"Old World Favorites" Private Tasting
6 greats from the old world, a private tasting by Hillary Zio, enjoy!
Wine 1.) 2014 Brundlmayer Gruner Veltliner, Kamptal
Gruner Veltliner is the signature grape of Austria, and lately you won’t find one of poor quality exported to America. Brundelmayer is located just west of Vienna, in the region of Kamptal. With stony soil, very high in elevation with cool terraces, this wine has bright and fresh acidity, with several unique floral notes, as well as grass, limeade and a hint of asparagus.
Wine 2.) 2014 Moreau-Nadet Chablis
Stephane Moreau was labeled the most exciting new producer of Chablis by Burghound in 2012 and his wines have only gotten better. Learning from Vincent Dauvissat, his wines are also deeply mineral, displaying the kimmeridgean soil seemingly effortlessly. He uses ancient barrels and just a touch, to express the racy terroir. Green apples, orange peel and a hint of clay from the soil are notes you can find across the palate. Biodynamic and only hand-harvests, these wines are under the radar – for now.
Wine 3.) 2014 Duroche Gevrey Chambertin “Champ”
Pierre Duroche is a 2nd generation winemaker and took over from his father in 2005. Their wines are all about elegance and finesse, not oak and power, which can be a bit rare to find in Gevrey Chambertin. They have 8 hectares of micro cuvees, encompassing 5 Grand Cru vineyards and 3 Premier Cru sites. This is the “champ” a lieu dit to the North of Gevrey Chambertin. The tannins are fine grained, and the nose is earth-driven and vegetal. Very well balanced with a long finish.
Wine 4.) 2010 CVNE Gran Reserva Rioja
One of the largest (500+ hectares) and oldest (est. 1878) producers in Rioja (Alta and Alavasea), offering a very traditional and consistent style year after year. CVNE’s Gran Reservas are aged 24 months in cask and 36 months in bottle, and these Tempranillo vines are at minimum, 20 years old. The family (5th Generation) and winemaking team are known for their low yields and American/French barrel combinations, both resulting in the classic style that sets them apart. Black cherries, fresh berries, toast, dill and balsamic come across on the nose and palate.
Wine 5.) 2010 Siro Pacente Brunello di Montalcino
Small and pristine, Giancarlo Pacenti is making beautiful wines in the heart of Montalcino. The Brunellos and Rossos have been highly rated and described as perfectly balanced and age-worthy. This has to do with the blend of 2 vineyards he owns to the North and South of Montalcino Hill. Pelagrilli is his vineyard to the north, offering elegance, fragrance, and a silky texture. The Southwest, warmer vineyard is located in Colle and known for full-bodied and dense tannins. By blending the two, he is able to create very unique wines with an abundance of power, fruit and finesse.
Wine 6.) 2008 Brane Cantenac
Located in Margaux, 2008 is considered one of the best vintages of Brane Cantenac EVER! This second growth Bordeaux is 75 hectares long, with history going back to 1833. Today, the estate is over 25% organically farmed, using sustainable techniques, this number goes up each year in an effort to preserve the region. The blend is 55% Cabernet, 40% Merlot, 4.5% Cabernet Franc and .5% Carmenere. The wine is blended and then aged 60% new French oak. The palate is complete with notes of tobacco, cassis, mushroom, and truffles with a dark cherry and blackberry finish. Clean and elegant, it’s easy to see why this vintage has been so prevalent for the chateau.