Tasting Notes of Wines around the World
The colour is medium gold. On the nose dry fruits under spirit, toasted hazelnuts and honey. In the mouth smooth, dry and tasty. The aftertaste is slightly bitter and last for quite a while.
Marsala is a fortified wine produced in the region surrounding the Italian city of Marsala in Sicily. Marsala is made using a process called in perpetuum, which is similar to the solera system used to produce Sherry in Jerez, Spain. Continue reading “Marsala Vergine “Baglio” Florio 2003”
The colour is transparent with slightly greenish reflex. On the nose mainly anice and liquorice, which are clearly perceived also in the mouth. Very hot, due to the high alcohol content (72%). The aftertaste is savoury and pleasant. It last for a long time. When water is added (as it should), the colour becomes a cloudy milky white, the flavours more nuanced and the alcohol less prominent. Continue reading “Absinthe Esmeralda”
The colour is pale amber. On the nose fruits under spirit, walnuts, wood. In the mouth smooth and sweet. Well balanced. The aftertaste is drying and last for a pleasant while.
Ratafia is made from the standard Champagne grapes, using left over grape juice of the harvest from the third or fourth press, to which alcohol is added to avoid fermentation. Various herbs, aromatic plants and walnuts may be added for a couple of months of maceration. Continue reading “Ratafia Didier Barbe”
The colour is deep brown. On the nose mainly spices, a lot of them! It is like walking in a bazar in the Middle East, and at the same time in a cigar factory in Cuba. In the mouth very thick, velvety and savoury. On the finish coffee and chocolate that last for a very, very long aftertaste.
This sweet wine is made with 100% Pedro Ximénez, a white wine grape variety best known for its role in the sweet sherries of Jerez. Continue reading “Don PX Selection Toro Albala 1965”
On the nose mocha, leather, anise and other spices, with some balsamic notes. In the mouth velvety and balanced, although a bit warm due to the high alcohol content. The aftertaste is fruity, sweet and seductive.
Quinta do Noval, whose name first appeared in land registers in the year 1715, is one of the most prestigious names in Porto. Continue reading “Quinta do Noval Port Vintage 2003”
Very dark amber color. Nose dominated by tiramisù (a mix of cream, cocoa and coffee), with some nutty and tea sensations. In the mouth, the (sour) creamy side dominates and it reminds me of Baileys Irish Cream. The aftertaste linger for a very long time.
Although it owns a lot of its fame to the island’s geographical location in the Atlantic Ocean and its consequent importance as a hub for sea traffic, Madeira is one of the treasures of the wine world. Continue reading “Blandy’s Madeira Malmsey 1940”
On the nose strong balsamic notes. Caramel and prunes are clearly detectable. It reminds me of a brandy. In the mouth velvety texture. Very smooth and balanced sensation. Long lingering finish.
Judging from this wine, Taylor (founded in 1692 in Vila Nova de Gaia) is considered among the best Houses of Port for a good reason. Continue reading “Taylor Fladgate 30 Year Old Tawny Port”
On the nose very elegant, with perfume like aromas leaning towards soy sauce and floral fragrances. In the mouth a smoky note clearly predominates, accompanied by a burning sensation (due to the high alcohol) and followed by an herbaceous astringent one. The liquor leaves you with a long and pleasant finish, that last forever and that is again dominated by a smoky note. Continue reading “Moutai Flying Fairy 53%”
This is one of the outstanding examples of the noble spirit made northeast of Bordeaux.
Cognac is produced through a double distillation of a very basic wine made mainly with the white grape Ugni Blanc. The wine itself is low in alcohol, high in acidity and not really drinkable. Continue reading “Hennessy Paradis”