Recently I had the pleasure to attend what will surely be remembered as one of the most remarkable wine events in London this year – the Koshu of Japan tasting at the luxurious boutique Como The Halkin Hotel. When I received the invitation from the drinks business, the leading European drinks trade publication, it immediately made my curiosity spike up. For me Japan is a dream travel destination and everything about it is a bit mysterious and exotic, including Japanese wine which is rare and unknown to most of us. Just to be clear, I am not talking about rice wine… Continue reading Koshu – The Wine Treasure Of Japan
Tag Archives: wine tasting
2016 in Review & Cheers to a Magnificent 2017!
Looking back at 2016 most of us will feel the same way: it hasn’t necessarily been a great year in many aspects. Keeping that in mind, it is the time of the year when we need to take a moment to hold still and reflect on all the things in life we take for granted but should be most grateful for: good health, our loved ones around us, a home, a warm meal every day… And if you are really lucky, a glass of heart-warming soul-soothing taste-buds-pleasing wine. Continue reading 2016 in Review & Cheers to a Magnificent 2017!
2007 La Rioja Alta Viña Ardanza, Spain
Tasting note: Medium garnet, pronounced intensity on the nose, stewed and dried fruit, sweet spice and licorice aromas, hint of tobacco. Full bodied style, medium acidity, ripe soft tannins, on the palate notes of black cherry, plum, cloves, cinnamon, vanilla.
Very complex and very smooth, long finish; delicious wine – I absolutely love it. This Rioja Reserva (Tempranillo & Garnacha blend) retails at around £20 which in my view is very good value for the quality you get.
Food pairing: Rioja and lamb continues to be one of my favorites food and wine pairings. I paired this wine with lamb cutlets with garlic and rosemary (seared in the pan and finished off in the oven), roast potatoes and tenderstem broccoli.
And by the way, this particular bottle together with a Viña Arana from the same winery, La Rioja Alta, was featured in my SweervyWine & The City series last summer… 😉
2014 Der Ott Grüner Veltliner, Wagram, Austria
Tasting note: on the nose medium+ intensity, aromas of clementine, ripe apple, honey melon, hint of fresh cut grass. On the palate high refreshing acidity, medium body, long lingering finish. Mineral, ripe stone fruit (apricots), satsumas, ripe pears; tropical fruit notes open up on both palate and nose after a few minutes in the glass and increasing temperature. Delicious wine, very good quality. ~£20
Food pairing: this wine would go nicely with seafood, fish, summery pasta dishes but also stand well richer poultry dishes.
Big thank you to Wine & Partners, it was an absolute delight to sample this Veltliner – a true taste of home away from home!
ARE YOU DREAMING OF A WINE CHRISTMAS?
With the year-end festivities approaching fast we are all starting to plan our numerous get-togethers, dinner parties and of course our Christmas and New Year’s Eve meals. In the heat of these preparations we should not forget that food and wine taste much better if they are matched correctly!
To help you celebrate in style I am running a seasonal promotion for my wine consultancy services until December 20, 2016. Continue reading ARE YOU DREAMING OF A WINE CHRISTMAS?
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