From Morgan And Lugana. Two Very Highly Recommended Wines.

From Morgan And Lugana. Two Very Highly Recommended Wines.

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Domaine des Souchons “Cuvée Claude Billet” Morgan (AOC) 2018, €18.95 (was €24.95) O’Briens Wine

These days, I find a comfortable certainty when I open a bottle of Beaujolais cru, particularly when that cru is Morgan. And, as soon as I smell the intense straightforward red berry nose, with a touch of spice, from this Cuvée Claude Billet, I know I’m on the money again with this deep ruby coloured wine.

The vibrant fruit and a tingling acidity leaves an excellent impression as it shines everywhere across the palate and through the long and lingering finish, a touch of fine tannins on the lips. What’s not to like here? Very Highly Recommended.

This cuvée is a blend of different plots, notably combining the volcanic terroir of the Cote du Py and the power of the Grand Cras terroir on one of the oldest estates in the Morgon area of Beaujolais. It is owned by the Condamine family whose roots are in these vineyards. This 100% Gamay, with strong character and enjoyable light fruit notes, is perfect with poultry, and they also say that it goes surprisingly well with cooked white fish, such as sole meuniere.

They say: It is at Morgon, a Beaujolais cru, that we carefully tend our 40 parcels that spread over almost 12 hectares. The domaine is subject to six different types of climatic influences, allowing us to produce wines of great richness that reveal their individual terroirs.

Guerrieri Rizzardi Lugana (DOC) 2020, 12%, €14.95 (was 18.95) O’Briens Wine

The shimmering light gold colour of this Rizzardi white dances in the glass and catches the eye. The feel good factor is increased as you sniff the attractive aromas of fruit such as peach and more exotic like mango and pineapple, and there are floral notes as well. 

There is indeed ample fruit (including the exotic) on the palate and a long and lasting finish. Terrific texture all the way thanks to it having been on the lees for two to three months. A subtle acidity is a key factor. Very Highly Recommended.

Excellent, Rizzardi say, with freshwater and saltwater fish dishes, fresh crustaceans, sushi and young cheese. Also ideal as an aperitif. Recommended serving temperature is 10 to 12 degrees. Guerrieri Rizzardi is the result of the union between two venerable winemaking families that date back to the 17th century.

This Lugana is made from Turbiana grapes, historically cultivated widely in the lands surrounding Peschiera del Garda (a town by Lake Garda). The grape is also known as Trebbiano di Lugana and is genetically linked to Verdicchio. The grapes are grown according to the guyot method in various vineyards around the San Benedetto di Lugana area, where the subsoil is abundant in white clay. 

After selection and harvest, the grapes are crushed and then fermented in stainless steel tanks followed by refinement on the lees for 2-3 months, after which the wine is ready to be bottled. This 2020 was first bottled on the 9th of March 2021.