Concentrating mainly but not exclusively on the Loire's vineyards, its vignerons and their wines along with places to eat and stay. Also covers some recently published wine books – not just from Loire. Regional Chair for Loire @Decanter's World Wine Awards since its inception.
Winner of the 2009 Wine Blog Trophy (journalist category) Salon des Vins de Loire. I have a large and expanding library of photos, particularly from the Loire – places, producers, vineyards etc. European.
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Wednesday, 31 December 2008
A fiendish end of 2008 quiz?
A glass of what exactly? Dry Oloroso, a Madeira, a white Loire, a pale tawny Port?
Hi Jim, I think it's a Tawny-the legs lead me to think so, though it could be an Oloroso- but the lack of color intensity steers me away from that guess. I really hope it's not a current vintage Loire white! Cheers, Sam
It has to be something really unusual otherwise you wouldn't post it, and surely it is from the Loire. I will guess either (1) an ancient Loire red with decades of age or (2) some really unusual recent release. I have had some very deeply coloured Layons from the likes of Ogereau although none quite that deep in colour, but it's not impossible. When I last visited PJ Druet he likened the 2005 vintage for reds to 1947 and 1921, but although he and surely some other lucky souls have the experience of such ancient vintages I haven't, but they must surely look something like this. In fact the last wine I drank that looked like that was 1912 Taylor's. Happy New Year!
Chris. You are right. It is from the Loire an Anjou Blanc from one of my favourite Loire characters. Who might this be? certainly from a no sulphur period............ The vintage?
Don't have a clue on vintage, not much more of an idea on vigneron either. Jo Pithon? Although I think he reduced sulphur use rather than eliminating it. Nicolas Joly? Certainly a 'character' and is pretty extreme in his approach to viticulture and winemaking, although again I think of the estate as minimal in use of sulphur - if he had a 'no sulphur' period I missed it. I give up!
A glass of what exactly? Dry Oloroso, a Madeira, a white Loire, a pale tawny Port?
Hi Jim,
ReplyDeleteI think it's a Tawny-the legs lead me to think so, though it could be an Oloroso- but the lack of color intensity steers me away from that guess. I really hope it's not a current vintage Loire white!
Cheers,
Sam
Thanks Sam. A very reasonable guess but it is not a tawny. Jim
ReplyDeleteIt has to be something really unusual otherwise you wouldn't post it, and surely it is from the Loire. I will guess either (1) an ancient Loire red with decades of age or (2) some really unusual recent release. I have had some very deeply coloured Layons from the likes of Ogereau although none quite that deep in colour, but it's not impossible. When I last visited PJ Druet he likened the 2005 vintage for reds to 1947 and 1921, but although he and surely some other lucky souls have the experience of such ancient vintages I haven't, but they must surely look something like this. In fact the last wine I drank that looked like that was 1912 Taylor's. Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteChris. You are right. It is from the Loire an Anjou Blanc from one of my favourite Loire characters. Who might this be? certainly from a no sulphur period............ The vintage?
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
Don't have a clue on vintage, not much more of an idea on vigneron either. Jo Pithon? Although I think he reduced sulphur use rather than eliminating it. Nicolas Joly? Certainly a 'character' and is pretty extreme in his approach to viticulture and winemaking, although again I think of the estate as minimal in use of sulphur - if he had a 'no sulphur' period I missed it. I give up!
ReplyDeleteAll will shortly be revealed. It is a 1998 Anjou Blanc. The producer now uses a small amount of sulphur at the time of bottling.
ReplyDelete