Tokaji Oremus Mandolas 2021

After the fall of the Berlin wall in 1989, the Hungarian government offered for sale properties in the Tokay wine region, known for its characteristic sweet wines. The Alvares family, owners of the Bodegas Vega Sicilia, acquired the Oremus vineyard and has, since then, worked to restore the reputation for excellence of Hungarian wines.

This wine is not sweet, but a Furmint (also known as Mainak): a dry white. Golden yellow with sparkling highlights… a brilliance which often presages freshness and even minerality. The nose confirms this impression and adds notes of melted butter. A rich, voluptuous mouth, dancing with the freshness of exotic fruits, sets the pace until the finish.

A new white wine in the big leagues.

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Château La Justice Fronsac 2019

Fronsac is a bit of a Cinderella appellation. It’s a Libournais (right bank of the Dordogne river), overshadowed by its big sisters, Pomerol and Saint- Émilion.

Let’s take advantage of this tasting opportunity to do it justice. First, rotate it to see its lovely purplish colour, and to admire its long legs which charm us with the slow pace they set as they slide down the glass. Subtly, scents of violets, white peppers and graphite invite serious consideration. A mouth reminiscent of raspberry and black currant along with polished tannins give way to a lightly aniseed-flavoured finish.

A fine merlot with a leg of lamb.

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Vigna Lenuzza Schioppettino di Prepotto… 2020

We’re still discovering grape varieties which were until now almost invisible on the international market. The universe of wine is opening up. Let’s welcome the schiopettino (an indigenous grape from Friuli-Venezia Julienne) newly entered into my reference notebook.

My first experience with this grape left me staggering. An explosive red with aromas of wild berries and long pepper (pipali) which sprawl over a crisp, lively and digestible mouth. The elegance of the tannins closes the loop. Delicious!

There are still a few bottles available in the SAQ network.

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