit and rich texture of this wine. A really mineral wine that would be excellent with seafood.
Hirsch Riesling Zobing DAC 2015, Kamptal, Austria £21.00 (£18.90 on the night)
This was a definite "yes" as soon as I tasted it - a Riesling with a lot going on: honeyed, rich, smoky and slightly off-dry. Biodynamic. *summer2019favourite?*
Vinatigo Gual 2016, Tenerife, Canaries, £25.00 (£22.50 on the night)
The grape is Gual, from Tenerife, where many unique varieties still exist thanks to the arid volcanic soils. This is aromatic with some quite tropical notes and quite a rich, creamy palate. A fascinating wines that will keep unfolding in the glass. Not pictured - arriving today!
Bender Pinot Noir 2016, Pfalz, Germany £17.00 (£15.30 on the night)
I have to admit, this felt like an unusual Pinot Noir when I first tasted it, but I really loved it so it had to go on the list… slightly herbaceous with a hint of incense, and a really clean, vibrant feel in the mouth.
Wetzer Kekfrankos 2016, Sopron, Hungary £21.00 (£18.90 on the night)
Another very perfumed red, this time it's Blaufrankisch. Lots of inviting aromas, with a slightly savoury "natural" edge to it. Another brilliant, vibrant, slightly tart style. Those that like it will really like it, if you know what I mean.
Barreda Mono Tempranillo 2017, Cuenca, Spain £10.00 (£9.00 on the night)
From bush vines around the montains of Cuenca, south-east of Madrid. Thanks to the rich, red-berried aromas and soft spice I think this will be very popular, outstanding value for money.
Cambra Soplo 2015, Valencia, Spain £13.00 (£11.70 on the night)
This ticked all of the boxes for summer: 100% Garnacha with clean, sweet, ripe berry fruit, and a moreish juicy mouthfeel. Should be a lot of fun over the Summer.
Rioja Tentenublo 2017, Rioja Alavesa, Spain £21.00 (£18.90 on the night)
Roberto from Tentenublo is one of the rising stars in Rioja, producing wines of real focus, precision and elegance from smaller plots. Not a "big-oaky-plush" style, rather a complex wine that develops over the course of tasting.
Petrognano Pomino Rosso 2013, Tuscany, Italy £20.00 (£18.00 on the night)
This didn't receive much fuss, but was the standout wine at a recent tasting, so snuck it into the shop a few weeks ago. Pomino is the cooler edge of Chianti/Tuscany which gives the wines a real elegance. This one is Sangiovese blended with Merlot and Cabernet, which gives it a structured yet savoury feel, with real depth and length.
Tikves Barovo 2015, Tikves, Macedonia £22.00 (£19.80 on the night)
Well, well, well - this may well turn into a new shop favourite. It didn't take long to fall in love with this wines full-bodied yet savoury Italian feel.. from Macedonia. The blend is Kratoshija (aka Primitivo) and Vranec (which translates as "black stallion"). Barrel-aged, single vineyard, volcanic soils - a big wine which was really popular during the "pre-tasting" last week.
