Tuesday 8 December 2009

Big Bold Label but do they have Bang for Buck

I have been away for a week but back with a bang (hopefully)!

Here are two wines that jump out at you from the shelf with their striking, contemporary labels. There is no real link or story between these two, they just seemed to stand out from the pack. The question is, will they grab the attention of the taste buds in the same way?

The first is a Fitou from the Mont Tauch cooperative. I have had some good experiences with French co-op's in the past - good wine for a good price. They have been making this since one since 1913 so hopes are high. I don't know much about Fitou, only what is on the back. A mix of Carignan, Grenache and Syrah (Or Shiraz to the new world buffs). If you like it pay their website (http://www.mont-tauch.com/) a visit, they are giving away a case.

The other selection is a fruity looking Pinotage and the first Rose to join in the adventure. Hopefully the South Africans have got this one sorted. Sophisticated is the word they use. Can a Rose be sophisticated or is it just for the alcopop drinkers that want to grow up?

Tuesday 24 November 2009

Cellier des Dauphins - Cotes du Rhone, 2006

A combination of Syrah and Grenache blended in the summer sun at the end of the Rhone. An initially fruity aroma, then becomes earthy and slightly musty. The taste is one of blackberries with some tannins and a slightly acidic after taste. Overall quite palletable.

In my mind its unmistakeably French. Ideal if you are sitting three inches off the ground in a camping chair, waiting for the old guys in the tent across the way to down their Pernod and continue the boules tourney. Equally well suited if you are just thinking about planning your holiday too!

You can find out more at www.cellier-des-dauphines.com

Available from Morrisons - £4.99

Saturday 14 November 2009

Pished!!!

Yes, maybe but it was an interesting evening. Thanks to everyone that took part.

Wine Tasting - Live

It sound like a Channel 4 production! Anyway if you want to join in the wines are listed below:

Pick one and rate it on my Facebook page 'Chablis Charlie and the Grape Adventure'. You can follow the link on the left hand menu.

See you later.....

Wednesday 11 November 2009

Can you taste wine virtually?

Interactive Tasting Anyone?

This Saturday evening I am planning to host a wine tasting event.

You are all welcome to join in and post your comments live. I don't expect you to try them all because unless you are having a party too, you will have a lot of open wine bottles. However why not choose one or two and join in.

Here is the list of pre-selected wines:
- Le Dog de Charlotte, Chardonnay 2008, France
- KWV, Chenin Blanc 2009, South Africa
- Picco d'Umbria, Orvieto d.o.c. 2008, Italy
- Nederburg, Shiraz Pinotage 2008, South Africa
- Kiwi Cuvee, Pinot Noir 2007, France
- The Best, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo d.o.c., Italy

They are all available from Morrison's and under the £6 limit (although there was a very tempting Gigondas at a tenner).

You can follow or join the event live via Twitter (@chablischarlie). Tasting notes will also be added to a discussion provided I can still type. Let the fun begin.

Tuesday 10 November 2009

Macon Villages (Bourgogne) - Cave de Lungy , Chardonnay


A nice light looking Chardonnay without the darkness you get from oak. It also has that characteristic musty aroma that let's you know a Frenchman has been involved here.

Crisp and quite sharp citrus flavours then mellowing afterwards. Very refreshing.

Certainly lives up to its billing and nice to see a good French white for only £5.50 - Great!

Sunday 8 November 2009

Le Dog de Jean Marc - Merlot


Smooth and silky? A difficult one to describe. Slightly musty aroma, plumbs then followed by a lingering taste of cinnamon. Not a complicated wine, you could almost believe it was Australian.

Not a bad effort. Its certainly true what they say about it being good to drink when eating or watching TV, even it if is the X-Factor!

Saturday 7 November 2009

Je Ne Sais Pas Pourquoi


Now that’s not a queue for a Kylie song (unless you really want to). Don’t ask me why but the two wines I chose today are both French. I had an urge to try some wines from the supposed experts, lets face it the French have been drinking it for long enough.

The first is a Macon Villages Chardonnay from Bourgogne. It looks very much the part with its classic label and gold badge. Lets hope it tastes as good as it looks.

The second is a very un French looking Merlot called ‘Le Dog de Jean Marc’. The dog apparently loves sausages. The wine is supposed to be a soft and fruity red from the village of Tuchan.

Wednesday 4 November 2009

La Finca – Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendoza - Argentina

This is a lighter ruby colour than you would normally associate with a Cabernet, so it was no surprise that it did not pack a big punch. A slightly must aroma (I do associate this with Argentinean reds) is followed by a sharp taste of red currants. At the back of your mouth you do get that spiciness and for me an aftertaste of raspberries.

Light and easy to drink but it will not have you salivating for more. Mind you what do you want for £3.49!

Monday 2 November 2009

No Power, only 25% battery remaining

Right, I had better be quick here. I am sitting in the dark as we are experiencing a power cut right now. It does not look like the problem will be fixed any time soon.

So no tasting tonight, although I did manage to upload some images of a few very nice wines I tasted last week. These are on my facebook page. Unfortunately they don't count as part of the adventure. If you fancy treating yourself though, I am sure you can find them here too.

10% remaining, better hit the publish button!

Sunday 1 November 2009

Buenos Aires – Chenin Blanc/Torres 2008, Mendoza


A pale looking white, you could almost think it was an Italian Pinot. Sharp and dry, almost acidic to begin with but then mellows out a little to become almost buttery. There is fruit here but I am not convinced I get the mellon as described on the label.

Not awful but I would not be rushing to buy it again. However that's just my opinion.

Available from Tesco - £5.16 (12.5%)

Saturday 31 October 2009

Fern Bay – Sauvignon Blanc 2008, Malborough


I did say I was looking forward to this one, so I am pleased that it did not disappoint. A nice crisp and fruity wine, but also subtle with it. There were lingering citrusy notes and dare I say, it reminded me a little of freshly cut grass!!
This would be a great wine for summer afternoon drinking. Still it’s also OK for a dark October evening. Well worth the money.

Available from Tesco - £4.99 (12.5% ABV)

The Southern Hemisphere Selection

I have been out and about today to find some wines that look interesting and hopefully tasty. Geographically, this selection could not be more distant from where I am sitting right now (that’s just outside Glasgow by the way). We have two from Mendoza region at the foot of the Andes. Then it is over to the renowned Malborough region in New Zealand. I am looking forward to this one as it was a sub £5 bargin.
If I was collecting these and earning air miles I would be Platinum for life!

I am still in search of the illusive Palatium pinot blanc so if you have seen it please let me know where.

Tuesday 27 October 2009

Stormhoek Re-visited

I have decided to re-visit the Stormhoek I tasted on Sunday. It certainly seems to have the same fruitiness as it did a couple of days ago. Yes, it does grow on you but there still isn't much subtlety about this one.

Also read about an interesting German Pinot Blanc called Palatium. I don't normally go for these but it has captured my interest so I will see if I can track down a bottle.

Sunday 25 October 2009

The first batch, here we go!

As the clocks have changed and its not stopped raining, it truly feels like winter. My choices therefore might have something to do with thoughts of sunshine and keeping warm. I might also be playing save on my first outing at sticking to what I know. Hopefully these two reds will not disappoint and help keep the wintery thoughts at bay.

The first is from South Africa, a Stormhoek 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon. I chose this as I usually enjoy South African wine. It also had its website on the front of the label (www.stormhoek.com); so in the spirit of a virtual community, I thought I would check out the site and see if the wine lives up the makers’ claims.

The second participant is a nice looking young (2008) Italian from the Villa Lucia vineyard - D.O.C. Chianti Colli Senesi. No website this time but I will see what Google comes up with.

I have created discussion groups on my Facebook page for each wine. If you have tasted the wines too, then please let me know your thoughts.

The Adventure Begins

What is the grape adventure then? Well as we are still in the midst of a credit crunch, I thought I would try and find the best wines on a budget.

So here is the deal, all the wines I taste will be less the £6 and available in your local supermarket (no end of shelf promotions). I will just post my opinion, feel free to post yours too.

Right then, I'm off to buy some wine, let's see what we find....