For November 2022, Karen’s inspiration for the tasting wines was:
Horse Racing
Wine 1
Josep Bujan FREIXENET Cordon Negro Brut Cava
Parellada Macabeo Xarel·lo
Catalonia, Spain
A light, very modern cava, (Spanish sparking wine) much appreciated for its refreshing style, and fruity character. It colour is pale yellow, with bright hints of green. Fine, delicate aromas, of green apple and pear, with hints of peach, melon and pineapple, over a citrus base. The palate is refreshing, with the sparkle balancing the green and citrus fruits. It is light but long and elegant.
Alcohol 11.5%
Wine 2
Poggio Anima GABRIEL 2021
Pecorino
Chieti, Italy
Pecorino is an Abruzzo wine – racy, bright with plenty of fruit for an Italian white.
This wine is bright straw in colour. It has a concentrated nose of apricot blossom, acacia, sea spray, lemongrass and yellow apple. The wine repeats the floral notes on the palate but adds in white peach and a bit of lemon zest, with a lingering melon note. The bright acid keeps the wine fresh and persistent while remaining medium-bodied throughout.
Alcohol 12.5%
Wine 3
Landhaus Paul GRUNER VELTLINER SELECTION 2020
Grüner Veltliner
Burgenland, Austria
The Gruner Veltliner Selection is a light bodied and dry wine exhibiting a bright yellow colour. It has a complex bouquet of herbs and yellow fruits.
On the palate it is multifaceted with attractive spice and bundled fruit flavours, beautifully balanced, sweet fruity finish.
Alcohol 12%
Wine 4
Marraso MALBEC 2021
Malbec
Mendoza, Argentina
This Malbec is an inky, medium-bodied, dry red wine. The nose is full of cherry and raspberry with hints of smoky vanilla. Fruit carries to the palate with hints of oak. Sweet tannins and nice balance with a long fruit driven finish.
Alcohol 13.5%
Wine 5
D’Arenberg THE THUNDERSTEP 2018
Shiraz
McLaren Vale, SA
This wine is a complex shiraz typical of its McLaren Vale origin. It has big aromas of black pepper, spices and red berry fruits. The palate is seductive, with dark fruits and earthy characters, and a long spicy, mineral finish. The tannins are firm, yet round.
Alcohol 14.5%
Sticky 1
Frogmore Creek ICED RIESLING 2021
Riesling
Tasmania
This bright sweet riesling based wine is loaded with orange zest, lemon blossom. Luscious, sweet stone fruit and ripe apple flavours linger indefinitely, nourished by characteristic cool climate mineral acid.
Alcohol 7%