White Wine Bodegas Ponce Reto 2020. Juan Antonio Ponce founded his biodynamic winery at the tender age of 23 in the Manchuela region inland from Valencia which is best known for its powerful Bobal reds. Juan is passionate about working in harmony with nature and allowing the character of the local grape varieties to take centre stage. In the winery he practices wild yeast fermentation and uses minimal levels of sulfur dioxide. Reto is the first white wine Juan has made at Bodegas Ponce using the Albilla grape, a traditional Spanish variety which dates back at least to the 15th century. Juan carefully hand harvests all his grapes from 40-60 year old vines and chills them when they reach the winery to preserve freshness. They are then fermented in whole bunches with the stems, a process called remango” which was once common in Rioja. Following vinification the young wine is aged in old barrels for 8 months on the lees to add extra complexity and a creamier texture. On the nose there are enticing notes of white peach, apricot and plenty of zesty citrus while the first sip reveals a medium body, well-rounded texture and long finish seasoned with toasted oak and vanilla spice.
2020
White Wine Bodegas Ponce Reto 2020
White Wine Bread Butter Chardonnay 2020. The Bread & Butter brand is best known for this lusciously creamy Chardonnay which epitomises the classic oaky California style. The estate is based in Napa Valley and makes no secret of their love of crafting big, bold wines that are ideal for drinking in any setting. The Bread” in their name refers to their frequent use of oak barrels ageing while the Butter” refers to the use of malolactic fermentation which creates that enticing buttery character in their delicious Chardonnays. The grapes for this bottling are sourced from two vineyards in two of California’s top appellations, Monterey and Carneros. Monterey has a long, warm growing season with plenty of fog from the nearby Pacific Ocean. This ensures the grapes achieve perfect ripeness while retaining freshness and aromatics. Carneros, on the other hand, is cooler which helps to add elegance and finesse to the finished blend. An explosion of ripe tropical fruit, toasted almonds and hints of sandalwood define the nose while the first sip reveals a powerful full body and soft, creamy texture. The oak ageing and fermentation has added seductive hints of brioche, fresh pastries and rich vanilla spice to the wine as well as a firm structure. A great wine to pair with everything from hearty salads to pan-fried fish served with a buttery sauce or even lasagna or aubergine parmigiana.
2020
White Wine Bread Butter Sauvignon Blanc 2020. Drink it now. No need to decant. Serve it at 10/12 °C. Bread & Butter is a wine company from Napa Valley, California, whose name perfectly reflects the aromas and flavors of their wines influenced in particular by the wood and the malolactic fermentation. The type of oak, the origin, the producer, the level of toasting, the time on the oak, and the racking all play a fundamental role in the development of bread-like flavors and the texture of the wine. The characteristics of the butter derive instead from malolactic fermentation. The conversion of malic acid to lactic acid makes the wine creamier and round, producing opulent, buttery aromas. The Bread & Butter winery has been able to enhance the value of this renowned territory and the variety of Californian vines, combining modernity and in-depth experience. The naturally cool climate is ideal for the delicate vines from which the company produces wines with a consistent and reliable style, accessible, drinkable, and generously fruity. This fresh and expressive wine, produced with Sauvignon Blanc grapes from the North Coast, displays an intense and lively olfactory profile with tropical fruit, citrus, lemon peel, and light herbaceous notes. In the mouth, the wine is dry and vibrant with a seductive minerality and a clean and refreshing finish. Try it with chicken with peppers.
2020