Do ÖTW Erste Lage single-vineyard wines lack variety?
The Grafenegg tasting of the Danube’s top wines is one of the highlights of the tasting year. Yet sometimes the wines can show a frustrating uniformity. Simon investigates why this is.
Ronco Severo – Pinot Grigio 2018
Late harvested and wild fermented with a whole month of skin contact, this is a big character, but a lovable one. Full of juicy red fruits, nutty and quite assertive tannins. Good freshness, and great drinkability. The fruit has a Read more
JNK – Sv Mihael 2013
This white blend from Kristina Mervic (with five days of skin contact) is never my favourite of her wines, as it tends to show more oak influence than the others. That said, 2010 and 2012 were polished and enjoyable. This Read more
JNK – Jakot é 2016
A bit strung out on the nose, with a slightly gluey, wild berry note. What’s nice about this is the bright acids and fine tannins. The alcohol sticks out a bit, and overall there’s a lack of harmony about the Read more
Jo Ahearne Wines – Terence Patrick NV
Named after Jo’s father, whose elegance she says matches this wine. Although it lacks some freshness on the nose, the palate of this co-fermented red/white blend still feels pretty lively. Plavac’s leathery, pruney fruit dominates the flavour profile. There’s loads Read more
Ronco Severo – Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso 2017
Rounded and quite dark fruited, with a chocolately almost Merlot-like character, but also with some nice herbal notes. Harmonious and well balanced, fairly easy going but well made.
Ronco Severo – Friulano 2018
There’s a nice aromatic quality to the nose, with green plum and a hint of jasmine. Full of herb-tinged orchard fruits, green apple, citrus, yellow plum and more. It’s a ripe style but with loads of freshness and acidity, and Read more
JNK – Malvazija 2018
Typically on-point for this tiny winery in Sempas (Vipava valley). This is a lighter style with just three days of skin contact. Very herbaceous and citrussy on the nose, with some green plum and candied fruits. Attractive flavours of wild Read more
Ronco Severo – Schioppettino 2017
Green pepper and laurel on the nose – enticing and really typical aromas for this lovely grape variety. Silken fruit with ripe red berry compote and a subtle mocha hint. Great acidity and silky tannins. Elegant and refreshing, with a Read more
JNK – Rebula 2012
Kristina Mervic is one of those rare winemakers who holds her wines back from release until they’re really ready and showing their full character. She gets huge respect from me for that. Rebula is always pretty structured. But Kristinas’s reading Read more