SOAVE, SANCERRE & SAUTERNES AMONG THE STATUES

 SOAVE, SANCERRE & SAUTERNES AMONG THE STATUES

Sculptures from the 19^th and 20^th century, including the c.1816 Canova copies of the Graeco-Roma period, from originals in the Vatican Museum, formed the backdrop as we “strolled” through a variety of European vineyards last evening, all thanks to From Vineyards Direct who held their winter tasting in the Crawford Art Gallery, Cork.

Fellow twitters in attendance were @grapes_of_sloth  and @BlakeCreedon (above)

Started off with a frothy Collalbrigio Prosecco NV, made especially for FVD by the Cipriani family, and there was an excellent finish to the evening with a sampling of Castelnau De Suduiraut Sauternes 2003, the 2^nd wine of the region’s heavyweight, “a chateau that abuts the mighty D’Yquem”.

Quite a bit of tasting done in between on an evening when there was no admission charge but FVD had facilitated a fund-raising raffle by the Maymount Hospice, perhaps the one charity that no Cork person will refuse. Well done to VD for that.

Paul Kiernan (left) and Stuart Smith (FVD)

General Manager Stuart Smith was there for the evening. “We offer a small range of delicious drinking wines, principally from France, Italy and Spain, imported direct from the growers and delivered to your door at the click of a mouse. We aim to be at least 20% cheaper than through traditional channels.” 

First table had six of the “aromatic whites”. The supplied listing signalled that the 2009 Soave Classico ‘Pra’ was the hot one here but the two that topped my list were the Dom Bernard Fleuriet Sancerre 2008 and the Clothilde Davenne Sauvignon de St Bris 2009 from Burgundy.

Four class Burgundies on the next table and that proved the highlight for me. The line-up here included two Premier Cru: Chablis 1er Cru Beauroy, Dom La Motte 2006 and the Rully 1er Cru 'Le Gresigny’, Jean-Francois Protheau 2008.

The first of the reds to grab the attention, and appreciation, was Tagonius Tinto Roble, Vinhos de Madrid, made from Tempranillo, Syrah, Cabernet and Merlot. Amazingly, the one that I really really liked was one of the cheapest. This was the Cotes du Rhone ‘Les Trois Souers’ Dom Les Grands Bois 2009. It also impressed Robert Parker who gave it 91 points and still the price is just €10.95.

By the time, we reached the Bordeaux table, the star, St Julien 2008, had vanished. Started with 2006 Claret and a Superieur from the same year. The next, a 2004 Superieur, came from Chateu Meaume, Reserve du Chateau, and had more to offer and was my best of the three.

In the absence of the St Julien, we were happy to finish off the reds with a silky 2006 St Emilion Grand Cru from Chateu Teyssier. Merlot is the main grape here and must admit I had more than just a “tasting” portion.

GOS checks out new hair style

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