OLD WORD VS NEW WORLD TASTING
Bound not to tradition but to experimentation, New World wines are made in an infinite variety of styles. When compared to European wines, most "New World" wines are flavorful and fruit-forward, emphasizing the expression of the fruit characteristics. Old World countries on the other hand are more specific because they are more regulated stylistically, with less room for experimentation. As a generalization, Old World wines are subtle and less fruity, and tend to emphasize more of the oak and aged characteristics of a wine. Our tasting March 9th we found just that: New World to be much more fruit forward and Old World retaining the subtly from centuries of tradition. In the end who won? It was Old World that came out on top.
Aperitif: Naonis , Chardonnay Vino Spumante: € 14.50
Wine 1 : Sancerre
Producer: Jean Max Roger
Region: Loire, France
Supplier: Noordman
Quality Status: Appelation Sancerre Controlee
Grape varieties: Sauvignon Blanc
Vintage 2005
Price (€) 14.40
Extra info Made from unoaked Sauvignon Blanc, this well-rounded, medium-bodied wine is fresh and clean, with a spicy, herbal finish. There are flavors of citrus fruits, flowers, and hints of pepper and mint. Fine, integrated acidity results in a long, crisp finish. Average group score: 3.12
Wine 2 : Sauvignon Blanc
Producer: Saint Clair
Region: Marlborough, New Zealand
Supplier: Gall and Gall
Grape varietie s: Sauvignon Blanc
Vintage 2006
Price (€) 13.99
Extra info
Tasting notes from wine maker: Pale straw with green hues. Intense, powerful aromas of passionfruit, blackcurrant and gooseberry, along with lifted notes of grapefruit leap out of the glass. Palate: A full, crisp and powerful wine with intense flavours of passion fruit and blackcurrant, along with underlying gooseberry and herbal tones. Mouth-watering acidity and an intense minerality is balanced by a full yet elegant palate that leads to a long lingering finish. Average group score: 2.02
Wine 3 : Bourgogne
Producer: Nicolas Potel
Region: Bourgogne, France
Supplier: Noordman
Quality Status: Appellation Bourgogne Controlee
Grape varieties: Pinot Noir
Vintage 2003
Price (€)
Extra info
A concentrated, elegant Pinot with exceptional depth and a length of fruit, coming from vines that average about 40 years. Average group score: 2.67
Wine 4 : Pinot Noir Reserva
Producer: Val di Vieso
Region: Casablanca Valley, Chile
Supplier: Gall en Gall
Grape varieties: Pinot Noir
Vintage 2005
Price (€) 13.50
Extra info
Rich red colour. Sweet berries, strawberries in particular, with sweet spice notes, and a typical earthy Pinot character. Full bodied and flavoured, being round and smooth on the palate, and a long flavoursome finish. Average group score: 2.76
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Wine 6 : Presidents Selection Cabernet Sauvignon
Producer: Wolf Blass
Region: South Australia
Supplier: Gall en Gall
Grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon
Vintage 2004
Price (€) 12.99
Extra info
Intense aromas of blackcurrant, vanillin oak characters and a hint of varietal eucalypt/ mint combine on the nose. These characters are evident as flavors on the warm, rich and full-bodied palate with excellent depth and balance. The long and lingering finish is complexed by fine-grained and well-integrated tannins offering wonderful texture. Average group score: 2.0