If you don't live in New Orleans, where Tuesday like Mardi Gras, or Fat Tuesday is indisputably the wildest and most exciting day of the year, you probably don't expect much from Tuesdays. In the Wine industry there is an expression "Tuesday wine", which alludes to a wine that won't break your bank and will get you through that not quite mid week, so far from the weekend, day. This week I'm picking 3 wines for your Tuesday blues. Be warned, they are so delicious you might want to drink them on any given day.
1. Weingut Hexamer Schlossbockelheimer In Den Felsen Riesling Spätlese, 2008er
Riesling thought me that it’s absolutely necessary to approach every wine with an open mind and maybe more importantly, open heart. This grape is widely misunderstood as a simple sweet variety but should you give it due attention, your wine horizons shall become wider and brighter. The diverseness of it is very exciting. Its resilience is admirable. Aging potential is praiseworthy. Terroir expressiveness is transcendent. Beloved food pairing queen in sommelier circles is sure to vigorously dance on your palate, leave you in awe and make you wonder how come it’s so underappreciated. I am hoping that in everchanging trends in the wine world, Riesling beauty will soon get the recognition it deserves.
Weingut Hexamer Schlossbockelheimer In Den Felsen Riesling Spätlese 2008er is aromatic, umami rich, very well balanced with notes of honey, chamomile, 5-spice and petrol. Finish is long and oh, so memorable. It’s 13 years old and I’d be curious to taste it in 5 years since acid is still very alive and it’s clearly age-worthy. Enjoy it on its own or pair it with spicy fare, smoked meats, fish, scallops and fruit dishes. It can easily be paired with 3 course dinner and that’s only one of many reasons why you have to give this lovely wine a try.
2. Rouvalis Tsigelo 2019
Have you ever wondered what kind of wine pairs well with Mediterranean dreaming? Have you explored some of the Greek indigenous varieties yet? If your curiosity is sparked, get yourself a bottle of Rouvalis Tsigelo 2019 and thank me later. Rouvalis winery is situated in northern Peloponnese on the mountainous slopes of Aigialeia where native Tsigelo (low-yielding clone of the better known Mavrodaphne) thrives. They practice organic farming and are first winery to ferment and bottle Tsigelo on its own instead of blending it with another clone Renio. This wine has medium plus body and expresses lovely balance of acid and subtle unintrusive tannins. Herbaceous, with distinctive notes of anise, bay leaf, eucalyptus, red berry fruits and dark chocolate notes, every sip will cater to your pleasure needs. Pair it with lean beef cuts, lamb, beef or vegetarian stews, moussaka or drink it on its own while drafting your Mediterranean retirement plan. Cheers!
3. Saumur Champigny Domaine des Roches Neuves, Thierry Germain 2019
Thierry Germain is well known and highly regarded winemaker from Middle Loire. Saumur Champigny is a zone of production situated near the town of Saumur on the left bank of Loire river. This is where Mr. Thierry Germain practices biodynamic, organic winemaking with minimal intervention and with help of a few horses employed in order to avoid tractor use. His Domaine des Roches Neuves, 2019 Cabernet Franc is young, vibrant, medium bodied wine that opens up on the nose as a fresh bouquet of violets and irises with intense crushed black cherries aromas. On the palate you’ll encounter fierce acids, blue berries, black currant, spice and graphite with subtle tannins. Drink it now and in the next 5 years. Pair it with fatty meats or with desserts like sweet pies, custards and puddings.
PS: The wine is unfiltered and unfined, so if Vegan wine is what you are looking for, look no more. Treat yourself and make sure to raise the glass to Thierry and the horses.