Wines >100 CHF

Wines >100 CHF: Last month I organised a blind tasting of wines that sells between 100 CHF and 150 CHF.

The six wines we tasted were freely picked by the participants to the event. We usually taste completely blind, without even knowing the wines we are tasting. This time we decided to announce the wines beforehand. Continue reading “Wines >100 CHF”

Aragonia Selección Especial 2017

The colour is medium ruby. On the nose fruity: raspberries, strawberries and cherries. In the mouth fruity and a bit sweet. The fruity sensation continues in the aftertaste. Overall, very pleasant, but for my taste a bit too fruity.

Campo de Borja is a DO wine zone in Aragon, situated just south of the Ebro River and north of La Huecha River, not far from Zaragoza. Continue reading “Aragonia Selección Especial 2017”

Faustino I 2009

The colour is deep ruby. On the nose dried berry fruits, spices, vanilla and balsamic notes. In the mouth flavourful and fresh, with a drying finish. The aftertaste last for a long while and reminds of cherries.

Faustino I is a blend of 80% Tempranillo with Graciano and Mazuelo grapes, made in the Rioja wine region of Spain. It is released for sale after a minimum of 25 months aging in French and American oak barrels, and at least 3 years in the bottle. Continue reading “Faustino I 2009”

Pingus 2013

The colour is deep ruby. On the nose plums, cranberries and mocha. In the mouth elegant and well balanced. The aftertaste is shorter than you would expect.

Pingus is a Tempranillo varietal wine made by Peter Sisseck, a Danish winemaker, who began his Spanish wine career in 1991 at Hacienda Monasterio, where he still works as a senior oenologist. Continue reading “Pingus 2013”

Vega Sicilia Unico Gran Reserva 2007

The colour is deep garnet. The nose is very intense, with a mix of red and dark berries, tomato sauce, leather and roasted meat. In the mouth very filling, elegant and balanced. The aftertaste is tasty and last for a long while.

Vega Sicilia Unico has been one of my favourite wines since I first tasted it a few years ago. This bottle confirms my enthusiasm. Continue reading “Vega Sicilia Unico Gran Reserva 2007”

El Nido 2008

The colour is medium garnet. On the nose dark berries and prunes under spirit. In the mouth fresh, with well-integrated tannins. The aftertaste is tasty and very, very long.

The 2008 El Nido is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Monastrell, aged for 24 months in new French and American oak. Continue reading “El Nido 2008”

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”

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”