ADN de Meunier Rosé Brut

The colour is deep salmon, with very fine, medium-lasting bubbles. On the nose canine rose, strawberries, bred crust. In the mouth firm tannins, which is unusual for a Champagne, and lightly salty. The aftertaste is medium long.

This Rosé Champagne is made 100% with Pinot Meunier grapes from the Marne Valley by Christophe Mignon, an independent vigneron that cultivates his vineyards and makes his wines in harmony with the lunar calendar and according to biodynamic principles. Continue reading “ADN de Meunier Rosé Brut”

Mustiaio Governo 2018

The colour is medium ruby. On the nose red fruits, such as red cherries, raspberries and strawberries. In the mouth simple but balanced and enjoyable. The aftertaste is short but pleasant.

Mustiaio Governo is made with a blend of Merlot, Sangiovese and Syrah by Mustiaio winery, located in the Maremma region of Tuscany. Continue reading “Mustiaio Governo 2018”

Ratafia Didier Barbe

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”

Sur le Grand Marais

The colour is pale gold, with medium fine, short-lasting bubbles. On the nose cream, melon honeydew and pears. All very subtle. In the mouth not very tasty. A bit flat. The aftertaste is fresh, but short.

This Blanc de Noirs is made by Liébart-Régniet with 100% Petit Meunier grapes. All grapes come from a single parcel, 60% from the 2017 vintage and 40% from the 2018 harvest. Continue reading “Sur le Grand Marais”

1694 Classification 2008

The colour is deep garnet. On the nose meaty, smoky, spicy, with some prunes. In the mouth very tasty with a bitter finish. The aftertaste last for a while.

This wine is made in the Stellenbosch wine region of South Africa by Rust en Vrede. It is a blend of 57% Shiraz and 43% Cabernet Sauvignon. Continue reading “1694 Classification 2008”

Cuvée Cyril Premier Cru Millésimé 2012

The colour is medium gold, with very fine, short-lasting bubbles. On the nose cream, apricot, lime and almonds. In the mouth tasty and filling, with sensations consistent with the nose. The aftertaste is fresh and medium long.

This wine is made with equal parts of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir by a cooperative in Ambonnay, with grapes grown by Cyril Beaufort in Trépail. Continue reading “Cuvée Cyril Premier Cru Millésimé 2012”

Brut de Muid

This Blanc de Blancs is made with 100% Chardonnay grapes using the traditional method and spends two years on the lees. It is a simple, but well made sparkling wine.

Although overall I consider it a very pleasant sparkling wine, I find it hard to write tasting notes. I therefore avoid it. Seems like that even Champagne wines are often so subtly aromatic that the effervescence may mask their delicate bouquet. Not sure it is also the case with this Blanc de Blancs… Continue reading “Brut de Muid”

Malvirà Renesio Riserva 2009

The colour is medium garnet. On the nose prune, cherries under spirit, orange marmalade and tobacco. Although still enjoyable, in the mouth this wine has passed its best. The sensations are subtle, the flavours are fading and the aftertaste rather short.

Malvirà Renesio Riserva is made with 100% Nebbiolo grapes under the Roero DOCG. Continue reading “Malvirà Renesio Riserva 2009”

Buttafuoco 2017

The colour is medium ruby. On the nose cherries, blackberries and some toasted notes. In the mouth rather light and thin, but refreshing. The alcohol is a bit too high. The aftertaste is pleasantly fruity, but fades away quickly.

This wine is made under the Buttafuoco dell’Oltrepò Pavese DOC. It is a blend of Croatina, Barbera and Uva Rara. Continue reading “Buttafuoco 2017”

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”