Austrian Wine Week, Bangkok

We are super excited to be offering an array of Austrian varietals around some of Bangkok’s finest dining establishments from 1-5th October.

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Franz, founder of Tastes of Austria and myself were both working in New York City around the millennium, but our paths crossed a few years later during a trade visit to Tokio. Since then I firmly believed in bringing in Austrian wines to Thailand, but had to wait until Wine Garage was founded in 2013. Franz supports the export of these fine and dynamic estates, but in some cases also helps with blending and refinement of specialty items such as the Hoch Pet Nat Kalkspitz and Kalkreich – both a must try! He will be on the floor at Oskar’s on 1/10, Quince on 3/10, Nahm on 4/10 and Fireplace Grill on 5/10. A great guy to chat and drink with

 

The cool evenings in continental Europe allow are expressive fruit flavors to be kept in balance by acids and tannins. Frankly most varietals, from any of the regions, and styles from classic to the natural or biodynamic are extremely food friendly, especially for cuisine in this part of the world. Come on this ride with us an our partners and taste some of the greatest organic wines around.

For more details please visit our event page with up to date information

https://www.facebook.com/events/259802997999786/

 

 

Wine talk Sep 8th at 6pm – the New Australia at Riedel Wine Bar

The New Australia is having a moment now. Freshness and nuance have taken over from sweetness and impact. Many young winemaker’s and celebrated names make no rules hold wines from the Adelaide Hills, to McLaren Vale and Yarra Valley. They bottled pet nat, skin contact and other crazy blended low-fi wines lean towards the naturalist end of the spectrum. If you are interested in the remote and unusual, wines that brim with life and fun, this wine talk might just be the one for you.

The line up includes wines from the following producers:

JAUMA PET NAT BLEWITT SPRINGS CHENIN BLANC 2017, MCLAREN VALE

JAMSHEED HAREM LE BLANC PLONK 2016, YARRA VALLEY

OCHOTA BARRELS CHARDONNAY SLINT VINEYARD 2017, ADELAIDE HILLS

JAUMA DANBY GRENACHE 2017, MCLAREN VALE

OCHOTA BARRELS THE GREEN ROOM 2017, MCLAREN VALE

GENTLE FOLK VIN DE SOFA 2017, ADELAIDE HILLS

PATRICK SULLIVAN WINDY COTTAGE PINOT NOIR 2017, YARRA VALLEY

TIMO MAYER CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2016, YARRA VALLEY

To reserve your seat please email info@riedelwinebarbkk.com or call 02 656 1133

Les Vendanges wine fair Sep 6-9th

Gaysorn Village invites to a series of exclusive events on the theme “Gaysorn Menllennial” this September

“Gaysorn Menllennial is an interactive event where gentlemen, epicureans and those with meticulous taste can share inspiration for living life to the fullest in their own unique ways. This is the driving force behind the stylish transformation of Gaysorn Village into a destination to hangout with like-minded people, offering various aspects of life experiences. For the event, gentlemen are invited to indulge in their favorite pastimes and to embark on a mindset where lifestyle meets the millennial man. We hope our customers can experience a versatile concept which can be defined in two words – life & style,” says Charn Srivikorn, chairman of Gaysorn Property.

One of the highlights is “The Great Wine Harvest” from Sep 6-9th, an event that aims to turn Gaysorn into a wine enthusiasts playground, offering more than 150 labels of artisan, organic and rare wines.

Les Vendanges e card invite 2018

You can book or get more information by calling the Gaysorn Concierge team at tel 02 656 1149

Throughout the 4-day wine event there are multiple hosted events, including these wine talks at Riedel Wine Bar. You can book by emailing info@riedelwinebarbkk.com or call 02 656 1133

Riedel Les Vendanges Wine Talk 2018

The Wine Garage stand will feature the following wines from our extensive range:

WG Price File Les Vendanges 2018We look forward to seeing you later this week.

Kumeu River, Auckland, New Zealand

Kumeu River is one of the 10 or 12 estates we started off with in 2013. Year in year out, their wines, starting from the village and going all the way to the top with Mate’s Vineyard, are compelling in their own right. Frankly, it is also their relatively low price for fine Chardonnay, that have made it possible for listings in almost all gastronomic hotels and restaurants in Thailand. (Below credit NZ Wine Blogger)

Kumeu River line up (credit NZ Wine Blogger)The Brajkovich family is very much involved in every aspect of the family estate, with each of the four children sharing responsibility for winemaking (Michael, 1st Master of Wine in New Zealand), viticulture (Milan), sales (Paul) and tasting room plus activities, events (Marijana), while Mother Melba continues as Managing Director, and is one of the longest standing female executives in the industry. (Below credit Kumeu River)

Family Shot

Every year, sometimes in SFO, then in London, there is a panel tasting hosted by industry captains and fine wine writers, where the Coddington is pitted against village wines from the Cote d’Or, the Hunting Hill against 1er Cru vineyard wines, and the Mate’s against Grand Cru level. Surprise, surprise, they keep getting voted into one of the top ranks. Sadly our rotation here is quick, and we don’t have enough stock of the single vineyard wines to put down and taste after 5-6 years; am certain the reward is immense. (Below credit Pic Bear)

Kumeu River line up (credit pic bear)

The vineyard is only 50 meters above sea level with both warm and cooling influence depending winds from either the Tasman Sea or Pacific Ocean. Similar to the Cote d’Or the vines grow on clay with overlying sandstone, with vines aged 5-55 years. The trained lyre system helps prevent sunburn from high UV in New Zealand, there is no irrigation.

Try this Estate bottling, which is at the core of the range, and see how close New Zealand Chardonnay can resemble a Bourgogne Blanc. Then later you might want to opt for the villages bottle as your everyday white wine, or venture into the nuanced single vineyard on special occasions. This one goes very well with richer seafood or poultry, and even spicy Thai curries. Decant for 30 minutes when young to allow the fruit to balance in to minerality.

Kumeu-Chardonnay Estate Pack-shot_300-x-350-px-set2

“Still a Kiwi classic, Kumeu River’s 2016 Estate Chardonnay features toasted grain aromas, ripe peach and nectarine flavors and a long, citrus-inflected finish. It’s medium-bodied, with a plump, silky texture and up to a decade of aging potential.” 91 points Wine Advocate

Quince-Eatery & Bar celebrates the half dozen on Aug 16th 2018

Six years running and Quince is still creating excitement in Bangkok, as well as in Ho Chi Minh with a wood-fire restaurant. This coming Thursday, Charlie of Bangkok and Julian of Saigon, with their crew will propose the below well-accentuated menu for diners after the cocktail party at 8pm. Please reserve your table now by emailing eat@quincebangkok.com

QUINCE ANNIVERSARY 16th August.xlsx

Wine Garage is pleased to support the party by offering half a dozen white and reds, showcasing new arrivals, and favorites, at celebratory prices.

SPARKLING

Domaine Zusslin Cremant d’Alsace Brut Zero NV, Alsace, France               250        1500

Dante Rivetti Spumante Rosé “Ivan” 2008, Piedmont, Italy                          290        1700

WHITE

Adele Rouze Quincy 2017, Loire, France                                                           200              1200

Stagard Riesling Gaisberg 2016, Kremstal, Austria                                         280              1700

Jauma 1000 Fires Chenin Blanc Semillon 2017, Adelaide Hills, Australia 230              1400

Sandhi Wine Chardonnay Santa Rita 2014, Central Coast, USA                  380              2300

Stephane Ogier Condrieu Combe de Malleval 2016, Rhone, France          360              2150

Domaine Testut Chablis 1er Montee Tonnerre 2015, Burgundy, France   350              2100

RED

Atlan & Artisan Epistem No 3 2014 (Magnum), Yecla, Spain                       260              3200

Montepeloso A Quo Maremma 2014, Tuscany, Italy                                     240              1400

Salem Wine Co Pinot Noir Eola Amity 2015, Oregon, USA                          290              1700

Zambujeiro Monte do 2014, Alentejo, Portugal                                             200              1200

Jamsheed Syrah Garden Gully 2011, Victoria, Australia                             380              2200

Domaine Charvin Chateauneuf du Pape 2015, Rhone, France                   440              2600

WE WISH QUINCE A HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

 

Domaine Fondreche Persia, Mont Ventoux

Fondreche estate
Domaine de Fondrèche was founded by Nanou Barthelémy who purchased the property in 1993. A few years later her son, Sébastien Vincenti, started to make the wines after spending his formative years at leading estates in Chateauneuf du Pape.

Sebastien Vincenti

Through his dedicated work, following natural leaders such as Didier Dagueneau, recognition began to build for a region once known for rustic wines. His detailed work in vineyard and cellar, for years created wines that offer superb value compared to more recognized appellations, yet still little known among the general public.

In general Fondreche’s style displays a Northern Rhone varietal purity with some tannins and a Southern Rhone generous mouthfeel. The wines are intense, yet refrain from being too opulent.

Fondreche Barrel

Old vine Syrah is grown on clay and limestone, the fermentation is traditional with a 2 to 3 week maceration, with little pigeages to promote a slow and gradual extraction, and aging in cement and 1,500 liter Stockinger foudres.

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The 2016 Ventoux Cuvee Persia, always a Syrah-based cuvée, includes 10% Mourvèdre this year. It’s a blockbuster Persia, overflowing with plum and blueberry fruit, yet not heavy or simple. Black olives and espresso beans also make appearances, all buttressed by ripe tannins and a velvety texture. It’s supple enough to be approachable now but expect fireworks with a few years of cellaring. Robert Parker 94 points

90% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre. Aged in oak for 12 months. Superb violet and pepper fragrance, plus a lovely beefy note as well as blueberry fruit and furry tannic feel. This has  all the fragrance of the northern Rhône, but all the guts of the south. A good option when you can’t decide between Gigondas or Crozes? JR 17/20

 

 

The grand daddy from Getariako

Of course the first taste of Txacoli was in New York City, sometime during the late 1990’s. Various hard to book seafood bars were serving this fizzy white with the unpronounceable grape called Hondarrabi Zuri. Its easy, yet also one of the great mineralic wines to pair literally with any kind of food.

getaria

Txomin Etxaniz was established in 1930, but has records dating back to to 1649, and is the biggest producer with almost 100 hectares. Their terraced vineyards overlooking the Bay of Biscay has ongoing air circulation to prevent diseases from spreading.

While you may have started to enjoy the white Albarino from Rias Baixas, or Viura planted in Rioja, these lip-smacking wines can be grouped with Chablis or Vinho Verde on wine lists. The more serious Txacoli aren’t as light in flavor or fizzy, and the carbonation is entirely natural.

“The Txomin Etxaniz is fresh and tangy, with a slightly chalky mineral and lemon flavor. It goes beautifully with the ubiquitous Basque snacks of anchovies and preserved tuna.” Eric Asimov, The New York Times

Txomin Txacoli

The 2015 vintage is described as “Light bright yellow. High-pitched aromas of citrus fruits and pear skin carry a dusty mineral overtone. Taut and linear on the palate, offering juicy Meyer lemon and green apple flavors that deepen steadily through the midpalate. Shows an emphatic stony note on the clinging finish, which leaves behind sappy orchard fruit and honeysuckle notes.” Josh Raynolds for Vinous

Ladredo, Ribeira Sacra

The constant search and willingness to learn more led Dirk Niepoort to the beautiful and impressive Galician wine region of Ribeira Sacra. With the help of a Spanish winemaker who knew well the region, a traditional vineyard, called Ladredo, was found on the slopes of River Sil. It is planted in small terraces, with stone walls and east exposure.

Mencía is the most important grape variety, with a very interesting aromatic profile, and the ability to originate wines with excellent acidity and great elegance.

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Vines here are 50 years, exposed to the east. This vineyard has two co-existing varieties: Mencía (called Jaen in Portugal) and Alicante Bouschet. They account for 65% and 35%, respectively, of the batch.

2010 was a very regular year in the area, with 800 mm of rain spread during winter and spring; hot summer but not excessively and good yields. All these lead to a very gentle and balanced maturation season, with good concentration without very high sugar content. Harvest was done in the 22nd of September with good weather. Fermentation was done in open wood vat with 40% of all bunches. Fermentation took 3 days to start and stayed 35 days with skin contact. The wine aged 14 months in used French oak barrels. The wine was bottled in April 2012.

Ladredo 2010 shows great freshness combined with very good concentration, with the typical aromas of Mencía, spicy, peppery and cinnamon notes, very pure fruit with cherry and red berry aromas, everything involved with the mineral stony character of the slate soils. The palate is fresh and vibrant, plenty of fruit and spices, with a present but soft tannic structure, great acidity and great length. Deep with very good ageing potential.

The wine is not clear, due to no fining nor filtration. The color can resemble the fine Cabernet Franc of Chinon or Bourgeuil. Upon opening the acidity is remarkable, but will settle with a little bit of air.

Niepoort Ladredo 2010

 

Montepeloso, Tuscany’s gentle giants

Spending time with Fabio Chiarelotto, a self-taught winemaker and former historian is always a joy. Maybe its his Swiss-Italian background, perhaps his take on life that makes conversation eventful. He bought the 6.5 hectare estate in 1999 with a mere 10,000 Swiss Francs and big support from friends. Looking back today, he says he gambled quite high, but the reward is immense, as Montepeloso are supremely rated and available in the finest restaurants and collector’s cellars.

montepeloso 94

Jancis Robinson, Master of Wine once described “This is fascinating, intriguing stuff with a particularly distinctive character rather than an Other Cabernet or Merlot.” And we tend get the same impression with every bottle as they are never constructed. Of late Fabio is trying to make the wines silkier, with super fine tannin, allowing for earlier enjoyment.

Being close to the coast and southern Tuscany, the wines are Mediterranean with generous aromas, mouthfeel and alcohol. But don’t be scared, these are not heavy wines, and we guarantee each bottle can be finished without a knocked out feel.

MONTEPELOSO GABBRO 2010

Gabbro embodies the essence of the noble Cabernet Sauvignon, some of which are over 40 years old. It represents the estate’s ambition to produce a Cabernet Sauvignon that can hold its own with the best in the world. This wine is matured for 18 months in 80% new wood. They use 400-litre barrels as well as barriques. The wine is subsequently stored in the bottle, usually for about nine months. Annual production is 3000 bottles on average.

“The 2010 Gabbro, Montepeloso’s 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, is all about texture. Today the flavors are completely unevolved, instead it is the wine’s towering presence and sheer personality that stand out most. With time in the glass hints of melted road tar, graphite, smoke and incense gradually being to emerge. An exotic mélange of savory herb nuances melt into veins of salinity frame the finish. Readers will have to be patient with the 2010, but it is a jewel of a wine.” Vinous 95 points

thb 6,500

Montepeloso-Gabbro

MONTEPELOSO GABBRO 2015

“Here is another excellent wine from the folks at Montepeloso. Indeed, the top wines from this estate are all so equally delicious it is hard to tell them apart. The 2015 Gabbro is all Cabernet Sauvignon, and it stands apart from the other blended reds for this reason. This is an inky dark and impenetrable expression with savory aromas of dark fruit and spice. The wine plays its best cards in the mouth, thanks to the richness and endurance of its texture.” Robert Parker 94 points

thb 5,500

MONTEPELOSO ENEO 2015

This is the estate’s “grand vin” and Italian response to globalization. It is a truly distinctive wine from native varieties which expresses the particular qualities of the Suvereto terroir but has worldwide appeal. An assemblage of Montepulciano, Sangiovese, Malvasia Nera and Alicante is matured for 15 to 18 months in used French oak barrels and then for a further 18 months in the bottle. The exact percentage of grape varieties in the composition depends on the particular characteristics of the vintage. Annual production is 30,000 to 35,000 bottles.

“The 2015 Eneo is a beautifully saturated and concentrated wine. The unusual blend used here is Sangiovese with Montepulciano, Marselan and Alicante Bouschet. The bouquet is profoundly bold and exuberant, with generous integration and beautiful power. The warmth of the vintage further adds to the overall intensity of this carefully crafted red wine. The mouthfeel is seamless and soft.” Robert Parker 95 points

thb 2,500

Montepeloso-Eneo-2011

MONTEPELOSO A QUO 2014

An assemblage predominantly of Montepulciano, Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon, with smaller portions of Marselan and Alicante Bouschet. The A QUO is matured for twelve months in barriques, most of which are pre-used, and then for about nine months in the bottle. A QUO is Montepeloso’s fresh young high-flier. The wine, characterized by early accessibility, is made using grapes from the more recent plantings which already epitomize the distinctive qualities of Montepeloso. Almost 60,000 bottles are produced every year.

“Lots of chocolate and berry character with hints of vanilla and cherry character. Medium to full body, soft tannins and a long finish.” James Suckling 92 points

thb 1,300

montepeloso_aquo