April: Assuming there haven’t been any Spring frosts that have already caused the vigneron to panic, this will be a time of rapid growth in the vineyard, not only in the vine but all indigenous plants or cover crops as well. In most vineyards this will be a good time to start spraying plants against various insects and diseases, as well as considering some extra nutrients for the soil as the vine will typically outstrip its available resources, especially on soils with poor fertility. Weed control is paramount at this stage as well, so as not to deprive the vines of the nutrients it so badly needs at this time. It has to be said, this is typically a beautiful time to visit the vineyards as the land is alive with the activity of farmers, and the emerging green shoots are beautiful to look at!
Hello Wine Lovers! I promised that Spring was just around the corner in our last newsletter and, lo and behold, it’s finally here! I’ve been having a great deal of fun with my Spanish Value Experiment and I’m unearthing some very interesting wines to showcase in a tasting in May. However, between now and then we only have time for a single tasting, so time to spread our taste-buds a little and prepare for another International Blind Tasting event! 6 wines from across the world, served blind and with only a few clues to guide you to the correct answer. Choose wisely… As there are only a few spots available this month, be quick as they have a tendency to disappear quickly!
Events: Maestrazgo Wine Club:
26th April – International Wine Tasting: Blind Tasting – 10 places available – 30 euros p/p
Articles: I probably spend too much of my time reading online articles about wine. However, as a result I can find and select a choice few to share – here are my three favourites from last month!
1. ‘The Real Value of Old Vines’ by Amaya Cervera. Spain has a wealth of old vines and vineyards across the country, many of which are starting to be snapped up wine-makers who’ve recognised their potential. However, the pressures of the industry, included a great deal of subsidised uprooting programs have left certain areas with very few old vineyards left, with most disappearing to be replaced by modern trellising systems that facilitate mechanical harvesting. Whilst the age of vines is often overstated as a qualitative factor, there are more than a few advantages to preserving this heritage and indeed we should! https://www.spanishwinelover.com/learn-304-the-real-value-of-old-vines
2. ‘English Wine and the Union Flag’ by Tim Atkin MW. Wine, like any business, ends up inextricably intertwined with politics, usually in the form of appellations in the Old World. With Britain in the midst of its biggest political and social division of my lifetime, it’s unavoidable that local products are caught up in the furor. Enter, British Sparkling Wine. Recently rolled up into the newly re-formed ‘Wines of Great Britain’, with a remarkably patriotic new logo and a market that will be forced to pay increasingly more for Champagne, Cava and Prosecco the question is; “will this is a good thing for the local industry?” Thoughts by Tim Atkin MW. http://www.timatkin.com/articles?1862
3. ‘Gredos ‘Pinot-like- Garnacha’ by Ferran Centelles. Ok, so the original article was written in 2016 but, fortunately for us, republished as a ‘Throw-Back Thursday’ and removed from the protection of Jancis Robinson’s paypall. Ferran, JR’s Spain specialist, digs into the formation of the Sierra Grados mountains, the sub-regions therein and the styles being produced there. We recently organised The New Face of Spanish Garnacha tasting, including two wines from this region, one of which was the run-away winner of the evening. Delicate, aromatic and often wild in nature, this is a region that is increasingly going from strength to strength. https://www.jancisrobinson.com/articles/gredos-pinotlike-garnacha
Wine of the month: I’m constantly on the look-out for wines of real quality and value; here is my favourite wine of the month
Gaba do Xil Mencia 2015: I’ve been particularly spoilt with excellent wine this month, but despite the beauty of Donnhoff, the wild and unruly charm of As Caborcas and the sheer marvel that was Catena’s ‘White Stones’ Chardonnay, the wine I’d like to present is another from the Spanish Value Experiment; Gaba do Xil Mencia by Telmo Rodriguez.
Bright, cherry red in colour and surprisingly aromatic. Ripe cherries and damsons are complimented by violets, smoked meat and a touch of black pepper; very Northern Rhone! Fresh and slightly firm on the palate, with the same rustic, smokey flavours as the nose and a long, red-fruit inflected finish. This punches well above its weight and is very much in the style of As Caborcas, but at 1/8th of the price. I can see myself drinking a lot more of this in the future. For a complete review and more background information, make sure to check this write-up.
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That’s it for this months newsletter. I hope you enjoyed it and please, if you have any suggestions or things you would like to see get in touch! Either respond to me here or email to fintankerr@winecuentista.com I can’t wait to see you all soon for more wine, food and good company.
Fintan Kerr