Episode 10: The Ins and Outs of Wine Tasting

Summer is over, so we're going to podcast again! In this ninth episode we talk about special wine countries. We skip France, Spain and Italy for a change. No, this time the spotlight is on wine countries like Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Lebanon, Greece, China and many more. Wine has also often been made there for centuries, are they old or new world countries? And why do we know so little about it? This often has to do with the capricious history, Ernst knows all about that, of course.

Wines from these countries usually do not have a good reputation, we will show that this is unjustified! We are also going to drink cola with red wine, because the Chinese love it so much! Do you want to know how this ends? Then listen to the Klare Wijn Podcast, episode 9: Special wine countries.

Have fun listening…

Bizoe Semillon Crossroad € 14.80

The name 'Crossroad' comes from the use of two vineyards, each with its own character that complement each other perfectly in the bottle. One vineyard provides citrus and minerality, the other vineyard provides more richness and stone fruit. The vineyards are located in Darling and Franschhoek. The wines mature in so-called Apollo Fermentation Tanks. These are an egg-shaped tank that ensures a constant flow due to the shape. Rikus leaves the wines in contact with the 'lie' for 10 months for extra complexity. An intense scent of boxwood, hay and citrus. The taste is long, juicy and complex.

Mourgues du Gres Terre d'Argence Blanc € 14.50

François and Anne Collard make their wines in Costières de Nîmes, between the Rhone and the Camargue. The grapes for their Terre d'Argence come from vineyards with old vines, which ensures richness and concentration. The blend is special: it is a combination of Rhone grapes viognier and rousanne and the aromatic Sud-Ouest grape petit manseng. Because the vines are old, the yields are low and the grapes therefore have a very concentrated taste. After fermentation, in which no sulphite is used, the wine is aged for another year, a third in wooden barrels. It gives a luscious, rich white wine, with ripe fruit, roundness and minerality. Drink it preferably with meals, from poultry and white meat to curries and spicy cheeses.

Loredan Gasparini Cabernet Sauvignon Montello €12.80

Cabernet Sauvignon from Loredan Gasparini - Venegazzù is a red wine that is partly aged in large oak barrels. A characteristic Cabernet Sauvignon with scents of balsamic blackberries, cherry jam and spices. Fresh, mineral and a nice full aftertaste. The old wine-growing area of Montello (north of Venice) is relatively unknown, but the wine-growing area has a perfect microclimate for the classic red French wine-growing areas. The Cabernet Sauvignon is 50% aged in large oak barrels and 50% aged in still casks.

Mourgues du Gres Terre d'Argence Blanc € 14.50

François and Anne Collard make their wines in Costières de Nîmes, between the Rhone and the Camargue. The grapes for their Terre d'Argence come from vineyards with old vines, which ensures richness and concentration. The blend is special: it is a combination of Rhone grapes viognier and rousanne and the aromatic Sud-Ouest grape petit manseng. Because the vines are old, the yields are low and the grapes therefore have a very concentrated taste. After fermentation, in which no sulphite is used, the wine is aged for another year, a third in wooden barrels. It gives a luscious, rich white wine, with ripe fruit, roundness and minerality. Drink it preferably with meals, from poultry and white meat to curries and spicy cheeses.

Malvasia Reserve 5 Year Old € 14.95

The Malvasia is also called 'Malmsey' in Madeira. Wines from this grape are sweet in taste and have a ripe and intense character. The grapes come from vineyards in the northeastern part of the island, where the fertile soil and the special microclimate ensure perfectly ripe grapes with a nice freshness. For this Malvasia 5 year old, the wine matures for 5 years according to the Canteiro method in oak barrels. The stable cellar temperature ensures an exceptional balance between sweet and sour. The golden wine has warm aromas of roasted almonds, honey and a light smokiness. In the taste, the wine is sultry and sweet, with notes of caramelized sugar and round, fresh acidity in the aftertaste. Thick and luscious in character, but with a refreshing elegance.