Le Difese 2018

The colour is deep ruby. Not much neither on the nose, where I barely detect some sour cherries, nor in the mouth, where I feel drying tannins and a bitter finish. The aftertaste is short.

Le Difese is made by Tenuta San Guido, the producer of the famous Sassicaia, first produced with the 1968 vintage. Le Difese is the third wine of the estate, first produced with the 2002 vintage. In between, the winery produces a second wine, labelled Guidalberto, first produced with the 2000 vintage. Continue reading “Le Difese 2018”

Plantscher 2016

The colour is medium gold. On the nose notes of apple, apricot, honey and chamomile. In the mouth very fresh. It stimulates salivation and overall gives a silky sensation. The aftertaste is very dry and not very tasty, but it last for a fairly long time.

This unique wine is produced by Chanton, a winery at the center of rare grape preservation in Valais. Continue reading “Plantscher 2016”

Chateau Haut-Lavignere 2016

The colour is deep ruby. On the nose charmingly fruity. Prunes, cherries and the ever-present blackberries come to mind. In the mouth not much of a body, with a unpleasantly bitter and drying finish. The aftertaste is medium long. When you start eating, the flaws in the mouth disappear and the appealing sensations on the nose make the overall experience with this wine very enjoyable. Continue reading “Chateau Haut-Lavignere 2016”

Johannisberg de Chamoson 2019

The colour is medium straw. On the nose melon, pear and almond. In the mouth velvety, with a pleasantly slightly bitter finish. Very enjoyable, with a medium long aftertaste.

This wine is made with Sylvaner grapes, known as Johannisberg in Valais. The second most widely planted white grape variety in Valais; although it lags far behind the first, which is Chasselas, called Fendant in Valais. Continue reading “Johannisberg de Chamoson 2019”

Maître de Chais Vieilles Vignes 2017

The colour is medium gold. On the nose Valais apricots and pears, accompanied by honey on a buttered brioche. In the mouth discrete, with a medium lasting aftertaste.

This wine is made with Marsanne and Rousanne grapes, both autochthonous of the French Rhône Valley, which geographically start in the Swiss Canton of Valais, where this wine is produced. Continue reading “Maître de Chais Vieilles Vignes 2017”

Juan Gil Blue Label 2018

The colour is dark ruby. On the nose dark cherries, dark berries and dark chocolate, accompanied by balsamic and spicy notes. In the mouth smooth, with a marked sensation of dark chocolate that last in the long aftertaste. With air the sensations change and become more subtle, which makes tasting this wine interesting.

This wine is a blend of 60% Monastrell, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Syrah. It ages for 18 months in French and American oak barrels. Continue reading “Juan Gil Blue Label 2018”

Alma de Luzón 2016

The colour is deep ruby. Already from the first sight the wine appears thick. An impression that is confirmed by the other senses as well. On the nose it reminds me of a Port wine. Among other aromas I can detect blackberry, caramel and chocolate, a lot of chocolate. In the mouth the wine is succulent. The aftertaste is again similar to a Port and last for a very long time. This wine is very rich, for my taste too rich. It is a wine that gives me more the sensation of eating than drinking. After swallowing it I almost feel like drinking some water. Continue reading “Alma de Luzón 2016”

Bodegas Volver & Casa Rojo

Despite the COVID-19 resurgence in Spain, early August I decided to stick to my plans and to go discover the wines made in the area around Alicante and Murcia.

My first visit right out of the plane has been Bodegas Volver, which I discovered by reviewing a wine I bought at Denner: Solnia 2014 (www.thelovedwine.com/solnia-2014). Continue reading “Bodegas Volver & Casa Rojo”

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”