After a break over the summer it’s back to Bunch Wine Bar in Liverpool for a tasting of wines specially chosen by co-owner Lara in honour of her birthday.
A wet and rather wild night in Liverpool marked the start of autumn and many could be forgiven for having a night in front of the television. As usual the tasting was held downstairs and there were no spare places as far as I could tell. As usual the wines were well chosen and served at an appropriate temperature. There is always something interesting to try at these tastings which is why I enjoy them so much. The surroundings are ideal for a small, intimate tasting where all are free to contribute questions or comments if they so desire. These tastings are fun which is exactly what drinking wine should be.
Festejar. Pétillant Naturel. Patrick Boujou. Auvergne. – From the south eastern edge of the Loire Valley, this delicate rosé is made from 100% Gamay. Light red in appearance with a slight haze. Quite closed on the nose but the palate is strawberry, cherry and some slight floral notes. The carbonation is really gentle giving an almost creamy texture to the wine, strawberry and cream, what’s not to like! A slight savouriness on the finish. Very nice.
Ortega. Tillingham. Peasmarsh, East Sussex. 2017 – Made from 100% Ortega, a grape variety well suited to the English climate as it is quite hardy and not as susceptible to frost damage as some other varieties. As with many natural wines, production is quite small with only 1000 bottles made in 2017. Barrel fermented, no fining or filtration and only low sulphur dioxide levels ensure that the purity of the fruit is preserved in this lovely, very drinkable wine. The aroma is intense, grapey, elderflower and florals. The palate is dry and the acidity is quite high but is balanced by lovely stone fruits. The texture is quite creamy and there is a touch of spice on the finish.
Fist of Fancy. Chardonnay. Kyle Dunn. Swartland. South Africa. 2016 – I was unsure about this wine at first but with plenty of aeration it opened out to be a very nice wine indeed and great value for money. Lemon citrus and a smokey minerality are key here along with a hint of biscuity vanilla. Shows lovely balance and a great chardonnay for all those that don’t like chardonnay!
El Bandito Testalonga. Swartland. South Africa. 2016 – made from 100% Chenin Blanc which has had 10 day skin contact to produce an orange wine that shows just how subtle this style of wine can be. There are oranges, stone fruit and some light caramel here. The wine is dry with a nice finish. A wine for food, very nice.
Baby Bandito. Follow Your Dreams. (Magnum). Testalonga. Swartland. South Africa. 2017 – Made from 100% Carignan. A wine for everyone to drink when they need reminding what life is all about! Nose of red fruits and a touch of wild herbs. The palate is dry, red berry fruits, cherry, some cola and an olive savouriness. A well made wine that is worthy of some serious attention.
Chatrons de Garde. Andrea Calek. Ardèche. France. 2014. – the back story of Andrea Calek makes for interesting reading and his wines make for some interesting drinking if this example is anything to go by. Aromas of dark berry fruits, cola, liquorice and a touch of farmyard! There is some real character here. The palate is dry and the dark fruits are smokey, there is a touch of pepper but it is very subtle. Tannins are a little dry. A great food wine but having said that I enjoyed it on its own.