TN : Casillero del Diablo Reserva Chardonnay 2007, Concha Y Toro, Chile

This wine was in its 375 ml half-bottle format.

30% of the must was fermented and aged in French oak barrels and 70% in stainless steel tanks.

Colour : Pale straw

Aroma : Dominant wood, green bananas, slight tropical fruit notes

Taste : Tropical fruits, oak, pineapple, slight vanilla

Alcohol : 13.5%

Price : 37 SEK (375 ml bottle format)

Mark : C

Website : Casillero Del Diablo

TN : Errazuriz Estate Cabernet Sauvignon Rose 2007, Vina Errazuriz, Central Valley, Chile

The grapes for this wine were hand-harvested. The grapes were then destemmed and crushed into stainless steel tanks for a 24 hour pre- fermentation maceration period to allow the must to take on colour before bleeding of 5-10% prior to fermentation. The clean must is centrifuged, protected from oxygenation and fermented at 12-15 degrees. Fermentation is halted in some lots to allow a small amount of residual sugar to remain in the wine, along with the fruity aromas of the fermentation to remain in the wine. The wine is then stabilized, filtered, and bottled as soon as possible.

A winery analysis showed that the alcohol was 13.3%, the pH was 3.3, the total acidity was 5.89 grammes per litre (as tartaric acid), and the residual sugar was 4.1 grammes per litre.

This wine was in its half-bottle, 375 ml, format. It was also sealed with a screwcap.

Colour : Pink cherry

Aroma : Strawberry jelly, cherry jelly, raspberry jelly

Taste : Jellied red fruits, hint of black pepper

Alcohol : 13%

Price : 39 SEK (375 ml bottle format)

Mark : B

Website : Vina Errazuriz

Vinkällaren Grappes Newsletter May 2008

Vinkällaren Grappe have published their May 2008 Newsletter which can be downloaded from their website.

Website : Vinkällaren Grappes Nyhetsbrev Maj 2008

TN : Ser Lapo Riserva 2005, Chianti Classico, DOCG, Mazzei Castello di Fonterutoli, Tuscany, Italy

The Mazzei family have been the proprietors of Castello di Fonterutoli since 1435.

This wine owes its name to Ser Lapo Mazzei who was a notary and a passionate wine connoisseur. He was the author of the first known reference to the Chianti appellation (December 16th 1398).

The wine is a blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot.

Colour : Dark red

Aroma : Cherry, plum, polished oak, vanilla

Taste : Oak throughout, tannins upfront, rich cherry fruit, chocolate hints

Alcohol : 13.5%

Price : 169 SEK

Mark : B
Website : Mazzei

TN : Saint Clair Pioneer Block 3 43 Degrees Sauvignon Blanc 2007, Saint Clair Estate Wines, Marlborough, New Zealand

Saint Clair Wine Estates was founded by Neal and Judy Ibbotson in 1978. The sticker on the bottle states that Saitn Clair Estate Wines was the International Wine and Spirit Competition 2005 New Zealand winr producer of the year though quite what this has to do with this particular wine is beyond me.

The 43 Degree vineyard is planted with vineyard rows running in an unusual angle of 43 degrees North East to South West. This results in more shade to the southerly aspect of each row thereby producing a slightly more herbaceous Sauvignon Blanc than other sites in Marlborough. The soil is even, fertile, deep free draining silt loams.

The winemaker was Matt Thomson. The fruit was pressed off as quickly as possible to minimise skin contact and potential juice deterioration following harvesting. After settling the juice was fermented using selected yeast in 100 per cent stainless steel at cool temperatures to retain fruit flavour and freshness.

A winery analysis showed that the alcohol was 13.5%, the Titratable Acid was 8.3 grammes per litre, the Residual Sugar was 1.5grammes per litre, and the pH was 3.44.

This wine was sealed with a screwcap.

The wine was imported into Sweden by Sigva AB.

Colour : Pale straw

Aroma : Blackcurrant leaf, tropical fruit notes

Taste : Blackcurrant leaf, gooseberry, lemon, lively acidity, passion fruit

Alcohol : 13.5%

Price : 129 SEK

Mark : C+

Website : Saint Clair Estate Wines
Website : Sigva AB

TN : 1992 Kanzemer Altneberg Spaetlese Riesling, Mosel Saar Ruwer, QmP, VDP, Weingut Kanzemer Berg, Germany

Colour : Lemon

Aroma : Lemon, slight lime and orange, petrol, honey

Taste : Lemon, honey, long finish, nice acidity, petrol notes on finish

Alcohol : 7.5%

Price : 149 SEK

Mark : B

TN : 7 Deadly Zins, Old Vine Zinfandel, Lodi Appellation, Micheal and David Vineyards, USA

Seven of Lodi's best growers donated fruit for this wine.

The wine was imported into Sweden by Janake Wine Group AB.

Colour : Red maroon

Aroma : Dark berries, blackberries, pepper, licqourice, bramble jelly

Taste : Bramble jelly, licqourice, vanilla, chocolate, clove, pepper

Alcohol : 15%

Price : 99 SEK

Mark : B-

Website : Michael and David Family of Wines
Website : Janake Wine Group AB

TN : Stuerz Riesling Kabinett 2007, Enosvezia, Mosel, Germany

I bought the half bottle, 375 ml, version of this wine which is also available in whole bottle size, 750 ml. It was sealed with a glass stopper to my surprise which was easily resealable.



The grapes were handharvested at the end of October 2007. The fermentation took approximately one and half months at 12 degrees. The fermentation was stopped using cooling.

This wine was bottled for Enosvezia and is marketed as being of their own brand.

Colour : Pale straw

Aroma : Oranges, honey, pear drops

Taste : Honey, orange, apples, pineapple, lime, cloying sugar sweetness which ruined this wine for me

Alcohol : 8.5%

Price : 49 SEK

Mark : C-

Website : Enosvezia

TN : 2002 Saarburger Rausch Riesling Kabinett, QmP, VDP, Weingut Forstmeister Geltz, Zilliken, Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany

Colour : Pale yellow, straw

Aroma : Citrus, marmelade, honey, petrol

Taste : Lemon, lime, sharp racy acidity, slight mineral, long finish

Alcohol : 8%

Price : 148 SEK

Mark : B-

Wine Map of Victoria by Max Allen

This map contains and up to date, 2007, listing of Victoria's 900-plus cellar doors, wineries, and vineyards. It also has a reasonably detailed description of each subregion of Victoria. It is, however, lacking information about the individual wineries. I bought my copy from Winetitles.

Website : Australian Wine Maps
Website : Winetitles

Map of the Vineyards of England and Wales

A new, fully-revised map of English and Welsh vineyards is now available at no charge from the English Wine Producers. The map shows the location of 163 of the country’s leading vineyards, with cross referenced listings by county, full contact details including postal address with postcodes, telephone numbers, and websites. For each vineyard, the map states if it is open to the public, open by appointment, not open to visitors, or not yet in production. The map also lists the most popular grape varieties grown in England and Wales.

Website : English Wine Producers

TN : San Leonino Riserva Chianti Classico 2003, DOCG, Tenimenti Angelini, Tuscany, Italy

This wine is a blend of 95% Sangiovese and 5% Canaiolo. Fermentation was in stainless steel tanks at a temperature of 30 degrees. The total maceration time was 18 days. The wine was matured in 18 months in Slavonian oak and two to three year old French oak. The wine was then bottle aged for 6 months before release. The grapes come from the commune of Castellina in Chianti. The average age of the vines was 15 years. The training system used for the vines was Cordone Speronato. The vineyards face north to south and are at an altitude of 200 metres. The grapes were harvested in early October 2003.

Colour : Dark red

Aroma : Raspberry, oak

Taste : Raspberry, cherry, oak, licqourice, dry tannins on finish

Alcohol : 14% (14.5% noted in Systembolaget Varunytt April 2008)

Price : 138 SEK

Mark : B-

Website : Tenimenti Angelini

TN : Wakefield Jaraman Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Clare Valley & Coonawarra, Australia

Jaraman is the aboriginal word for seahorse, the icon adopted by the Taylor family after fossilised remains of tiny seahorses were found on the family's Clare Valley Estate. The grapes for this wine come from two parcels of fruits from South Australia; 54% of the fruit came from Clare Valley and 46% from Coonawarra. A winery analysis showed that the alcohol was 14.5% and the pH was 3.48.



This wine was imported by Fondberg & Co.

Colour : Deep purple

Aroma : Chocolate, slight mint, dark berries, rich, blackcurrant

Taste : Mint, blackcurrant, green pepper, vanilla, dark fruits, very fruity

Alcohol : 14.5%

Price : 159 SEK

Mark : B

Website : Wakefield Wines
Website : Fondberg & Co

TN : Masi Valpolicella 2006 Boncosta, Italy

This wine was in a 375ml half bottle and sealed with a synthetic cork. It is a traditional blend of Veronese grape varieties 70% Corvina, 25% Rondinella, and 5% Molinara. The grapes are harvested separately (mid September for Molinara and Rondinella, end of September for Corvina). Fermentation is at controlled temperatures (25-28°C), using selected yeasts. Contact with the skins lasts 16 days for Corvina, 10 days for the other grapes. Fermentation lasts 20 days in total, and is followed by complete malolactic fermentation. The wine is aged for 6 months in 60-90 hectolitre Slavonian oak barrels. 20% of the Corvina is aged in new Allier and Slavonian small oak casks, followed by 1 month’s ageing in bottle. A winery analysis showed that the alcoholwas 12.40% by volume, the sugars 4.5 grammes per litre, dry extract was 25.8 grammes per litre, the total acidity was 5.10 grammes per litre, and the pH was 3.59.


Colour : Dark maroon

Aroma : Muted, red fruits, slight spice, oak

Taste : Red fruits, oak, spice, volatile acidity, sour

Alcohol : 12%

Price : 52 SEK

Mark : D+

Website : Masi Agricola

TN : Catena 2005 Malbec, Bodega Catena Zapata, Mendoza, Argentina

This wine is 100% Malbec. The grapes come from estate grown vineyards; specifically the Angelica vineyard, in the Lunlunta district,at 2,850 feet elevation, the La Pirámide vineyard, in the Agrelo district, at 3,100 feet elevation, the Altamira vineyard, in the Altamira district, at 3,870 feet elevation, and the Adrianna vineyard, in the Gualtallary district, at 5,000 feet elevation.

Selected yeast was used for fermentation at a maximum temperature of 29 degrees for 11 days folowed by a 28 day maceration. The wine was aged for 12 months in 70% French oak, of which 20% was new, and 30% new American oak. The acidity is 5.25 and pH is 3.75. The wine was bottled unfined and unfiltered.

Jose Galante made the wine and who has been head winemaker with Catena since 1975.

The wine is imported by VinUnic AB.

Colour : Blackberry, cassis

Aroma : Violets, blackcurrant, vanilla, oak

Taste : Savoury soya sauce undertone, violets, blackberry, oak, spice

Alcohol : 13,5%

Price : 119 SEK

Mark : C+

Website : Bodega Catena Zapata
Website : VinUnic AB

TN : 1865 Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Vina San Pedro, Maipo Valley, Chile

The grapes for this wine come from the Alto Maipo Valley. The vineyard was planted 40 years ago with vines that were propagated by massal selection. The climate is mediterranean. The average summer high temperature was around 30 degrees. The vineyard's clay-loam soils, from an alluvial terrace, include the presence of cobblestones at 50 centimetres below the surface.

This wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. The grapes were hand-harvested in 20 kg boxes early in the morning to avoid high temperatures. The grapes were harvested at 24 to 25 brix. The vineyard yield was 6 to 8 tons per hectare.

The grapes were kept cold on reaching the cellar for a pre-fermentation maceration to ensure gentle extraction of colour, taste, and aromas from the skins. The temperature during alcoholic fermentation was kept below 27 degrees and pump-overs were done three times a day. After a post-fermentation maceration, the wine was transfered to French oak barrels for 12 months. 30% of these barrels were new. The wine was clarified with natural egg whites and bottled after filtration.



This wine was imported by V&S Vin and Sprit AB.

Colour : Blackcurrant

Aroma : Blackcurrant, ribena, oak

Taste : Blackcurrant, too much toasty oak, pepper on finish, smooth tannins, blackberry, heat

Alcohol : 14.5%

Price : 119 SEK

Mark : C+

Website : Vina San Pedro
Website : V&S Vinsprit

TN : Ingwe 2004, Alain Moueix, Stellenbosch, South Africa

This was like drinking a very fruity soft easy-drinking right-bank Bordeaux. It is a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Ingwe means leopard. It is derived from the leopards that live in the mountains near the farm on which this wine is made.



Alain Moueix is the owner, He graduated from the Toulouse University and then gained valuable experience working at Kumeu River Wines in New Zealand. Alain today is the co-owner and manager of Chateau Fonroque (St Emilion Grand Cru Classé) and the director of Chateau Mazeyres (Pomerol).

Francois Baard is the viticulturist and has trained at the South African Wine Research Institute at Stellenbosch. Francois, also a junior partner in Ingwe, joined Alain in 1999 and has been the driving force in developing the Ingwe vineyards. Francois trained at Nietvoorbij near Stellenbosch and was previously farm manager/viticulturist at Groot Constantia, Buitenverwachting and Zevenwacht wineries. Francois also looks after the local marketing of Ingwe wines.

PJ Geyer is the winemaker. He gained his winemaking skills in both new world (the USA and New Zealand) and old world (Pomerol, France) cellars. He joined Ingwe in 2002.

The Ingwe soils are a mixture of clay and gravel. The gravel provides efficient drainage allowing the water to penetrate the soil’s deep clay reservoir. The roots are lured down to this level thus minimizing the impact of weather and temperature variations on the vine. Research into the great terroir of Bordeaux has shown that moderate water stress two-to-three weeks before grapes start developing their color has the most beneficial impact on the wine’s body and complexity. By regulating irrigation this effect has been simulated in the Ingwe vineyards. By using a pressure chamber to determine the stem water potential they are able to measure the stress on the vine. If irrigation is required large amounts of water are used in order to wet all the soil horizons. The upper horizons dry quickly, stressing the roots into penetrating the deeper moist clay levels.


This wine is imported by Domaine Wines.

Colour : Dark red

Aroma : Tobacco, dark fruits, oak

Taste : Blackcurrant, plum, tobacco, very fruity, slight oak

Alcohol : 13%

Price : 149 SEK

Mark : B+

Website : Domaine Wines

TN : Max 2004, Miles Mossop Wines, South Africa

This wine won a gold at the Old Mutual Trophy Wine Show in 2006. It is wine of origin coastal region. It is a blend of 56% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Merlot, and 22% Petit Verdot. The wine was names after Miles and Samantha Mossop's son, Maximillian Anthony. Max inherited his names from his grandfathers. Miles Mossop wines has been in existence since 2004. 500 cases of this wine were produced. Miles Mossop is winemaker at Tokara, appointed in January 2000. Miles attended Wynberg Boys’ High in Cape Town and completed a degree in geology and geochemistry at the University of Stellenbosch in 1995 before obtaining a degree in viticulture and oenology in 1998, graduating top of his class. In 1999, he spent a vintage at the prestigious Knappstein winery in South Australia. Miles has also experienced winemaking in France, Italy and California’s Napa Valley.



This wine is imported into Sweden by AB Nigab.

Colour : Dark plum

Aroma : Talcum powder, spice, turkish delight, dark fruits

Taste : Spice, plums, dark fruits, talcum powder and turkish delight on finish, slight heat on logn finish

Alcohol : 14%

Price : 189 SEK

Mark : B

Website : AB Nigab

TN : Chateau Bonnet 2007, Rose Wine, Andre Lurton, Bordeaux, France

Colour : Pink/strawberry

Aroma : Strawberry, cream, mint, white pepper

Taste : Strawberry, vanilla ice cream, mint, slight spice on finish

Alcohol : 12.5%

Price : 80 SEK

Mark : B+

Website : Andre Lurton

Systembolaget New Wines for May 2008

The May 2008 issue of Varunytt can now be downloaded from the Systembolaget's website. The wines will go on sale on Friday May 2nd 2008. There is a big focus on rose wines next month.

Website : Systembolaget Varunytt Maj 2008

WineWorld AB Newsletter April 2008

WineWorld AB have published their April 2008 Newsletter. It is available for download from their web site. The focus this month is on Barossa's St Hallet with an article on Tony Barlow, the new winemaker.

Website : WineWorld AB Nyhetsbrev April 2008

TN : Querciabella Chianti Classico 2005, DOCG, Agricola Quercialbella, Tuscany, Italy

This wine is a blend of 95% Sangiovese and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Colour : Brown/cherry

Aroma : Spice, cherry, licquorice, violets

Taste : Spice, cherry, raspberry, violets, licqourice

Alcohol : 13.5%

Price : 199 SEK

Mark : B

Website : Agricola Querciabella

TN : Clos de la Mine 2005, Domaine d'Ambinos, Coteau du Layon Beaulieu, France

J.P. Chene is the viticulteur for this wine. They can be reached by telephone on 0241784809.

Colour : Gold/yellow

Aroma : Muted, sugar, lemon

Taste : Overwhelming sweetness, lemon, lime, lucozade, long finish

Alcohol : 13%

Price : 158 SEK

Mark : C

TN : Chakana Malbec Syrah 2007, Argentina

This wine is available as a 3 litre bag-in-box.

It states on the box that "Chakana was the name given by the Indians to the Southern Cross constellation. It was represented by the square cross, a powerful scared symbol with great importance in the protection of crops. Chakana literally means bridge in indigneous language."

The wine was imported by Primewine Sweden AB.

The box was filled on January 9th 2008 and it is stated that it is best before 9th November 2008.

Colour : Deep purple

Aroma : Dark berries, violets, spice

Taste : Spice, white pepper on finish, red berries, dark berries, slight hint of violets

Alcohol : 13.5%

Price : 177 SEK

Mark : C+

Website : Chakana
Website : Primewine Sweden AB

Vinkällaren Grappes Monthly Newsletter April 2008

For April 2008, comes the latest newsletter from Vinkällaren Grappe. Amongst the wines delivered this month include Ser Lapo from Marchesi Mazzei and Ingwe from Alain Moueix.

Website : Vinkällaren Grappes Nyhetsbrev April 2008

VinUnic Newsletter April 2008

VinUnic have just published their newsletter for April 2008. This month sees a couple of good low-end wines from Catena and a couple of high-end wines for South Africa's Vergelegen.

Website : Våra Viner Nyhetsbrev April 2008

Italian Wine Day for Consumers (Italiensk Vindag), Stockholm, March 29th 2008

I went to the Italian Wine Day for Consumers tasting last Saturday, 29th March 2008. It was held at the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Stockholm and organised by the Nordic Wine Institute. It was very busy and sometimes very annoying to wait in queues for tasting whilst somebody waffled on about something irrelevant. Each person got a set of drinks coupons though nobody asked for them so it was unlimited pours.



The best wine of the night was a red from Tenuta Poggio Verano called Dromos 2004 which retails at 307 SEK. It was poured by the only winery representative I could see, Francesco Bolla; everybody else behind the tables were from importers.



Here's my scores, and notes where I wrote some, for the wines I tasted. I concentrated mainly on Tuscany as this is my favourite area of Italy :

A Wines
Brunello di Montalcino, 2002, Piccini, Tuscany, 219 SEK
Ilatraia 2005, La Brancaia, Tuscany, 358 SEK
Dromos 2004, Tenuta Poggio Verano, Tuscany, 307 SEK
Maronea 2004, Casa di Terra, Tuscany, 298 SEK
Poggio Querciolo 2004, Casa di Terra, Tuscany, 186 SEK

A- Wines
Castello di Fonterutoli Chianti Classico 2004, Marchesi Mazzei/Castello di Fonterutoli, Tuscany, 271 SEK

B+ Wines
Sormonno, Parmoleto, Tuscany
Ser Lapo Chianti Classico 2006, Marchesi Mazzei/Castello di Fonterutoli, Tuscany, 169 SEK
Brancaiai Il Blu 2004, La Brancaia, Tuscany, 389 SEK
Lamainone 2004, Merlot di Toscana IGT, Marchesi de Frescobaldi, Tuscany,, 315 SEK

B Wines
W... Dreams 2005, Jermann, Friuli-Venezia-Giula, 360 SEK, Chablis-like
Red Angel 2005, Jermann, Friuli-Venezia-Giula, 170 SEK
Fonterutoli Chianti Classico 2006, Marchesi Mazzei/Castello di Fonterutoli, Tuscany, 148 SEK
Brancaiai Chianti Classico 2004, La Brancaia, Tuscany, 199 SEK
Montesodi 2004, Chianti Ruffina DOCG, Marchesi de Frescobaldi, Tuscany, 379 SEK

B- Wines
Torre Testa IGT Salento 2004, Rubino, Apulien, 244 SEK
Castello di Ama Chianti Classico 2001, Castello di Ama, Tuscany, 269 SEK, brownish tinges, a little oxidised ?
Lucente 2005, Tuscany IGT, Luce Della Vite Frescobaldi-Mondavi, 205 SEK, a little oxidised ?

C+ Wines
Vintage Tunina 2005, Jermann, Friuli-Venezia-Giula, 360 SEK, this was more tropical fruits than the Were Dreams 2005
Brancaia Tre 2006, La Brancaia, Tuscany, 119 SEK
Il Cortono 2004, Tenimenti Luigi d'Alessandro, Tuscany, 169 SEK

C Wines
Moreccio 2006, Casa di Terra, Tuscany, 126 SEK
Casamatta Bianco 2006, Bibi Graetz, Tuscany

Website : Italiensk Vindag Vinkatalog March 2008

TN : Casa Lapostolle Cuvee Alexandre Pinot Noir 2005, Atalayas Vineyard, Casablanca Valley, Chile

The vintage was hand harvested two weeks later than was scheduled. The grapes were put into 12 kg small cases and transported to the winery in refrigerated trucks. 100% of the must was pressed directly without skin contact. 73% of the grapes were hand destemmed. 27% of the grapes went through strict quality control before crush. The must underwent a cold maceration of 4 days at 10 degrees before fermentation. The wine was fermented in French oak vats at 25 degrees for two weeks. All of the blend was aged for 18 months: 73% in new French oak barrels amd 27% in used French oak barrels. The wine was bottled on the 5th March 2007 and 459 nine litre cases were produced.

Colour : Pale red/brown

Aroma : Toasty oak, stewed fruits, coffee

Taste : Toasty oak and spice on finish, stewed fruits, coca cola, cherries, slight chalky tannins

Alcohol : 14.5%

Price : 228 SEK

Mark : B-

Website : Casa Lapostolle

TN : Chianti Classico Riserva Rocca Guicciarda 2004, DOCG, Barone Ricasoli, Tuscany, Italy

The wine was in a half bottle, 375 ml. It is 100% Sangiovese. The winemaker was Carlo Ferini. The fermentation temperature was 30 degrees. The maceration period was 16 days. The wine was matured for 20 months in barriques and 900 litre casks. It was bottled on 30th January 2007.



This wine was imported into Sweden by WineWorld.

Colour : Dark red/maroon

Aroma : Cherries, red fruits, oak, currants

Taste : Cherries, oak, dark chocolate hints, heat on finish, currants

Alcohol : 13.5%

Price : 69 SEK

Mark : B-

Website : Barone Ricasoli
Website : WineWorld

TN : Beta Crux 2004, Red Wine, O Fournier, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina

This is a blend of 50% Tempranillo, 40% Malbec, and 10% Merlot.

The vineyards are situated in La Consulta, Pareditas, Et Cepillo in Mendoza. The vineyards are at an altitude of 1100 metres (3600 feet). The grapes were handharvested into 18 Kg (40 lb) boxes from the 5th to the 20th of April 2004. The must was fermented for 6 days in stainless steel tanks at a controlled temperature of 28 degrees. There was a maceration of 5 days between 6 and 8 degrees followed by 25 days at 24 degrees. Malolactic fermentation was in oak barrels. The wine was aged for 12 months in oak of which 80% was French and 20% was American. There were 80,000 bottles produced. The wine was bottled unfiltered.

A winery analysis showed that the alcohol was 14.7%, total acidity was 4.8 grammes per litre, and pH was 3.8.

Colour : Dark purple

Aroma : Oak, bramble jelly, violets, liqourice, mint

Taste : Heat, oak, bramble jelly, blackcurrant, after eight on finish, liqourice, mouth coating, concentrated, hard to drink more than one glass

Alcohol : 14.5%

Price : 147 SEK

Mark : B-

Website : O Fournier

TN : De Martino Gran Familia Cabernet Sauvignon 2004, Maipo Valley, Chile

De Martino has existed since 1934.

The grapes came from a specific parcel of land in the vineyards planted in Isla de Maipo. The soils are light and sandy. The wine was aged in French oak barriques for 18 months.

The wine was imported by Domaine Wines, Stockholm.

Colour : Deep purple

Aroma : Blacurrant, vanilla, coffee, polished oak

Taste : Upfront blackcurrant, dominant oak, oak tannins on finish, heat, out of balance, too much oak, second glass was much better

Alcohol : 14.5%

Price : 239 SEK

Mark : C

Website : De Martino
Website : Domaine Wines

TN : Vina Maipo Reserva Especial Merlot Carmenere Cabernet Sauvignon 2006, Vina Maipo, Rapel Valley, Chile

This wine was imported by Chris-Wine Sweden. There 6000 bottles of this wine available for purchase from the Systembolaget on March 1st 2008.

This wine is a blend of 60% Merlot, 25% Carmenere, and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine was matured in French oak for 9 months.

Colour : Dark purple

Aroma : Coffee, blackcurrant, white pepper, green peppers

Taste : Blackcurrant, coffee, mint, oak, liqourice

Alcohol : 14.5%

Price : 90 SEK

Mark : B

Website : Vina Maipo
Website : Chris-Wine Sweden

TN : Doennhoff Riesling Trocken 2006, Hermann Doennhoff, Nahe, Germany

On the label, the alcohol content is stated as 11% whereas in Systembolaget's March Varunytt it is stated as being 11.5%.

The grapes were harvested in October 2006 and the yield was around 50 hectolitres per hectare. The fermentation was slow, taking two to three months in large German oak and steel tanks. The winemaker was Helmut Doennhoff. There were 600 bottles of this wine available for purchase from the Systembolaget on March 1st 2008.

Colour : Pale lemon

Aroma : Orange, white grapes, minerals

Taste : Zingy minerals and lemon, slight rhubarb, long finish, simple

Alcohol : 11%

Price : 129 SEK

Mark : C

TN : BenMarco Expessivo 2004, Dominio del Plata, Mendoza, Argentina

The winemaker is Susana Balbo and viticulturist is Pedro Marchevsky.

This wine is a blend of 50% Malbec, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Syrah, 10% Bonarda, and 5% Merlot.

The wine was bottled unfined and unfiltered.

BenMarco is Pedro's means son of Marco in Hebrew and with this wine he pays homage to his father.

The wine was imported by Arvid Nordquist AB.

Colour : Deep dark purple

Aroma : Dark berries, violets, blueberries

Taste : Violets, blackberry, concentrated, long finish, blueberries

Alcohol : 14.5%

Price : 169 SEK

Mark : B

Website : Arvid Nordquist
Website : Dominio Del Plata Winery

TN : Rivaner 2007, Karl H Johner, Baden, Germany

The grapes come from vineyards around Kaiserstuhl. This wine was fermented in stainless steel tanks and bottled under screwcap.

The wine was imported by Giertz Vinimport AB.

Colour : Pale lemon

Aroma : Yeast, dried pineapple, spice, orange

Taste : Yeast, pineapple, orange, lemon, mouth coating, long finish

Alcohol : 12.5%

Price : 99 SEK

Mark : B

Website : Weingut Karl H Johner
Website : Giertz Vinimport AB

TN : Tenuta Monteti Caburnio 2005, Tenuta Monteti. Tuscany, Italy

The entry in Systembolaget's March 2008 Varunytt for this wine states that it has 14.5% alcohol but the label states 13.5%. Tasting it leads me to believe the label is correct.

This wine is a blend of 60% Petit Verdot, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Alicante, and 4% Merlot according to the Systembolaget. The technical sheet on Tenuta Monteti's website states that the wine consists of 68% cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, and 20% Alicante.

The vines are trellised as spurred cordon. There are 6600 vines per hectare and 49000 bottles were produced.

A winery analysis shows that the alcohol is 13.8%, dry extract is 31.4 grammes per litre, total acidity (tartaric acid) is 5.4 grammes per litre, pH is 3.77, and phenolic compounds (gallic acid) are 2613 milligrammes per litre.

Colour : Dark black cherry

Aroma : Spice, liqourice, blackberry

Taste : Spice, oak, liqourice, herbs, dark fruits

Alcohol : 13.5%

Price : 139 SEK

Mark : B

Website : Tenuta Monteti

Systembolaget New Wines April 2008

The latest Varunytt, detailing April's new wines, can be downloaded from the Systembolaget website. Also in April, a new catalogue is due out.

Website : Systembolaget Varunytt April 2008

TN : Heinz Schmitt Riesling 2003, Koewericher Laurentiuslay Auslese, Germany

Colour : Yellow, lemon

Aroma : Lemon, honey

Taste : Long finish, honey, lemon, orange, sugar syrup, lacking acidity

Alcohol : 8.5%

Price : 89 SEK

Mark : C

Website : Weingut Heinz Schmitt

TN : Ampeleia 2004, IGT, Maremma, Tuscany, Italy

This wine is a blend of seven grape varieties, Cabernet Franc 50%, Sangiovese 20% together with other 5 different varieties of Mediterranean heritage, Alicante, Carignan, Grenache, Marselan, and Mourvedre.

The planted area of the vineyard is 35 hectares. The average age of the vines is 15 years. The altitude of the vineyard varies between 200 and 600 metres above sea level. The yield per hectare was 18 to 25 hectolitres. There were 54,000 bottles produced. The wine was matured and aged for 16 months in oak barrels of which 40% were new.

There were 360 bottles of this wine available for purchase within Sweden in March 2008.

Colour : Dark red, purple

Aroma : Oak, cherries, herbs, chocolate, underlying tobacco notes

Taste : Toasty oak, oak tanins on finish, tobacco, cherries, red fruits, dark chocolate

Alcohol : 13.5%

Price : 257 SEK

Mark : B

Website : Ampeleia

TN : Moutain Sun 2006, Dry Red Wine of Peloponnese, Sereli Wines, Greece

This is 100% Agiorgitiko. The wine spent three to four months in French oak. The Semeli Winery was established in 1979 by George and Anne Kokotos. Semeli was the mother of Dionysus, the Greek god of wine.

Colour : Maroon/red

Aroma : Raspberries, strawberries, herbs, plums

Taste : red berries, red grapes, herbs, fresh, crisp, slight dry tanins on long finish

Alcohol : 12.5%

Price : 64 SEK

Mark : C+

Website : Semeli Wines

TN : Chateau Ste Michelle, Dry Riesling 2006, Columbia Valley, USA

This wine was imported by VinUnic.

This wine is 100% Riesling. The grapes were picked at night to preserve freshness. It was fermented cool in stainless steel tanks.

The analysis of this wine at the winery showed that the total acidity was 0.71 grammes per litre, the pH was 3.11, residual sugar was 0.75 grammes per 100 millilitres, and the alcohol was 13.9%.

Colour : Lemon

Aroma : Lemon, pear drops, honey

Taste : Lemon, orange, peach, crisp, honey,slight mineral finish

Alcohol : 13%

Price : 119 SEK

Mark : C+

Website : Chateau Ste Michelle
Website : VinUnic

TN : Pauillac 2001, Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande, Bordeaux, France

This wine was aged in French oak barriques for 11 months. 8% of the oak was new. The wine is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon and 50% Merlot.

This is the so-called third wine of this illustrious chateau but there is no mention of the producer on the labels, front or back; only "renowned second class growth".

Colour : Purple

Aroma : Blackcurrant, vanilla, green vegetables, red berries, violets, cedar

Taste : Long drying tanins on finish, cedar, thin, blackcurrant, vanilla, oak

Alcohol : 12.5%

Price : 189 SEK

Mark : C-

Website : Chateau Pichon Longueville Comtesse de Lalande

TN : Shottesbrooke Cabernet Sauvignon 2005, Shottesbrooke Vineyards, McLaren Vale, Australia

This wine was imported by Primeur Vin AB.

Colour : Purple

Aroma : Herbs, blackcurrants, blackberry, eucalyptus

Taste : Blackcurrant, mint, vanilla, oak

Alcohol : 14%

Price : 114 SEK

Mark : C

Website : Shottesbrooke
Website : Primeur Vin AB

Vinkällaren Grappes Newsletter March 2008

Grappe have published their newsletter for March 2008. It can be downloaded from their website.

Website : Grappe Newsletter March 2008

TN : Rancho Zabaco Zinfandel 2005, Sonomo Heritage Vines, Sonomo County, USA

The winemaker was Eric Cinnamon. Rancho Zabaco wines bear the name of one of Old California’s earliest land grants – the Tzabaco Rancho.

Colour : Black/cassis

Aroma : Blackberry, herbs, slight pepper

Taste : Spice, blackberry, slight sweetness, dark berries, rich, long finish, mouth coating

Alcohol : 15%

Price : 145 SEK

Mark : B

Website : Rancho Zabaco

TN : Zaca Mesa Syrah 2003, Santa Ynez Valley, USA

This wine was estate grown and bottled. The vineyard blocks used for this wine were Chapel F, Cushman A, B and D, and Mesa A and F. Clay Brock was the winemaker. The grapes were harvested in early October, 8th to 18th, 2003. The wine is a blend of 98% Syrah and 2% Viognier. The wine was fermented in open topped bins and then spent 16 months in French oak barrels, 25% of which was new. the wine was minimally filtered and then bottled between 4th to the 9th March 2005. An analysis performed by the winery shows that the acidity is 0.57 grammes per 100 millilitres, the pH is 3.74, and the alcohol is 14.6%. 10, 693 cases were produced. Zaca Mesa have been making wine since 1972.

Colour : Black/purple

Aroma : Violets, blueberries, pepper, spice

Taste : Blueberries, raspberries, long white pepper finish

Alcohol : 14.5%

Price : 178 SEK

Mark : B

Website : Zaca Mesa

TN : Carabantes 2004, Syrah, Vina von Siebenthal, Aconcagua Valley, Chile

Chile's first wine was brought to the country in 1554 by a Spanish priest called Francisco de Carabantes. This wine is named in honour of this pioneer of Chilean viticulture.

The grapes were hand picked and the wine is unfiltered. This is a limited edition bottling of 17,992 bottles. It is a blend of 85% Syrah and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. This information is from the label though the winery's website states that it is only 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot. The production was 1.6 Kg of grapes per vine. The vines were trained in double Gobelet trellising an dthe vineyard is 600 metres above sea level. Fermentation was in 150 hectolitre stainless steel tanks. The wine spent 12 months in a mixture of French and American oak of which 35% was new. The wine was bottles in October 2003. The analysis at the winery shows that the Tartaric Acidity was 5.14 grammes per litre (sulfuric) and the pH was 3.73.

The wine was imported by Carovin AB, Stockholm.

Colour : Purple

Aroma : Violets, red berries, blueberries, spice, herbs, mint

Taste : Sweet, slight toasty oak, blueberry, herbs, red berries, white pepper

Alcohol : 14%

Price : 178 SEK

Mark : B

Website : Vina von Siebenthal
Website : Carovin AB