Wood & Wine

by Matt Orton

Birmingham #7WordWineReview

Our next evening of drinking and tweeting is on Wednesday, 1st of May at Loki Wine Merchants in Birmingham city centre.

As before, you can bring your own bottle or choose from the great selection available in store (corkage is charged at just £5.00). There is no real rule on what to bring/buy; just something you want to share. Maybe it is a new discovery, an interesting grape or you just think its a great bottle.


Hope to see you there!

RSVP: Matt @Wood_and_Wine

Time: 6.00pm

Date: 01/05/2013

Place: Loki Wine, Great Western Arcade, Birmingham

Gerard Bertrand Trip, Languedoc Roussillon, France
Trip Diary: Part Three, 30/10/2012

8.30 - Up early for breakfast then we began our drive to Limoux.

10.00 - The vineyards and winery of Domaine de l’Aigle are located here at over 450m above sea. Growing only Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines, the cooler climate brings incredible freshness to the wines from this unique terroir. In fact, on the cold October morning when we visited it was freezing cold in the vineyards.

The name comes from the eagles who live in the cliffs above the vineyard. The views from up here are great but I didn’t see any eagles unfortunately. Maybe it was too cold for them.

The winery is located up in the hills close to the surrounding vineyards. The set up there is pretty simple, quite rustic in fact. We had a tour of the winery and a barrel tasting. It is the opportunity to experience wine like this that really helps get perspective on the winemaking process. One of the most interesting things was to taste the same parcel of wine, but from different barrels (in this case a mix of Burgundian 228 L ‘Pièce’ from TB, François Frères & a few others). I couldn’t believe how different they were.

#WineSwap: Welcome to #WineSwap!

wineswap:

#WineSwap is a new way to find, share and experience wine!

Both working in the wine trade, it is not uncommon for us to swap bottles of wine occasionally.

For example, if we’ve impulsively bought a case to secure good deal, but maybe we didn’t want 12 of the same thing. Often, it is just a case…

Something a little different; By The Bottle is an iPad magazine combining articles and videos wrapped up in a rather fancy app available for free from iTunes -  http://bit.ly/WHB6Ae. I’d highly recommend you download it. It seems the aim has been to produce a magazine that encompasses all aspects of the modern wine lovers lifestyle - Everything from the latest (good) wine gadgets to what car is best for that all important ‘booze’ run to France.  Light hearted, fun and approachable, yet serious where it needs to be. By The Bottle is great read for any fan of a great bottle of wine! 

Something a little different;

By The Bottle is an iPad magazine combining articles and videos wrapped up in a rather fancy app available for free from iTunes -  http://bit.ly/WHB6Ae.

I’d highly recommend you download it. It seems the aim has been to produce a magazine that encompasses all aspects of the modern wine lovers lifestyle - Everything from the latest (good) wine gadgets to what car is best for that all important ‘booze’ run to France. 

Light hearted, fun and approachable, yet serious where it needs to be. By The Bottle is great read for any fan of a great bottle of wine! 

Wish I had a room like this :-(

Wish I had a room like this :-(

(via luxuryon)

‘Pinot’ envy - genius! 

‘Pinot’ envy - genius! 

(Source: badmoon)

My ‘out-of-five’ points system


A few people have asked me what my ‘out-of-five’ mark is based on. Every wine writer/blogger/celeb usually has their own points system for ‘scoring’ wines. Some grade out of 20 (such as Jancis Robinson), others out of 100 (such as Robert Parker) etc. They all have their own ways of doing it. Well, this is just my way and it’s super simple and easy to remember and use. 

(1) Poor - Poorly made, lacking in character. No distinguishing attributes. 

(2) Good - Simple wines that represent variatal and regional character. 

(3) Great - Wines that are a step above ‘everyday’ wines. Must have the attributes of level two, but something more; a little X-factor that would make you pay a touch more perhaps. I simply define it as ‘interest’.

(4) Excellent - All aspects of three, but perhaps with better balance, length, noticeable complexity & intensity of flavour. Structure and potential for ageing should be a factor at this level (if appropriate). 

(5) Epic - Contenders for your ‘death row’ meal. Should ideally be served in the appropriate Riedel stemware and with Michelin starred food… Or from a polystyrene cup in a diner whilst wearing a tuxedo.

Birmingham’s #7WordWineReview virginity taken!

On Thursday 18th October I hosted the first #7WordWineReview night in Birmingham’s city centre. The venue was the awesome Loki Wine, a small independent wine merchants located in the heart of Birmingham’s business district. As our merry crew of sniffing, swirling, tweeting drinkers arrived we all began to sample some of the treats from the enomatic tasting machines. Phones were out and tweeting commenced of #7wordwinereview’s and geeky comparisons between different Sauvignon Blanc and Rhone blends. 

The atmosphere was buzzing and the small shop floor was getting full. Gathered around a groovy table made from an old oak barrique. The wines started to appear and we ordered up some plates of delicious breads, meats and cheeses - perfect ‘wine’ food. 

We had an un expected guest on the evening; Clemens from Chateau Ste Michelle kindly joined us and poured us some of their excellent wines! It just goes to show, you never know who will turn up, it was a great night. I couldn’t believe how quickly the time flew by and how many awesome wines we managed to get through! 

To all who have not yet attended a #7WordWineReview evening: What are you waiting for!? If you like great wine and great company you are guaranteed an awesome time!

Wine List:

1. Nyetimber Blanc de Blancs, England, 2001 

2. Chateau Ste Michelle Chardonnay, Columbia Valley, 2009

3. The FMC Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch, 2010

4. Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve Chardonnay, Sonoma County, 2010

5. Eroica Riesling, Columbia Valley, 2010

“Sweet, aromatic and layered. A sexy beast” #7WineWordReview

6. Man O’ War ‘Exciled’ Pinot Gris, Waiheke Island, 2010

‘Like band; LOUDEST Pinot Gris in world!’ #7WineWordReview

‘Brim full of opulence, bravado and class’ #7WineWordReview

7. Tormaresca Torcicoda Primitivo, Salento, 2007

8. Boffa Carlo Barbera D’Alba, Piedmont, 2009

9. Col Solare, Columbia Valley, 2006 

‘Super complex: best soils in Washington State’ #7WineWordReview

Thanks to!

@TheBurntBaker, @Yorkielaura, @lokiwine, @brummy_wino, @stemichelle


Matt

Follow for news on the next event: @Wood_And_Wine, See you there! 

Decanter Fine Wine Encounter

Yesterday I spent the day at the Decanter Fine Wine Encounter at the Landmark hotel in London. The event is a giant tasting with some of the worlds best producers showcasing wines from their range. I had a great day and really enjoyed meeting and chatting to lot’s of different people and of course tasting their wines! My only criticism is that there is just too many to see in one day! I drank some incredible wines, but missed so many! Oh, well - I guess I will just have to go again next year…

Viognier Réserve Spéciale, IGP Pays d’Oc, 2011 Peach, apricot and elderflower. Solid example of the variatal, Good (2.5). Domaine l’Aigle Chardonnay, Limoux, 2011 Perfumed and elegant on the nose. Creamy mouthfeel with nice citrus fruits and vanilla oak finish. Truly excellent value for money (3). La Vieille Capitelle, Côteaux du Languedoc, 2010 Intense ‘Ribena’ fruits. Soft coating tannin and a vanilla and coffee finish. A solid every day wine suited to most foods (2.5). Tautavel Arago 21, Côtes du Roussillon Villages Tautaval, 2009 A little closed at first and grippy, but gave way to a well structured spicy wine with a nice liquorice & dried herb finish. Boozey though (2.5). Grand Terroir Montpeyroux, Côteaux du Languedoc Montpeyroux, 2010 Savoury, smokey nose. Palate has nice fruit and well integrated oak (2.5). Château Aigues Vives, Corbières, 2010 Perfumed nose with evident oak. Stewed strawberries on the palate with nice mocha hints (3).  Domaine de l’Aigle Pinot Noir, IGP Pays d’Oc, 2010 Smokey minerality, tight, ripe fruit and great length. Kicks the ass of nearly all the red Burgundy I’ve tried at this price point. Awesome (3).   Domaine de Villemajou, Corbières Boutenac, 2010 Concentrated, rich chocolatey fruit. Well made and fantastically structured; approachable now and will age well (3.5).  Château Laville Bertrou, Minervois-la-Livinière, 2010 Nice meatiness on the nose. Wonderfully fruit forward, yet with great secondary caramel, vanilla oak hints to back it up (3.5).  Château l’Hospitalet ‘Grand Vin’, Côteaux du Languedoc La Clape, 2010 Smokey bonfire/fireplace aromas. Big tannins and rich almost whiskey like peaty flavours. This is a monster rich wine (3.5). Tautavel ‘Hommage aux Vignerons’, Côtes du Roussillon Villages Tautavel, 2010 Cherry Brandy liquor chocolates! Smooth, complex and delicious (4). 

Viognier Réserve Spéciale, IGP Pays d’Oc, 2011

Peach, apricot and elderflower. Solid example of the variatal, Good (2.5).

Domaine l’Aigle Chardonnay, Limoux, 2011

Perfumed and elegant on the nose. Creamy mouthfeel with nice citrus fruits and vanilla oak finish. Truly excellent value for money (3).

La Vieille Capitelle, Côteaux du Languedoc, 2010

Intense ‘Ribena’ fruits. Soft coating tannin and a vanilla and coffee finish. A solid every day wine suited to most foods (2.5).

Tautavel Arago 21, Côtes du Roussillon Villages Tautaval, 2009

A little closed at first and grippy, but gave way to a well structured spicy wine with a nice liquorice & dried herb finish. Boozey though (2.5).

Grand Terroir Montpeyroux, Côteaux du Languedoc Montpeyroux, 2010

Savoury, smokey nose. Palate has nice fruit and well integrated oak (2.5).

Château Aigues Vives, Corbières, 2010

Perfumed nose with evident oak. Stewed strawberries on the palate with nice mocha hints (3). 

Domaine de l’Aigle Pinot Noir, IGP Pays d’Oc, 2010

Smokey minerality, tight, ripe fruit and great length. Kicks the ass of nearly all the red Burgundy I’ve tried at this price point. Awesome (3).  

Domaine de Villemajou, Corbières Boutenac, 2010

Concentrated, rich chocolatey fruit. Well made and fantastically structured; approachable now and will age well (3.5). 

Château Laville Bertrou, Minervois-la-Livinière, 2010

Nice meatiness on the nose. Wonderfully fruit forward, yet with great secondary caramel, vanilla oak hints to back it up (3.5). 

Château l’Hospitalet ‘Grand Vin’, Côteaux du Languedoc La Clape, 2010

Smokey bonfire/fireplace aromas. Big tannins and rich almost whiskey like peaty flavours. This is a monster rich wine (3.5).

Tautavel ‘Hommage aux Vignerons’, Côtes du Roussillon Villages Tautavel, 2010

Cherry Brandy liquor chocolates! Smooth, complex and delicious (4). 

Gerard Bertrand Trip, Languedoc Roussillon, France

Trip Diary: Part Two, 29/10/2012

19.00 - Dinner with export director and oenologist; Francois Miquel. First up, an aperitif of ‘Code Rouge’ a new Cremant de Limoux in a fancy red bottle. We all agreed we could take or leave the bottle, but the wine is very good. It went really well with the local ‘Lucques’ olives. A big step above the gallons of cheap ‘blanquette’ sold (and drunk) in the region. Harmonious and balanced (3). 

To start; smoked salmon served with Domaine l’Aigle Chardonnay, 2011. Not the best ‘match’ in my opinion, but nice salmon and a nice wine (which after this long day of travelling I was definitley ready for!).

The main course (pictured) was a delicious dish of local caught sea bass with courgettes, parsnips crisps and a beurre blanc sauce. This was served with the Domaine de l’Aigle Pinot Noir, 2010. The wine was ever so slightly lower than room temperature, which actually worked well; the combination of the food and the wine was perfect. 

The cheeseboard of local cheeses was served with a magnum of La Forge, 2008. This ‘Icon Wine’ is not just a top selection, but a specific single vineyard plot within the Domaine de Villemajou estate in Corbières Boutenac. This wine offers up rich aromatic and jammy black fruit and soft spice notes with a focussed and serious structure, smooth fine grained tannins and well integrated oak. Stunning (4.5). 

I thought that would be my highlight of the night, but Francois really treated us with a bottle of Gerard’s ‘Legend Vintage’ Rivesaltes 1974. With the dessert of Creme Brûlée (pictured) this was just pure heaven! A cascade of naturally sweet dried fruits with christmassy orange peel and mulling spice singing along with the crunchy and creamy pudding. Oh yes (4.5)! 

Gerard Bertrand Trip, Languedoc Roussillon, France

Trip Diary: Part One, 29/10/2012

This is part one of my trip report to some of the estates of Gerard Bertrand, who kindly put us up for a few days in South France. Winner of ‘European winery of the year’, Gerard Bertrand is one of the biggest producers across the Languedoc-Roussillon. Gerard is an ex-international rugby player and returned to the family winemaking business after his father passed away. Since then, he has expanded the business and owns over 400 hectares of vineyards and seven estates. I am a big fan of their wines. They offer fantastic value for money and with such a broad range they seem to have a wine for every occasion! It was an honour and a privilege to spend some time there… 

02.30 - My drive from the Midlands to Gatwick for an EARLY flight to toulouse. Urgh… 

10.00 - After a much needed in-flight nap, we landed at toulouse and jumped into our hire car (or ‘tank’ as the giant Avensis estate became not-so affectionately named!). A quick pitstop on the autoroute for a delayed breakfast of sandwiches and espresso and we were onto Narbonne to check into Chateau l’Hostpitalet where we would be staying for the next few days. l’Hospitalet is one of seven estates owned and operated by Gerard Bertrand. It has around 80ha of vines and is not only a winery, but a hotel, restaurant and shop.

14.00 - We were held up a little waiting for our representative, so we headed into Narbonne for a lunch at ‘Côté Pub’. I had their house speciality, a gallete of magret, foie gras, lardons and chèvre.I don’t know what made me feel more in france, the gallette or all the people smoking indoors. Either way, a tasty lunch.

16.00 - Back to l’Hospitalet for a look around. There is a beautiful view of the vineyards from the top of a steep hill, I captured it on my iPhone camera OK, but in the flesh it was quite spectacular. The sectioned off area on the right is reserved for ‘l’Hospitalitas’ a single vineyard wine produced in limited numbers.

17.00 - We met up with our host for the next couple of days; Vanessa Joseph, UK Export Assistant. Before dinner we had a short tasting of all the Gerard Bertrand wines in the Majestic UK range (see tasting notes here).

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