Well what an evening, SIX wines to sample, we haven’t had one like that for a long time…
Our hosts Jacqui & Nick splashed out on six pricey wines, well Jacqui did at Majestic whilst Nick sat in the car watching James Bond…not sure if he was ‘stirred’ or ‘shaken’ by the cost !
I can confirm at this early stage that the more you pay for a wine doesn’t necessarily mean it tastes better…with the most expensive coming in at just over £25, it came bottom of the evening – Opps, sorry getting ahead of myself … lets go back to the beginning.
Eight on-board for the October gathering in Italy !! (if only… no, we were tasting Italian wines) and two, Mark & Linda away on-board a cruise ship (like what I did there ?.. no, ok, I know pretty feeble..)
Jacqui & Nicks is one that you have to drive to (out in the sticks) ..well, actually the boys drive ..nothing has changed there over the last 15 years !
Just need to say a big GRAZIE to Jacqui for the extensive tasting notes (bravo) makes my job so much easier.
Delicious food accompanied all the wines, including a big plate full of halloumi, not Italian I know but seriously tasty. I could have eaten the whole lot but after all I am a big mouse.
Terry wondered why he had to share his dish of crumble with seven others, after all in his mind it was clearly a dish for one !
Now onto the wines
Wine One: Pietrariccia Fiano 2016, Surani £8.99
Origin: Masseria Surani is an estate dating back to the early 1900s and located on Italy’s heel. This wine is thought to have origins in ancient Greece (I see why Jacqui went for this one)
None of us had come across the Fiano grape before. It was crisp to taste and pale in colour, with citrus and floral notes. Would be good for summer drinking as it had a refreshing edge.
Wine Two: Planeta 2015 Cometa £25.19
Origin: Made with 100% Fiano on the southern slopes of Sicily.
We didn’t like this one at all and were completely shocked at the price of it. It was much darker in colour, than the first, it had the look of an older wine and some thought a slight fizz on the tongue. There were hints of menthol to it.
The tasting notes say it should have tangerine, peach & thyme aromas. Full bodied & gutsy !
We were struggling with the grape varieties, we are not strong on Italian wines… so Jacquie threw us a clue for the next one.. “its a two part name”.. so Karen & I started guessing… Marks & Spencer, John Lewis… obviously not what she meant !
Nor was, Classico, Reserva, Superior etc etc.. yes I know they are one words, but we WERE struggling to find the answer, which of course were those famous words ‘Super Tuscan’ … now, who as ever heard that before, made up by Majestic wines probably !
Anyway moving on..
Wine Three: Dogajolo Carpineto 2015 Toscana £9.99
Origin: In the style of the Super Tuscan wines (whatever that is) this wine was a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon & the native Sangiovese.
Absolutely yummy ! Really excellent value for money. Soft & fruity, a deep plum colour, aged in oak but not too oaky tasting. A great all round wine with a lovely smooth finish…go & buy it !
Some loved the label but very autumnal..
Wine Four: Le Volte dell’Ornellaia 2015 £22.59
Origin: Producers of one of Italy’s most celebrated Bordeaux-inspired wines (would have been right up your street Mark) another Super Tuscan blend, marrying Bordeaux Merlot & Cabernet Sauvignon with the local Sangiovese.
A deep dark ruby red wine, possibly hints of chocolate (I thought) and black fruits. We thought it was less sweet than the previous one, a lighter wine that was ‘interesting’
Wine Five: Valpolicella Ripasso 2015 Villa Borghette £11.99
Origin: Situated amongst the rolling hills in the heart of Valpolicella Classico.
Grape: Corvina, Rodinella & Corvinone (all stangers to us)
Another popular wine with the group, initially we thought it seemed identical to wine 3, but after a while in the glass there was a noticeable difference, this one was voted ‘yummy’ rather than ‘absolutely yummy’ which in wine tasting is a significant difference ! It had a richness and depth similar to Amarone, cherries, blueberry & some spice were noted. Worth the £11.99
Wine Six: Amarone Classico Vigneti di Roccolo Cantina Negrar £19.99
Origin: A blend of Corvina, Rondinelle & Molinara grape varieties.
I love the write up for this one ” Brooding, deep & intense” – Immediately my mind starts to wander to some of ‘those’ actors…sorry no.. I mean my husband Geoff, he IMMEDIATLY sprang to mind !!!
This was a winner, superb as you’d expect, who doesn’t love an Amarone.. aromas of Christmas cake, chocolate, cinnamon and spice. Thick, velvety, rich & fruity..DELICIOUS… go and buy this for Christmas (if not before).
A good evening was enjoyed by all.. sorry must dash I can hear the kettle boiling .. but not actually whistling !!! (I realise if you weren’t there, that makes no sense).
Well time to stick a cork in it.
Bye S x
Ps. Not checked for sneling mist*kes
Wine Club Uncorked 