Heida-Païen de Charrat 2016

The colour is medium gold. The aroma is a mix of citrus and peanuts, accompanied by a prickly sensation. In the mouth the wine is as rich and tasty as on the nose, with a very pleasant finish and a long aftertaste that reminds the first impressions recorded with the nose.

Heida or Païen is the name given to Savagnin Blanc in Valais. Savagnin Blanc is an ancient white wine grape indigenous of the sub-alpine regions of eastern France. Continue reading “Heida-Païen de Charrat 2016”

Château Nine Peaks

Château Nine Peaks stands alone on a hill surrounded by its vineyards. Not very different from any upscale wine property you would find in the West, except that this winery is located in the Far East. Continue reading “Château Nine Peaks”

Petite Arvine de Saillon 2017

The colour is medium gold. On the nose an aroma of gentian and grapefruit. In the mouth a pleasant minerality, but a less enjoyable bitter finish. A sensation that (unfortunately) accompanies the fairly long aftertaste.

Petite Arvine is an early budding and late ripening white grape variety, which is somewhat fussy in the vineyard. Continue reading “Petite Arvine de Saillon 2017”

Tariquet Classic 2018

The colour is medium straw. On the nose an inviting aroma of apricot, peach, bergamot and ananas. In the mouth refreshing and as pleasant as on the nose, with a corresponding aftertaste that last for quite a while and completes the experience with some saltiness.

This (in France) hugely popular white wine is produced under the Cotes de Gascogne IGP. Continue reading “Tariquet Classic 2018”

Clos de l’Obac

So far my 152 posts on wine have focused on my tasting experience of single bottles. This time I want to write about the visit I had at Clos de l’Obac. A winery officially named Costers del Siurana and located in Gratallops, in the heart of the Priorat DOQ. Continue reading “Clos de l’Obac”

Ermitage Caprice du temps 2017

The colour is medium yellow. The nose reminds me of lychees, trees resin and herbs. The aroma keeps changing, which I find fascinating, although after a while it seems to fade away. In the mouth the wine is a bit edgy and leaves the mouth with a rough sensation that recalls a medicine. The alcohol content is a whopping 14%.

This white wine is produced with Marsanne grapes grown in Valais, not far from Sierre. Continue reading “Ermitage Caprice du temps 2017”

Quater Vitis Bianco 2017

The colour is yellow pale. On the nose this white wine displays a mild aroma with an herbal character of pine, rosemary and sage, accompanied by citrusy undertones. In the mouth refreshing with a nutty aftertaste.

This Terre Siciliane IGT produced by Firriato is the result of blending four white grape varieties typical of Sicily: Inzolia, Carricante, Catarratto and Zibibbo. Each representing 25% of the blend. Continue reading “Quater Vitis Bianco 2017”

Jasci Pecorino Bio 2017

The colour is pale straw. On the nose jasmine and linden mixed with ananas and a bit of liquorice. In the mouth more filling than you would expect at the first sight. Crispy and fresh, with a drying/prickly finish, which to me spoils a bit the overall enjoyment. On the other side, it pairs well with some charcuterie.

Pecorino is one of those grape varieties that have been cultivated for centuries, but got almost extinguished due to low yield. Continue reading “Jasci Pecorino Bio 2017”

Château Nine Peaks Chardonnay Reserve 2015

Either due to the strong breeze of Châtelaillon-Plage, where I tasted this wine, or as a result of the fact that my son got a small sip before me and left some potato chips flavour on the glass, I had some problems distinguishing the aroma of this Chardonnay. I therefore cannot tell which ones of the typical scents of this well-known grape was predominant: if it was the tropical side of banana, melon, pineapple and guava, the stonefruits côté of peach, nectarine and apricot, or the omnipresent citrus and apple aroma. Continue reading “Château Nine Peaks Chardonnay Reserve 2015”

Fébus Jurançon Sec 2017

On the nose the typical aroma of apricot and citrus of the Manseng grapes comes forward, although in a faint version. In the mouth there is a prickly acidity at a level I personally find kind of disturbing. Beside some light apricot hint, no aftertaste worth mentioning.

Jurançon is, along with Marcillac, Gaillac, Fronton and Madiran, one of the five French AOC I intended to visit in July during my last trip to France with my son. Continue reading “Fébus Jurançon Sec 2017”