Classic with a Flourish
Gutsy & Dry. Classic Chianti – Sangiovese (90%), but there is an added richness which comes from the 10% Merlot in the blend.
The 371 acres of Castello di Gabbiano propriety is composed by 2 different macro area : Gabbiano hill and Branca hill.
The vintner says that the wines we obtain in Gabbiano hill are for long aging with a lot of character and minerality. Branca hill have a more fresh, deep and rich soil than Gabbiano. This soil are rich in organic matter , the rock are more Alberese than Galestro. Here the roots go deeper thanks to the kind of soil , and this give wines with more acidity , lower pH and with a very fresh aromatic profile.
Roasted Meats and Baked desserts are ideal to go with it.
CHIANTI CLASSICO – GABBIANO CAVALIERE D’ORO 2017
$17.99 regularly $19.99
13.5% alcohol
UPC: 00089819502417
Quite Unlike her older Sister
Elegance with a contemporary soul, the wine is slightly off dry, but with a lush palate. A Great all-rounder.
The Catalunya climate is fully Mediterranean and continental. Soils are calcareous sedimentary deposits that are poor in organic matter, with silt and clay.
A blend of Moscatel de Alejandría and Gewürztraminer Catalunya. The Moscatel de Alejandría grapes are harvested in early September and the Gewürztraminer grapes are harvested in mid-September. The grapes undergo fermentation in stainless steel under controlled temperature for 14 days. Brilliant straw yellow. Very fragrant, with delicate floral (rose) and fruit (lychee) notes. Soft and seductive on the palate with a luscious (acacia honey) finish.
They also do a rose, (Granacha) which I would like to try.
She went very well with quiches on the first night and was in great form for baked cod with Mediterranean style crust the second night.
If we were listening to this Esmeralda, she’s be one of the chorus for Giannis and Mikis. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cE_RDYh9Mo
If we were drinking down at her older sister’s place (Rising Sun), we’d want a big fat Red. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfh5QOb1adE
CATALUNYA – TORRES VINA ESMERALDA
$14.49 regularly $17.49
11% Alcohol
UPC: 08410113001122
Ms Loon has moved
Still Amongst Us
Not as I remember
Recently hauled Dag Hammarskjold’s Markings off the bookshelf.
It’s a more remarkable manuscript than I recalled. I thought I would skim through the pages to refresh my memories. That lasted about 20 seconds. An hour later I picked myself up off the floor after leaning on the bookcase reading and reflecting. The next morning I found myself in the same position.
It is beautifully written and profound.
Read Slowly. Absorb and Reflect. It’s full of wisdom.
Markings, Dag Hammarskjold. Translated from the Swedish by Leif Sjoberg and W.H. Auden. Forward by W.H. Auden
Being Neighbourly
Who will survive?
Amazing synchronization https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfocABDDZP0
Is Ignorance Bliss?
Long Harvest with an excellent yield
The 2017 harvest, lasting 66 days, was one of extremes. The harvest started later than anticipated, with a cool, wet spring. However, a record-breaking dry spell followed in July and August, with temperatures well above seasonal norms. This warm, dry summer resulted in a crop of small, concentrated berries that should produce wines of exceptional depth and intensity. The harvest concluded on October 30, yielding a crop reminiscent of the incredible 2009 vintage.
All that effort from the Osoyoos (54%) and Oliver (46%) vineyards came a lovely medium Merlot that is quite fruit forward. 15 months in oak certainly contributes to the fullness.
Thick, local lamb chops, with lots of rosemary, made an ideal pairing.
MISSION HILL – RESERVE MERLOT 2018
$24.99 regularly $26.99
13.5% alcohol
UPC: 00776545995117