2022 Casal Garcia Vinho Verde (Minho, Portugal)
We fell in love with these Portugese wines on our bike ride. We often joke that Portugal does not make a bad white wine. So far so good with the wines of Portugal here in Dubai, but this is the first that has had the classic Portugal spritz that was so common on the ride. Tiny bubbles. Tropical fruit and a great acidic mouthfeel. Excellent value for money.
2021 Bodega Rioja Vega Tinto (Rioja, Spain)
We opened this when Shell decided the Barolo was not to her taste. Entry level Rioja made from 100% Tempranillo. Very good value for money. Plenty of malolactic fermentation to soften the plate. Vanilla and cherry on the nose. Shell drank most of it, the Barolo was for me.
2017 Ricossa Barolo (Barolo, Italy)
Barolo is my new Burgundy. Like Burgundy, I really can’t afford it. This is an entry level Barolo from a mid range producer and it is still great drinking. 2017 was dry in Barolo, but the wines were still eleganr and balanced. From vineyards in the Monferrato region, made in the traditional style with no new oak and 36 months in botti. Spices, licorice and caramel on the nose with dried red fruits. A tight, astrigent mothfeel that needs time to develop. It will not get that time, this is my only bottle. A good wine.
