February 2016 Meeting - Off the beaten track

This month's meeting was hosted by Ann and Sheila and was the first time for both of them, they chose to look at wines that were "Off the beaten track"...

The Wines

Mas Lavail Carignan Blanc 2014

  • Grape: White Carignan
  • Flavours: Citrus, Floral, Spice
  • ABV 13.5%
  • Origin: France

The wine comes from a beautiful vineyard is situated below the last Cathar stronghold Chateau de Quéribus. The black schist soil produces wines that are powerful and rich in aromas.

Taste: Rich and soft yet retaining freshness. Deep aromas of white flowers and citrus are enhanced by spicy notes. The palate is rounded with a balance of fruit, spice and acidity.

Pair this with richer flavoured white fish or chicken dishes.

As Caixas Godello 2014 Martín Códax, Monterrei

  • Grape: Godello
  • Flavours: Apple, Lemon, Peach
  • ABV 13.0%
  • Origin: Spain

Grown throughout the north-west of Spain, in the past Godello has most often been used as a constituent for blends, but has gained increasing recognition as a quality varietal in its own right.

Taste: A delicate yet multi-faceted nose of lemon, crunchy pear, melon and subtle floral notes marries with a palate of remarkable texture and a lengthy, citrus zest finish.

Drink with grilled sardines or salt cod.

Aindamais M+ Mencia 2012 Bierzo

  • Grape: Mencia
  • Flavours: Redcurrant, Cherry, Herbs
  • ABV 13.5%
  • Origin: Spain

The wine is made from 80 year old vines high in the Bierzo region of North West Spain, which was selected as most suitable for making high quality wine from the Mencia grape.

Taste: Red fruit aromas dominate this medium bodied wine balanced by subtle toasted notes from 2 month ageing in oak. Elegant and balanced the finish is fruity and soft.

This wine is great with cured meats, pate, pasta and goats cheese.

La La Land Malbec 2015 Murray Darling, Victoria

  • Grape: Malbec
  • Flavours: Plum, Cherry, Spice
  • ABV 13.5%
  • Origin: Australia

La La Land wines come from the Red Cliffs vineyard near Mildura in the north-west of Victoria, and are made in a deliberately up-front and early-drinking style by Dr Phil Spillman, who has made wines for some of the most prestigious wineries of the Antipodes.

Taste: Approachable and fruit-driven, this is a wine filled with bold forest-fruit flavours and a supple feel, supported by subtle hints of vanilla and dark chocolate.

Ready to drink now or after short-term cellaring.

Recommended food pairings are pulled pork sliders or barbecued ribs.

Incanta Pinot Noir 2014

  • Grape: Pinot Noir
  • Flavours: Cherry, Plum, Spice
  • ABV 12.0%
  • Origin: Romania

Romania may not be the first place you think of when you are looking to buy a Pinot Noir but this has all the classic bright red fruit flavours and spicy note you would expect.

Taste: The nose has delicate aromas of cherry and raspberry. These flavours are matched on the palate with the addition on notes of flowers and sweet spice. The tannins are soft and gentle and the finish smooth.

Try this with cured meats or cheeses.

Dry Furmint 2012 Royal Tokaji

  • Grape: Furmint
  • Flavours: Lemon, Honey, Apricot
  • ABV 14.0%
  • Origin: Hungary

The name Furmint is derived from 'froment', the Hungarian word for the wheaten colour of its wines. More commonly associated with the super-sweet dessert wines of Hungary, the Furmint grape is employed here in a dry white, to stunning effect.

Taste: Well-defined aromatics comprising rich honey notes and stone fruits on the nose. Plenty of acidity gives the palate crispness and bite, with mineral tinges accenting the fruit-laden, exotic feel.

Partner with strong creamy cheeses or rich poultry dishes.