In November we did a tour with several wine tastings in Sweden for wine clubs. We tasted some delicious wines from various parts of the world.
It is always exciting and fun to come around to wine tasting groups in and talk about what is happening in the wine world. During the rest of the year – when we are not “on tour” in Sweden – we travel around many different wine regions. It is everything we experience on these trips, at these meetings with winemakers around the world, that we want to share with you when we hold a wine tasting.
It can often be a slightly different perspective. It can be different because we have been there and talked to the people and seen the soil (the importance of which should perhaps not be exaggerated). But it can also be different because we have a perspective on what is happening in the wine world around the world, consumption, production, marketing… Or different because we are also interested in all the small technical details that are not always so easy to understand. You can learn a lot about wine by reading (of course! We have written thirteen wine books) but what we want to convey is also a bit of the experience of having been there.
But above all, what we want to contribute is to spread the message that wine and gastronomy are fun, enjoyable, delicious and an excellent way to discover the world.
Here are some suggestions to look for.
White wines
Newton Johnson Albariño, 2021, Hemel-en-Aarde, South Africa, ~20 euro
The albariño grape, which is found in Galicia in northwestern Spain, also thrives in the relatively cool and humid climate of the south coast of the Western Cape in South Africa.
Leonardo Bussoletti Mau Grechetto, 2024, Umbria, Italy, ~20 euro
Leonardo is leading the way in preserving the ancient, local grape grechetto.
Millton Vineyard, Te Arai Chenin Blanc, Gisborne, New Zealand, ~35 euro
Millton is known for its fantastic chenin blanc from Gisborne, New Zealand’s easternmost wine region.
Pegasus Bay Bel Canto Dry Riesling, 2023, Waipara, New Zealand ~35 euro
Riesling is often very successful in New Zealand. Here in a dry, crisp style with citrus and honey tones.
Clos Henri Estate Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand, ~20 euro
French-owned Clos Henri with a sauvignon blanc that is full-bodied and complex and with a subdued green character.
Red wines
Maupiti Terre de l’Élu, 2023, Vin de France, ~15 euro
A cabernet franc/gamay blend from the Loire in an easy drinking and fruity style and a natural low alcohol level of only 11.5%.
‘a Rina Etna Rosso 2023, Girolamo Russo, Etna, Italy, ~25 euro
On the north side of the volcano Etna, outside the village of Passopisciaro, is the winery if Girolamo Russo, an excellent producer with vineyards at an altitude of up to 800 meters.
Maruxa Mencía 2021, Virgen del Galir, Galicia, Spain,~15 euro
Mencía, a local grape from Galicia, is becoming more and more popular. This is an excellent example. Nuanced, slightly spicy, good structure.
Gardo & Morris Pinot Noir, Marlborough, New Zealand, ~12 euro
An easy-going and pleasant pinot noir from New Zealand.
Paritua Stone Paddock Syrah, Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand, ~25 euro
Hawke’s Bay on the North Island has a warm and pleasant climate and syrah here produces wines with the dark fruit in the foreground.
This photo is from the Newton Johnson vineyard:
