Going to new heights in the heatwave – Alpine wines
We consider ourselves very fortunate as we think of our European friends across the channel attempting to stay cool in soaring, record-breaking temperatures. Through the grapevine, we’ve heard it’s been a 40 degree-day in Bordeaux; a stark contrast from last week’s mild temperatures and dubious showers across the region…
We thought we would take ourselves back to cooler days and have a taste of a selection of Alpine wines to see us through the blaze. Wines from Savoie, Jura and Switzerland have made their way to the table this afternoon as we seek expressions from cooler climates, produced from many indigenous grape varieties and winemaking styles.
The first wine of note was a glass of the Macvin de Jura, a vin de liquor style that we had never experienced before. The second favourite of the collection was a fresh, crisp and expressive Merlot from Ticino, Switzerland. Light and fragrant, these wines are just what the weatherman ordered.
Here’s the full line up:
- 2014 Tenuta San Giorgio Della Famiglia Rudolph, Merlot, Crescendo, Ticino, Switzerland
- NV Macvin du Jura, Domaine Macle, Jura, France
- 2016 Benedicte & Stephane Tissot Trousseau Amphore
- 2011 Domaine de Balisiers, Comte de Peney, Geneve, Switzerland
- 2012 Humagne Rouge, Maitre de Chais, Valais, Switzerland
- 2015 Cuvèe l’Orangerie, Domaine L’Idylle, Savoie, France
- 2014 Jean-Rene Germanier Clos De La Couta Heida, Valais, Switzerland
- 2012 Chardonnay, Collection Reservée a Mon Pere, Vignoble Guillaume
- 2015 Côtes du Jura, Domaine Jean-François Ganevat
Alpine wines are excellent value for money and a great alternative to Burgundy – this is a region that we will be keeping a very close eye on in the future.