Name: Quinta do Ameal - Escolha
Colour: White
Country: Portugal
Region: Minho - Ponte do Lima
Year: 2004
Producer: Pedro Araujo
Grape Varieties: Loureiro
Alcohol: 11.5%
Purchase Price: EUR 51.00 (Intercontinental Hotel)
Notes:
Maker's tasting notes - Clear and citrus coloured. Floral aromas, orange-tree blossom. Its full fruitiness blends harmoniously with the vanilla and smoky tones, which are the result of ageing in new Nevers French oak. Its exceptional body and intensity is due to the selection of grapes whilst at an excellent stage of maturation, as well as its subsequent fermentation and ageing, with "bâtonnage", for 6 months in French oak barrels that have been especially selected for the Loureiro grape variety. Extremely delicate wooden notes, without interfere on the fruit and floral explosion characteristic. It has a very good length, with a complexity befitting a great wine. We suggest that it is decanted one hour before serving.
Somnambulist's verdict: The notes above nail it, although perhaps not as floral as the description suggests. The light alcohol content doesn't detract at all, in fact think it stacks up against some very good, heavier Burgundies. Absolutely gorgeous, highly recommended.
Colour: White
Country: Portugal
Region: Minho - Ponte do Lima
Year: 2004
Producer: Pedro Araujo
Grape Varieties: Loureiro
Alcohol: 11.5%
Purchase Price: EUR 51.00 (Intercontinental Hotel)
Notes:
Maker's tasting notes - Clear and citrus coloured. Floral aromas, orange-tree blossom. Its full fruitiness blends harmoniously with the vanilla and smoky tones, which are the result of ageing in new Nevers French oak. Its exceptional body and intensity is due to the selection of grapes whilst at an excellent stage of maturation, as well as its subsequent fermentation and ageing, with "bâtonnage", for 6 months in French oak barrels that have been especially selected for the Loureiro grape variety. Extremely delicate wooden notes, without interfere on the fruit and floral explosion characteristic. It has a very good length, with a complexity befitting a great wine. We suggest that it is decanted one hour before serving.
Somnambulist's verdict: The notes above nail it, although perhaps not as floral as the description suggests. The light alcohol content doesn't detract at all, in fact think it stacks up against some very good, heavier Burgundies. Absolutely gorgeous, highly recommended.
How much????
ReplyDeleteI think they might add a bit of a margin at the bar in the Intercontinental. They are very friendly though, so I am sure it's worth it.
ReplyDeleteI don't recommend paying EUR 51.00 for this wine at Oddbins. I DO recommend giving it a try if you come across it sub EUR 20.00. It's properly yummy! :-)
They would have to be uber friendly for that type of mark-up on the rrp
ReplyDeleteadded to my list if it can be bought under a tenner :-)
@70s - I'll keep an eye out for it in the stores and let you know if I see it at a more realistic price...
ReplyDelete