Treixadura is a Portuguese white wine grape that is predominately grown is the Vinho Verde wine region in northeast Portugal. The grape is primarily used for blending which introduces body and light lemony aromatics to Loureiro and Alvarinho. It is also often blended with Lado and Torrontes. The lightly scented white grape can also stand alone producing light-bodied wines with citrus flavors and aromas. Treixadura is a high quality grape that is also known as Trincadiera. Originally from the moncao sub-region Treixadura produces wines with a distinctive aroma. Although they can sometimes be unbalanced, they are very flavorful. Treixadura has a lower acid level with higher alcohol levels and is used to balance and blend with other Vinho Verde varietals. The grape ripens early and produces soft and fragrant wines with a strong citrus flavor. When pruned and maintained properly, Treixadura produces herbal and apple aromas with good acidity. The full-bodied wines feature mineral flavors. Treixadura prefers soils that are covered with slate, but should be planted in regions that have cool growing seasons. Treixadura must be harvested with the acidity has reached its peak as the sugar development can be rapid overpowering the acidity.
Vilerma Blanco Ribeiro is made from 80% Treixadura, 6% Torrontes, 4% Godello, 4% Albariño, 3% Loureira and 3% Lado
Ribeiro blanco is produced from estate-grown grapes using traditional winemaking.
Pale yellow color with green highlights.
Intense white fruit aromas when young, it develops complex nuances after a few years in the bottle.
In the mouth it is ample, full and pleasant with a long and fruity finish.
Fermentation in Stainless Steel tank at controlled temperature.
Johann Michel Cornas Cuvee Mere Michel is made from 100 percent Syrah.
Cuvee Mère Michel was first introduced in 2016 and is not produced every year. This wine is a tribute to Johann Michel' wife, Emmanuelle, and a nod to the French song, La Mere Michel. This wines comes from Selection Massale (replanting new vineyards with cuttings from exceptional old vines from the same property) cuttings of Serine off the 1947 Yves Cuilleron vineyard at Chavanay. The vineyards are located in the lieu-dit "Les Cotes" at an altitude of 230 meters and benefiting from a southern sun exposure.
Review:
"Only made in top vintages, the 2018 Cornas Mère Michel is a tribute to Johann's wife and a play on the French song "La Mere Michelle." Brought up in a new demi-muid, it's a richer, broader wine compared to the Cuvée Jana yet still has incredible Cornas style in its red, black, and blue fruits as well as notes of toasted spice, roasted meat, chocolate, and wild herbs. Rich, full-bodied, and opulent, it has a touch more upfront appeal and should be drinkable in just 4-5 years yet also evolve for two decades." -
Jeb Dunnuck (Northern Rhône: The 2018s and 2019s, November 19th 2020), 98 pts
Castelmaure Col des Vents Corbieres is made from 50% Carignan, 30% Grenache, 15% Syrah and 5% Cinsault.
"Col des Vents" means "Windy Mountain Pass" as it is quite windy and located at the foothills of the Pyrenees mountains.
Originally, the label was a replicate of a Max Savy's painting.
Brambly berry, cherry and raspberry, spices, black pepper ... all are present in this authentic French country wine. There are also some aromas of Garrigue (Rosemary, thyme and lavender) giving a minty, herbal notes, that are quite refreshing as well.