White Wine New Chapter Gruner Veltliner 2020. Serve well chilled. Up-and-coming young winemaker Markus Huber teamed up with Lenz Moser who comes from a long line of top winemakers to create their own label, Lenzmark, in 2020. The duo realised that the Gruner Veltliner grape was loved in the German-speaking world, but had yet to make its big debut on the global stage. Markus and Lenz have responded to this challenge by crafting a new style of Gruner which would combine complexity, harmony, power and elegance all in one glass. Their New Chapter Gruner is crafted with top quality fruit from the Niederösterreich, with the majority coming from the Traisental Valley where Markus Huber’s winery is located. The vineyards here are planted on terraces on steep slopes where the meagre soils put pressure on the vines, producing small quantities of very concentrated fruit. Once in the winery the must is fermented in stainless steel tanks and left to mature on the lees before bottling. Guava, pineapple, bright citrus and apple characterise the nose while the first sip reveals a zesty spritz of freshness, a light and elegant body, and a pure, clean finish with a subtle stony minerality. The graceful, refreshing flavour profile makes for a fantastic aperitif or partner for grilled fish, sushi, salads, and creamy cheeses.
2020
White Wine New Chapter Gruner Veltliner 2020
White Wine Domaine Fournier Les Belles Vignes Sancerre Blanc 2020. Serve chilled With a straw gold hue and a light green meniscus, this Sancerre is a clean, pure expression of the region. Honeysuckle, meyer lemon, and wet stone aromas continue on the palate with the addition of gooseberry, flint, and a lightly herbaceous finish. Beautifully structured, the Fournier Sancerre Les Belles Vignes Blanc is the rare combination of Sancerre that can be drunk young but will also soften a bit with a couple years of cellaring. The bright, fresh, and often mineral driven flavors of Sancerre are best suited to light aperitif’s or shellfish dishes. Raw oysters, lightly flavored clams or cooked mussels, or summer salads are all excellent choices to eat with this wine. The Fournier family has been making wine since the 1800’s, and has risen to become one of the most important Domaine in the Sancerre region. Their Les Belles Vignes offering is 100% Sauvignon Blanc from their estate, taken from 20+ year old vines planted in limestone, clay, and flint. These soils help to produce the wet stone minerality that Sancerre is so well known for. This wine goes through no malolactic to keep its fresh nature, though it also spends time on the fine lees to create a richer and more complex texture. Domaine Fournier is managed by Claude Fournier and his brother Jacques. Claude is also the winemaker. A third brother, Daniel is the owner and chef of the restaurant La Tour on the square in Sancerre.
2020
White Wine Pietradolce Etna Bianco 2020. Serve well chilled. Pietradolce was founded in 2005 in the charming village of Solicchiata on the north-eastern slopes of Mount Etna. The winery is known for its holistic approach in their winemaking, using traditional methods as well as cutting-edge technology and know-how to express the unique qualities of Etna’s special volcanic terroir. Many of the winery’s vineyards are planted with hardy bush vines and they specialise in indigenous varieties which thrive in the tough conditions. Their Etna Bianco is composed of 100% Carricante, a typical local variety which is known for its refreshing, light-bodied style. This ancient grape is thought to have grown on Etna’s slopes for at least a thousand years and responds very well to the mountain’s significant temperature variations with hot dry summer days and much cooler nights. On the nose there are delicate notes of lemon zest and limes as well as subtle hints of honeysuckle and almond blossom. The first sip immediately reveals a mouthwatering freshness as well as ample white peach and citrus flavours with a clean, pure finish. Elegant and invigorating, this is a great wine for enjoying as an aperitif before a special meal or simply for sipping in the garden on a hot summer’s day.
2020