One of my favourite quotes involving wine is displayed at one of our usual locations for wine-tasting dinners: Wine is the pleasantest subject in the world to discuss. All its associations are with occasions when people are at their best; with relaxation, contentment, leisurely meals and the free flow of ideas. Hugh Johnson I’ve recently […]
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The Christmas season is often a preferred time to indulge in fine food and fine wine – our home included. Three considerations shaped my wine choices during the holidays. An old wine friend of mine once presented me with a home-crafted sign which currently hangs over my fine wine cellar. It reads “Avant Partir” which […]
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Great to have you back Steve. Excellent comments. How much longer in the cellar?
I think the wine is at peak now, but given the acidity and tannins, I think it can last quite some time at this level – as in years. Another way it bears a resemblance to port!
Welcome back, Steve. Is this a Quinta you have visited?
You ask a good question Gerry. I have not visited this Quinta, although I have been to the region. I have found that visiting the wineries or at least the regions where they are from has improved my appreciation of wines. You get a deeper understanding of what the wine maker is trying to accomplish within the context of the place. I recall a week-long visit to Ascoli Piceno for a tasting series. The first event was a tasting of more than a dozen wines representing the participating producers in the region – wines that were quite different for me at the time based on Pecorino, Passerina, and Montepulciano. By the end of the week I had a whole new appreciation for these wines and they remain favourites to this day.