2020 TASSILO BY WEINGUT MÜLLER ALTE POINT VINEYARD - WACHAU, AUSTRIA
GRÜNER VELTLINER
Winemaking details: The Müller estate is located in the Kremstal region of Austria, and is now managed by the 3rd and 4th generations of the family. They have vineyard holdings in other regions, including the Wachau, and produce wines from the Wachau under the label Tassilo. The vineyards in the Wachau are on the property of an Abbey which was founded in 777 AD by a Bavarian Duke, Tassilo III. Vineyards were planted there in 893 AD and grapes have been tended there ever since. This single vineyard, Alte Point, is a warmer climate with barren primary rock soils. These grapes are hand harvested and go directly to the press, and ferment with native yeasts in stainless steel tanks. The wines are then racked off gross lees to steel where they age for a few months before being bottled unfined and unfiltered, with minimal effective sulfur.
Color: Pale Yellow
Bouquet: Starfruit, gooseberry, white and green pepper, ginger flowers, straw, green apple, lemon zest
Palate: This is a zippy and refreshing wine, with racy acidity and a lighter palate. The stoney soils come through with a great depth of flavors of citrus, fruits, subtle green notes, and crushed gravel, with a light spice on the finish. Pair this wine with the classic Austrian dish of sautéed kidneys, harder to pair vegetable fare such as asparagus and grilled artichoke, or with spicy foods.
This wine is refreshing and drinking great at the moment, but because of the high acid this wine could age for another 5+ years if desired.
Further information can be found here: Muller Wine
2020 CASCINA CA’ ROSSA - PIEMONTE, ITALY
GRIGNOLINO
Winemaking details: This winery is located in the village of Roero in the heart of Piemonte, and is run by Angelo Ferrio, who is now helped by his son, Stefano. Angelo is the soul of the winery and has always farmed organically, just like his grandparents did on the same land, and he believes that chemicals are a substitute for hard and honest work. He found an old vine, 1 hectare, forgotten Grignolino plot in the neighboring village of Agliano, and took a few years to tend it back to life. Now he makes this Grignolino, grown on sandy calcareous soils, every year. The grapes are hand-picked and fully destemmed before fermentation carried out by native yeasts. Once dry, the wine is racked to steel where it ages for a few months before being bottled unfined and unfiltered with minimal effective sulfur.
Color: Light Ruby
Bouquet: Bing cherries, wild herbs, strawberries, wild raspberries, violets, light baking spices
Palate: This is a classic expression of this lighter red grape from Piemonte, with present but soft tannin, bright and refreshing acidity, supple red fruits, and a spicy finish. It is clean, refreshing, slightly rustic, and great with a slight chill on a warm afternoon as the weather warms up.
This wine is meant to be consumed young, but with a few years it develops more rustic and earthy flavors.
Further information can be found here: Cascina Ca'Rossa