Barolo for lunch #101
Two summary wines from Southern Europe
Hi friends! Big, but not that inspiring releases in the temporary assortment this week. There are a couple of bottles that are good, but kinda overpriced, like Giant Steps Applejack Pinot and Gramona III Lustros. One very summery classic caught my eye though, so buckle up, and cheers! 🍷
Alvarinho Contacto – #6707 – 145:-
Criiiispy white wine, from the Vinho Verde region in Portugal. Alvarinho at it’s finest is kinda close to Riesling in that it’s very fruity and fresh, but it comes with a bit of a grassy or herby note which is very nice. This bottle is one of my summer staples, and goes great with salmon waffles. 100% Alvarinho.
Tio Pepe Fino En Rama – #92450 – 189:-
Dry Sherry is not for the faint of heart, but once you “understand” it it’s hard to let go. It’s a very complex wine, with notes of overripe apples and grilled lemon - and of course yeast from the flor. Drink on a balcony with a tub of maracona almonds. Great stuff! 100% Palomino Fino.
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Nerd zone: Pinot Meunier
Alvarinho, which is also known as Albariño across the border in Spain, is one of the nicest white grapes of Portugal, and especially famous in the Vinho Verde region far up in the north west. It thrives in the cool maritime climate, and the big diurnal swings helps it produces very crisp but flavorful wines.
Wines made from Alvarinho are almost exclusively bone dry, with notes of green apples and lime, and sometimes a touch of saltiness. Considering where they are grown, they are obviously a natural pairing with seafood but usually go really great together with hard cheese too. The name is thought to derive from “albo,” which is the Latin word for white and most likely a reflection of the grapes very pale skin.
Best of all is that since Alvarinho often fly under the radar compared to better-known white grapes (hint Riesling) they are often also very cheap. Enjoy!