September Tasting Notes
TASTING NOTES September 2022
La Clarine 'Are Buka Boke' 2020
La Clarine Farm is the two-person team of Hank Beckmeyer & Caroline Hoël located 2600 feet elevation in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Certified biodynamic and taking the minimalist approach, they are cult California wine makers bringing natural wines to the forefront.
‘Are-Bure-Boke’ literally means rough, blurred and out-of-focus and is a nod to the Japanese photographic style. The wine is a blend of Grenache and Barbera - hand harvested, foot trodden, spontaneous fermentation and pressed into an amphora for aging - and only 45 cases were produced.
A delicious wine, bringing together all the bright cherry-ness of Grenache with the savory depth of Barbera. You could chill it or drink at room temperature, see which you love most!
Food pairing - something savory would be ideal, perhaps short ribs and chargrilled vegetables or a creamy goat cheese on fruity crackers. 11.7% ABV
Les Équilibristes 'Seres' Skin Contact 2020
Les Equilibristes (‘The Tightrope Walkers’) are passionate about preserving the old-ways of winemaking whilst making room for newer ideas. They are committed to using indigenous grape varieties, organic winemaking practices, indigenous yeasts, and minimal sulphur. I had the pleasure of meeting wine maker Francois and was inspired by his passion for this project.
Whilst the principal grape in this blend (Terret, a native grape) is direct pressed, the other varietals (Grenache Blanc, Grenache Gris, Vermentino, Rousanne, Viognier) spend one month on skins with indigenous yeasts. It is a fresh and delicious blend with notes of herbs and flowers, notably jasmine, alongside richer pear and peach touches.
Pairing ideas - perfect with middle eastern food, perhaps a chicken pastilla or couscous with roasted vegetables. For a more French vibe, definitely, Moules Marinieres! 13% ABV
Eschenhof Holzer Wagram Zweigelt Rosé
This rosé is 100% Zweigelt from husband and wife team farmed and produced in Wagram region of Austria. It is provence style rosé - dry, fruity and summery!
Dry and crisp with a refreshing acidity, this deep strawberry colored wine was fermented in stainless steel tanks. It combines a nose of delicate honeyed stone fruit aromas with notes of wet stone, and bright citrus.
Pairing ideas - Fish tacos jump to mind, something light with a touch of spice or goat cheese with olives. 11.5% ABV
Le Ferme Rouge 'Le Gris' 2020
Le Ferme Rouge in Zaer is Morocco’s only organic winery! Grapes are grown in ‘hamri’ (red clay) and ancient sands, manually harvested and fermented with native yeasts.
This pretty 100% cinsault rose is delicate, dry and refreshing. The grapes grow fairly close to the ocean so there is a resulting minerality alongside berries, roses and spice.
Pairing ideas - perfect aperitif with olives and goat cheese or with something spicy, maybe a moroccan tagine? :) 13% ABV