FTLOP trip: Day 1 > Visit to Krohn

FTLOP trip

 06/03/2012 - Visit to Krohn (Wiese & Krohn was founded in 1865 by two young Norwegians, Theodor Wiese & Dankert Krohn.)

What a way to start our trip. We visited Krohn, one of the best producers of Colheita. There we spent the afternoon learning about the company, their history and - most of all - tasting their wines and being educated on the evolution of tawny wines.

Jose Carneiro and Iolanda we amazing (Wiese & Krohn is now run by the third generation of the Falcão Carneiro family). They were there pouring wines with smiles on their faces and answering all our questions patiently (some members of our trip just recently have become #portlovers), but they were also extremely knowledgeable when challenged with more difficult technical questions. In short: we had a very educational (and delicious!) seminar on Colheita wines.

On the line up: Colheitas 2002, 1997, 1983, 1978, 1968, and 1961 - And... Mario Ferreira!

Then something amazing happened. We were invited to do a little barrel tasting...

So how about a wine 1863 from the barrel to finish our visit? From 1 to 100 how happy do you think Roy was? Well, he gave to this wine 100 points! I believe this is was the 3rd time in his life he gives 100 points to a wine...

In short: What a visit!

To see more pictures of the visit you can visit our Facebook page:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/TheWineHub/390783022052

To schedule a visit or to contact them directly:
Wiese & Krohn, Sucrs., Lda.
Rua Dr. António Granjo, 122
4400-082 V. N. Gaia
Portugal
Tel.: + 351 22 3771720 - E-mail: wk@krohn.pt

Cheers,
Luiz Alberto, #winelover

www.thewinehub.com
One of the  pillars of TheWineHub is Wine Tourism. Whether you are a wine maker, or a wine drinker, we all enjoy having discoveries... TheWineHub exists to help you with that.

Balkans International Wine Competition. The results.

I was honored to be a part of the jury of the Balkans International Wine Competition. It was held in Sofia from the 14th until the 17th of June, 2012.

More than 400 wines from the Balkan region competed in the five categories: sparkling, dry white, dry rose, dry red and dessert. 23 Gold Medals were awarded (Bulgaria: 10, Greece: 7, Slovenia: 3, Macedonia: 2 and Croatia: 1) which represents 6% of all wines entered for the Competition.

"The importance of the Balkan Peninsula in wine history throughout the ages cannot be overstated. This is the birthplace of the wine culture as we understand it today. Some would argue that, however fundamental Balkan countries were 3000 ago, their modern standing is less significant. I beg to differ – in a world wine market that is increasingly thirsty for new styles and new varieties, the Balkans become a more and more vital part of what wine should be in ten years time."

Konstantinos Lazarakis MW
BIWC Chairman 

True that!

The winners of the trophies per categories are as follows:

Sparkling wine: Brut Rose Estate 2008, Edoardo Miroglio Winery, Bulgaria

White wine: Idisma Drios Chardonnay 2010, Wine Art Winery, Greece

Rose wine: Sarva 2011, Dragomir Winery, Bulgaria

Red wine: Bin 41 Merlot 2008, Santa Sarah Winery, Bulgaria

Dessert wine: Season of memories 2009, Minkov Brothers Winery, Bulgaria

The winner of the Grand Trophy 2012 Bin 41 Merlot 2008 from Santa Sarah Winery, Bulgaria.

 Here is the complete list of medals:

Gold medals
Bulgaria	red	Santa Sarah	Santa Sarah BIN 41	Merlot - 100%	2008
Bulgaria	white	Midalidare Estate	Sauvignon Banc & Semillon	Sauvignon Blanc - 90%, Semillon - 10%	2011
Bulgaria	white	Medi Valley Winery	Incanto Chardonnay Barrel Fermented	Chardonnay - 100%	2010
Bulgaria	red	Zagreus Winery	Cabernet Sauvignon Premium Reserve	Cabernet Sauvignon -100%	2006
Bulgaria	sparkling	Eduardo Miroglio	Brut Rose Estate	Pinot Noir - 100%	2008
Bulgaria	red	Eduardo Miroglio	Never Ending Story, Estate	Bouquet - 100%	2011
Bulgaria	red	Villa Melnik	Villa Melnik Aplauz	Melnik 55 - 100%	2010
Bulgaria	sweet	Minkov Brothers	Season of Memories	Gewurtztraminer - 100%	2009
Bulgaria	rose	Dragomir Winery Estate	Sarva	Cabernet Sauvignon - 48%, Syrah - 47%, Rubin - 5%	2011
Bulgaria	red	Borovitza	Borovitza Great Terroirs Bouquet	Bouquet - 100%	2008
Croatia	sparkling	Misal	Misal Millennium Brut	Malvasia Istriana, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir	NV
Macedonia	red	Tikveš	Barovo red	Vranec 60%, Kratošija 40%	2010
Macedonia	red	Chateau Kamnik	Ten Barrels Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva	Cabernet Sauvignon - 100%	2009
Greece	white	Wine Art Estate	Idisma Drios Chardonnay	Chardonnay - 100%	2010
Greece	white	Domaine Karanika	Terra Levea Assyrtiko	Assyrtiko - 100%	2011
Greece	white	Mylonas Winery	Apopsi Assyrtiko Mylonas	Assyrtiko - 100%	2011
Greece	white	Alexakis SA	Estate Vidiano	Vidiano - 100%	2011
Greece	rose	Domaine Costa Lazaridi S.A	Amethystos Rose	Cabernet Sauvignon - 80%, Merlot - 20%	2011
Greece	red	Monemvasia  Winery	300	Agiorghitiko - 70%, Mavroudi - 30%	2005
Greece	red	Domaine Skouras SA	Synoro	Merlot - 40%, Cabernet Franc - 40%, Agiorghitiko - 20%	2007
Slovenia	white	Dveri - Pax	Chardonnay	Chardonnay - 100%	2008
Slovenia	sweet	Dveri - Pax	Sipon - Lask Riezling	Šipon - 66%, Laški Rizling - 34%	2006
Slovenia	sweet	Jeruzalem Ormož	P&F Jeruzalem Ormož Ice Wine                 Laški Rizling	Welschriezling	2009
Silver medals
Bulgaria	white	Minkov Brothers	Minkov Brothers White Cuvee	Viognier - 80%, Chardonnay - 20%	2011
Bulgaria	white	Villa Melnik	Villa Melnik Bergulè Chardonnay&Viognier	Chardonnay - 50%, Viognier - 50%	2011
Bulgaria	white	Marash Winery	Lenea  Colombart & Chardonnay	Barrel Fermented Colombard & Chardonnay	2011
Bulgaria	white	Levent	Levent Traminer & Vrachanski Misket	Traminer - 60%, Vrachanski Misket - 40%	2011
Bulgaria	white	Ethno	Ethno Sauvignon Blanc&Misket	Sauvignon Blanc - 80%, Red Misket - 20%	2011
Bulgaria	white	Ethno	Ethno Chardonnay	Chardonnay - 100%	2011
Bulgaria	white	Eduardo Miroglio	Single Vineyard Chardonnay	Chardonnay - 100%	2009
Bulgaria	rose	Katarzyna	Le Rose	Syrah, Malbec, Cabernet Franc	2011
Bulgaria	rose	Maryan	Maryan Rose	Merlot - 70%, Cab Sauvignon - 25%, Cab Franc - 5%	2011
Bulgaria	red	Black Sea Gold	Cabernet Sauvignon, Special Selection	Cabernet Sauvignon - 100%	2009
Bulgaria	red	Villa Yustina	Monogram Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon	Cabernet Sauvignon - 100%	2009
Bulgaria	red	Santa Sarah	Santa Sarah BIN 40	Cabernet Sauvignon - 100%	2008
Bulgaria	red	Light Castle	Cabernet Sauvignon Premium Oak	Cabernet Sauvignon - 100%	2007
Bulgaria	red	Light Castle	Merlot Premium Oak	Merlot - 100%	2007
Bulgaria	red	Katarzyna	Encore Syrah	Syrah	2010
Bulgaria	red	Midalidare Estate	Grand Vintage Syrah	Syrah - 100%	2010
Bulgaria	red	Borovitza	Canyon Park Estate	Game Noir - 100%	2010
Bulgaria	red	Eduardo Miroglio	Never Ending Story, Estate Mavrud	Mavrud - 100%	2010
Bulgaria	red	Eduardo Miroglio	Never Ending Story, Estate Melnik	Melnik 100%	2010
Bulgaria	red	Domaine Boyar	Next 20 Marcelan	Marcelan - 100%	2010
Bulgaria	red	Chateau Kolarovo	SXS	Merlot - 70%, Syrah - 15%, Cab S - 10%, Mauvrud - 5%	2009
Bulgaria	red	Zagreus Winery	premium rezerve Mavrud	Mavrurd - 100%	2008
Bulgaria	red	Dragomir Winery Estate	Dragomir Reserva	Cabernet Sauvignon - 55%, Merlot - 45%	2008
Bulgaria	red	Castra Rubra	Butterfly's Rock, regional wine	Merlot - 50%, Cab S - 25%, Cab F - 15%, Syrah - 10%	2009
Bulgaria	red	Light Castle	Trendafil Premium Oak	Merlot - 48%, Cabernet Sauvignon - 46%, Syrah - 6%	2007
Bulgaria	red	Eduardo Miroglio	Reserve, Single Vineyard Pinot Noir	Pinot Noir - 100%	2009
Bulgaria	red	Angelus Estate	Stallion	Merlot - 60%, Syrah - 15%, Cab S - 15%, Cab F - 10%	2010
Croatia	sparkling	Misal	Misal Rose Sec	Pinot Noir, Malvasia Istriana & Chardonnay	2009
Croatia	red	Vina Carić	Plavac Ploški Barrique	Plavac Mali - 100%	2008
Croatia	red	Zlatan Otok Plenković	Zlatan Crljenak	Crljenak Kaštelanski - 100%	2008
Croatia	red	Zlatan Otok Plenković	Zlatan Plavac Grand Cru	Plavac Mali - 100%	2008
Macedonia	white	Tikveš	Bela Voda white	Grenache Blanc 70%, Chardonnay 30%	2011
Macedonia	white	Stobi	Muscat Ottonel Tikveš controlled origin	Muscat Ottonel 100%	2011
Greece	white	Lalikos	Mega Symbolo	Sauvignon Blanc - 90%, Gewurtztraminer - 10%	2011
Greece	white	Oenogenesis  W.I.A.C  SA	Feggites White 2011	Sauvignon Blanc - 50%, Assyrtiko - 50%	2011
Greece	white	Nico Lazaridi	Chateau Niko Lazaridi	Sauvignon Blanc, Moscat Alexandria, Ugni Blanc	2011
Greece	white	Nico Lazaridi	Magic Mountain	Sauvignon Blanc 100%	2011
Greece	white	Monemvasia  Winery	Metropolis	Assyrtico, Monemvasia, Kidonitsa 30%, Asproudes 10%	2011
Greece	white	Karamitros Winery	Two moons	Assyrtiko - 100%	2011
Greece	white	Monemvasia  Winery	Kidonitsa	Kidonitsa - 100%	2011
Greece	white	Karadimos	Estate Karadimos Malagouzia	Malagouzia - 100%	2011
Greece	rose	Angelos Noulas	Angelos Noulas Winery. Gris de Noir	Cabernet Sauvignon - 100%	2011
Greece	sparkling	Domaine Karanika	Karanika Brut Cuvee Special	XinoMavro - 100%	2010
Greece	red	Domaine Skouras SA	Nemea Saint George	Agiorghitiko - 100%	2010
Greece	red	Domaine Skouras SA	Grande Cuvee	Agiorghitiko - 100%	2008
Greece	red	Gerovassiliou	Avaton	Limnio, Mavroudi & Mavrotragano	2006
Greece	red	KIR YANNI SA	Diaporos	Xinomavro - 87%, Syrah 13%	2008
Greece	red	Domaine Skouras SA	Megas Oenos	Agiorghitiko - 80%, CS - 20%	2008
Greece	red	Porto Carras	Chateau Porto Carras	Cab S - 75%, Cab F - 10%, Merlot - 10%, Limnio - 5%	2006
New Zealand	white	Pernod Ricard	Brancott Estete, Letter Series 'B'	Sauvignon Blanc Marlborough - 100%	2010
Romania	white	Jidvei	Feteasca Regala Jidvei Classic	Feteasca Regala - 100%	2011
Serbia	white	Vinarija Zvonko Bogdan	Sauvignon Blanc Barique Palić, Ludaš	Sauvignon Blanc - 100%	2011
Serbia	rose	Jagodinska Vinarija 1897	Ružica Rose	Merlot - 70%, Frankovka - 30%	2011
Serbia	rose	Vinarija Zvonko Bogdan	Rose Vineyard Palić Ludaš	Merlot - 50%, Cabernet Franc - 30%, Lemberger - 20%	2011
Serbia	red	Matalj Vinarija	Kremen Estate Cabernet Sauvignon	Cabernet Sauvignon - 100%	2009
Slovenia	white	Jeruzalem Ormož	Gonila Exeptional	Sauvignon Blanc 100%	2011
Slovenia	white	Dveri - Pax	Sivi Pinot	Pinot Gris - 100%	2010
Slovenia	white	Jeruzalem Ormož	Gonila Exeptional	Furmint 100%	2011
Turkey	rose	Kavaklidere	Pendore Syrah	Syrah - 100%	2009
Turkey	red	Kavaklidere	Pendore Öküzgözü	Öküzgözü - 80%, Boğazkere - 20%	2009
Turkey	red	Suvla	Vineyard Grenache Noir	Grenache Noir	2011
Turkey	white	Kavaklidere	Ancyra Cabernet Sauvignon & Syrah	Cabernet Sauvignon & Syrah	2011
Turkey	red	Kayra	Kayra Vintage Cabernet Sauvignon	Cabernet Sauvignon - 100%	2009
Bronze medals
Bulgaria	white	Castra Rubra	Dominant	V 30%, P Gris 19%, Chard 18%, SB 18%, S Gris - 15%	2011
Bulgaria	white	Black Sea Gold	Villa Ponte	Chardonnay - 60%, Sauvignon Blanc - 40%	2011
Bulgaria	white	Joe Lendenhoff	SAGA Vintage 2010	Sauvignon Blanc 65% & Assyrtiko 35%	2010
Bulgaria	white	Joe Lendenhoff	FREYA Gold Cuvée - Vintage	Sauv Blanc - 60%, Semillon 30%, Ugni Blanc 10%	2009
Bulgaria	white	Villa Lyubimets	Selection	Sauvignon Blanc - 70%, Misket - 30%	2011
Bulgaria	white	Borovitza	Canyon Park Estate	Marsanne - 50%, Roussanne - 30%, Viognier - 20%	2010
Bulgaria	white	Vinolla Wines	Eclipsia Single Vineyard	Chardonnay - 100%	2011
Bulgaria	white	Domaine Boyar	Quantum Chardonnay	Chardonnay - 100%	2011
Bulgaria	white	Levent	Levent Chardonnay Grand Selection	Chardonnay - 100%	2011
Bulgaria	white	Peshtera	Domaine Peshtera Chardonnay	Chardonnay - 100%	2011
Bulgaria	white	Minkov Brothers	Minkov Brothers Chardonnay	Chardonnay - 100%	2010
Bulgaria	white	Borovitza	Borovitza Great Terroirs	Chardonnay - 100%	2010
Bulgaria	white	Domaine Boyar	Ars Longa Sauvignon Blanc	Sauvignon Blanc - 100%	2011
Bulgaria	white	Levent	Levent Sauvignon Blanc	Sauvignon Blanc - 100%	2011
Bulgaria	white	Santa Sarah	Santa Sarah Sauvignon Blanc	Sauvignon Blanc - 100%	2011
Bulgaria	white	Chateau Copsa	Estate Arleccino Sauvignon Blanc	Sauvignon Blanc - 100%	2011
Bulgaria	white	Vinolla Wines	Umbrella Single Vineyard	Traminer - 100%	2011
Bulgaria	white	Vinolla Wines	Eclipsia, single vineyard	Gewurtztraminer - 100%	2011
Bulgaria	white	Chateau de Val	Reisling Estate	Reisling - 100%	2011
Bulgaria	rose	Domaine Boyar	Next 20 Rose	Grenache & Mourvedre	2011
Bulgaria	rose	Black Sea Gold	Rose GP Golden Rhythm	Cabernet Sauvignon - 100%	2011
Bulgaria	rose	Santa Sarah	Santa Sarah Rose	Cabernet Sauvignon - 100%	2011
Bulgaria	rose	Medi Valley Winery	Medi's Rose	Cab Sauvignon - 70%, Merlot - 15%, Syrah - 15%	2011
Bulgaria	sparkling	Magura	Pinot Noir Rose	Pinot Noir - 100% rose	2009
Bulgaria	sweet	Borovitza	Late Harvest	Traminer - 100%	2009
Bulgaria	red	Rumelia	Merul Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon	Cabernet Sauvignon - 100%	2010
Bulgaria	red	Levent	Levent Cab Sauvignon Grand Selection	Cabernet Sauvignon - 100%	2009
Bulgaria	red	Rossidi	Rossidi Nikolaevo Single Vineyard	Cabernet Sauvignon - 100%	2009
Bulgaria	red	Medi Valley Winery	Incanto Merlot	Merlot - 100%	2010
Bulgaria	red	Domaine Boyar	Platinum Merlot	Merlot - 100%	2009
Bulgaria	red	Rossidi	Rossidi Nikolaevo Single Vineyard	Merlot - 100%	2009
Bulgaria	red	Sintica	Confiance Merlot Single Vineyard	Merlot - 100%	2008
Bulgaria	red	Minkov Brothers	Minkov Brothers Syrah	Syrah - 100%	2010
Bulgaria	red	Medi Valley Winery	Incanto Syrah	Syrah - 100%	2010
Bulgaria	red	Castra Rubra	Nimbus, Syrah Premium, regional wine	Syrah - 100%	2009
Bulgaria	red	Bessa Valley	SY 2009	Syrah - 100%	2009
Bulgaria	red	Light Castle	Syrah Premium Oak	Syrah - 100%	2007
Bulgaria	red	Light Castle	Tempranillo	Tempranillo - 100%	2011
Bulgaria	red	Borovitza	Borovitza Great Terroirs	Cabernet Franc - 100%	2010
Bulgaria	red	Santa Sarah	Santa Sarah Privat	Mavrud - 100%	2009
Bulgaria	red	Villa Yustina	Monogram Reserve 2009	Mauvrud - 60%, Rubin - 40%	2009
Bulgaria	red	DiVes Estate	Dives Estate Merlot & Cab Sauvignon	Merlot - 70%, Cabernet Sauvignon - 30%	2011
Bulgaria	red	Vinal	Red Mask	Cabernet Franc - 55%, Merlot - 45%	2011
Bulgaria	red	Levent	Levent Family Selection	Merlot - 40%, Cab Sauvignon - 40%, Cab Franc - 20%	2010
Bulgaria	red	Katarzyna	Question Mark Gold	Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot	2009
Bulgaria	red	Castra Rubra	Castra Rubra	Merlot - 60%, Cab Sauvignon - 25%, Cab Franc - 15%	2009
Bulgaria	red	Minkov Brothers	Oak Tree	Cab Sauvignon - 20%, Cab Franc - 40%, Merlot - 40%	2009
Bulgaria	red	Sintica	Le Passionnel Cuvee	Cab Sauvignon - 50%, Merlot - 40%, Cab Franc - 10%	2008
Bulgaria	red	Dragomir Winery Estate	Pitos	Merlot - 78%, Cabernet Sauvignon - 22%	2008
Bulgaria	red	Katarzyna	Katarzyna Reserve	Cabernet Sauvignon - 60% & Merlot - 40%	2007
Bulgaria	red	Castra Rubra	Dominant, regional wine	Syrah - 50%, Cabernet Sauvignon - 50%	2009
Bulgaria	red	Bessa Valley	BV 2009	Merlot 25%, Syrah 25%, P Verdot 25% & Cab S 25%	2009
Bulgaria	red	Bessa Valley	Reserve 2008	Merlot 42%, Syrah 20%, CS 13%, Petit Verdot 25%	2008
Bulgaria	red	Orbelus	Orbelus Melnik	Melnik 55 55%, Syrah 25%, PV 15% & Gren Noir 5%	2010
Bulgaria	red	Orbelus	Orbelus Getika	Melnik 55 20%, M 25%, C 25%, Syrah 20% & PV 10%	2010
Bulgaria	red	Orbelus	Orbelus Prima	M 55 15%, M 33%, C 33%, Sy 10%, PV 5%, Prim - 4%	2010
Bulgaria	red	Castra Rubra	Pendar	Rubin - 50%, Merlot - 50%	2009
Bulgaria	red	Dragomir Winery Estate	Karizma	M - 41%, Cab S - 39%, Rubin - 13% & Syrah - 7%	2009
Bulgaria	red	Dives Estate	Dives Estate Mavrud&Cabernet Sauvignon 2009	Mavrud - 60%, Cabernet Sauvignon - 40%	2009
Bulgaria	red	Villa Yustina	Prima Single Vineyard	Pinot Noir - 100%	2011
Bulgaria	red	Castra Rubra	Nimbus Pinot Noir	Pinot Noir - 100%	2010
Bulgaria	red	Rossidi	Rossidi Nikolaevo Single Vineyard	Pinot Noir - 100%	2009
Bulgaria	red	Borovitza	Les Amis	Pinot Noir - 100%	2009
Croatia	white	Vina Matošević	Grimalda White	Chardonnay - 50%, Malvasia - 25%, Sauv Blanc - 25%	2009
Croatia	white	Kozlović	Malvazija	Malvasia Istriana - 100%	2011
Croatia	white	Kozlović	SANTA LUCIA Single Vineyards	Malvasia Istriana - 100%	2008
Croatia	rose	Trapan winery	Rubi Rose	Teran - 60%, Syrah - 15%, Cab S - 15% & Merlot - 10%	2011
Croatia	red	Vina Carić	Plavac Ploški	Plavac Mali - 100%	2007
Croatia	red	Trapan winery	N V Revolution	Cab S - 40%, Merlot - 30%, Syrah - 20%, Teran - 10%	2010
Croatia	red	Vina Matošević	Grimalda Red	Merlot - 80%, Teran - 20%	2010
Greece	white	Ktima Pavlidis SA	Thema	Sauvignon Blanc - 50%, Assyrtiko - 50%	2011
Greece	white	Domaine Costa Lazaridi	Amethystos White	Sauvignon Blanc - 85%, Semillon - 5%, Assyrtiko - 10%	2011
Greece	white	Domaine Costa Lazaridi	Oenodea White	Malagouzia - 50%, Moscato - 25% & Sauv Blanc - 25%	2011
Greece	white	Biblia Hora	Biblia Hora White	Assyrtiko - 40%, Sauvignon Blanc - 60%	2011
Greece	white	Biblia Hora	Ovilos White (Barrel Fermented)	Assyrtiko - 50%, Semillon - 50%	2011
Greece	white	Ktima Pavlidis SA	Emphasis Chardonnay	Chardonnay - 100%	2010
Greece	white	KIR YANNI SA	Petra	Roditis - 80%, Malaguzia - 20%	2011
Greece	white	Biblia Hora	ARETI	Assyrtiko - 100%	2011
Greece	white	Ktima Pavlidis SA	Emphasis Assyrtiko	Assyrtiko - 100%	2010
Greece	white	Karadimos	Estate Karadimos	Assyrtiko - 100%	2010
Greece	white	Lyrarakis	Lyrarakis Plyto	Plyto - 100%	2011
Greece	white	Domaine Skouras SA	Moschofilero Skouras	Moschofilero - 100%	2011
Greece	white	Mylonas Winery	Savatiano Mylonas	Savatiano - 100%	2011
Greece	white	Mercouri	Foloi, Mercouri Estate	Roditis - 100%	2011
Greece	rose	Ktima Pavlidis SA	Thema	Tempranillo 100%	2011
Greece	rose	Wine Art Estate	Techni Alipias Rose	CS - 20%, M - 20%, Sy - 40%, Sangi 20% & Neb - 20%	2011
Greece	rose	KIR YANNI SA	Akakies	Xinomavro - 100%	2011
Greece	red	Biblia Hora	Ovilos Red (aged)	Cabernet Sauvignon - 100%	2007
Greece	red	Lyrarakis	Lyrarakis Mandilari	Mandilari - 100%	2008
Greece	red	Lalikos	Station	Tanat - 90%, Syrah - 10%	2008
Greece	red	Ktima Pavlidis SA	Thema	Syrah - 60%, Agiorghitiko - 40%	2009
Greece	red	KIR YANNI SA	Dyo Elies	Syrah - 60%, Merlot - 30%, Xinomavro - 10%	2009
Greece	red	Biblia Hora	Ktima Biblia Hora Red	Merlot - 45%, Cab Sauvignon - 40%, Agiorgitiko - 15%	2009
Hungary	red	Heumann Winery	Cabernet Franc	Cabernet Franc - 100%	2008
Hungary	red	Heumann Winery	Heumann Boiosso	Cab F - 55%, M - 23%, Cab S - 12%, Kékfrankos - 10%	2009
Macedonia	white	Tikveš	Barovo white	Grenache Blanc 70% & Chardonnay 30%	2011
Macedonia	white	Tikveš	Alexandria white cuvee	Crardonnay 80% & Riesling 20%	2011
Macedonia	rose	Tikveš	Alexandria rose cuvee	Vranec 60% & Merlot 40%	2011
Macedonia	red	Chateau Kamnik	Chaeau Kamnik Cuvee de Prestige	Merlot - 76% & Cab Sauvignon - 24%	2009
Moldova	white	Asconi Berhord SRL	Molda, Cuvee Blanc Dry	Chardonnay - 40%, S Blanc - 35% & Pinot Gris - 25%	2011
Romania	white	Jidvei	Chardonnay Classic	Chardonnay 100%	2011
Romenia	white	Jidvei	Owner's Choice Pinot Gris	Pinot Gris 100%	2011
Rumenia	white	Jidvei	Owner's Maria Feteasca Alba	Feteasca  Alba 100%	2011
Rumenia	white	Jidvei	Owner's Ana Muscat Ottonel	Muscat Ottonel 100%	2011
Rumenia	rose	Jidvei	Mysterium Rose	Syrah 50% & Cabernet Sauvignon 50%	2011
Rumenia	white	Jidvei	Sauvignon Blanc Nec Plus Ultra	Sauvignon Blanc 100%	2009
Serbia	white	Vinarija Kovačević	Sauvignon Blanc	Sauvignon Blanc 100%	2009
Serbia	white	Vinarija Zvonko Bogdan	Sauvignon Blanc, Palić, Ludaš	Sauvignon Blanc - 100%
Serbia	white	Vinarija Zvonko Bogdan	Pinot Blanc Palić, Ludaš	Pinot Blanc - 100%	2011
Serbia	white	Vinum doo Novi Sad	Italijanski Rizling	Italian Riesling - 100%	2011
Serbia	white	Eastern vintage	Eastern Vintage Caravan	Rhine Riesling - 100%	2010
Serbia	white	Vinarija Мilosavljević	Tamjanika white	Tamjanika - 100%	2011
Serbia	white	Vinska Kuća Spasić	Tamnjanika	Tamjanika - 100%	2010
Serbia	white	Vinarija Jelić	Morava	Morava - 100%	2010
Serbia	rose	Bačina Vino	Dolina Rose	Merlot - 50% & Cabernet Franc - 50%	2011
Serbia	red	Bačina Vino	Dolina Reserve	Cab Sauvignon - 60%, Merlot - 30% & Cab Franc 10%	2009
Serbia	red	Radovanović	Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve	Cabernet Sauvignon - 100%	2009
Serbia	red	Radovanović	Cabernet Sauvignon Barrique	Cabernet Sauvignon - 100%	2010
Serbia	red	Vinarija Jelić	Kameničanka Slovenski San	Prokupac 100%	2007
Serbia	red	Vinarija Kovačević	Aurelius	Cabernet Sauvignon - 60% & Merlot - 40%	2005
Slovenia	white	Jeruzalem Ormož	P&F Jeruzalem Ormož Sivi Pinot	Pinot Grigio 100%	2011
Slovenia	white	Dveri - Pax	Šipon	Furmint 100%	2010
Slovenia	sweet	Jeruzalem Ormož	P&F Rumeni Muscat	Yellow muscat	2011
Slovenia	sweet	Jeruzalem Ormož	P&F Traminer	Traminer 100%	2011
Turkey	white	İrem Çamlıca Vineyards	Chamlija Estate Sauvignon Blanc	Sauvignon Blanc - 100%	2011
Turkey	white	İrem Çamlıca Vineyards	Chamlija Estate Viogner	Viognier - 100%	2011
Turkey	white	Kavaklidere	Cankaya	Narince - 35%, Emir - 35% & Sultaniye - 30%	2011
Turkey	white	Kavaklidere	Vin Art Kalecik Karası & Syrah	Kalecik Karası - 60%, Syrah - 40%	2010
Turkey	white	İrem Çamlıca Vineyards	Chamlija Estate Narince	Narince - 100%	2011
Turkey	white	Kavaklidere	Yakut	Öküzgözü 35, Boğazkere 35, Carig 15 & Alicante 15%	2011
Turkey	white	Kavaklidere	Çankaya	Narince - 35%, Emir - 35% & Sultaniye - 30%	2010
Turkey	rose	Suvla	Vineyard	Cabernet Sauvignon & Cabernet Franc	2011
Turkey	red	Kavaklidere	Selection White	Narince - 50% & Emir - 50%	2009
Turkey	red	Pamukkale	Trio Anfora	Shiraz, Kalecik Karasi & Cabernet Sauvignon	2009

 


To know more about the competition: http://balkanswine.eu/en/

Cheers,
LA

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The Institute of Masters of Wine now has a fan page on Facebook. Sign of the times?

Well, it took the IMW a while... but the IMW is now on Facebook! Please take a moment to have a look at the Institute’s new page at http://www.facebook.com/mastersofwine

Ben (Benedict McKeown) has bet Siobhan (Turner) a bottle of wine that we can get to 1,000 “likes” by the end of this month (an almost impossible target). If he wins, I get a glass of that bottle (which I expect to be very special)... so please feel free to “like” their page and share with your friends too!

In case you didn't know, the Institute of Masters of Wine promotes excellence, interaction and learning across all sectors of the global wine community. To know more: www.mastersofwine.org

Thanks & regards,
Luiz Alberto, #winelover

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SANTA CAROLINA WINES from CHILE HIT A BULLS EYE by Philip S. Kampe

It's hard to imagine that in 1875 , LUIS PEREIRA COTAPOS, a Chilean businessman and founder of SANTA CAROLINA Wines , had the vision to plant French vines of the classical Bordeaux grape varieties on his property.
Luis Periera Cotapos convinced a group of French winemakers, including GERMAINE BACHELET to pack up and move to Chile and make grape varietals they know so well. On top of that, the viniculturalists came with vines in hand and the tradition of Santa Carolina emerged.
The history of wine in Chile, began, mainly for religious purposes, in the 1500's. It wasn't until the mid-1800's, over 300 years later, did the consumption of wine reach the society outside of religious practices.
At that time in history, Chilean society was influenced by French society and their deep love for luxury goods, which included fine wine. That was the fire that created Santa Carolinas French varietals by the now 'visionary'. Luis Periera Cotapos.
Today, after years of success, Santa Carolina has grown in to a worldwide, middle-of-the-range, price wise leader in the wine industry. In 2004 a major overhaul of the company began, which included the purchase of state-of-the-art winemaking facilities paired with a major focus on sustainability and environmental practices.
Since 2005 , ANDREAS CABALLERO has been Santa Carolinas chief winemaker. I had the pleasure of spending an afternoon with Mr. Calallero , where he said " We produce wine that reflects our heritage, our history and our identity. Each of our wines looks for personality and complexity, expressing soil, fresh fruit characters and smooth tannins.
Andreas was correct.
The result is world-class wines that are full of personality and are readily available at reasonable prices.
The wines are as diverse as their origin, most coming from Chile's mountain range valleys, including Limari Valley in the north, coastal Casablanca and Leyda Valleys and Cachapoal Valley in the south.
My focused tasting with Andreas included his 2011 Santa Carolina 'RESERVA' Collection. I first sampled Santa Carolina 2011 Sauvignon Blanc Reserva. The wine is made from grapes from the Leyda Valley, noted for rolling hills, cool nights and is only three miles from the Pacific Ocean and near the Coastal Range. The cool nights make it an ideal place for Sauvignon Blanc, yielding wines that are crisp with minimal acidity.
My second wine was the 2011 Pinot Noir Reserva from the Casablanca Valley. The Casablanca Valley's proximity to the Pacific Ocean brings early morning fog and cool  afternoon ocean breezes that moderate the valley temperature and humidity. The climate combined with granite soils promote a long ripening period with low yields. The result of six months in French oak is a balanced wine with smooth acidity and light tannins.
The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon 'Reserva' is made at the foot of the Andes Mountains in the Colchagua Valley. Deep rocky soils and a warm, dry climate cooled by mountain breezes make the valley perfect for producing Cabernet Sauvignon. Eight months in oak barrels create a well-balanced, full-bodied wine with rich, dark fruit overtones.
Santa Carolina 2011 Camenere 'Reserva' grapes grow in the Rapel Valley, an area noted for long summers of cool breezes and sunshine. The soil is made up of clay, sand and loam, ideal for producing concentrated wines with silky tannins.
As a result of my afternoon with Winemaker ANDREAS CABALLERO, I now fully appreciate the wines from Chile, especially those made under the SANTA CAROLINA label.

PHILIP S. KAMPE

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June 15th, 2012--A DAY TO REMEMBER in New Jersey WINE HISTORY by Philip S.Kampe

'THE JUDGEMENT OF PRINCETON' wine tasting took place on June 15th, 2012, which was modeled after the famous 1976 'JUDGEMENT OF PARIS' blind wine tasting.
In the 1976 blind tasting ,California wines emerged as victors over the French wines, thus creating the present California wine frenzy.
George Taber, former journalist for TIME magazine, who covered the 1976 event, recreated the details to mirror the 1976 event. Scoring, like in 1976, was on a 20 point basis. A panel of nine judges was assembled to blind taste four French wines and six from New Jersey, from each of the three categories. The categories included white, 100% Chardonnay and reds that came from any of the Bordeaux blend grapes; Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot and had to be grown in New Jersey.
New Jersey wines for the competition were submitted to an informal panel of judges who were not eligible to taste wines at the final competition. 
The final panel of judges for the competition included vineyard owners, international wine critics and journalists, including three from Belgium and France. Each judge sampled ten wines from each class, white and red.
The results: New Jersey wines took three out of the top four in whites and ranked third and fifth highest in reds. The tasting took part at a four day conference on the campus of Princeton University, hosted by the American Association of Wine Economists.
Below are the rankings:
Whites
1 JOSEPH DROUHIN BEAUNE Clos MOUCHES 2009 (France)
2 UNIONVILLE Chardonnay 2010 (New Jersey)
3 HERITAGE Chardonnay 2010 (New Jersey)
4 SILVER DECOY "Black Feather" (New Jersey)
5 SOMAINE  LEFLAIVE  PULIGNY-MONTRACHET  GRAND  CRU  2009 (France)
6 (tied) BELLVIEW Chardonnay 2010 (New Jersey)
7 (tied) DOMAINE MACR-ANTONIN  BATARD-MONTRACHET GRAND CRU 2009 (France)
8 AMALTHEA CELLARS Chardonnay 2008  (New Jersey)
9 VENTIMIGLIA Chardonnay  2010 (New Jersey)
10 JEAN-LATOUR  LABILLE   MERSAULT-CHARMES  PREMIER  CRU 2008  (France)

Reds
1 CHATEAU  MOUTON  ROTHCHILD  2004  (France)
2 CHATEAU  HAUT-BRION  2004  (France)
3 HERITAGE  ESTATE  RESERVE BDX  2010  (New Jersey)
4 CHATEAU  MONTROSE  2004  (France)
5 TOMASELLO  CABERNET SAUVIGNON  'Oak Reserve'  2007  (New Jersey)
6 CHATEAU  LEOVILLE  Las CASES  2004  (France)
7 BELLVIEW  LUMIERE  2010  (New Jersey)
8 SILVER  DECOY  CABERNET  FRANC 2008  (New Jersey)
9 AMALTHEA  CELLARS  EUROPA VI  2008 (New Jersey)
10 FOUR  JG's  CABERNET FRANC  2008 (New Jersey)

The tasting results will go down in history, as did the results in 1976. But from the state of New Jersey??

PHILIP S. KAMPE

PORTUGAL--WINES of DIVERSITY by Philip S. Kampe

PORTUGAL is home to over 250 grape varieties. The diverse soils and multitude of microclimates produce award winning wines that consistently exceed expectations of winemakers, consumers and critics alike.
PORTUGAL has DOC's that stretch from the ALGARVE in the south to VINHO VERDE in the north.  Between these two geographical locations, DOC's exist in the Madiera Islands, the Azores, Alentejo, Peninsula de Setubal, Lisboa, Tejo, Beira Interior, Bairrada, Tras-Os-Montes, Dao e Lafoes, Tavora e Varosa and Porto e Douro.
The most famous grapes of Portugal include: (white) ALVARINHO, ENCRUZADO, FERNAO PIRES and ARINTO; (red) BAGA, CASTELAO, TRINCADEIRA, TINTA RORIZ, TOURIGA FRANCA and TOURIGA NACIONAL.
The history of winemaking goes back to 2000 BC. Rich heritage combined with modern technology produce 'Unique' wines.
Recently, I was invited to a WINES of PORTUGAL tasting event that focused on over 300 wines, some with importers and some who are looking for importers. The event was a rare glimpse into the amount of exceptional varieties that exist in this special European country. The wines were special in many ways, including price and quality, elegance and finesse and flavors that linger in your palate.
Some of my favorite wines with Importers include (White): ESPORAO VERDELHO (Alentejo) 2011; PROVA REGIA PREMIUM (Bucelas DOC) 2011; QUINTA de ENCONTRO (Bairrada DOC) 2011; LIMA (Vinho Verde DOC) 2011; PASA (Douro DOC) 2011; GURU (Douro DOC) 2010; QUINTA de GARRIDA (Dao DOC) 2011; PARUS (Peninsula de Setubal ) 2011 and QUINTA de S.FRANCISCO (Lisboa DOC) 2011.
(Reds) CLAUSTRUS (Douro DOC) 2009; MONSARAZ (Alentejo DOC) 2010; FORAL de EVORA (Alentejo DOC) 2009; CHARAMBA (Douro DOC) 2008; PINTAS (Douro DOC) 2009; COSTA de POMBAL (Douro DOC) 2010; ADEGA de BORBA RESERVA (Alentejo DOC) 2008 and CABRIZ C.S. (Dao DOC) 2009.
(Fortified Wines) REAL COMPANHIA VELHA 10 YO TAWNEY (Douro, Porto); MOSCATEL VISTA ALEGRE 10 YO (Douro); PORTO VISTA ALEGRE 30 YO TAWNEY and GRAHAM'S 20 YO PORT (Douro, Porto).
Your retail wine shop should carry a number of those wines I have listed above. The wines from Portugal are high quality wines that are sold at reasonable prices.
Join the PORTUGUESE WINE REVOLUTION!
I have....

PHILIP S. KAMPE

A MUST TRY WINE from MONTSANT--PINYOLET SELECCION 2009 by Philip S. Kampe

Wine never stops surprising me. Often, at reasonable price points you taste certain, random wines that should retail at THREE TIMES what the suggested retail price is. Recently, I have found one of those RARE and SPECIAL wines that sells for under $20 and drinks like a $75 bottle of wine. That wine is from Spain's Montsant region and is PINYOLET SELECCION 2009. It is made from the two most famous grapes of the region, GARNACHA and CARIGNAN. In this case, old vine 80% Garnacha (1945) and old vine 20% Carignan (1928). Only 2,000 cases are produced. The wine is aged in medium toasted two year old French oak barrels for eight months. The result on the palate of this 14.5% mineral driven wine is one of dark fruit mixed with exotic spices. Pinyolet Seleccion 2009 is full-bodied, expressive, complex and elegant all at the same time. As you can tell, I was overly impressed with the friendliness of this small production wine and believe it is a real steal at $19.99 a bottle. My suggestion is to buy a case and store it for up to five years...possibly the $75 profile will turn into a $200 profile in time?