Off the beaten track
925. Filipa Pato, Nossa Calcário Tinto Bairrada, 2011
In my ‘Odd Reds’ line-up, I thought I’d put my first Baga. And this showed how good it can be when expertly handled by …
924. Bodegas Nairoa, Alberte Treixadura Ribeiro, 2013
Another highlight of the Odd Whites tasting. Really showed the crisply aromatic, yet light and delicate style of Treixadura, compared with the often oilier, …
923. Domaine de Montbourgeau, l’Etoile Savagnin, 2011
An entertaining highlight of my ‘Odd Whites’ open tasting. 3 years under flor for 100% Savagnin / Gewürztraminer. Its flavour makes it great for …
874. Colet Navazos, Reserva Extra Brut Penedès, 2007
This entertaining oddity was brought to the sparkling tasting by José-Luis. It confused me served blind, as I thought it was an NV, due …
857. Horst Sauer for Fortnum & Mason, Escherndorfer Lump Silvaner Spätlese Trocken Franken, 2012
The most interesting of Year 2’s neutral whites line-up, and also one of the riper. From Horst Sauer, who is apparently one of the …
826. Tenuta delle Terre Nere, Etna Rosso, 2012
My first Etna Rosso, and I immediately understood what all the fuss is about – weird and wonderful! I still don’t get Etna Bianco, …
802. Fiorini, Becco Rosso Lambrusco Grasparossa, NV (2014)
This was the enlightening surprise of the line-up – and very hard to find – but I wasn’t then surprised to see an article …
764. Château de la Mar, Mondeuse, 2010
A first Mondeuse, to the best of my recollection. From the shop in Cluses. Deep ruby / purple. Dark berry fruit notes: mulberry and …
730. Bénédicte & Stéphane Tissot, Vin de Paille Arbois Jura, 2008
Picked up whilst in the Alps, this is a bit of an oddity – not because it’s a vin de paille, with straw-dried grapes …
714. Cantina Valle Isarco, Kerner della Valle Isarco Alto Adige, 2011
Picked up for interest from Bedales. Mid-depth lemon-green, with a light spritz. Initially sweaty, then almost Sauvignon-Blanc-like ‘crisp’ aromatics. Once it opened out, it …