Sensational ‘Sanroc’

Or biggest selling Gewürztraminer is the sensational Bolognani ‘Sanroc’.  The picture on the label is evocative of the “Bear of Vigolana”, which is a dark shape that appears on the snow-covered North Wall of the Vigolana mountain, which stands over the vineyard.

Sanròc: an exclusive vineyard on the South-Eastern hill of Trento, in San Rocco, on the edges of the Bindesi forest, bordering above, with the famous Aquiloni nature trail, which was specifically created to allow even partially-sighted persons to autonomously enjoy this natural oasis. The Sanròc is Bolognani’s premiere white, which is planted in rows (guyot) of only Gewürztraminer grapes, which they attentively grow caring for their environment. In mid-September the grapes are hand-picked and the best bunches selected to make into wine; the wine is then rested on its lees for eight to ten months, which highlights its character. It is bottled at the end of summer and after at least eight to ten months of ageing in bottle is released.

 

Intense and full of flavours such as rose water, lychee, orange blossom, melon and jasmine. While rich this wine is balanced by the fresh aromatic flavours. Ideal for fish-based platters, especially seafood, or simply on its own, to enjoy the flavour of a great white wine.

Normally €24.95 but currently on promotion with 20% at €19.96

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A Charismatic Catalan

The simply excellent Carisma Gewürztraminer and Riesling blend has been knocking around the shop since a few weeks before Christmas, but I hadn’t gotten an opportunity to sample it until last week-end and now i can see why it was so popular at our Christmas Tasting. The wine has a complex nose that develops in the glass. Some peach and lychee but with distinct mineral, stone quality. On the palate the wine has pronounced acidity, great length and weight. The finish is a lovely lingering off dry flavour of luscious tropical fruits, think mango pineapple and lychee.

The wine is named after the charismatic Carles Ribes Masana who first planted these vines high up in the village of his birth, Montanissell. The climate in Montanissell is Alpine – with extreme cold in the winters and warm summers. The day night temperature differential is dramatic and can be as much as 25 to 30 degrees. The vines are situated at 1,200 metres above sea level, making them the highest in Spain. Carles died tragically before he could see his grapes become wine but today, together with his brothers, Nuria Altes of Herencia Altes continue his dream with the wine that bears his initials and continues his spirit.

The vineyard is planted to 50% Riesling and 50% Gewürztraminer. The Gewürztraminer is picked late September and taken to winery in refrigerated vans to be vinified. The Riesling ripens much later, around later October, and is vinified separately. The two wines are blended post ferment and left sur-lie for 5 months before bottling in May. The style of the wine is distinctly northern European, Alsatian like, and is capable of ageing for several years in bottle.