Red, Rose and White Wines from Sancerre
Sancerre is a region located in the eastern part of France. It is one of Loire valley where grapes grown and wine are produced. The region has cool climate and chalky soils. Until the late 19th century, Pinot Noir grape is the main grape product in Sancerre. Red wine from Pinot Noir grape is commonly produced.
In the late 19th century, killer bugs plagued the vineyards. These bugs were known to inject their poisonous saliva in grapevines that intended to kill the grapes and devastate the vineyards. The vineyard crisis was called phylloxera. After the devastation, locals replanted grapes in the form of Sauvignon Blanc.
Sauvignon Blanc became the ideal choice of grapes as it works well with Sancerre’s cool climate. The grape grew popular and white wine is produced thereafter. Now, Sancerre produces red and rose wine from Pinot Noir and white wine from Sauvignon Blanc.
Jean Reverdy Sancerre Blanc is 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Single vineyard. Vinification: cold fermentation in stainless steel tank, no oak, no malolactic fermentation.
Sweet, fruity and clean. White flowers (acacia, jasmine) and citrus fruits aromas. Perfectly balanced.
A delicious wine, perfect with fish dishes, especially salmon, and a local goat cheese Crottin de Chavignol.
Prager Smaragd Klaus Riesling is made from 100 percent Riesling.
Franz Prager, co-founder of the Vinea Wachau, had already earned a reputation for his wines when Toni Bodenstein married into the family. Bodenstein’s passion for biodiversity and old terraces, coupled with brilliant winemaking, places Prager in the highest echelon of Austrian producers.
Smaragd is a designation of ripeness for dry wines used exclusively by members of the Vinea Wachau. The wines must have minimum alcohol of 12.5%. The grapes are hand-harvested, typically in October and November, and are sent directly to press where they spontaneously ferment in stainless-steel tanks.
Klaus sits adjacent to Achleiten and is one of the Wachau’s most famous vineyards for Riesling. The vineyard is incredibly steep with a gradient of 77% at its steepest point. The southeast-facing terraced vineyard of dark migmatite-amphibolite and paragneiss produces a tightly wound and powerful wine. The parcel belonging to Toni Bodenstein was planted in 1952.
Tasting Notes:
Austrian Riesling is often defined by elevated levels of dry extract thanks to a lengthy ripening period and freshness due to dramatic temperature swings between day and night. “Klaus is not a charming Riesling,” says Toni Bodenstein with a wink. Klaus is Prager’s most assertive and robust Riesling.
Food Pairing
Riesling’s high acidity makes it one of the most versatile wines at the table. Riesling can be used to cut the fattiness of foods such as pork or sausages and can tame some saltiness. Conversely, it can highlight foods such as fish or vegetables in the same way a squeeze of lemon or a vinaigrette might.
Review:
What a stunning example of cool climate riesling. It’s full-bodied and deep, but so cool and delicate, packing in sleek layers of honeysuckle, apricots, lemons and grapefruit married to thyme and crushed rock. So long and seamless, with tension and focus that just keeps going. Sustainable. Try from 2025.
-James Suckling 98 Points
Single vineyard Pinot Noir with a dark red brick color. Lots of ripe raspberries, wild strawberries, forest floor, cedar and a salty whiff of pine on the nose. The palate adds both herbal and peppery components as well as roasted coffee notes with a bit of caraway seed. Recommended to serve it slightly chilled in a round glass.
Braised beef with dumplings, lamb crown and brussels sprouts, roasted veal liver with pumpkin squash or tagliatelle with blue cheese.
Review:
"Deep crimson red with a purple hue, a subtle brightening on the rim. Candied violets, a hint of cassis, raspberries, black cherries, subtle notes of vanilla, a floral touch. Juicy, elegant, red cherries, a fresh acidity, a mineral-salty finish, red berry notes in the aftertaste, fresh and mineral, already drinking well, wonderful length, with ageing potential. - Peter MOSER"
- Falstaff (June 24th 2024), 95 pts