Wine memories

Today while running around helping Jonny choose a bottle of wine for his brother-in-law, I was thinking of trying to remember the wines that I have had. Given that I have drunk quite a few bottles, those that I remember would probably be the more memorable ones.

I think the first wine I tried was a champagne, at Nong’s wedding. I didn’t like it, and have never really warmed up to it. It’s gas-sy and a tad too dry, and not quite sweet enough. Of course, there’s always the demi cru champagnes, but those are quite hard to come by, and are in any case, similar tasting to martini asti and maybe the sparkling Aussie wines.

Champagnes and other sparklies that I remember:

a) Moet Et Chandon Brut Imperial ***** *
b) Jacob's Creek Sparkling Chardonnay Pinot Noir ***** *** (My favourite sparkly)
c) Martini Asti Spumante *****
d) Buck’s Fizz ** (I think Jingliu got it to try. *Shudders*)

The first wine that I tried in the UK was a Bulgarian of Sainsburian brand. Yucks!
And the second, a chenin blanc, again of Sainsburys. Again, yucks! No wonder I’ve never gotten another bottle of wine that has been ‘carefully selected’ by that esteemed supermarket.

Whites:

a) Canepa Gerwurztraminer ***** **** (My all time favourite: lychee flavoured, and not too sweet or too dry. Sadly, unavailable in the UK anymore, as far as I can tell.)
b) Villa Maria Chardonnay ***** **** (Zhongwen got this for a dinner at Elm Road. One of the truly vanilla flavoured chardonnays, i.e. not just an undetectable hint. Yumzy!)
c) Sainsbury’s Chenin Blanc * (Put me off both Sainsbury’s and chenin blancs)
d) Marks and Spencer Honey Tree Gewurtraminer ***** **


Reds:

a) Santo Winery Nama Dessert Wine ***** **** (Last glass in long wine tasting session at the winery. Liquid raisin. Bliss.
This wine derives from sun dried grapes from the Santorinian vineyards, with the dark red Maurotragano, Voudomato, and Mandilaria varieties predominant which are fermented together, in accordance with modern - winemaking theories and practices. This wine was made for use at the Holy Communion, but is also used as a dessert wine served at 8oC, accompanied by nuts, chocolate or cool pastries.
b) Sainsbury’s Bulgarian Red *** (Not particularly yummy, though still drinkable lar.)
c) Brown Brothers Tarrango ***** **** (My favourite red for dinner. Almost a rose in texture.)

Roses:

a) Ernest and Julio Gallo White Grenache ***** * (Strawberry-ish)

mmmhz. And now the two bottles I chose from Oddbins. They are £7.49 each, but 2 for £10, so quite a good bargain.

The first is Xanadu Secession Shiraz Cabernet 2002, which according to the Aussie Sunday Mail:

The 2002 Secession Shiraz Cabernet is a pretty wine in the glass with its striking red/purple hues looking through an intricate stained-glass window. Berry fruits and floral notes create a pleasant aroma, not unlike nudging your nose into a big posy of peppery violets. With 60 per cent Shiraz, 40 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, the wine exhibits a moderately intense palate with warm, spicy overtones. It is best accompanied with pasta dishes or lamb.

The second, also from Xanadu, is their 2004 Semillon Sauvignon Blanc, which is:

A bright and zesty fruit blend that provides excellent current drinking. Nothing terriby complex but you get great value for your dollar from this ready-to-drink wine.

mmmh. The red sounds more exciting, no? :p