Californian white wines

Tropical notes in Californian Viognier

From California in the US this Viognier from McManis shows very aromatic notes of yellow pears, peach, mango, pineapple as well as vanilla notes from oak maturation. The level of acidity is medium, but the aromatic notes still gives the wine some body.

Even though this wine has many tropical notes it is a dry white wine (6 g/l), and combines well with both sea food and fish dishes, as well as many Asian dishes and even light meat dishes. It is a very versatile wine, and well worth its price of 99 SEK at Systembolaget (nr 6290) – and it gets 85 points from me!

French red wines

Dark olives notes from La Clape

From La Clape in the south of France and the region Languedoc-Roussillon, this typical ”GSM” blend produces notes of both dark olives, chocolate and licorice on the palate. GSM stands for the 3 grape varieties Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre, and is typical for this region since they complement each other well. Saint Auriol Chatelaine comes from the producer Les Domaines Auriol, and this wine is sold for 119 SEK at Systembolaget (nr 4500).

It has high but well-balanced level of acidity and smooth tannins that are rounded off by one year of oak maturation. This adds notes of cedar, cloves, chocolate and vanilla – on top of the spicy and dark fruity notes both on the nose and palate. It is very easy to combine with most dishes of meat as well as overcooked or grilled cheeses or vegetables – add a spicy and creamy sauce and the combination is perfect! I give this wine 86 points!

Italian red wines

Istine Chianti Classico is classy

This red wine from Tuscany in Italy is made from 100% Sangiovese, and since 2016 the producer Istine is certified organic. It has very pleasant notes of dark cherries, slightly sour which is typical for this style, as well as sage and cinnamon. The maturation in Slovenian oak for one year adds notes of vanilla, chocolate, tobacco and cloves.

The balance between the high acidity and firm but integrated tannins, as well as the pronounced flavours make this wine very good to match with the typical Italian cuisine – like pasta, pizza, prosciutto and fantastic cheeses! It costs 159 SEK and has nr 2309 at Systembolaget, and the well-integrated structure and classy finish makes this a very price-worthy wine, and it gets 86 points!

Austrian red wines

Pleasant organic Shiraz with chocolate and spicy notes

From Gemtree Vineyards in Mc Laren Vale, South Australia, this organic wine made of 100% Shiraz (the same grape variety as Syrah) gives lovely notes of blackberries, blueberries, black pepper and licorice. It has been matured in oak barrels, giving more integrated tannins and adding flavours of chocolate and vanilla.

This wine is well-balanced, and has nice acidity balanced with intense flavours and smooth but still structured tannins. As a result, this wine is very easy to combine with both spicy vegetarian dishes as well as most meat dishes – especially when served with pepper, herbs and grilled ingredients! I give this wine 87 points, it is excellent and well worth its price of 119 SEK. It has nr 20033 at Systembolaget.

Argentinian white wines

Torrentés with elderflower and melon notes

Aromatic and fruity blend from La Rioja, Cuyo, in Argentina, Ecological Families is made of 60% torrents and 40% chardonnay. This gives a very fruity wine, with lots of elderflower, lime, pear and melon.

This is a dry wine with a hint if sweetness (7g/l), and medium acidity. Its very aromatic notes makes it pleasant to drink as an aperitif, and is good to match with fish dishes as well as light chicken meals with some spices added. The slight sweet and blossom notes also makes it very good to serve with Asian dishes. The price is 77 SEK and the nr 6231 at Systembolaget. I give this versatile and easy-to-like wine 81 points.

Italian white wines

Italian white from Abruzzo

The Italian region of Abruzzo lies south-east of Tuscany and Umbria, and one of the white grape varieties here is Trebbiano. This wine has fresh acidity with fruity notes of lemon, green apples, peach and herbs.

This wine is good with seafood and fish dishes, and I give it 72 points. It costs 79 SEK and har nr 6580 at Systembolaget. I find it a balanced wine with fruity notes, and it is worth its price!

German white wines

Fresh Riesling Trocken

Fruity fresh dry Riesling från Pfalz in Germany. This is a dry crispy wine with high acidity and fruity flavours of green apple, lemon, peach, herbs and flinty notes. The alcohol level is 12 %, and the price 129 SEK (nr 72093 at Systembolaget).

The producer Reichsrat von Buhl was founded in 1849, and this wine is labelled as ecological. Riesling is a popular grape variety, especially in Germany where it is made in a great variety of styles – from dry to sweet. Is is very good to combine with vegetarian dishes and dishes with fish and seafood. It also goes well with many Asian specialties, that math its crispy acidity and fruitiness. This wine gets 84 points!

French red wines

Spicy enjoyable red from Languedoc

Southern France has for some been known for mass-produced wines, but good quality wines are made and the quality in general is rising. This wine comes from Château L’Hospitalet, La Clape – close to Narbonne by the Mediterranean Sea.

The grape varieties used are the GSM-blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. The producer is the famous Gerard Bertrand, who owns and co-operates with many co-operatives and growers in Languedoc-Roussillon region. The price is 189 SEK, and the nr 73142 at Systembolaget.

This is a very pleasant wine, which has been oak matured for one year in French barriques giving notes of cloves, vanilla and chocolate and very integrated but still present tannins and structure. There are lovely notes of lavendel, black plums and blackberries as well as bay leafs, figs and black pepper with hints of licorice.

This wine has a full body, with very nicely integrated acidity with its pronounced flavours and pleasant finish. It is easy to combine with both spicy vegetarian dishes and most meat dishes. Very good with grilled or oven cooked meals with creamy spicy sauces. I give this wine 93 points and find it very enjoyable!

Italian red wines

Well-structured Italian red from Basilicata

From the South of Italy, in the region of Basilicata, this pleasant red wine made from the grape variety Aglianico shows good balance and notes of dark cherries, spice and dark olives.

It has a good balance between acidity and tannins that are high and grippy but still well integrated. This makes it a wine that is easy to combine with many dishes with structure and spices, since the wine is not overwhelmed when combined. Grilled meat or halloumi as well as vegetables with herbs is a perfect match!

On the palate you will get dark cherries and plums, rosemary and peppery notes with cloves, olives and vanilla from oak aging for two years on old French vats. The name Teodosio comes from the old Roman emperor, and the producer Basilisco was established in the 1990s. The price in Sweden is 119 SEK, nr 2458 at Systembolaget. I give this wine 86 points – well balanced and well worth its price!

Spanish white wines

Medium-sweet Spanish with exotic touch

From the region Penedès close to Barcelona we find this fruity medium-sweet wine called René Barbier Vina Augusta, made from the grapes Macabeo, Parellada, Xarel-lo and Moscatell. The level of sweetness is 33 g/l, and alcohol 12 %.

The level of acidity is medium and the flavours on the nose is fruity with yellow apples, white peaches and melon. On the palate the flavours are similar with a sweet touch and apples, peaches, nectarine and melon. It has medium body and finish.

I give this wine, which has nr 2670 at Systembolaget, 81 points. Is is worth its price of 43 SEK (375 ml) and is well-balanced and gives an exotic touch! Combine it with desserts, white chocolate or even your favorite blue cheese 🙂