8 Wine Mates

One of the jolliest and most iconic events associated with Beaujolais Nouveau is the annual Beaujolais Run... a thoroughly English affair. Here is a short note about the history of the Beaujolais Run.

These are the Rules that apply to the production of Beaujolais Nouveau.

It's that time of year, and Beaujolais Nouveau is back, with a joyful flourish. What actually is Beaujolais Nouveau? Here is a short note.

Nebbiolo, Langhe… just crikey, if you’re a lover of tannin, this has got some big, fabulous tannins. Garnet colour, great acidity, leather and earthy on the nose. Perhaps a bit of rose petal. The flavour profile? Maybe plums, herbs, pepper, liquorice. We are happy drinking this.

Interestingly, this Valpolicella waives the right to the Classico designation because it has a screw cap. Harsh, but that’s the rule. 70/30 Corvina Rondinella. Medium bodied. Vibrant and fragrant, with cherries… lots of cherries. It’s rather lovely.

We drank the Gavi side by side with this Pinot Grigio. Why has Pinot Grigio become such a popular pub wine? Perhaps because there’s nothing to dislike about it? Perhaps the Cortese gives the Gavi a bit more character. But Pinot Grigio is safe. It’s hard to go wrong with it.

Gavi La Giustiniana. From Piedmont Made from the Cortese grape. Pale yellow in colour. Fresh citrus and yellow fruit on the nose. Dry and crisp character, with hints of lemon and green apple. Good minerality and lively acidity gives it a refreshing finish.

One has to feel sorry for Marsala. We all love Port, Sherry, even Madeira (if only thanks to Michael Flanders). Marsala, from Sicily, may be overlooked. But it’s delicious. This one is sweet, but fresh, with black cherry, plum, chocolate, honey, and figs.

We ended the evening with this Castelnau de Suduiraut Sauternes. Sémillon/Sauvignen Blanc. Sweet and bold, with a balancing acidity. Honey, apricots, and pear on the nose. Delicious floral character. Marmalade and orange peel, and just a hint of lemon and lime citrus.

From Bordeaux… Chateau Anglesey Margaux. Cab Sauv, Merlot, Perit Verdot. Dark fruit character, blackcurrant, cassis, plum, and blackberry. Hints of vanilla, mushroom, leather, and tobacco, with a leafy forest floor finish.

From Provence… (we didn’t go pink!)… Domaine Pey Blanc No.1 Red. Syrah/Grenache. Bold, tannic, dry. Medium high acids. Raspberry, cherry, redcurrant, blueberry. Vinified with daily pumping over. Preserved under marc for 20 days, then aged in a half muid for 24 months.

From Burgundy… Chorey-les-Beaune. A classic Pinot Noir. Light, bright, and and clear. Freshly acidic. Initially, some blackberry and blueberry, with a hint of violet. As it opens up, more red fruit flavours come through - redcurrants and raspberries.

From Alsace… Pfaff Gewürztraminer. We really liked this. Off dry, and aromatic, with a hint of spice (“gewürz” apparently means “spice”). Rose petals on the nose. Flavours of lychee, sultanas, and marc (after four months on the lees). The only thing we didn’t like was the label.

From the Loire… Pouilly-Fumé Les Racines. A fresh Sauvignon Blanc, with apple, lemongrass, peach, gooseberries. A nice touch of viscosity in the mouth. A flinty, mineral character, with a floral hint on the long finish.

At Wine Club this week, the 8 Wine Mates have been reviewing wines from France’s major wine regions (not including the fizzy one, or Languedoc).

Enjoying a refreshing glass of @HeppingtonWine Pinot Gris in @FenwickStores in #TunbridgeWells … freshly acidic, lots of lime, with a light floral character. A hint of bright stone fruit, perhaps yellow plum. Delightful.

The coffee shop at @FenwickStores in #TunbridgeWells does a delicious chilled #Bacchus from @ChapelDownWines … zesty and refreshing, with grapefruit, melon, a bit of tropical fruit, and a hint of lime. If you’re shopping in Fenwick, it makes for a most agreeable pit stop.

Winnica Powiercie Saint Laurent. Dry red with good tannins and medium acidity. Ruby colour. Blackcurrant and herbs on the nose. Subtle hints of forest fruit, burnt wood and coffee. A bit of chocolate on the finish. #winesofpoland

Winnica Lipka Wielka Stoneczny Blask. An elegant wine. Off dry. Lots of pear flavour, and ripe apple. Hints of honey, and floral notes. Fresh, well balanced, with a long, mineral finish. #winesofpoland

Winnica Dwór Wilkowice Rondo, Regent. Big colour, ripe fruits, plums, cherries, and forest fruits. Good, strong tannins. A hint of meadow berries. #winesofpoland