Wine Fictions

 As I start writing this post two of my work colleagues are writing the WSET 3 exam.  I have also tried  to write it twice but failed both times, only managing to approve the practical part, meaning that the only thing I can really do is drinking. But with distinction. If on my first attempt I was basically not prepared at all and it was only obvious that I would fail, on the second one I was almost sure I would pass. But I did not.  Sometimes I wonder whether it was a mistake to write it in German or whether the reason of it all was just my general incompetence.  What I know is that two weeks before the exam I was already dreaming about maps of South Africa and its different wine regions or the specificities of Australia's weather. And what about Chile? Which subregion is it most adequate to produce a premium Carmenère?   Talking to one of my colleagues he was complaining about the importance of some of the contents we have to learn. One of ...

According to some of the latest reports issued by Wines of Portugal, almost half of the Portuguese wine production is to export, as you can check here . Taking in account that different markets ask for different sort of wines, I find this quite a significant sign of Portuguese wines plurality. A good example of that can be this Portuga, produced by Casa Santos Lima. It is a pretty light wine, very fruity without being too intrusive, reminding me of some red wines from the south of Germany. Still, its deep red colour along with some wooden notes give it quite a distinctive trace often present in Portuguese wines. I would define it as a pretty pleasant wine that can definitely match markets like Germany due to its light  alcohol percentage and harmonious body, making it a perfect wine to be drunk on its own. With it, some Witter Bynner and enjoy the first waves of summer breeze which has been taking over Europe. This veil Of lavender and dawn Floats off Invisible,  ...

 The first thing that has called my attention in this wine was its dominant taste of vanilla, which promised to fulfil the propose I had when I bought it: to have an uncomplicated wine, perfect for a normal day and with great gastronomic versatility. Its contact with wood gives it a nice complexity without being too exhaustive or demanding. Still, it is a wine that gains a lot with some proper decanting as the cherry and red fruits tastes start appearing becoming more and more intense as time passes. I have to confess that this was a rather pleasant surprise, being a perfect companion for some fresher spring days in Hamburg. A perfect occasion, as well, to go back to Walt Whitman and enjoy the cozy and still fresh evenings of the North. Are you the new person drawn toward me? To begin with, take warning, I am surely far different from what you suppose; Do you suppose you will find in me your ideal? Do you think it so easy to have me become your lover? Do you ...