Friday, June 29, 2012

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.




Thursday, June 28, 2012

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



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.

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

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



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.

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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Sunday, June 17, 2012

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


Thursday, June 14, 2012

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

Saturday, June 2, 2012

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?

40 Years of Winemaking at Russian River Valleys Sonoma-Cutrer by Philip S. Kampe

 Innovation in Winemaking at Sonoma-Cutrer began forty years ago. The focus has always been innovation for this Russian River Valley winery....