Gaudium Magnum 2011

25 December 2017

The trademark cherry aroma of the Barbera grape shows up in the underground and is not overpowered neither by the high alcohol content (15.5%) nor by the almost three years in barrel.

In the mouth less powerful than you would expect. More a sign of a well made wine than a lack of anything. Continue reading “Gaudium Magnum 2011”

Clos Triguedina 2013

13 December 2017

This traditional Cahors, is a blend of Malbec (85%), Merlot (13%) and Tannat (2%).

Although it is now the iconic grape variety of Argentina, Malbec is native to this region of southwestern France. In the AOC Cahors wines, Malbec must constitute at least 70 percent of the blend. Continue reading “Clos Triguedina 2013”

Frappato COS 2015

6 December 2017

Light, Pinot like, but cloudy, color. Grapey aroma, with some disturbing barnyard. In the mouth light bodied and not very pleasant.

Seems like the producer is a well-regarded one. There must therefore be a good reason why in the only DOCG of Sicily (Cerasuolo di Vittoria) Frappato gets blended with a majority of Nero d’Avola. Continue reading “Frappato COS 2015”

Amigne de Vétroz 2016

29 November 2017

Amigne is a very old variety and is thought to have been introduced into the Alps by the Romans. It is one of the many indigenous grape varieties of the Valais region of Switzerland.

Valais account for a third of the total wine production of Switzerland and displays a vast richness of indigenous grapes. Continue reading “Amigne de Vétroz 2016”

Les Quarterons 2015

22 November 2017

This St Nicolas de Bourgueil AOP, one of the only few Appelations of the Loire Valley producing mainly red wines, has the typical characteristics of a Cabernet Franc.

Didn’t expect much from this 12.50 EUR wine that I bought at an “all-natural” store in Marseille, while cruising. Continue reading “Les Quarterons 2015”

L’Equilibrista 2013

1 November 2017

Elegant and well balanced, as the name let you expect. On the nose red fruits, with some spicy notes. In the mouth discrete, with a pleasant acidity that follows you in the aftertaste. The high alcohol content (15%) gets completely undetected, both on the nose and in the mouth. One more sign of a well achieved equilibrium. Continue reading “L’Equilibrista 2013”

Amarone Vigne Alte Zeni 2013

22 October 2017

Strong notes of mocha and black chocolate, both on the nose and in the mouth. Very good persistence, with a predominance of spirit soaked fruits, which doesn’t surprise, given the 15.5% alcohol typical for an “appassito” wine.

At around 30 CHF a bottle (at Coop), this is a fairly good Amarone. Continue reading “Amarone Vigne Alte Zeni 2013”

Château Barde-Haut 2001

18 October 2017

Pleasant bouquet of tobacco, liquorice and plums. In the mouth smooth and elegant. Well-developed tannins and pleasant persistence.

A really nice left bank wine, that shows the clear superiority of the Bordeaux Crus over most of the world’s wine production. Continue reading “Château Barde-Haut 2001”

Ottagono 2013

17 September 2017

This Castel del Monte DOCG produced by Torrevento is officially priced at 24.30 CHF, but is currently selling for 16.50 CHF at Denner.

The wine is made with Nero di Troia grapes: Troia being the town of the Odyssey, where the grape supposedly originated from; Nero referring to the intense ruby color, almost black. Continue reading “Ottagono 2013”