BUBBLES, PINKY FIZZINESS: ‘Force Celeste PetNat 2022’ by Mother Rock, Swartland, South-Africa 62% Chenin Blanc and 38% Pinotage; 10.0% ABV
Fun peach coloured sparkling one! You might get tricked by its pink looks, not to mention the berry and flowery nose ... sweetness? No. This is fresh like sea foam, a warm summer night (still warm and light even though the time has passed 8 PM). Fruity, yes — loads of peach — but well balanced and surprisingly nuanced. In it: Chenin Blanc from granite soil and Pinotage from slate and clay, naturally fermented on steel. Character: The always fun summer fling that you somehow just know you will meet again. No need for tears. (But perhaps it’s about time getting serious?)
A WHITE THAT IS JUICY RED — THE SQUIRREL: ‘Mobylette 2022’ by Muller-Koeberle, Alsace, France 20% Pinot Gris; 20% Riesling; 15% Muscat of Alexandria; 15% Pinot Blanc; 15% Pinot Noir; 13.0% ABV
This one is character and taste in one, inseparable: A white wine that is chilled red. Watermelon sugar high in a bottle. Red berries (red currants; raspberries; even some tropical flares, peach ...?!) And how come it’s red when they claim it’s white wine? Well, the grapes have been having a lot of skin contact which creates this very juicy appearance and taste. And it contains a variety of grapes in which makes it impossible to point your finger at just that ... The soil is granite, clay, sand, and a whole lot more. Unfiltered, too. The Mobylette is rather rare to come across, so tonight is an exception. You see, the ‘squirrel wine’ has become a legend; it confuses, has a vibrant mood, and somehow it always feels like a surprise when it shows up. So, you end up wanting to experience it again — and again. Fun fact: The labels are made by a local tattooist.
THE WING: ‘Foradori Lezèr 2022’ by Az. Agr. Foradori, Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy 100% Teroldego; 12.5% ABV
What do the eyes see? Clear light red. The nose? Red fruit, berries, earth, some spices. Do the tongue agree? Yes. Firm. Long juicy aftertaste. Cranberry, pomegranate perhaps, but less acidic. Good to know: Femme producer Elisabetta Foradori is considered one of the most influential winemakers in the world. Kudos. Character: Never boring company, the one you bring to the party that will keep the conversation going (or, if they keep their mouth shut, you never feel alone).
HOT TEACHER: ‘Blaufränkisch Kalkstein’ by Claus Preisinger, Burgenland, Austria 100% Blaufrankisch; 12.5% ABV
Clear deep red to look at; a lot of red garden and forest berries (cherry; blackberry; raspberry; red currant) and some spices on the tongue. Some say pink pepper, what do you think? Long aftertaste. And we for sure like the limestone in which could be slightly acidic, but this one: not that much. Consider it fresh and fruity, dry with some minerals, elegant. Character: The funny and a bit exciting professor. Doesn’t say too much, but when they do, it’s with witty and makes you smile. Some call it a ‘slow seducer’, medium crazy (in a good way, just give it some time).
