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”

El Tauro 2015

The colour is medium garnet. On the nose meaty and earthy character, with some cherries. In the mouth rather light, but pleasant. The aftertaste is medium long and enjoyable.

I hardly drink very cheap wines, but when I saw this bottle selling at Coop for 2.60 CHF, 60% off the original price of 6.50 CHF, I couldn’t resist the temptation of tasting it. Continue reading “El Tauro 2015”

Gaja Barbaresco 2008

The colour is deep garnet. On the nose at first very closed. With some air it opens up, but the bouquet remains very subtle, with a predominance of underground. In the mouth a solid structure, with good acidity and well-integrated tannins. The aftertaste is at first very short, but after some air exposure it becomes fairly long.

Similar to its more famous sibling Barolo, Barbaresco is made from 100% Nebbiolo grapes and is considered among the finest wines in the world. Continue reading “Gaja Barbaresco 2008”

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”

Sfursat 5 Stelle 2009

The colour is deep garnet. The nose is dominated by mushrooms, accompanied by dried fruits and some liquorice. In the mouth good acidity and well integrated tannins. The aftertaste is very long and savoury.

Sfursat 5 Stelle is produced by Nino Negri and is the most prestigious wine of Valtellina, a district in the Lombardy region of northern Italy. Continue reading “Sfursat 5 Stelle 2009”

Vigna Pedale 2015

The colour is deep ruby. On the nose red fruits and spices. Raspberries, cherries, tobacco and anise come to mind. In the mouth medium body, medium acidity and soft tannins. The finish reminds me of black tea. The aftertaste is medium long.

A medium wine with plenty of awards: trebicchieri Gambero Rosso, Gold Medal Expovina, Gold Medal Mundusvini, Gold Medal Berliner Wine Trophy. Continue reading “Vigna Pedale 2015”

Nebbiolo

Last month I hosted another wine tasting event at my home. Four friends joined me to taste blindly six Nebbiolo based wines. What we found was much to our surprise.

Nebbiolo is one of the most prestigious grape varieties of Italy. Continue reading “Nebbiolo”

Palafreno 2008

Palafreno 2008: The colour is deep ruby, tending to garnet. On the nose prevailing aromas of undergrowth and tomatoes, with some eucalyptus, dark cherries and balsamic notes. In the mouth less intense than you would expect on the nose. Good acidity and well-integrated tannins. Very nice finish. Some chocolate flavours accompany the very long aftertaste. Sip after sip the sensations keep changing, which makes this wine outstanding. Continue reading “Palafreno 2008”