[France / Italy] Montirius Gigondas Confidentiel 2010 & Fattoria Le Pupille ElisabettaGeppetti 'Poggio Valente, Morellino di Scansano Riserva DOCG Italy 2009 Wine Tasting

I have been so busy on these past weeks but still have time for wine tasting. These 2 wines are worth to try, let’s share these simple wine reviews for your reference.

The 1^st one is Montirius Gigondas Confidentiel 2010, from Gigondas which is locating in Southern Rhone Valley. The terroir here is limestone and clay slopes up to 1,300 ft. Here is Mediterranean climate hot temperature, dry and sunny. Gigondas only has black grapes plantation, so no white wine is yielding. The wine blended big amount of Grenache grape, it gives the wine firmer and longer aging potential. Montirius Gigondas Confidentiel 2010 blended with 80% of Grenache and 20% of Mourvèdre, the average age of the vines are 75 years old. Before, I decanted for around 30 mins. The color is dark purple, has plum, cherry, spices, black pepper and light smoke aromas. In the mouth can found richness of plum and cherries, powerful tannins, aftertaste has little mineral. Overall, this wine is dry and full body with luscious fruits, can drink now or keep in cellar for aging.    

The 2^nd one is Fattoria Le Pupille Elisabetta Geppetti 'Poggio Valente, Morellino diScansano Riserva DOCG Italy 2009, an Italian wine from Southern Tuscany. Morellino di Scansano DOCG is a dry red wine region from Village Scansano. Here the wine made with at least 85% of Morellino grapes, which is identical with Sangiovese grapes, the characteristics are medium to full body with cherry, plum, herbs and cedar aromas. Then, it matured in barrel between 4 to 12 months, for “Riserva” wine had 2 years of maturation which has 1 year in barrel. Fattoria Le Pupille winery owns by Elisabetta Geppetti, she is also the President of Morellino di Scansano Consortium. This Morellino di Scansano blends with Sangiovese and Merlot, the grapes are from Poggio Valente vineyards. After fermentation, the wine matured in a big barrel for 15 months. This wine shows very fleshy fruits aromas such as cherry, plum, raspberry, and it has tobacco, nutmeg and liquorice aromas. Overall, it is full body, dry with high acid and balance tannins, then aftertaste has richness of fruits come out, I found this is ready to drink now

近期因工作比較忙所以好少出文,不過都可以抽少少時間出嚟飲下酒. 就飲咗呢兩枝紅酒感覺都值得同大家分享一下.

第一枝係 Montirius Gigondas Confidentiel 2010, 來自法國隆河谷南部的 ”Gigondas”. 這裡是地中海氣候, 溫度比較熱, 乾燥和陽光普照. 主要土壤是石灰石和粘土, 地勢是斜坡型最高可到1,300FT. Gigondas主要種植黑葡萄為主, 所以只有釀製紅酒沒有白酒. 而釀造紅酒的主要葡萄是Grenache, 這款葡萄釀出來的酒會比較硬身, 可陳年, 帶有香濃的Plum(李子)風味.  Montirius Gigondas Confidentiel 2010 用了80% Grenache 和20% Mourvèdre來釀製, 每棵葡萄樹的平均年齡是75歲. 飲之前Decant大約30分鐘, 酒色深紫色, 有李子, 車厘子, 香料, 黑胡椒芳香和輕微的木桶煙燻香. 口感方面帶有豐富的李子和車厘子味道, 單寧較強勁, Aftertaste 可感覺到一些礦物質既感覺. 整體這是一款Dry 和Full Body 紅酒, 而帶有出色的水果風味, 濃郁得嚟又容易飲. 現在可以飲用或可以繼續陳年.

第二枝是來自意大利Tuscany(托斯卡納)的紅酒Fattoria Le Pupille ElisabettaGeppetti 'Poggio Valente, Morellino di Scansano Riserva DOCG Italy 2009. Morellino di Scansano DOCG 主要生產紅酒, 位於Tuscany南部的一個村莊叫做Scansano. 這裡的紅酒最少85%都是用Morellino葡萄來釀製, 而這款葡萄其實是跟Sangiovese "山吉歐維榭" 同一種葡萄, 釀出來的酒是近乎中等到厚身, 帶有車厘子, 李子, 草藥和雪松芳香. 釀成酒之後會放在木桶內陳年4至12個月, 如果”Riserva”紅酒需要陳年2年最少1年在木桶內. 酒莊Fattoria Le Pupille的莊主是Elisabetta Geppetti, 她又是Morellino di Scansano聯盟的會長. 這款酒主要是用了Sangiovese其餘是Merlot, 所有葡萄都是來自Poggio Valente葡萄園, 當紅酒釀成後放入大型木桶內15個月. 這款酒有飽滿的水果芳香, 有車厘子, 覆盆子, 李子和有一些煙草, 肉荳蔻(Nutmeg), 甘草的芳香. 整體這款酒的口感是, Dry, Balance 單寕, 酸度較高的紅酒不過Aftertaste可帶出豐富的水果甜味, 我覺得現在可以飲用.

[Argentina] Familia Zuccardi ‘Zuccardi Q’ Malbec 2013

Nowadays, I became interested in tasting of Malbec wine. Maybe last time, I had YarraYering Agincourt which has little bit of Malbec in the blend, make me want to try the Malbec from Argentina. At first, I tired Santa Julia Reserva Malbec 2014 from Argentina Uco Valley, which is not an expensive wine buy from Supermarket. Overall, this Santa Julia Reserva provided basic Malbec characteristic likes dark red purple color, rich, juicy, ripe and warm fruit flavors, tasted full body, dry, balance acid but lack of tannins. Normally, Malbec wine would contain higher level of tannins. Then, 2^nd time I tried Zuccardi Q Malbec 2013 which buy from Watson wine shop. Unexpectedly, Santa Julia and Zuccardi are owned by Zuccardi Family.   

Zuccadi winery is in Uco Valley, the major wine region of Mendoza, Argentina. The climate here is high altitude, dry, high temperatures during the daytime and at night the temperature will decrease to be cooler. The winery located in the foot of Andes Mountains which is desert area and the weather is dry, vineyard here must need to use irrigation cultivation, the only water source came from Anders Mountain snows. In the old time the owner Joss Zuccardi father Alberto Zuccardi developed the first irrigation system in Argentina. After the success of the irrigation system, Alberto became interested on winemaking, around 60’s he established Zuccardi winery. The Malbec for Zuccardi Q is from 2 different vineyards La Consulta and Vista Flores. After fermentation, the wine matured in French oak for 12 months and 6 months more in bottle before release.

My Taste Note: I decanted the wine for 30 mins. The color shows dark purple, it has complicate aromas such as, plum, cherry, little strawberry, spices, herbs, licorice, lavender, and mint. The palate is dry and full body, it has soft acid with firm tannins and slightly sweet for aftertaste. Actually, drinking this wine is similar to Chinese Herbal Tea, it has complicate taste and little bit of tannins astringent. Overall, this is worth to drink, which is around HKD $130.   

   

Santa Julia Reserva Malbec 2013

近來,我突然愛上了Malbec這款葡萄,可能上次飲Yarra Yering Agincourt內有少少Malbec成份,所以令我想試清楚來自阿根廷Malbec的味道是如何.剛開始的時候我在百佳超市買了Santa Julia Reserva Malbec 2014來自阿根廷Uco Valley,這枝酒價錢大約$100以下.整體這枝Santa JuliaReserva都有Malbec的基本味道,例如顏色上有深紫紅色,口感豐富,帶有溫暖和濃厚的果味, 酒身偏厚,DRY,不算太酸只是單寧比較薄.正常Malbec的紅酒都會帶多少少單寧. 第二枝,在Watson Wine買了一枝Zuccardi Q Malbec 2013.當我上網找多一些資料,原來Santa Julia和Zuccardi這兩個酒莊,都是Zuccardi家族旗下的酒莊.

Zuccardi酒莊是位於阿根廷的主要酒產區Uco Valley,這裡的氣候都是高海拔,白天溫度會較高, 夜間溫度會降低,葡萄熟成時間比較長.酒莊設置在Andes Mountain山腳,周邊都是沙漠,由於這裡的氣候比較乾燥,葡萄園需要用灌溉種植,唯一的水源是來自Andes Mountains山上的積雪.在1915年莊主Joss Zuccardi的父親Alberto Zuccardi在阿根廷研發了第一套灌溉系統.之後,當灌溉系統成功後Alberto開始對釀酒有興趣,大約在60年代他創立了Zuccardi酒莊.這款Zuccardi Q的葡萄是來自兩個不同的葡萄園La Consulta and Vista Flores.當酒釀成後會放在法國木桶裡陳年12個月和裝瓶後再陳年多6個月.

My Taste Note: 飲之前我將紅酒Decant 30mins. 顏色是深紫色,帶有複雜芳香包括有,西梅,車厘子,小小士多啤利,薰衣草,香料,草藥,甘草和輕微薄荷.味道方面是Dry, Full Body,適當酸度,帶有精細單寧,不過在舌底可感覺到輕微的單寧澀,最後Aftertaste略有微甜.其實這款酒有小小似飲緊涼茶,複雜的味道加一些單寧澀和輕微的甜味.整體我覺得這枝紅酒非常低飲,價錢大約$130.

[Hong Kong] 鬼佬涼茶!!

I had heard about this HK Gweilo Beer for long time, just didn't have any chance to try. Today, I saw Gweilo IPA at Parknshop for $24.90 (HKD). As a Hongkonges, I definitely will try this made in HK beer. Gwei Lo (鬼佬) which is a Cantonese slang for white man or foreigners. Perhaps the brand name Gweilo is related to a Cantonese old term. In the old time some Chinese call 鬼佬涼茶 (Gwei Lo Leung Cha) as beer which mean Gwei Lo herbal tea. In general, the original taste of beer has little bitter and Chinese herbal tea taste bitter too. Maybe, it is one of the reason to call the beer as "鬼佬" 啤酒. 

This IPA brewed with European malt and American hops. The color is amber clear color, little white head on top. It tastes light sweet, citrus and strong of hops flavor. The aromas have malt and little fruits. Overall, this IPA is very fresh and smooth, it has only 4.8% ABV not too heavy and aftertaste has mild bitter keep in mouth for finishing.  

之前我都已經聽過,香港有個啤酒牌子叫做’鬼佬’啤酒,不過一路都無機會試到.今日竟然在百佳超市見到有得賣”鬼佬”IPA,每枝$24.90(HKD).作為香港人的我,一定要試一試呢枝香港製造的啤酒.廣東話”鬼佬”解: 白種人或外國人.個牌子叫做”鬼佬”,可能跟中國人以前一個廣東話說法有關.以前有些中國人叫啤酒為”鬼佬涼茶”,普遍啤酒本身味道都會帶少少苦而中國涼茶都是苦的,所以稱為”鬼佬”啤酒.

這款IPA用了駭歐洲麥芽和美國啤酒花,.啤酒顏色是清晰琥珀色,少少白色泡泡.味道上帶有微甜,柑橘和強烈啤酒花風味.芳香方面有麥芽香和輕微果香.整體這枝IPA非常清新,口感順滑,最後Aftertaste有溫和啤酒苦味.酒精度只有4.8%,不算很高,可以方心暢飲!!

[France] Château Laribotte 2012 (Sauternes)

During Lunar Chinese New Year holidays, I bought a very bargain price of Sauternes sweet white wine from HK 759 Store. 759 Store always has different type of discount, for example original price item has 30% off. Occasionally, I will visit 759 to check out their new arrival wine because it may find some inexpensive and good value wine. Few months before, I had a post about a Spanish red wine Viña Eguia Reseva 2010, which is also bought from 759. This time, I found a Sauternes sweet white wine Château Laribotte 2012 (750ml), the discounted price is only $120 HKD. On Wine-Searcher website, the average price is $240 - $300 for different vintages. Now, it cost less than $200, so why don’t give it a try.

More information on the official website, Château Laribotte is a family owned winery since 1855, until now is the sixth generation. Winery is located in Preignac of Sauternes estate. Sauternes has 5 sub-regions that are Sauternes, Barsac, Preignac, Fargues and Bommes, but on the wine labels are permitted to show AOC Sauternes and AOC Barsac only. Preignac wine style has lighter weight, less rich than other Sauternes wine, but similar style to Barsac. The Vineyard soils are mainly clay and gravel, and plant 90% Sémillon, 8% Sauvignon Blanc and 2% Muscadelle. After fermentation, the wine aged 24 months in cement tank and 12 months in barrels.

Sauternes sweet wine are made with Botrytis Grapes (Noble Rot), it contain less moisture to increase its sugar level, acidity, flavors, aromas, etc. Usually, it has a strong aging potential, can age minimum 5 to 25 years. Although 2012 is not an outstanding vintage but this wine is still very young, age for few more years will be much better. Does any one have taste different vintage of Château Laribotte? If, Yes! Please feel free to share the taste note with me!!

農曆新年假期間,我在759買了一枝感覺非常便宜的Sauternes(索甸)貴腐甜白酒.通常759都會有不同的折扣,例如正價貨品會有7折.不久我會去759,看看他們有沒有新返葡萄酒.因為間中在759都可以找到一些便宜和物有所值的葡萄酒.幾個月前我提過一枝西班牙紅酒Viña Eguia Reseva 2010,都是在759買的.今次這枝Sauterne貴腐甜白酒Château Laribotte 2012 (750ml),折扣後只是$120.之後我在wine-searcher看到,它的其他年份平均價錢都需要 $240-$300.這樣看,現在折後的價錢都不過於$200,是否值得一試呢?

酒莊官方網站可以找到更多資料, 在1855年到現在都是由家Château Laribotte族擁有和經營,目前已是第六代.酒莊位於Sauternes村里其中一個酒區叫做Preignac. Sauternes內有分為5個酒區,分別Sauternes, Barsac, Preignac, Fargues 和 Bommes, 但是在酒標上只可以印有AOC Sauternes 和 AOC Barsac.Preignac酒的風格是比Sauternes期他酒區較輕型,雅淡,等等,跟Barsac酒有點相似.葡萄園主要都係粘土和礫石,品種種植比例是 90% Sémillon, 8% Sauvignon Blanc和2% Muscadelle.發酵完的酒會在水泥造的酒桶陳年24個月,之後再方在木桶12個月.

Sauternes貴腐甜白酒是用含有貴腐菌葡萄來釀製,是水份含量低來提升糖份,酸度,風味,芳香,等等.普遍都有非常強的陳年能力,最少可以陳年5至25年.雖然2012年不是一個出色的年份,但是這枝酒還是非常新,最好擺放幾年後先飲用.大家之前有沒有品嚐過Château Laribotte的其他年份?如果有,可否分享一下Taste Note!!

[Australia] Yarra Yering Agincourt 2011

Chinese Lunar New Year is coming soon, and due to New Year I’ll have around a week holidays. During New Year, we will attend on different family gatherings or dinners with friends. But besides that, I also like to spend time in home for wine tasting, which is quite relax. Few months before, I bought 2 different bottles of Yarra Yering (YY) at Watson Wine, YY Dry Red No.1 2008 and YY Agincourt 2011. Dry No. 1 is a Bordeaux Blend wine includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot, Agincourt mainly blend with Cabernet Sauvignon and little bit of Malbec. Both wines are interested to try, I just randomly pick Agincourt to taste first. Before tasting, I tried to search more information, on YY official website shows Agincourt 2011 which is the first vintage and the vines was plant in 90’s. Therefore, Agincourt seems like is 2^nd wine of YY and famous wine critic James Halliday gives a high score for this wine.

My Taste Note: Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec are dark skin grapes and give black fruit, rich, medium to full body and high tannic wine. So, I decanted it about1.5 hrs. First, the wine shows purple color. The aromas include plum, leather, green pepper and herbs. I thought, this wine would be full body with strong tannic but it wasn’t that powerful. In the mouth, it is dry, medium body, balance acid and smooth tannic. After taste has rich fruit characters, little sweet and mellow tannic. Overall, this wine is excellent, with dense body, rich flavor and silky tannic.

還有幾天就是農曆新年, 今年農曆新年我就有大約一星期的假期. 不過在農曆新期間需要出席不同的家庭聚會和朋友的飯局. 除此之外,我最愛就是在家裏品酒,感覺好輕鬆. 幾個月之前我在Watson Wine買了兩瓶YarraYering (YY) 紅酒,YY Dry Red No.1 2008 and YY Agincourt 2011. Dry No. 1是一枝以Bordeaux Blend為主的葡萄酒,包括有 Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot,而Agincourt主要品種有Cabernet Sauvignon和少少Malbec. 兩枝酒我都好想試,但是我選擇先飲Agincourt. 我在網上找過一些關於這枝酒的資料,在YY的官方網站看到2011年是Agincourt第一個年份和釀這款酒的葡萄樹是在90代開始種,所以感覺上Agincourt好像YY的副牌酒,還有著名評酒家James Halliday都給好評. 

我的品酒筆記: Cabernet Sauvignon和Malbec這兩款葡萄都帶有深色果皮，味道是有漿果風格,豐富和飽滿,Medium to Full Body,單寧會比較高的葡萄酒.所以我Decant了1個半小時.酒的顏色是紫色,剛開始的時候芳香都包括有西梅,皮革,青椒和草藥.之前我以為這款酒會比較重口味和有強勁的單寧.不過飲落原來是很平滑,味道是Dry, Medium Body,平穩酸度和非常柔順的單寧. After taste有豐富果味帶有輕微的甜和成熟單寧.整體我覺得這款酒是非常出色,有濃厚Body,豐富和飽滿味道和絲一般的單寧.