Monthly Archives: February 2014

Rioja Graciano 2011

Posted on February 26, 2014 by citbp

Mas de Victor DOC Rioja, 2011. In Rioja DOC and DOCa (Ca =calificada=qualified) are synonymous; in  Catalan Priorat, DOQ is used (Q=qualificada). Usually graciano is a small component in the traditional Rioja blend of tempranillo, grenache, mazuelo and graciano; but … Continue reading →

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Senorio Amezola Rioja Reserva 2006

Posted on February 21, 2014 by citbp

Senorio Amezola DOC Rioja Reserva, Bodegas Amezola de la Mora, 2006 In Rioja DOC and DOCa (Ca =calificada=qualified) are synonymous; in  Catalan Priorat, DOQ is used (Q=qualificada). The bodega is in the heart of Rioja Alta, at 600-750m, protected from northern … Continue reading →

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Prios Maximus Ribera del Duero 2011

Posted on February 20, 2014 by citbp

Prios Maximus Roble, DO Ribera del Duero, Bodegas de los Rios Prieto, Pesquera de Duero (Valladolid), 2011 Roble = oak Varietal tempranillo, fermented in stainless steel, Roble indicates less than 6 months oak (US) ageing; over 6 months are required … Continue reading →

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Cantos de Valpiedra Rioja 2010

Posted on February 17, 2014 by citbp

Cantos de Valpiedra, Rioja DOCa, Rioja Alta, Spain 2010 In Rioja DOC and DOCa (Ca =calificada=qualified) are synonymous; in  Catalan Priorat, DOQ is used (Q=qualificada). Finca Valpiedra is currently the only single vineyard estate in La Rioja, and belongs to … Continue reading →

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Cremant de Die Brut NV

Posted on February 17, 2014 by citbp

Cremant de Die, Brut, Granon Pontaix, Die, France, NV No information available on the blend, but it will be clairette in the majority with aligote and no sign of muscat blanc a petit grains on nose or palate, 12% abv, … Continue reading →

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Champagne Devaux, 2004

Posted on February 8, 2014 by citbp

Devaux, Vintage, 2004, Champagne Veuve A. Devaux is a co-op (includes 12 other local co-ops), with over 100 growers, based in Bar sur Seine in the Cotes des Bars.  There, the speciality is pinot noir; chardonnay in blends is largely … Continue reading →

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Meursault Les Narvaux, 2005

Posted on February 7, 2014 by citbp

Meursault, Cote de Beaune, Les Narvaux (lieux-dit), Guy Bocard, 2005 A Meursault village wine, denoted by ‘Appellation Meursault Controlee’, chardonnay, 13% abv, natural cork closure; about £30 now, bought some time when passing through. Labels in Burgundy explained – a note on … Continue reading →

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Is this German wine dry?

Posted on February 4, 2014 by citbp

Some hints on determining whether a German wine has significant residual sugar, or not. What is the abv%?  If it is 13%+ then it will be dry, if 7-10% then there will be noticeable sweetness, the lower the abv the … Continue reading →

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Chateau Musar Lebanon 2005

Posted on February 2, 2014 by citbp

Chateau Musar, Bekaa Valley, Lebanon, 2005. Cabernet sauvignon, cinsault and carignan, 14% abv, natural cork closure, available from the Wine Society, Ann et Vin and others £20-25 These wines are released 7 years after vintage. They benefit from further ageing … Continue reading →

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