Glorious Wines

This Blog Moved

2007-07-09T10:20:00.001+02:00

After long and many hours of work, updating, checking and tweaking I have finally taken the plunge: Glorious Food and Wine will be now at http://www.onfoodandwine.com/
I apologize for the sudden move and short notice. I also apologize for any inconvenience caused in updating your bookmarks with my new address. See you soon!

Nominated for Best Food Blog

2007-05-31T16:43:00.001+02:00

Ok, ok, ok. A very small step for mankind, and given I am just at 1 vote ... a very small step for me too. But if you enjoy this blog, and occasionally its content (o vice versa) then please go ahead and vote! Then vote again, and again. I'm feeling almost part of a mini presidential food campaign :) .

There will be champagne (virtually or not!). Thank you!

Wine Bars in Rome

2007-03-09T12:06:00.000+01:00

My first time to Rome. A celebration in itself (my birthday) but also a gastronomic adventure. The Roman cuisine, and even more the Lazio wines, who I didn’t know anything about.

Historically, the region was always associated with white wine – the Fascati and the Est!Est!Est being two of the most famous ones. White wines prevail in the region and wine markers have moved on from overpowering, rich whites to drier, crisp one. A new discovery within the whites was the Malvasia grape, which I personally ignored.

However we were surprised to taste and try a lot of very promising red wine. Most are based on Montepulciano, Sangiovese, Cabernet or Merlot. With such a variety, albeit not very well known Lazio wines, it surprised us that many wine bars do not offer a variety of Lazio wines. Yet Lazio wines are worth a try and although the ‘big’ Italian names are so attractive (and cheap) to order in a wine bar I still think the local wines deserve attention.

Some of the wine bars we tried, loved and recommend in Rome are:

Buccone
Via di Ripetta 19-20
Roma

Cantina Paradiso
Via S. Francesco a Ripa 73
Tel: 06/ 58 99 799
Trastevere/ Roma

Enoteca Antica
Via della Croce 76b
Tel: 06/ 67 90 896
Roma

In Vino Veritas
Via Garibaldi 2a
Trastevere / Roma

Mimi & Coco
Via del Governo Vecchio 72
Tel: 06/ 68 21 08 45
Roma

Shaki
Via Mario de Fiori 29a
Tel: 06/ 67 91 694
Roma

Spiriti
Via S. Eustachio 5
tel: 06/68 33 691
Roma

VinAllegro
Piazza G.T. Arquati 114
tel: 347/ 77 53 505
Roma

New Discoveries

2007-01-17T23:04:00.000+01:00

Just a short note on a new discovery - the Wein-Plus, a German wine website I really enjoy. Now they have also started their English pages and it is worth a look. Enjoy.
Tagged with: Wine Wein Vino Wine Tasting Wine Bar Food and Drink

WBW 28 : Sparklers

2006-12-13T18:00:00.000+01:00

My last contribution to Wine Blogging Wednesday was no. 25, on Champagne. How appropiate then to be part of this event again with sparklers?

A little background to the WBW events: started by Lenn from Lenndevours, the event has now taken off in the wine community. For those who speak the language, a Dutch version is available as well.

When I can, I send in my little Belgian contribution too. The current edition of WBW on sparklers is hosted by Culinary Food. Who I can only assume will be dizzy from all the entries, given the pre-Christmas timing of this WBW 28.

Unfortunately I am suffering from a very continental cold (read a lot of rain - a lot of pain!), so I won't be able to spend that much time raving about non- Champagne sparklers. Our last discovery was a Romanian (!) bubbly.

A while ago we decided it would be fun and quite original (for Brussels at least) to host theme wine tastings. Thus all we ask our guests is to bring a bottle of wine from a region less known for us all to try. We provide the food, everyone is a winner. One such tasting was a Romanian wine tasting.

With Romania and Bulgaria joining the EU next year, you can imagine there is a lot of hype in Brussels about these two countries. Events left and right let you discover what they have to offer. Including wine.

Back though to the Romanian bubbly. Coming from the leading wine region of Romania, the Prahova Valley, we tried an extra brut 'spumant'. It was a pleasant discovery. The bubbly was dry and with enough bubbles in the glass to give us that pleasant zing. We were quite impressed by it. Definitly a (cheaper) party sparkler and so much more unusual.

Tagged with:Wine Wine Blogging Wednesday WBW WBW28 Champagne

Sicilian discoveries

2006-12-10T17:01:00.000+01:00

Sicily (Palermo). 4 days of sun, good food and even better wine. A discovery in itself, as Sicilian wines are not widely spread in Belgium. We decided already before getting to Palermo that we will try local wines and discover for ourselves the regional grapes.

Of course everyone advised us to try the Nero d’Avola – which we did. A great wine and we didn’t come across one we didn’t like. Granted some were better than others, but all matched the situation and/or the food.

The new discoveries were though more interesting and unusual. We tried some white wine from the Etna region, the Carricante. The Grecanico, grown in Veneto – a bottle of this one made its way to Belgium as well. However the highlights of our visit were of course the reds. Sicily’s best.

I already mentioned the Nero d’Avola. The Frappato was also a great discovery, a strong and full bodied red. Following a suggestion from one of the sommeliers we met (more on that later), we also tried the Nerello, again a personality red.

My favorite though was the Fastaia, which unlike the above is not a grape but a blend: Nero d’Avola 70%, Cabernet Franc 15% and Merlot 15%. The best red wine we tried. And very much a wine I would recommend to any red wine lover.

Sicily offers a wide range of wines, yet like everywhere, you need to know where to go to try out the best ones – or to have the choice to try out local wines. Restaurants usually offer a decent choice of wines, but usually you have to buy a whole bottle. Our visit to Palermo, like many other Italy visits before (see Florence wine bars on the right), included discovering and trying out local wine bars. A pleasure. The choice of local wines is endless and best of all, in the enotacas we tried the glass of wine usually came with a decent portion of antipasti.

Not to miss:
Bi Sogno di Vino
Via Giacalone 2 (and. Via Patania)
Palermo

Enoteca Picone
Via G. Marconi 36
Palermo

Il Siciliano
Via dell’Orologio 37
Palermo
Tagged with: Wine Wein Vino Wine Tasting Wine Bar Food and Drink

Megavino 2006

2006-12-01T16:31:00.000+01:00

This year’s edition of Megavino promised to be bigger, louder and better. I find they succeeded with the bigger and louder, less so with the better. Perhaps it is a case of nostalgia as I really enjoyed the Megavino 2005. I missed the real interest and novelty this year. With fame, popularity follows. More people, more stands, more sellers, less time to discover producers and wines into detail.

The guest country of Megavino 2006 was ‘Portugal’. A 300 square meter stand was set up for the Portuguese producers who came to Belgium for Megavino 2006. Better known regions like the Doa and the Douro were represented, as well as less known regions like the Corales, Estremadura, Ribatejo or Setubal.

As we love Portuguese wine and food, this stand alone made our visit worth it. We tried some fantastic Portuguese wines (now I just to have find out where I can buy them in Brussels). A discovery were the non-sulfite wines, which we tried at WijnFolie. Not so sure about this type of wine. I also enjoyed tasting and trying some unusual South American wines, some great French and Spanish wines, and of course I stopped at my favorite stand ‘I Want Wine’.

Overall Megavino 2006 had more to offer than the 2005 edition. However with the increased number of producers and wines you also need a very organized mind. We skipped a lot of stands which I am sure offered interesting wines. On the other hand, more to look forward to the 2007 edition.

Tagged with: Wine Wein Vino Wine Tasting Wine Bar Food and Drink

WBW 25: Champagne

2006-09-12T21:25:00.000+02:00

This year we explored the Route des Vins in Alsace for 5 days. At the same time last year, we were drinking our way through the Route du Champagne, in Champagne. Champagne is a region in the north of France, which gives its name to the famous bubbly. Funny thing, as we were to discover, is that only wines produced in this region following a very strict production can call themselves Champagne. Talk about ‘what’s in a name’…

When we booked our trip we had no idea what we were in for. The Route du Champagne is an amazing journey of bubbly and more bubbly, small and big producers alike, the less known as well as the household names side by side. Every village we visited had its own producers, claiming to have the best Champagne. The tastings are a must, however count on being in a constant sparkly state for the duration of the visit. For once I can say I had Champagne for breakfast, lunch and dinner!

We had the chance to visit different producers and try as many different Champagnes. The brut and the demi-sec, as well as millésimé, rosé or cuvée special. Further we discovered the Blanc de Blancs (made only using the Chardonnay grape), and the Blanc de Noirs (made using only Pinot Noir or Pinot Meunier). But I am not going to go into the technicalities of the Champagne making. Rather share with you my favourites. One thing we established at the very beginning: I am an extra-brut, ideally a Blanc de Blancs kind of girl.

As you can see I love the theme of this Wine Blogging Wednesday, hosted by Sam and Fred over at Becks&Posh. I love bubblies!

To my absolute delight, I still have a reasonable amount of Champagne bottles left. All I need to find now is a reason to open them (if one needs such reasons...). The Champagne for today’s WBW is a discovery of last year, a firm favourite ever since: the Colin Cuvée Alliance. On the left you can see the J. de Telmont Grande Reserve, on the right the rosé Doyard Mahe. Never heard of them? Even better as they are all small producers.

We came across the Colin Domain by complete coincidence. It was more or less a wrong turn, which took us to their vineyards. However once there, we stayed the whole afternoon. The tasting came with an art exhibition and a visit of the production site. We happened to stumble across the ‘Champagne producers support local art’ days, and thus Colin was supporting the local jewellery artists.

Back to the Champagne, we got to taste the whole Colin range – the Cuvée Alliance brut and the demi-sec, the Cuvée Blanche de Castille Premier Cru (a Blanc de Blancs brut), the Rose Premier Cru brut, and the absolute highlight the Grand Cru Millésime (again, a Blanc de Blancs brut).

The Colin Cuvée Alliance is pure freshness, bubbles and a slight bite on the tongue, a raw and dry Champagne. An almost transparent golden colour, with thousands of bubbles. That is best I can describe the lightness, the sparkle and nervousness of this Champagne. The Colin Cuvée Alliance is a smooth, elegant Champagne, made of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Be prepared for a perfectly balanced Champagne. And at 13,00euro a bottle it is more than just a bargain!

Tagged with:Wine Wine Blogging Wednesday WBW WBW25 Champagne

European Road Trip: Hungarian Wines

2006-09-08T15:15:00.000+02:00

On our European Road Trip we also stopped in Hungary. Actually this is an over-statement. We only stopped in Budapest. A gorgeous city which is definitely worth a visit.

Hungary is known for its cuisine. And then of course for the Tokay and the Bull’s Blood. What we didn’t expect was to come across a Hungarian wine tasting which took us through all the wines and wine regions of Hungary. The tasting was organized in the historical center of Budapest, a beautiful combination of history and great Hungarian wines.

The choice of wines was overwhelming. Hungary grows and produces 15 different grape varieties, some known, some less so. The tasting was very well organized, offering us the possibility not only to discover the wines, but also learn more about the regions where the vines are grown. New grapes we learned about were the Furmint (used for the Tokay), the Zöld Veltelini (or Green Veltliner, native in Austria as well), the Kadarka (used to produce the Bull’s Blood wine), or the Kékfrankos (Blaufrankisch) which I was very pleased to discover in the Hungarian production. Hungarian wine producers managed to beautifully combine native, local grown Hungarian grapes with the better known imported ones.

For such a small country, it was surprising to see how many wine producing regions there are. A considerable number of them are located around the Balaton lake. The Kunság and Mátraalja regions are the largest wine producing regions, with the Tokay region coming in third.

All this information, all the wines tried, Hungary was indeed surprising. Being at the end of our European Road Trip, it was good to discover a well kept secret: Hungarian wines. Which now lay nicely next to our Romanian wines.

Tagged with: Wine Wein Vino Wine Tasting Wine Bar Food and Drink Budapest Hungary

European Road Trip: Romanian Wines

2006-08-26T11:55:00.000+02:00

On our European Road Trip we had the chance to try out local cuisines in 4 different countries. The same applied to the wines. We went to Romanian wine tastings, to Hungarian wine tastings and ended up buying a small cellar worth of wine. So all in all a very good trip. A lot of interesting experiences and we learned yet some more about different wine regions and different wines.

I will not go into the details of Romanian wines. What we were more impressed with was the actual retailing of wine. Besides your wine shops offering an amazing choice of local wines, we discovered more 'basic' wine shops.

As pictured above, wine was sold directly from the barrel by the 1/2liter or by 1liter. Usually 6 different wines on display we had the chance to taste them and then decide which ones to go for. First time I came across such an elementary tasting. It gives you the feeling of buying from the producer directly without going through the usual marketing packaging.

One of the drawbacks of this type of retailing is however the packaging. As wine is sold in plastic bottles by the 1/2liter or by the 1liter, once open you have to get on with it and drink it all. And that's a lot of wine!

Tagged with: Wine Wein Vino Wine Tasting Wine Bar Food and Drink Brasov Romania

WBW 22: Lite (alcohol) Reds

2006-06-12T23:01:00.000+02:00

Last WBW I took part in was no. 19 … where does the time go? However I couldn’t leave this WBW 22 organized by Wine Cast pass by.

Just back from the Alsace, we had the opportunity not only to try out a lot (!) of whites, but also some different reds. I am a convinced New World wine lover, despite having a constant supply of French and Spanish wines next door … so I am used to the overpowering, personality reds.

Yet Alsace helped me discover some lighter, more summerish reds which we now enjoy with the ‘summer in the city’. And trust me Brussels, although known for its constant rain, can get incredibly hot.

Yet you’d think with all my talk about Alsace and the Route des Vins in Alsace, I’ll be talking about a red Alsace wine. Wrong. To bring some spice to the WBW 22 I decided to take a closer look at all the wines we have and the latest tastings we have been too.

And lo and behold, I came across a more exotic and different, light, alcoholic red. Let me introduce the Pinot Noir, Valea Calugareasca, 2000. A Romanian wine, it seems very popular and usually highly ranked at different wine fairs. To fulfill the requirements of this WBW 22, this wine is only 11.5% so indeed very light. Produced by ICDVV Valea Calugareasca, I understand the wine holds its own DOC Dealu Mare.

A favorite amongst the Romanian wines we have, this Pinot Noir was indeed a pleasant discovery. Despite being a light red, it holds its own ground, with berry and spicy notes, and well integrated tannins. The wine could develop its potential in 2-4 years. From the food we tried, best with white meat and light pasta dishes. Just perfect for the summer days ahead.

Tagged with: WBW Wine Blogging Wednesday Wine Food and Drink

Wine Bars in Brussels: Un des Sens

2006-06-11T11:46:00.000+02:00

With the sun back in Brussels, this weekend was all about enjoying life on terraces. We tried local beer bars, we tried local wine bars.

Initially I didn't like Un des Sens too much. No explanation, just a first gut feeling. Then yesterday we thought it might be a good idea to give this bar a second chance. And I have to admit my first impression was all wrong: I loved the bar, the laid back atmosphere, the choice of wines by the glass or by the bottle, the sun outside.

Prices for a glass of wine range between 2.50euro and 6.00euro. Prices for the bottles of wine, which can be bought in the bar/ restaurant, range from 5.00euro and 10.50euro - which for a decent bottle of wine is peanuts.

Not leaving without trying some wine, we ended up buying a bottle of Spanish (Alicante) A 1 - Murvedre 2002, which I can only but recommend. The spices were right, slightly peppery, with an incredible smooth finish once left to air. And a bottle of Argentinian Ray de la Luna - Malbec, 2002. This is still waiting to be opened.

Tagged with: Wine Wein Vino Wine Tasting Wine Bar Food and Drink Bruxelles Belgium

Alsace: Route des Vins (part 1)

2006-05-31T19:05:00.000+02:00

Long weekends have become my favorites du jour. When we (in Belgium) are lucky enough to have a Thursday or Tuesday off, usually no thinks twice about taking the Friday or Monday in between off as well. And that in return makes for an ideal weekend break.

Such one last weekend break was spent, as already mentioned, in Alsace. Living in Belgium for over 9 years now, I somehow never made it to Alsace. That is till last weekend, when we left on Wednesday for a long weekend along the Route des Vins.

Alsace is in the north east of France, and world known for its wines. All big white wines hail from the Alsace, and given we are both quite dedicated wine lovers (and drinkers), where better to spend 4 days? We rented a little cottage in the picture perfect village of Riquewhir and our adventure began. We tasted the local wines; we visited the main cities in the region – Ribeauvillé and Colmar; we tasted some more wines; we ate the local Alsacian food; we walked along the vineyards; and we tasted some more wines.

All in all a perfect weekend and a destination I would recommend any (white) wine lover out there.

Tagged with: Wine French Wine Food and Drink Alsace France

Wine Bars in Brussels: Chai&Bar

2006-05-11T00:25:00.000+02:00

On our eternal quest, discovering wine and consequently, wine bars, we came across the Chai&Bar which promises a total wine experience. Answering to another wine tasting invitation, we recently spent a very pleasant evening at the Chai&Bar.

Upon entering the establishment, I was at first slightly worried we got the wrong place and ended up in a warehouse and not a wine bar. I was soon to discover this is the exact feature which sets the Chai&Bar apart form the other wine bars in Brussels. When entering, you find yourself surrounded by ceiling high shelves stocked with bottles of wine. The different wine regions of France are all present on the ground floor.

My initial disappointment was also soon dismissed, as the underground floor offers a satisfactory range of wines from the rest of Europe and the New World. the choice of French wines is amazing. Some of the famous names pop up here and there – the Margaux’s and the Hermitage to name just two. The rest is a discovery of wine and producers. Prices vary between 4.50euro to the … well the prices you usually don’t tend to look at afraid of a potential heart attack!

However I should get back to the Chai&Bar wine bar. After crossing the shop, you find in the back a very minimalist, even purist, wine bar. State of the art technology keeps 16 bottles of wine at the optimal temperature, and sommeliers Christophe Dufournier and Frédéric Dufrasne take you through their wines.

I like the feel and the concept of this wine bar. Albeit small – the bar sits a maximum of 15 people – you have the (correct) impression of being in an expert, wine loving environment. Our tasting included a Bourgogne – Macon-Fuissé, Thibert & fils 2004, a Rhône – Vinsobres, Domaine Constant Duquesnoy 2004, a Bordeaux – Pauillac, Chateau Lynch Bages 2001 to name just a few. Besides the tastings, the Chai&Bar also offers several red and white wines by the glass to be tasted at the bar (prices vary between 2.50euro and 25euro). The perk, all the wines tasted at the bar can then be bought in the shop.

Overall Chai&Bar stands out as a quality wine bar and wine shop. Signing up on their website will give you access and invitation to their tastings, and the wonderful world of wine. Extra added bonus: the sommeliers speak English as well.

In conclusion: our evening ended with yet another purchase of French and Argentinean wins, and a solid promise we will go back.

Tagged with: Wine Wein Vino Wine Tasting Wine Bar Food and Drink Bruxelles Belgium

Wine Bars in Paris: Le Baron Rouge

2006-03-28T23:07:00.000+02:00

Change of city. After Florence, it was time to revisit Paris in the spring so to speak. Strangely, it is also the first time I actively looked for wine bars in Paris. Usually I tend to go for the cuisine and the restaurants.

This time around though priority was given to wine bars. My biggest help in discovering wine bars in Paris? The blog of Bertrand Celce. An extensive list (and description) of wine bars in Paris can be found on his website. His photographs are also amazing.

Being the wine aficionado I am, I duly printed out all the suggestions he had on wine bars. And the adventure began.

In the true sense of the word. Besides Willi’s Wine Bar, and the Baron Rouge – the main character in this story – all the rest of wine bars were either closed or we couldn’t fine them. Then again aiming to visit quite a few wine bars in only 2 ½ days was maybe a little too ambitious.

We did find the Baron Rouge though. And we didn’t leave. I honestly think we must have stayed there for at least 3h. Strangely enough we must have arrived at a ‘gap’ hour. As people were just leaving, and the bar didn’t get too full until we left.

The Baron Rouge was an experience I would love to be able to repeat on a weekly basis. Great atmosphere, with people ordering oyster, plates of cold meats and cheese, and of course, wine.

The interesting thing about this wine bar is that wine comes in barrels, which are displayed in the bar. Some wines can be bought by the bottle as well, but the majority comes from small (unknown) producers and a glass costs between 1.50euro and 3.20euro. You can also buy wine in bulk and we did see people just walking in with their empty wine bottles for a refill.

Speaking to the people in the bar, I understand the best time to visit this bar is just after the market next door – the Marche d'Aligre – closes. As everyone drops by for a glass of two and you can live Paris.

Baron Rouge: Rue Theophile Roussel , Metro Bastille, Tel: +33 1 43 43 14 32

Tagged with: Wine Wein Vino Wine Tasting Wine Bar Food and Drink Paris France

Wine Bars in Florence: Bevo Vino

2006-03-28T23:04:00.000+02:00

By now you must have realized we visited our fair share of wine bars in Florence.

Our discovery trip continued with the Bevo Vino. We were actually aiming for the Fuori Porta wine bar, however that one was closed at that particular time of the afternoon.

Passing by Bevo Vino on our way, the wine bar didn’t look like much: an Italian trattoria style bar, lots of chairs and Italian wines on the shelves. Nothing seemed too spectacular.

Entering the wine bar, I took a closer look and still, not a lot more to discover. However all these initial, not too thrilled impressions changed very soon.

Whilst ordering two glasses of Italian wine, the barman realized we were tourists (now, that again is not rocket science!). What I didn’t expect though was the nicest, most helpful and passionate barman I have ever met.

Different Italian wines were suggested, all of them amazing. We followed his advice on food as well, and I can truly say that was the absolute best plate of mixed cheese and cold meats I have ever seen or eaten.

If you choose to go to this wine bar, you must order the Italian mixed plate. I also adored the Barco Reale di Carmignane, Ambra 2004 wine.

Bevo Vino - Enoteca Bar: San Niccolo 59r, Firenze, Tel: +39 55 200 17 09

Tagged with: Wine Wein Vino Wine Tasting Wine Bar Food and Drink Florence Italy

Wine Bars in Florence: Pitti

2006-03-18T20:04:00.000+01:00

When I said that most of the time in Florence was spent between museums and wine bars, I was not joking. We also made it our mission to discover Florence while looking for the one or the other wine bar. And I will use this visiting system again, as we discovered many hidden sides of the city. To the surprise of both wine bar owners – who haven’t seen a tourist this year, and ours – lost in Florence.

After a long lunch at the Fuori Porta and an even longer walk up and down the hills of Florence, we ended up in Piazza Pitti. On the square we found the ‘Pitti – Gola e Cantina’ wine bar. Entering it I had the feeling I am entering a library, and not a wine bar. Not because there were any books, but the walls and the way the wine was displayed was very much in the style of a traditional English library. Only grandfather’s leather armchair was missing. Italy was a constant discovery of wines, and this bar was no exception. Again more wines we didn’t know about, or haven’t seen before. Here we tried a glass of Barcoreale Carmignano, Ambra 2004 and one of Rosso di Montalcino, Pietranera 2003.

Pitti - Gola e Cantina: Piazza Pitti 16, Firenze, Tel: +39 55 212 704

Tagged with: Florence Italy Wine Wine Tasting Food and Drink

Wine Bars in Florence: Fuori Porta

2006-03-13T15:39:00.000+01:00

Our entire Florence trip was structured around art and then food and wine. I will get to the food stories as well, as we discovered some amazing restaurants. And I fell in love with Tuscan chicken liver pate, which I am now trying hard to recreate.

The winner of the trip though was the wine. Amazing wines, and every time we discovered a new wine bar, we discovered with it new wines. Not twice did we see the same wines, so every stop was a new adventure of tastes and smells.

We first saw the Fuori Porta while trying to find a hiding place from the cold February rain. Unfortunately we found it just at that hour when everything in Italy closes: it is no longer lunch, and too soon for dinner. But the address and place were noted and we returned the next day for a long lunch.

After going for antipasti in the Boccadama, we made our way across the river to the Fuori Porta. The place was packed on both floors. A pure Italian sight: families, children screaming, waitresses shouting the orders over everyone and the eternal bell the moment the food was ready to be served. Not the place to go to if you are looking for a quiet lunch. Then again this is Italy and I loved the atmosphere the moment we stepped into the bar.

We were soon seated, and our orders taken: gnocchi with basil for M, cheese for me (no surprise there). And then of course, more wine. First we had a glass of Brolio Toscana 2003, Barone di Ricasoli and a glass of Soffocone di Vincigliata Toscana 2003, Bibi Graetz. The first a chianti classico with notes of berries and wood, a tannic yet very balanced and beautiful wine. The second a sangiovese a little lighter and softer than the previous one.

Then we ordered a glass of Rosso di Rocca, Piemonte 2004 a vino di tavola as the Italians call it, table wine. However the wine that really hit home was the last one, a Carranza Bolgheri Toscana 2003, Le Macchiole.

All in all definitely a place to visit both for its food and its wine. Do not expect to get ‘stuffed’ as they say, as portions are small yet everything is home made and delicious. Prices for food vary from 8euro to 16euro, the wines by the glass are between 4euro and 7euro.
Tagged with: Florence Italy Wine Wine Tasting Food and Wine

WBW 19: When in Rhone ...

2006-03-06T22:14:00.000+01:00

At the moment it would be just wrong to complain about anything! I finally found the time to be more involved in my wine passion, and things have been looking up ever since. On the one side I spent the end of February in Florence, trying Italian wine and visiting almost every wine bar available. Then I started collaborating on a Belgian website on wine.

This of course led to more involvement in the wine world. So the past weekend was spent between a Bulgarian wine tasting (more about that one later) and a private tasting of what I can only call AMAZING wines. I am still recovering from the shock, the greatness and well, the quantity. But moving on.

I will eventually write about all the wines tasted, but for this particular Wine Blogging Wednesday, hosted by Wine Expression, I will focus on the first two wines we tried: a 1994 Chapoutier Ermitage Cuvee de l’Oree and a 1994 Chave Hermitage Blanc. Both Cotes du Rhône.

I am not even sure where to start. Who knows me has figured out I am a new World wines lover, I love powerful reds and till last weekend nothing could have ever changed my mind. And then I started a mainly French wine tasting with these two wines. Where the names alone say great wines. On top of this 1994 was what wine experts call an exceptional year.

Let’s start with the 1994 Chapoutier Ermitage Cuvee de l’Oree. Marsanne Variety. The wine has a beautiful colour of gold and of incredibly clarity. The nose is all about complexity, I could find fruit, honey, overall rich aromas. When first tasting it, you are literally hit by an incredible balance between minerals, an acidity to it and freshness. As I am not usually a white wine lover, I was surprised at the freshness and the pleasant as well as incredibly smooth taste of this wine.

According to Robert Parker, the wine rates at 99 points and is drinkable between 1996-2046. He describes the wine as ‘extremely powerful, full-bodied and unctuously textured’. And you know what? It was all of that and more. Price: +/- 100euro per bottle.

The 1994 J.L. Chave Hermitage Blanc. For one reason or another this one sticks to mind. I found this wine to be richer and deeper than the first one. Could also be that this time around it was easier to compare. The white Hermitage produced by Chave is 85% Marsanne and 15% Roussanne. The Chave estate is being run by the family since the 1481, which is proudly written on the top label on the bottles as well ‘Vignerons de Père en Fils Depuis 1481’. The 1994 wine is deep and rich wine, which Robert Parker describes as ‘one of the most seductive, perfumed, multilayered and profoundly textured white Hermitages’. The wine scores 94 points, and is drinkable for 4-5 years, or to be kept for the next 20-30 years. Price: +/- 100euro per bottle.

I am not a personal advocate of Parker, however the reviews of these two wines could only be found on his website. Or for sale on the different specialised websites.

The wines impressed. I loved the balance both had, the beauty they presented to the nose and then mouth, the slight sensation of acidity, which just rightly established the taste of the wine.

These are my two Rhônes for today. As I am new to the whole wine-review, I hope the above gives you an idea of what I tasted. And next time around I will write on the other three wines we tested last weekend.

Tagged with: WBW Wine Blogging Wednesday Wine Food and Drink Wine Tasting Tasting Notes

Wine Bars in Florence: Semidi Vino

2006-02-28T23:12:00.000+01:00

There was very little we could to do to avoid the classic Chianti. So after a long day of visiting the beauty of Florence, and trying out typical cuisine, we stopped at Semidi Vino. More of a restaurant than a wine bar, it does offer an extensive list of Italian wines. We opted for classics: a Borgo Salcetino Chianti Classico 2003 and a Villa Branca Chianti Classico 2002.

The first, primarily made out of sangiovese, was a balanced, warm and fruity wine. The second, a wine produced by the Villa Branca winery, vivacious of an intense ruby, dry and thick on the palate, as well as tannic. A lovely wine to be pared with meat or cheese.

Tagged with: Wine Wein Vino Wine Tasting Wine Bar Food and Drink Florence Italy

Wine Bars in Florence: Boccadama

2006-02-28T22:56:00.000+01:00

Lunch. Well more anti pasti than lunch, as lunch was already planned. Anti pasti. After visitng the Santa Croce Church, we stopped at Boccadama. A mix between trattoria and wine bar, the place was a hit. We ordered a plate of mixed Italian salamis, and chose two wines: a Rosso Toscano 2004 (a very general, good red wine) and a Bolgheri. Wines are displayed by regions, so choice is made a little easier. About 10 wines are usually offered by the glass.

Without me knowing it, Bolgheri is now considered to be the new ‘in’ wine region in Italy, on the coast of Livorno. I might just a knack for chosing powerful reds.

Bolgheri is located at approximately the same latitude as Montalcino and Montepulciano. However, it became a different, known wine region because of its proximity to the sea. Producers took a chance and planted Bordeaux wines in the region, and slowly quality yet unknown wines were produced. Maybe one of the best kept secrets of Italy?

The wine bar offers many other wines, and delicious food. So I can only recommend it, as it will surely be a place I would like to return to.

Tagged with: Wine Wein Vino Wine Tasting Wine Bar Food and Drink Florence Italy

Wine Bars in Florence: Nabucco

2006-02-28T22:25:00.000+01:00

In our quest to discover Italian wine and authentic Italian living, we came across Nabucco – Wine Bar (after actually getting lost on our way back to the hotel). Pure chance brought us there at 8:00pm. And that’s where we had our first introduction to true Italian life style.

Between 6:00pm and 9:30pm, Nabucco offers together with a glass of wine access to the buffet. Now this was a buffet in the true sense of the word. Italian salads, appetizers, sauces and dips, breads and chips. In itself actually a meal if you would like to skip the restaurant reservation after. Wine tastings are also organized every Wednesday.

Nabucco: Via XXVII Aprilie 28/R, Firenze, info line 055 475 087

Tagged with: Wine Wein Vino Wine Tasting Wine Bar Food and Drink Florence Italy

Wine Bars in Florence: Le Volpi e L'Uva

2006-02-28T22:14:00.000+01:00

I know it is only the beginning of he year, however it already looks promising. A short weekend in Florence gave us the opportunity to discover many places I know will stay with us for a long time. The atmosphere, the people, the wines. Oh the Italian wines. Such an incredible choice. Every wine bar we visited revealed yet more wines, more unknown labels, more temptation.

Florence was trip based on a mixture of art and wine. We visited the highlights the city has to offer, once in a life time experiences of seeing works of art. And then we discover the hidden city whilst looking for hidden wine bars. We identified the wine bars we wanted to see and the adventure began.

First on our list was La Volpi e L’Uva, a small and cozy wine bar just off the Ponte Vecchio. A small group of friends, sommeliers and oenologists opened this bar 10 years ago, attracted by the incredible offer of Italian wines.

When we arrived the bar was empty. With our broken Italian and some basic English, we made ourselves comfortable at the bar. The bar doesn’t sit more than 10 people at the time, so place is tight. I however prefer this mixture of small bar and easy to reach wine selection behind me, but I guess it is a matter of taste.

Deciding among the bubbly aperitifs, the whites and the reds is quite a challenge as except the 4 French wines on the menu the rest is all Italian. Wines are classified by regions, but the staff is there to help. We ordered first a plate of Italian cheese (the easy choice) and then our first tasting started.

First we had a glass of Rosso di Montalcino, 2003. A Tuscan wine, from a small town in the province of Siena, it is a quite fresh and juicy, ruby red wine. With scents of cherries, and earth tones this was a very pleasant wine made out of Brunello grapes. The region of course is better known for the heavier and more expensive Brunello di Montalcino.

However the highlight of the tasting was yet to come. Following the suggestion of the owner, I ordered a glass of Morello, 2003. And all just stopped. This is one of the best wines I have ever tried, amazing deep and powerful, yet so soft on the palette and smooth. Pure heaven. A bottle is now safely stocked home for a special occasion to come.

We moved on to two different wines: a Alessandro di Camporeale, Kaid Sicily 2003 a Shiraz. I usually absolutely love shiraz, this one however was a little too harsh and tannic. Perhaps combined with heartier food it would go perfectly well.

A glass of Rubbia a Colle Olpaio, Vendemmia 2002.

To finish, a pre-last glass of Crognaleto Santoleri, Montepulciano d’Abbruzzo 2001, one of the best years for this wine. This wine is one of Italy’s tastiest reds, full of flavour and warmth.

The exist was made in style with a Brunello di Montalcino 2000, which again blew my mind. After the Barolo (which this time around we didn’t get to taste), the Brunello is one of Italy’s most celebrated wines. It is strong, full bodied, high flavoured and long lived. I doubt anyone needs any more reasons to give it a try.

If the above hasn’t convinced you yet, I can only reassure you that wine lover or not, you will adore this place. It is friendly, open, and the wines are just amazing.

Tagged with: Wine Wein Vino Wine Tasting Wine Bar Food and Drink Florence Italy

WBW 16: Wine Labels

2005-12-06T21:24:00.000+01:00

Two years ago my (only) two criteria on choosing a wine were: red and a nice label. Thank God I moved on from that. Still I can’t say no to a nice label (very girly, I know!).

Be it wine tastings, be it wine courses I have this irresistible attraction to nice labels. Depending on the mood I go for the modern approach (the graphic, minimalist style) or alternatively, you will see me looking for tradition – in capital letters.

I do love wine, and in Belgium we are spoiled with good wine from around the world. Plus hey, France is just an hour away so there is always rescue. What makes life even better is that you can find decent to very good wine at affordable prices. And then there are always the wine tastings where you get the chance to try the wine starting at 70euro a bottle.

Still I am new to the wine world so I love discovering what other people 'taste' about wine, and I do follow the golden rule: when I like a wine, I write it down and try to find it back. Thus, I have been reading for a while on wine blogs and accounts on the Wine Blogging Wednesdays. And this time around, here I am, trying my luck both with the wine (labels) and the wine tasting.

For this December Wednesday I chose three wines, all part of the personal collection. As I didn’t have time to go and look for a label-wine in the whop, I had to make do with the ones in the house. Two of them bought while at the Romanian wines tasting, the other one while in Portugal.

Wine (label) number 1:
One of the best wine tastings I have been to this year was on Romanian wines. We got the chance to try over 50 different wines, and discover new appellations and types of wine. One of these wines is Prince Mircea. And luckily for this WBW, the label is pretty interesting too.

Name : Prince Mircea, Appelation Vanju Mare Contrôlée, Merlot Granriserva, style Terase Danubiene, 1999
Details : 100% Merlot, 14% alcohol, aged 6 months in oak and 12 months in the bottle
Description: very intense dark red color, a powerful aroma with hints of vanilla and cacao, strong notes of berries and prunes. An overall earthy smell with hints of leather and forest.
Taste: well balanced wine, with long after taste, still tannic, ages well

In a couple of words this is my (first!) attempt to describe a wine in a more ‘professional’ way. My personal take on Prince Mircea, without trying too sound so sommelier, is that it is a very well balanced and beautiful wine. I like the hints of berries, I like the rich aroma and I love the color. There is some tannin to the wine, which makes it taste quite young. But combined with food (it goes amazingly well with game and red meat!) I found the wine lost its tannic aftertaste.

And just look at the label. To me it tells stories of knights and tormented princesses, of shining amours and golden crowns, in the dark forests of Transylvania.

Wine (label) number 2:
Changing countries, one of the best trips this year has been to Lisbon. It was hot, sunny, summer. Wonderful. Good food and good wine. At the same time the Portuguese tourism authorities were exhibiting and promoting not so known wine regions of Portugal, all accompanied by a very elaborate (and long) wine tasting session. This is where we discovered new wines from the Dao, Douro and the Alentejo region. One of these wines was the Painel Reserva 2000.

Name: Painel Colheita 2000, Dao, 2000
Details: Dao region wine, 13% alcohol
Description: rich dark ruby colour, powerful aroma with hints of forest and pepper
Taste: full bodied, rich and balanced, quite tannic, best served in a decanter, ages well

Here it is. My second appreciation of a wine. I do like Portuguese wines, but they are a totally different story than the rest of European reds. I find the Painel to be quite tannic, with a slight bitter pepper taste. Best probably to be aged for another couple of years.

But the wine does fit the WBW main requirement, as the label was the first thing that attracted me to try this wine out. It is the first time I see a religious motif combined with alcohol. And you have to see the irony in that! In no way do I want to get into deep philosophical discussion (it is a wine blog after all) but I found the label quite striking. It is a beautiful reproduction, almost a collection item. And it does offer the wine certain dominance, yet unnatural look, on the wine rack.

And that’ it for today. Looking forward to read/see the other labels, and if ever you come across these wines, let me know what you think.

Tagged with: Wine Wein Vino Wine Tasting Wine Bar Food and Drink Bruxelles Belgium

Australian marathon

2005-11-12T17:23:00.000+01:00

Not the first time I mention I am a New World wines lover. So when Mig’s sent the invitation to the Australian wine marathon, how could I resist?

Together with Mmmh, very much like the other tastings organized by Mig’s, we had the chance to go through over 40 Australian wines. The 10 categories proposed were the Cheap and Cheerful, Verdelho Trio, Racy Rieslings, Cat’s pee on a gooseberry bush!, Viogn’yeah, Black is beautiful, Cab&co (Bordeaux), SyraAAH!, Sexy Stickies and the Langton’s Top 3.

Our wine tasting started in the order proposed, and we tried the cheap and cheerful whites and reds; of these I particularly fancied the Barramundi – South East Australia Merlot/ Petit Verdot 2003 and very much liked the Grant Burge – Barossa Valley Oakland Cab/Shiraz 2004. The category didn’t have wines at more than 8,00euro.

Among the sauvignon blancs (the cat and gooseberry category) we discovered a new wine brand from the Te Mata Estate, this one in particular from Hawkes Bay NZ, Woodthrope Sauvignon Blanc 2004. At stand no. 5 I liked the Zilzie Wines – Victoria Vignier 2004, and from the pinot noirs (the Black is beautiful section), the Stonier – Mornington Peninsula 2003 and the Pipers Brook – Tasmania 2003.

The blends didn’t do it for me this time around. I tried, and then tried them again, and nothing. The Shiraz though, one of my favourite among wines, did offer three new discoveries: the Evans & Tate – Margaret River 2000, the Fox Creek – McLaren Vale ‘Short Row’ 2003 and again, the Te Mata Estate – Hawkes Bay NZ Bullnose 2002.

Ending the tasting we got the opportunity to test three wines classified as exceptional by Langton’s (and sporting prices to match): a Leewin Estate – Margaret River ‘Art Series’ Chardonnay 2001 at 60,00euro – an incredible wine. And the absolute highlight of the evening, a Moss Wood Winery – Margaret River Cabernet Sauvignon 1999 at 61,00euro. And finally, the Ports.

The casual atmosphere and both passion and knowledge of wine, make Mig’s one of my favourite wine destinations in Brussels. So I will do my best not to miss the tastings coming up during November and December:
19/11 – Grenache/shiraz/mourvedre
26/11 – Viva l’Italia
03/12 – Special tasting of Belgian wines
10/12 – D’Arenberg (Aussie wines with a twist)
17/12 – Sherry Good
18/12 – Stickies and Bubbles for Xmas.

Tagged with: Wine Wein Vino Wine Tasting Wine Bar Food and Drink Bruxelles Belgium

10,000 bottles - 3 days

2005-10-22T12:53:00.000+02:00

This weekend Brussels is hosting Megavino, a wine fair and exhibition, and at its seventh edition. Four years of absence, but now back in force and exhibiting wines from all over the world.

Mostly focused on French wines, this year Megavino attracted wine producers from Austria, Chile, Germany and Portugal as well. The concept is very simple: upon entering (tickets cost 10euro each), you are given a tasting glass and left to discover wines on your own.

There was no actual logic to our visit, besides stopping at the wine stands which attracted us most. We started with Portuguese wines, then moving on to a selection of new world wines. Further we discovered an impressive selection of Italian wines from Licata, and moved on after to Artevino. Artevino’s concept is to import only different newly produced wines, which you don’t usually see in wine shops. And different they were. We are already planning a visit to their shop to buy some of the wines tried.

There were Argetinian wines served with empanadas (an Australian meat cake), wines from Hungary, Mexico, New Zealand – a Blue Rock Pinot Noir 2002 which delivered and I will not easily forget (25euro the bottle), Romanian wines, and a US Californian presented from a Cadillac – an incredible Zinfandel, Ernest & Julio Gallo, Sonoma Country which unfortunately is not available in Belgium.

And this is just a short summary of all which can be tested at Megavino. There are of course other stands as well, presenting locally produced food and cheese, bread, or so as to finish the visit, differnt types of cognacs.

For every wine lover, if you missed the fair this year, a date to be booked next year.

Tagged with: Wine Wein Vino Wine Tasting Wine Bar Food and Drink Bruxelles Belgium

Wines in Brugge - part II

2005-10-17T17:09:00.000+02:00

Brugge constantly surprised us. Cozy restos, numerous wine bars, and an overall astonishing gastronomic offer. While the afternoon was spent visiting and shopping (Wines in Brugge – part I), the evening was a delight of food and wine.

Having had a rich 'seazonal' dinner, we decided a night cap would be very welcome. So staying in the center of Brugge, we came across BAO BAB, a South African restaurant and wine bar. Not knowing exactly what to expect, we entered and within minutes, we felt like being on holiday. The restaurant/ wine bar is painted in vivid colors, photographs of South African wild life decorate the walls and the owner is your (tourist) guide.

The restaurant offers an incredible (and by this I mean never heard of – never seen – never tried) menu at 70euro. Definitely worth a trip back to Brugge! Otherwise the next best place I think these specialities can be found and eaten would be South Africa itself.

The wines on offer are all new world wines (the owner’s preference, which I can only agree with), and are served by the glass or the bottle. However if a wine you like is not on offer by the glass, do ask, as luck can strike and a bottle can be opened …

We tried a nice Chilean red, but the winner of the evening was without a doubt the Mamreweg Cinsaut Cabernet from South Africa, a soft red wine which in my opinion goes with anything. Definitely a wine I will be looking for in the future. Also, good deed (% of profits goes towards saving the blue wales) and nice wine in one, and a very typical South African: the Southern Right Pinotage 2002.

Bao Bab: Philipstockstraat 27, 8000 Brugge, Tel: 050/33.14.08

Tagged with: Wine Wein Vino Wine Tasting Wine Bar Food and Drink Bruxelles Belgium

Wines in Brugge – part I

2005-10-17T14:53:00.000+02:00

Last weekend was spent in Brugge. Dating back 2000 years, Brugge is both a prime tourist attraction as well as a welcome change from hectic Brussels. One hour away from Brussels and close to the Belgian coast, Brugge is a town where the past meets the present and you feel like having traveled through time.

We had a lot of things on our list of things to do, however Brugge offers distractions you can not refuse at every step. We drank beer on the Markt, had chocolate from the Chocolate Line, ate local delicacies and … discovered Cuvee, a specialized wine shop.

Entering Cuvee, you enter a modern wine shop with an incredible choice of the most interesting wines. On offer to taste were three wines and I understood an Italian wine tasting took place just the week before. What makes this place special though is the interest the owners take in advising and pointing you out to new and different wines.

And following this advise, we bought a Clos de los Siete 2002 from Argentina, a blend of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah which has been nominated by Decanter as ‘the best new world red’.

The time limitation did not give us the choice to look into more detail at the wines on offer, however for every wine lover, Cuvee is worth a visit.

Tagged with: Wine Wein Vino Wine Tasting Wine Bar Food and Drink Bruxelles Belgium

Tried and tested, Romanian wines

2005-10-09T13:58:00.000+02:00

Following the advice of a friend, we went to Wavre (a small town close to Brussels) last Saturday to a tasting of Romanian wines. The tasting was organized by Transylvania, a company I understand imports Romanian wines to Belgium.

Besides the odd Romanian wine you can find in the supermarket, I had no idea there is such a wide choice of Romanian wines. Talking to the producers, we were told that Romania produces over 400 types of wines, of which over 200 are DOC, with the main wine producing regions being Cotnari, Bohotin, Dealul Mare, Jidvei and Murfatlar. Of interest was also that besides the known grapes, Romania is cultivating a special, regional grape, Feteasca white (alba) and black (neagra), which give the wine an individual taste.

A choice of over 50 different wines was available, divided into white wines, red wines, and sweet, liquor white wines. Starting with the white wines, we discovered a very nice Sauvignon Blanc, Feteasca alba 2003 from Istria, a Feteasca regala 2003 from Dragasani, and my favorite, a Riesling 2002, Cuveé Excellence from Vanju Mare. For the sheer novelty reason we also bought a Blanc de Transylvanie 2004, from Jidvei.

With red wines being my favorites, I was very pleased to discover a lot of wines, which I liked and will make sure to look for from now on. Particularly, there was a Feteasca neagra 2001, a Pinot Noire 2000, and a Terra Romana (a combination of Merlot, Cabernet and Feteasca neagra) all from Dealul Mare. The all time winners though were a Feteasca neagra Swallowtail 2001 (from Zoresti) – an incredibly deep red wine, with hints of black pepper and leather, smooth yet heavy and rich – and a Merlot, Prince Mircea 2001 (from Vanju Mare). These two are some of the best wines I have ever tasted and we couldn’t resist buying them.

Not known to the wide public, we found Romanian wines which compare to the New World wines, as well as wines which could compete with the best French ones. Definitely wines to keep in mind when looking for something different.

Tagged with: Wine Wein Vino Wine Tasting Wine Bar Food and Drink Bruxelles Belgium

Lesson 1: South African wine

2005-10-03T22:02:00.000+02:00

With a little incentive from a South African colleague, and an overall preference for New World wines, my first ever wine-tasting lesson was on South African wines.

Wine in South Africa dates back to the late 1600. However till today, most and the best wines are produced only for local consumption.

The class focused on 5 South African wines, which we tried and tested. For novices like me, information was also shared on the Pinotage, a local specialty and a cross between the Pinot Noir and Cinsault

Then came decision time: which wines do we like best? Known for its white wines, I rather preferred the local South African reds, a Blaauklippen Shiraz 2003 and a Southern Right Pinotage 2002.

Raga: wine and things

2005-10-03T21:31:00.000+02:00

Finding this place was more to do with luck, than anything else. After a day of visiting Antwerp and walking around the city we found ourselves – quite exhausted – on the Hendrik Conscienceplein 11.

And hidden between other bars and restaurants, with just four tables inside and another three outside is one of the coziest wine bars I have ever been to – Raga. ‘A small place for happy people’ is how the owner describes Raga, and that is exactly what you can expect.

Conversation on wine flows, and the suggestions come directly from the owner, although there is a menu as well. If in Antwerp, a wine bar well worth a visit.

Tagged with: Wine Wein Vino Wine Tasting Wine Bar Food and Drink Bruxelles Belgium

Villa Vino: a wine bar up north

2005-10-03T21:11:00.000+02:00

Copenhagen in May can be very sunny (if you are lucky), but still cold. You can feel the winter ended, and that spring is in the air. On the contrary, when it rains, you feel as if you stepped into a story of H.C. Andersen.

Luckily enough we had sunshine. A long weekend of boat trips, visits, and pictures in front of the Little Mermaid. That, combined with eating open faced sandwiches and discovering Villa Vino.

Villa Vino is a small wine bar, in the heart of Copenhagen. The offer of wine from around the globe is written on blackboards all over the walls – making the choice that much more difficult.

I can only recommend Villa Vino. Ideally when it is still chilly outside, and you can sip a nice glass of red on the terrace, covered in the blankets provided. I had an incredibly nice Californian Kenwood Old Zinfandel, 2002 and the next day (returning was not difficult!) an Australian Synergy Shiraz 2002.