Real Wine Fair
Pinot Grigio, Fidora,
Veneto, Italy 2021
Producer
Fidora has fast become a favourite producer of the wine club, we always receive such great feedback on Emilio’s wines. His 2021 Pinot Grigio is most certainly among the best we have tasted – acting as a reminder as to why this variety ever became so popular!
When visiting Scotland this week, Emilio ambitiously said he wanted to climb Schiehallion. However, his flight didn’t land until early afternoon on Sunday and, as a result, a wander in the Pentlands had to suffice!
Emilio presides over the oldest organic estate in the Veneto region. In 1974, his grandfather, Guido, took the decision to convert his family vineyard from conventional to organic viticulture. Behind his decision was a desire to strive towards two key principles – the avoidance of chemicals and the promotion of biodiversity. By the mid 70s, it was widely accepted that using chemicals was the most innovative way to grow crops. Guido noticed that young farmers in the region no longer had access to books, research or teachers who advocated any other form of agriculture other than that which was chemically driven.
At the time of this conversion, Guido was clear that his move to organics should not be seen as a regression or a nostalgic throwback to a bygone era. Rather, in his eyes, it was a leap forward in terms of quality, health, sustainability and, most importantly, environmental responsibility.
Nowadays, under Emilio’s watchful eye, the philosophy of the estate continues to revolve around the importance of biodiversity, and they are extremely proud that their vineyards are home to a burgeoning population of hares, foxes, pheasants and countless species of bird. They see the presence of animals as a key indication that their land is healthy, thus allowing them to produce wines that are truly reflective of their natural surroundings.
Tasting Note
Emilio’s Pinot Grigio comes from a single vineyard at Tenuta Civranetta, the old family estate, close to the lagoon of Venice. The grapes are de-stemmed and soft-pressed before fermenting in stainless steel, followed by ageing on fine lees for 10 months before bottling. The resulting wine is rich, fresh and packed with flavours of pear, apple and floral hints. Quite simply Pinot Grigio at its very best.
Food Pairing
Perfect accompaniment to a bright, fresh dishes such as summer salads, grilled squid or lemon and herb chicken.
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Pansa Blanca, Alta Alella,
Alella, Spain 2021
Producer
Alta Alella is the closest winery to the city of Barcelona, located 2 kilometres from the Mediterranean between the towns of Alella and Tiana. It is a family-run project that began more than twenty years ago with Josep Maria Pujol-Busquets and his wife Cristina Guillen, when they acquired the nineteenth-century estate Can Genis.
Alella is one of the smallest appellations in Spain yet it possesses a fascinating terroirs that the Alta Alella team have harnessed in their journey to being recognised as the premier estate in the region.
All the vines are planted on slopes and terraces overlooking the Mediterranean, between 100 and 250m above sea level.
One of the key elements is the Sauló soil found throughout the vineyard. Particular to this region, Sauló is an acidic and sandy soil with a low limestone content, low organic matter and good natural water drainage – ideal for the production of clean wines with a mineral edge.
Tasting Note
The ‘PB’ from Alta Alella has become recognised as one of the best examples of Pansa Blanca – possessing all the characteristic traits of this grape variety. Expect bright apple and pear flavours, notes of green almond and a wonderfully crisp, saline finish.
Food Pairing
A great aperitif or as a partner to all manner of canapés. Excellent with potato dishes such as croquettes or alternatively with seafood paella.
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Malbec 'Camille', Château du Cèdre,
Cahors, France 2020
Producer
A true expression of a quite wonderful terroir, the team at Château du Cèdre produces Malbec wines that are both fruity and possess the necessary composition to improve with age.
Their 27 hectares of vineyards are influenced heavily by a bedrock of clay and limestone, as well as the wooded area which surrounds the estate, leaving wines with aromas of eucalyptus and juniper aromas.
Another key factor in the production process is the micro-climate that the Domaine experiences, influenced by the prevailing wind from the Atlantic Ocean for eight months of the year, yet also affected by the warm weather from the Mediterranean Sea for the duration of the summer.
Tasting Note
Their ‘Camille’ Malbec is packed with dark, rich flavours of plum and cassis compote. The intense juiciness is balanced with a subtle, herbal edge and a long, earthy finish.
Food Pairing
Perfect at this time of year with spring lamb. Slightly less robust than some examples of Malbec so can partner slightly lighter dishes such as meaty ravioli or some simple charcuterie.
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'Campana' Rouge, Château Beauregard-Mirouze,
Corbières, France 2021
Producer
Located in a protected national park close to the city of Narbonne, Chateau Beauregard Mirouze is an entirely organic estate which has been in the hands of the same family since 1881. Now controlled by the young, dynamic team of Nicolas and Karine Mirouze, the estate produces a range of cuvees that aim to fully express the terroirs of Corbieres.
They use a minimal intervention approach in both the vineyard and the winery, while they have also taken the decision to bottle their wines with little to no added sulphites. The result is an exciting range of wines that have a clear sense of identity and offer fantastic value for money!
Tasting Note
The ‘Campana’ is a blend of '50% Syrah and 50% Grenache from vines of around 40 years in age. The nose can be a little wild at first before settling to be dominated by brambly fruit and black peppercorn. On the palate, it is juicy and creamy with balanced, bold tannins. The finish is both spicy and juicy, with impressive freshness and length.
Food Pairing
Ideal for solo sipping but also a worthy candidate for pairing with cassoulet or anything from the BBQ.
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