Sperss 2014

The colour is medium garnet. On the nose very elegant. Strawberries, rose petals and mushrooms come to mind. In the mouth smooth, with well integrated tannins. The aftertaste is subtle and medium long.

I’m generally not a big fan of Barolo wines, which I usually find overpriced for the pleasure they deliver, but I have to say that this Barolo of Gaja is a noteworthy exception, which I greatly enjoyed. Continue reading “Sperss 2014”

Hacienda Monasterio 2014

The colour is deep ruby with garnet hues. On the nose blueberries, blue cherries, prunes, liquorice, meat. In the mouth smooth, with a savoury lingering aftertaste.

Hacienda Monasterio 2014 is a blend 80% Tempranillo and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. It has been made by Peter Sisseck of Pingus fame. Continue reading “Hacienda Monasterio 2014”

Cristal 2014

The colour is medium gold, with a fine perlage. On the nose discrete, with sensation of cheese, almonds and candied fruits. In the mouth elegant. The aftertaste is medium long.

Cristal 2014 was made by Louis Roederer with 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay grapes. 32% of the wines were vinified in oak barrels. The dosage was 7 grams per litre. The 2014 vintage was characterised by strong contrasts in terms of climate. Continue reading “Cristal 2014”

Agustí Torelló Mata Gran Reserva Brut Nature 2014

The colour is pale straw, with fine, long-lasting bubbles. On the nose baked apples, dried apricots and lactic notes. In the mouth refreshing, with a medium long aftertaste.

This long-aging organic Cava is a blend of 45% Macabeu, 25% Xarel·lo and 30% Parellada grapes, all from over 30 years old vineyards. Continue reading “Agustí Torelló Mata Gran Reserva Brut Nature 2014”

Oremus Tokaji Aszu 3 Puttonyos 2014

The colour is medium gold. On the nose papaya, mango, ananas and golden raisin. In the mouth smooth, sweet and fresh. The aftertaste is pretty long.

Tokaj is Hungary’s most famous and respected wine region, thanks mostly to its nectar-like, botrytized Tokaji sweet wines. The region is located in the northeast of Hungary, near the border with Slovakia. Continue reading “Oremus Tokaji Aszu 3 Puttonyos 2014”

Antares 2014

The colour is medium garnet. On the nose prunes, blueberries and meat. In the mouth light, but well balanced and still pleasant to drink. The aftertaste is medium long.

This wine is a blend of 60% Avgoustiatis and 40% Mourvedre grapes. Avgoustiatis is a little-known red wine grape variety found scattered around the Greek islands (most notably on Zakynthos) and the Peloponnese peninsula. The variety ripens relatively early in the growing season, typically in August. Continue reading “Antares 2014”

1865

The colour is medium gold. The perlage is very subtle, almost fading. On the nose not much. The same in the mouth. At the entrance there is a disturbing effervescence, followed by marked acidity.

This wine is the most important Classic Method sparkling wine made by Conte Vistarino winery. It is produced with 100% Pinot Noir grapes from the 2014 vintage. Continue reading “1865”

Spain

Last month I organized a wine tasting focused on the main wine producing regions of Spain.

In the last few years, I travelled extensively to the different wine regions of Europe and I covered all the major denominations of Spain. Continue reading “Spain”

Wines <30 CHF

Last month I decided to do something different and to organise a blind tasting of wines that sells for less than 30 CHF.

The five wines we tasted have been freely picked by the participants to the event among the ones they prefer in this price range. Continue reading “Wines <30 CHF”

Solnia 2014

The colour is medium ruby. On the nose at first slightly meaty and quite alcoholic. Not too surprising given the 15% alcohol content. With some air, blueberries and blackberries appear and prevail for a short while. Later the dark fruits disappear and only some black pepper seems to be left. In the mouth rather rustic. At the end a pleasantly drying sensation, but not much aftertaste. Continue reading “Solnia 2014”