|
WINE NEWS
August 2008
We don’t really shout enough about our Wine list, it is with doubt or
argument one of the Best Lists in North Devon.
But just when you think you got it sorted, refined, researched and up and
running, what happens? Your principal Wine Merchant accepts an offer he
can’t refuse and disappears in to the Sunset.
Wheeler Cellars have been our wine supplier for a long time, but now they
have been sold onto Enotria Ltd. so now no doubt starts another exciting
voyage of discovery trawling through the cellars of Enotrias vast range on
New Wines and Champagnes, it’s a hard Job, as they say, So goodbye to Lay
and Wheeler and a big hello to Enotria.
Let’s hope Christopher Piper Wines stays the course, that’s another of our
great suppliers, because they have just listed 2 new fantastic
Portuguese Wines, the White is just out of this world, tremendous with
Lobster and Shell Fish.
The Red Wine is a perfect foil for both Red Meats and Strong Cheeses
Both Wines are from the same grower near Reguengos in the southerly
province of Alentejo, fairly close to the border with Extramadura in
Spain. Alentejo is certainly a low rainfall, high sunshine area, but
without the flabbiness over ripe tannins showing through, as they do
sometimes with Southern Spanish Wines.
These White and Red Wines are both from Herdade do Esperao, are high
octane Wines, the Red at 14.5% and the White at 14%, though refreshingly
this does not come through on the Palate.
The 2007 Branco, comes redolent of Ripe Peaches and Melons, but
over layered with a hint of a steely minerality, a cool long dry finish.
Neither lean nor flabby this is a well balanced White Wine of sufficient
complexity to make a really interesting drink. Made with local varieties
of Grapes including Antao Vas, Roupeiro and Arintho.
The 2005 Tinto, made with Trincadeira,
Aragones and Cabernet Sauvignon Grapes, has a substantial depth of colour,
nearer Plum than Cherry but is bright and crystal clear in the glass.
Full on Red Berry Fruits show initially, but soften as the tannins start
to show through, aged in American Oak, thus giving added complexity and
character, but not deterring from the full rounded and satisfying finish.
Will cut it with good steaks, perhaps even a portion of strong Manchego
Cheese or just as a particularly good bottle to share with friends before
or after a good supper
|