flavoured wine
Retsina Malamatina
by Paul Arthur on Jan.17, 2010, under flavoured wine, retsina, white wine, wine
Background: This resinated white is made from a blend of Savatiano and Roditis, according to the winemaker’s website. At least I think that’s what it says; I don’t actually speak Greek, so other than picking out Σαββατιανό and Ροδίτης I’m at a loss.
Nose: Fresh mown grass, with fir tree overtones.
Taste: Musky and floral, with a lightly acid bite. Earthy, resinous…resin.
Overall: Possibly the best retsina available locally, well balanced and pairing well with fatty fish (or even leftover pizza).
Kourtaki Retsina of Attica
by Paul Arthur on Dec.13, 2009, under flavoured wine, retsina, white wine, wine
Background: Apparently one of the most popular wines in Greece, though that could just be marketing bumpf. Like most retsina, it’s made from Savatiano and like all retsina, it’s additionally flavoured with pine resin.
Nose: Musky floral scent.
Taste: Fruity and lacking in acidity, with a bit of pine.
Overall: Not impressed.
Retsina Remvi
by admin on Sep.30, 2007, under retsina, white wine, wine
Background: Greek white wine made from Savatiano grapes, with pine resin added. This style is said to have originated from the practice of sealing storage vessels with pine resin to keep air out.
Presentation: Clear glass bottle, cork closure. Pours a light yellow with a greenish tinge. 11.5% ABV
Nose: Musky floral presence from the wine, earthy pine resin over top.
Taste: Thin, fruity flavour with a medium pine influence; long, tingly finish. Low acidity; wine appears to be off-dry.
Overall: Decent summer white. Fairly balanced, and the pine resin isn't overpowering.
Stone's Original Ginger Wine
by admin on Aug.14, 2007, under fruit wine, ginger wine, wine
Background: Traditional ginger-flavoured currant wine from England.
Presentation: Green screw-top bottle. Pours a medium gold with red tints. 13.5% ABV
Nose: Spicy ginger on a fruit background with some hot alcohol notes.
Taste: Quite sweet. Raisin, currant, and orange peel base with piquant ginger.
Overall: Decent, good ginger flavour and nice bite. Mix it with some whisky to kick it up a notch and take the edge off of the sweetness.
Possmann Heisser Apfelwein
by admin on Apr.10, 2007, under apfelwein, apple wine, cider, mulled wine, wine
Background: Apfelwein is the German form of cider. Possmann makes a couple different apfelweins; this particular one is spiced, sweetened and intended to be served hot.
Presentation: 1 liter brown glass bottle with a screwtop.
Appearance: Pours very clear; light amber colour.
Nose: Apples and cinnamon with citrus (lemon?) notes.
Taste: Fairly sweet, with a light apple pie flavour. Definite lemon undertones. Long cinnamon finish, with some “earthy” tones.
Overall: Clean, simple taste; very nice in a warm mug on a cold winter night.
