Category Archives: budget friendly

Ignaz Niedrist Schiava Classico Südtirol Kalterersee Auslese DOC 2015

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Estate: The Ignaz Niedrist winery is located in the heart of the wine growing area of Oltradige in the Rungg district of Cornaiano in Alto Adige [or South Tyrol] in northern Italy. Establshed by Josef Niedrist, the family has been making wine for over 170 years. After the area came under Italian rule following WWI, there were some difficult times for the family, as there were with so many small family wineries in Italy leading up to WWII. In 1989, Josef’s great grandchildren revitialised the winery and vineyards, increasing both the size and number of variatels planted. Today the next generation [Maria, Franz and Johannes Niedrist] are learning the family’s craft.

Philosophy: “We work in a spirit of gratitude to further develop what generations before us created, while preserving the scope for future generations to take their decisions, too. Careful, harmonized work on the vines and care of the soil, controlled yields and first-class sites are the main pillars in our drive for quality. Great importance must be attached to the best possible match between grape variety and terroir. We are at pains to combine our instinct for the world of nature, the wealth of knowledge built up by our forebears and the findings of modern viticulture.”

Winemaking: Grapes were sourced from hilltop vineyards located at 450-500 meteres above sea level. The soil is shallow and gravelly, with a high stone content [porphyry, granite, gneiss], allowing the soil to be easily warmed. Fermented in “open-top oak vats for about two weeks; the young wine ages in oak vats on fine lees for 6 months”.

Tasting Notes: Bright red with pink edges in colour. Very aromatic, with candied cherry, raspberry, white pepper, floral and a savory wisp. Fresh, light strawberry, raspberry and cherry are given a quick shake of crushed pink peppercorn. Smooth tannins highlight berry fruit and spice on the dry finish. Vibrant and energetic, this is fantastic on its own or with a varity of fresh dishes. [It was fantastic with Ricotta stuffed zucchini blossoms with red pepper passato and marinated crab crostini with red pepper aioli.]

Enjoy young and with a slight chill.

95% Schiava, 5% “complementary varieties (Negrara, Rossara, etc.)”
Südtirol Kalterersee Auslese DOC
Italy
Bottled by Ignaz Niedrist
13% Alcohol
$23 [average price]
Enjoy now

Alfredo Prunotto ‘Mompertone’ Monferrato DOC 2011

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Estate: The Prunotto estate was founded in 1923 by renowned winemaker Alfredo Prunotto. Alfredo worked for the most prestigious wineries of the time, following WWII he and his wife restored an old cooperative winery. They raised the standards of cultivation and production and were successful in exporting their wines outside of Italy. In 1956 Alfredo retired and sold the estate to his friend and fellow winemaker Beppe Colla who, together with Carlo Filiberti and later with brother Tino Colla, carried on managing the winery with Alfredo’s same love. In 1989, the Antinori family purchased the 55 hectare estate, intent on continuing the “excellent level of quality so sought after by Alfredo Prunotto”.

Tasting Notes: Inky garnet with brick edges in colour, with a plethora of aromas; dark fruits, licorice, pepper spice, woodsy earth and cinnamon. Leather, earth and smoky spice notes provide the foundation to layers of all the cherries [red, black and a streak of sour]. Silky tannins and tart cherry accent the clean, dry finish. Easy drinking, a versatile companion at the table.

60% Barbera, 40% Syrah
Monferrato DOC
Italy
Bottled by Prunotto SRL
14% Alcohol
$17
Enjoy now thru 2018

Fault Line Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough 2015

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Brand: Fault Line takes its name from an earthquake of an estimated 7.5 magnitude that shook the Marlborough region in 1848. The earthquake left behind a fault line of at least 105 km [65 miles] in the Awatere Valley, where many of the grapes for the Fault Line brand are grown.

Winemaking: Grapes were sourced from sustainably vineyards in lower Wairau, Rapaura and the Brancott Valley, all in the Marlborough region. Cool fermented in stainless steel “to retain freshness and zing”.

Tasting Notes: Light gold in color with summertime aromas of fresh peach, pineapple, lime zest and tomato leaf. Tasting delightfully similar to the aromas with peach, pineapple and lemon accented by bright acidity and tomato leaf hints, lemon zest and apricot linger on the energizing finish. Immediately recognizable as the classic Marlborough style, this is a refreshing, tropical sip for a hot summer day.

Pairing Suggestions from the Winemaker: Fresh seafood, summer salads.

100% Sauvignon Blanc
Marlborough
New Zealand
Produced & Bottled by Marlborough Valley Wines Ltd.
13% Alcohol
$12 [average price]
Enjoy now

Sample provided for review purpose.

Antichi Vigneti di Cantalupo ‘Il Mimo’ Nebbiolo Rosé Colline Novaresi DOC 2016

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Estate: Antichi Vigneti di Cantalupo is located in Ghemme, at the top of the Piedmont region of northern Italy. The property has been handed down from father to son for centuries, all the while cultivating grapes for their own use or selling to other wineries. [The family’s “viticulture presence in Ghemme is documented from the beginning of the 1500s onwards”.] In 1977 Alberto Arlunno took the reins of the estate, revitalizing and increasing the vineyards and began estate bottling the grapes. Today the estate consists of 100 hectares, 34 of which are under vine.

Winemaking: Grapes were sourced from vineyards located on alluvial hills where “in ancient times the great Monte Rosa glacier receded. The soil is rich in easily fragmented pebbles providing the vines with a quantity of minerals.” The Nebbiolo Rosé takes its name from an ancient Roman mime mask that was found at the base of the Ghemme hill. Both theatre and wine are areas presided over by the ancient Greek god Dionysus, [or Bacchus during Roman times].

Tasting Notes: Bright orange-coral in colour with soft aromas of peach, citrus zest and lemongrass. Light peach, currant, citrus and grass flavours are accented by a bright acidity, peach and apricot comprise the dry, fruity finish. A little more body then most Rosé, don’t drink this straight out of the fridge, let it sit in the glass a bit for the aromas and flavours to open.

100% Nebbiolo
Colline Novaresi DOC
Italy
Estate Bottled by Antichi Vigneti di Cantalupo di Alberto Arlunno
13.5% Alcohol
$12
Enjoy now

Santa Julia ‘Tintillo’ Mendoza 2016

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I love chilled red wines. A fantastic alternative [or addition] to rosé and white wines; light, fruity reds are incredibly refreshing for summer sipping, and a perfect pairing with anything coming off the grill.

Estate: The Zuccardi family has been making wine in Mendoza since 1963, when Alberto Zuccardi planted his first vines. Now in his 90’s, Alberto is known as a pioneering force in both Mendoza and the Uco Valley. [Click here to read the Decanter article detailing his innovations.] Today, the multiple estate vineyards and winery are headed by Alberto’s son, José, along with José’s eldest son, Sebastián, and daughter, Julia [the 3rd generation].The Santa Julia Winery was established in the 1990’s in honor of Julia, as she is José’s only daughter. The family is committed to achieving the highest quality wines through sustainable practices, working to protect the environment and develop the community. Expanding to the Uco Valley, the family opened Valle de Uco Winery last year, where winemakers focus on research and development, while studying the variables that influence wines throughout the Uco Valley.

Philosophy: “To be natural, environmentally friendly and grow in harmony with the community of which we are part.”

Winemaking: All the vineyards are farmed organic [with the majority certified] and sustainable.

Tasting Notes: Red-violet in colour with radiating aromas of fresh cherry, strawberry and wildflowers accented by a herbaceous streak. Juicy cherry, strawberry, blackberry and raspberry flavours are backed by earth and herbaceous elements, along with fresh acidity. A trace of dark chocolate lingers on the fruity, dry finish. Fantastically easy drinking and refreshing, a delightfully tasty summer sip.

Enjoy chilled between 46 – 56°F [7-13°C].

Pairing Suggestions from the Winery: Pairs perfectly with barbecue, grilled fish, mild cheeses and a sunny day.

50% Malbec, 50% Bonarda
Mendoza
Argentina
Estate Grown & Bottled by Bodega Santa Julia
13% Alcohol
$12.99 [SRP]
Enjoy now

 

 

Sample submitted for review purpose.