The colour is deep ruby. On the nose very fruity (well matured dark fruits), with some herbs. In the mouth rich and savoury, with a lot of sensations, probably the result of using a wide variety of grapes. The aftertaste is medium long.
Kairos is made by blending an astonishing 16 grapes. 4 white: Garganega, Trebbiano Toscano, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay. 12 red: Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syraz, Teroldego, Croatina, Oseleta, Sangiovese, Marzemino.
The art of blending taken to extremes!
Blending grape varieties with one another is a key part of modern wine production, even at a time when wine lovers are rediscovering and focusing on varietal winemaking. Blending was much less of a consideration in the days before effective vine husbandry, when few vignerons were really sure which grape varieties were growing in their vineyards. In those days, a single vine row might have been home to several entirely distinct varieties. Therefore, blending was happening naturally. When I visited Georgia, the cradle of winemaking, I visited more than one winery that is still using a field blend.
Kairos is the smaller brother of Harlequin, a wine made with a similar blend that currently sells for more than 200 EUR.
A few years ago I met the producer, Celestino Gaspari, who married one of the daughters of the legendary Giuseppe Quintarelli. He was in Ticino to promote his wines. Back then I bought a couple of bottles of Kairos to age in the cellar. The ageing didn’t add any complexity to the drinking experience. I therefore decided to drink this bottle that I bought for 52.75 CHF at ARVI in its infancy. I’m happy with my choice.
Country: Italy
Region: Veneto
Grapes: Garganega, Trebbiano Toscano, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Syraz, Teroldego, Croatina, Oseleta, Sangiovese, Marzemino
Type: Red
Vintage: 2016
Producer: Zyme
Price range: Extra (50-100 US$)
Pascal’s Enjoyment Index: 4/5