This was the first tasting from Wiltshire Wines. It was a super fun first event and everyone gt to try 3 whites and 3 reds a lot of which just had not been tried before or even heard of. To fit the theme of an Autumn Wine all of these are late harvest or colder climate wines. This gives them a flavour to suit the season.
It is not just your fruit and veg that can be seasonal, try wines to suit your seasonal food too!
For me it’s the start of Red Wine season proper, not that I stop drinking red wine, but it’s the time when it really comes into it’s own. What is your favourite seasonal wine?
Trapiche ‘Tesoro’ Chardonnay 2021/22, Uco Valley – Vegan
Giles Says: Peach, Pear, Guava, Oak
Smell: buttered croissant, caramel popcorn, roasted pineapple
Taste: Same as aromas with notes of toasty bread crusts and lemon tart
Pair: Turkey, Chicken, Seafood
Chardonnay is a wine you know you l’ve or think you don’t like. This bottle showed the haters it was time to give Chardonnay a second chance. South America does some banging Chardonnay that tends to suit every pallet.
Henri Ehrhart Pinot Gris Réserve Particulière 2022/23, Alsace
Giles Says: Peach, Pear, Mineral, Flint, Honey
Smell: Stone / Tree Fruits, Pineapple
Taste: sweet almond, honey, tangerine, ripe fruit
Pairing: Pork, Chicken, Spicy
Pinot Gris is one of my favourite wines. I don’t think it was anyone else’s on the night, until sipped with some cheese and chili jam. Watch these sweeter profile whites come alive with spicy food!
Lyrarakis Assyrtiko-Vidiano Orange Wine, Crete – Vegan
Giles Says: Plum, Apple, Citrus Peel
Smell: Stone Fruits Lemon Zest
Taste: Same with Apple & orange zest with tannins minerality like wet stone?
Pairing: Seafood, Meat in Creamy sauce, Cheese.
Orange Wine has become trendy recently, but not all examples coming into the UK are great. Essentially a white wine with tannins (the wine perments with some time in contact with it’s skins). Definitely try it with food the first time. Get a thick creamy fish pie and a bottle of this and see what you think.
Ernst Loosen Pinot Noir 2021/22, Pfalz
Giles Says: Black Fruit, Red Fruit Spice
Smell: Red Fruit, Fresh Fruit Jam ?)
Taste: Dark Cherry, Caramel, Earth/Leather
Pairing: Roast Dinner, Stew, Slow Cooked food.
Autumn is Pinot Noir season, no doubt. This is a cold climate pinot noir which just works well with the turning of the weather. You can try any location you like, but between you and me there are some amazing British ones about right now as well. Try a Balfour for a real treat I know I will.
Pardon et Fils ‘Côte des Labourons’ Fleurie 2022/23
Giles Says: Black Cherry, Raspberry, Strawberry
Smell: Red Fruits, Black Fruits, Cassis, Floral
Taste: Red Currant, Black Currant, Black Cherry, Bubble Gum / Ribena??
Pairing: White Meats, grilled, cured meats, semi hard cheese, fruit sauce dish
I blooming love Gamay, and so do you. Famous grape of Beaujolais. Fleurie is a slightly elevated appellation of the region, Fleurie had a flurry of fame recently and became uber popular among wine drinkers, but as with any delicate red grape the quality can he hit or miss. Find a good producer and stick with it.
Lulu ‘l’Alouette Organic Chinon 2020/21 – Organic
Giles Says: Strawberry, Earth, Green Bell Pepper, Raspberry
Smell: Strawberry, Raspberry
Taste: Same with Redcurrant, Green pepper spice, Earth
Pairing: Lamb, Poultry Vegetarian food
Chinon is the home of Cabernet Franc, this grape is not usually found on it’s own. But when it is it is best from this area. This organic variation does not disappoint. beautiful juicy fruits tamed by a bit of pepperiness and savoury earth notes. If lighter reds are not your thing this bottle will keep you happy while the leaves fall.
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