White Wine Kumeu River Rays Road Chardonnay 2021. No need to decant. Founded by the Brajkovich family in 1944, seven years after they emigrated from Croatia, Kumeu River is a New Zealand wine estate located about 25 kilometers from Auckland just outside the city of Kumeu. Since the 1980s, the company has focused on the production of Burgundian-style Chardonnay for which it has become particularly known throughout the world, receiving various international awards and recognitions. So much so that, in a famous blind tasting in London in 2014, the Chardonnays of Kumeu River triumphed over several great producers of Burgundy whites. Kumeu River Rays Road Chardonnay is a white wine made from Chardonnay grapes sourced from the Rays Road vineyard, located in Hawkes Bay, on a north-facing limestone hill at an altitude of 180m. The grapes are harvested manually, pressed in whole bunches, and fermented with wild yeasts in old French oak barrels. The resulting wine is savory and fragrant, with a mineral complexity that is the maximum expression of its terroir of origin. On the nose, this wine reveals elegant floral notes, mixed with aromas of citrus fruit and mineral nuances. In the mouth, its minerality recalls that of the Chablis wines. The wine is fresh and fruity with very light and well-integrated toasted notes and a creamy and soft body. The finish is medium long with well-balanced alcoholic warmth and fresh lemon notes. Perfect with white meats but especially grilled fish and seafood.
2021
White Wine Kumeu River Rays Road Chardonnay 2021
White Wine Lagar de Cervera Albarino 2021. Drink it now. In 1890, 5 Basque winemakers, born in the lands of Rioja, in the north of Spain, founded the ‘Sociedad Vinícola de la Rioja Alta’ in Haro. From the beginning they had the ambition to produce elite wines, and at the end of the 19th century they decided to recruit a French winemaker: Alfonso Vigier. At the time, only the most prestigious estates could recruit such wine experts. For decades the oak barrels were made on site, then they ceased this activity for several years and then resumed it in 2003. The company has largely contributed to the world fame of Rioja wines. This wine is aged on the lees for several months, to give it roundness and complexity. In the glass, Lagar de Cervera Albarino shows a beautiful golden color. The nose develops a superb purity of fresh fruit centered on citrus, candied ginger and white flowers. On the palate, it is fresh, lively and crispy. The iodized and smoky notes present themselves with a well-established tropical framework.There is a nice balance and a pungent finish. This is a wonder of Spanish white wine, an absolute benchmark for the great whites of Galicia. A model of purity and aromatic expression! It works beautifully with shellfish, white meat, poultry, and vegetarian risottos.
2021
White Wine La Spinetta Toscana Vermentino 2021. La Spinetta was founded by Giuseppe Rivetti in 1977 in Castagnole Lanze which sits at the centre of the Moscato d’Asti appellation. Although known for its simple dessert wines, the Rivettis quickly recognised the potential of the land for creating premium wines from other local grape varieties. In the 1980s they started producing their first red wines and the family soon began to acquire land in other areas including Barolo and parts of Tuscany. This uplifting and refreshing white wine is sourced from top quality vineyards in the Terricciola municipality of Tuscany which are planted on sandy soils rich in fossils and ancient marine sediment. The terroir helps to create an incredibly delicate, floral and aromatic Vermentino with the grapes fermented with wild yeasts in stainless steel tanks to preserve freshness and varietal typicity. Honeysuckle, pear, Mediterranean herbs and subtle hints of minerality define the nose while the first sip reveals a mouthwatering acidity, incredibly light body and pure, clean finish. Elegant and crisp from the first sip to the last drop in the bottle, this seductive white wine is a perfect aperitif or accompaniment for linguine served with clams or even the classic Italian dish of Carciofi alla Giudia” or deep-fried artichokes.
2021