A month of waiting, longing and waiting. When we were about to give up and thought we were forever doomed to live in a state of permafrost it finally happened - spring arrived. Hats, gloves and scarves are now stored away until at least October. Or longer if I get to decide….
Spring also means rosé wines. Just like last year TheMan and I raided the wine shop in aim to find this summer’s favourite rosé. Having been seduced by Les Baronnes Sancerre Rosé for the last two summers we have become very picky… Dark raspberry coloured rose wines go away immediately. They are usually too sweet and taste like raspberry or strawberry lemonade. The New World, not very likely… France, yes please. And Provence, yes very much.
This year also two bottles from Italy ended up in our basket. Everything that comes out of Tuscany has to be good, right? We have been very impressed with the Rapaura Series from Stoneleigh so a bottle of their rosé somehow also made it to our basket, despite the very dark raspberry colour.
Verdict? Les Baronnes is still our number one choice, but M de Minuty Rosé is a good choice for a relaxing afternoon in the garden with friends. The two Tuscans were very nice too and just what we like, but Tuscany is famous for its red wine. Not rosé wine… And Stoneleigh Pinot Noir Rosé? Well, I should have known from the colour. Too sweet and tasted like raspberry lemonade. TheMan added tonic water which made it less sweet and fizzy. Worked as a pre-dinner drink, but one drink was more than enough…
2010 Brolio Chianti Classico
La Prua Veneto Appassimento Rosso
Vicar's Choice Barrel Fermented Chardonnay
2012 Rapaura Sauvignon Blanc Stoneleigh
André Clouet Silver Brut Nature
Castelforte Amarone della Valpolicella
2010 Le Volte dell’Ornellaia
2009 Fonterutoli
2010 E. Guigal Côtes du Rhône Blanc
2012 Rapaura Pinot Noir Stoneleigh
2011 Castello di Ama Rosato
2008 Gallina Barbera d’Alba La Spinnetta
2012 M de Minuty Rosé
2012 Stoneleigh Pinot Noir Rosé
May 14, 2013
April 16, 2013
March wines
March can be summarized with two words – sunshine and freezing. We had a record breaking 249 hours of sunshine during March, but temps below freezing every single day. Spring seems to have gone missing...
Food- and wine-wise March was quite memorable with a long weekend in Copenhagen with TheMan (see last post), and Easter break with time to try new recipes in our kitchen. Duck al la Orange with wine braised onions, potato puree and crisp sugar snaps for example or seafood canapés. Favourite wines have to be to 2002 Domaine Latour Corton Grand Cru and 2009 Domaine Weinbach Riseling Schlossberg Grand Cru. Classic French wine making at its best.
2011 Hunter's Sauvignon Blanc
2009 Joseph Faiveley Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2009
NV Champagne Moutardier Carte d'Or Brut
2008 Oltre Pio Cesare
2008 In Violas Merlot Poliziano
2011 Fat Bastard Shiraz
2006 Chablis Le Beaunois Labouré-Roi
2012 Clare Hills Riesling
2011 Xavier Viellies Vignes
2011 Stoneleigh Pinot Noir Rapapura Series
2011 Larche Bourgogne Reserve
2002 Domaine Latour Corton Grand Cru
2009 Domaine Weinbach Riseling Schlossberg Grand Cru
2008 Langhe Nebbiolo La Spinetta
Food- and wine-wise March was quite memorable with a long weekend in Copenhagen with TheMan (see last post), and Easter break with time to try new recipes in our kitchen. Duck al la Orange with wine braised onions, potato puree and crisp sugar snaps for example or seafood canapés. Favourite wines have to be to 2002 Domaine Latour Corton Grand Cru and 2009 Domaine Weinbach Riseling Schlossberg Grand Cru. Classic French wine making at its best.
2011 Hunter's Sauvignon Blanc
2009 Joseph Faiveley Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2009
NV Champagne Moutardier Carte d'Or Brut
2008 Oltre Pio Cesare
2008 In Violas Merlot Poliziano
2011 Fat Bastard Shiraz
2006 Chablis Le Beaunois Labouré-Roi
2012 Clare Hills Riesling
2011 Xavier Viellies Vignes
2011 Stoneleigh Pinot Noir Rapapura Series
2011 Larche Bourgogne Reserve
2002 Domaine Latour Corton Grand Cru
2009 Domaine Weinbach Riseling Schlossberg Grand Cru
2008 Langhe Nebbiolo La Spinetta
Copenhagen
TheMan and I had planned to meet the spring in Copenhagen for a long weekend in March, but instead we had to wear hat, gloves and scarves since it was snowing. Still Copenhagen is a mecca for foodies and being freezing cold outside there was another reason to visit different places…
On our first night just by chance we ended up at newly opened restaurant called Wining and Dining. For one month straight they offer the same 3 course menu with matching wines, and if you want more than one more glass of wine to your main that’s OK. A third as well… They will pour you all the wine you want as long as you’re eating. The place is a bit talk of the town right now and reservations are recommended. When TheMan and I arrived without reservations the waiter was very friendly (and smart). He placed us at the bar with a glass of bubblies and said he would get us a table. If not the bubblies was on him and we had escaped the cold for a while. But of course, 20 minutes later we had our table and dug into teriyaki marinated salmon with wasabi mousse, filet of veal and NY style cheesecake. The wines were very good including a sweet Valpolicella (passito). When the bill arrived we were yet again surprised – all this food and wine and still the bill was half of what you usually pay for meal like this.
The next night TheMan had made reservations at Peder Oxe, one of his favourite restaurants in Copenhagen. A restaurant that has been around since the 70’s and has a certain style of being homey, comfortable and cooking what’s offered that morning at the market. They have quite a good wine cellar which I believe is why TheMan visits every time he’s in town. This time he chose a 2007 Chateau du Trignon Gigondas. Fabulous!
As starters we went with the classic Kalix roe with sour cream and finely chopped red onion. For main we had perfectly done tenderloin along with creamy potatoes and crisp green beans. For dessert we split a cheese platter before splitting a classic chocolate cake along with whipped cream and coffee.
Already when visiting Copenhagen at Xmas time in 2011 we looked at restaurant called Alberto K. A fine dining restaurant on top floor at The Royal Hotel named after its hotel manager for 25 years – Allberto. At that time we decided to go to Grønbech & Churchill instead, but when planning this visit to Copenhgen we decided immediately that we were going to Alberto K.
After finally getting a cranky concierge to help us with the lift (The sign by the lift said "Please talk to the concierge desk if you are visiting Alberto K and they will assist you", but apparently for this concierge that was hard work when you can surf the web instead…) we arrived on the top floor and where our parkas, hats and gloves disappeared in a whim and we were seated by the table. All tables have a window view, and since it was so cold outside we could see miles away. I can only imagine how the view is on a Nordic summer evening – marvelous without a doubt.
The Royal Hotel is designed by the Danish architect and designer Arne Jacobsen and everything at Alberto K wears his name. Chairs, lamps, cutlery, candlesticks, salt and pepper shakers and so on. A tribute to the man who gave Danish designs a world reputation.
When looking at the tasting menu, the fabulous view and feeling the wonderful ambience we quickly decided that this was going to be night to remember. We were going for the seven course tasting menu with matching exclusive wines.
1999 Pol Roger Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill.
Lemon sole - Dill, cucumber & oyster
2010 Vouvray Le Haut-lieu Domaine Huet, Loire France
Scallop - Brussels sprouts, jerusalem artichokes & chips
2011 Chardonnay Hamilton Russell, Walker Bay South Africa
North Sea cod - Mussel, celery & macadamia nut
2005 Puligny Montrachet Chateau Puligny-Montrachet, Burgundy France
Quail - Bouillon, thyme & morels
2010 Maison Roche de Bellene Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru Les Beaux Monts, Burgundy France
Beef from Himmerland - Onion, black trumpet & smoked marrow
2006 Chateau Leoville Poyferre Saint-Julien 2nd Cru, Bordeaux France
Passion fruit - White chocolate, caramel & cacao
2000 Tokaji Aazu 5 Puttonyos Oremus, Tokaji Hungary
Limfjordsporter - Apple, chervil & rye bread
2011 Beeranauslese Pius Weingut Keller, Rheinhessen Germany
2,5 hours later we were getting rather full, but had been through one amazing menu. The Sommelier had done her job very well matching the wine with the food. Her presentation of the different wines were both very informative and nice, and when we had questions regarding texture, clarity and all those other things wine geeks want to know she really showed that she knew her trade.
Then the 20 minute walk back to the hotel in snow afterwards was very easy after an evening and tasting experience like this.
On our first night just by chance we ended up at newly opened restaurant called Wining and Dining. For one month straight they offer the same 3 course menu with matching wines, and if you want more than one more glass of wine to your main that’s OK. A third as well… They will pour you all the wine you want as long as you’re eating. The place is a bit talk of the town right now and reservations are recommended. When TheMan and I arrived without reservations the waiter was very friendly (and smart). He placed us at the bar with a glass of bubblies and said he would get us a table. If not the bubblies was on him and we had escaped the cold for a while. But of course, 20 minutes later we had our table and dug into teriyaki marinated salmon with wasabi mousse, filet of veal and NY style cheesecake. The wines were very good including a sweet Valpolicella (passito). When the bill arrived we were yet again surprised – all this food and wine and still the bill was half of what you usually pay for meal like this.The next night TheMan had made reservations at Peder Oxe, one of his favourite restaurants in Copenhagen. A restaurant that has been around since the 70’s and has a certain style of being homey, comfortable and cooking what’s offered that morning at the market. They have quite a good wine cellar which I believe is why TheMan visits every time he’s in town. This time he chose a 2007 Chateau du Trignon Gigondas. Fabulous!
As starters we went with the classic Kalix roe with sour cream and finely chopped red onion. For main we had perfectly done tenderloin along with creamy potatoes and crisp green beans. For dessert we split a cheese platter before splitting a classic chocolate cake along with whipped cream and coffee.
Already when visiting Copenhagen at Xmas time in 2011 we looked at restaurant called Alberto K. A fine dining restaurant on top floor at The Royal Hotel named after its hotel manager for 25 years – Allberto. At that time we decided to go to Grønbech & Churchill instead, but when planning this visit to Copenhgen we decided immediately that we were going to Alberto K.
After finally getting a cranky concierge to help us with the lift (The sign by the lift said "Please talk to the concierge desk if you are visiting Alberto K and they will assist you", but apparently for this concierge that was hard work when you can surf the web instead…) we arrived on the top floor and where our parkas, hats and gloves disappeared in a whim and we were seated by the table. All tables have a window view, and since it was so cold outside we could see miles away. I can only imagine how the view is on a Nordic summer evening – marvelous without a doubt.
The Royal Hotel is designed by the Danish architect and designer Arne Jacobsen and everything at Alberto K wears his name. Chairs, lamps, cutlery, candlesticks, salt and pepper shakers and so on. A tribute to the man who gave Danish designs a world reputation.
When looking at the tasting menu, the fabulous view and feeling the wonderful ambience we quickly decided that this was going to be night to remember. We were going for the seven course tasting menu with matching exclusive wines.
1999 Pol Roger Cuvée Sir Winston Churchill.
Lemon sole - Dill, cucumber & oyster
2010 Vouvray Le Haut-lieu Domaine Huet, Loire France
Scallop - Brussels sprouts, jerusalem artichokes & chips
2011 Chardonnay Hamilton Russell, Walker Bay South Africa
North Sea cod - Mussel, celery & macadamia nut
2005 Puligny Montrachet Chateau Puligny-Montrachet, Burgundy France
Quail - Bouillon, thyme & morels2010 Maison Roche de Bellene Vosne-Romanée 1er Cru Les Beaux Monts, Burgundy France
Beef from Himmerland - Onion, black trumpet & smoked marrow
2006 Chateau Leoville Poyferre Saint-Julien 2nd Cru, Bordeaux France
Passion fruit - White chocolate, caramel & cacao
2000 Tokaji Aazu 5 Puttonyos Oremus, Tokaji Hungary
Limfjordsporter - Apple, chervil & rye bread
2011 Beeranauslese Pius Weingut Keller, Rheinhessen Germany
2,5 hours later we were getting rather full, but had been through one amazing menu. The Sommelier had done her job very well matching the wine with the food. Her presentation of the different wines were both very informative and nice, and when we had questions regarding texture, clarity and all those other things wine geeks want to know she really showed that she knew her trade.
Then the 20 minute walk back to the hotel in snow afterwards was very easy after an evening and tasting experience like this.
March 06, 2013
February wines
The month started off with celebrating mum’s 70th birthday with a four course meal cooked by The Man and me was How about lobster bisque, grilled halibut with red wine juice and bits of smoky bacon along with a puree of Jerusalem artichokes, mixed cheeses and last but not least mascarpone pudding with dark chocolate sauce. I think she liked it…
The most value- for-your-money wine of the month was probably Jose Maria da Fonseca Moscatel de Setubal 2007. A small bottle of sticky is still very cheap. Well, that is if you don’t go for Château d'Yquem…A glass of some sweet stuff is usually the icing on the cake after a real nice dinner. More dessert wines for the people.
Deutz Brut Classic NV
Rabl Vinum Optimum Pinot Noir 2009
Graham's Six Grapes Reserve Port
Ser Lapo Riserva 2008
Fonterutoli 2009
Duca d'Aragona 2001
Delamotte Brut NV
Winkl Sauvignon 2011
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Poliziano 2008
Jose Maria da Fonseca Moscatel de Setubal 2007
Côtes-du-Rhône E. Guigal 2009
The most value- for-your-money wine of the month was probably Jose Maria da Fonseca Moscatel de Setubal 2007. A small bottle of sticky is still very cheap. Well, that is if you don’t go for Château d'Yquem…A glass of some sweet stuff is usually the icing on the cake after a real nice dinner. More dessert wines for the people.
Deutz Brut Classic NV
Rabl Vinum Optimum Pinot Noir 2009
Graham's Six Grapes Reserve Port
Ser Lapo Riserva 2008
Fonterutoli 2009
Duca d'Aragona 2001
Delamotte Brut NV
Winkl Sauvignon 2011
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Poliziano 2008
Jose Maria da Fonseca Moscatel de Setubal 2007
Côtes-du-Rhône E. Guigal 2009
February 17, 2013
January wines
A new year and new wines to try. One of the New Year’s resolutions was to buy less and drink more, i.e. drink what’s in the cellar before buying new things. Storage is becoming a bit of trouble, but just like with most wine lovers buying is one of the many delights of being a wine aficionado.
The highlight of the month was trying out Super Tuscan Sondraia. A text book example of how a Bordeaux blend can be expertly crafted in Tuscany. Another perfect wine was Trapiche Malbec Viña Jorge Miralles which once again showed that Argentian Melbec is as a good a s the French original.
Couvent des Jacobins Bourgogne Blanc 2007
Trapiche Malbec Viña Jorge Miralles 2009
Collines de Rocalinand 2010
Fonterutoli 2009
Clare Hills Riesling 2009
Masi Amarone Costasera 2006
Comte de Dunois Brut NV
Sondraia 2008
Lirac Les Chenaies 2010
Ser Lapo Riserva 2008
Gimblett Road Syrah 2010
The highlight of the month was trying out Super Tuscan Sondraia. A text book example of how a Bordeaux blend can be expertly crafted in Tuscany. Another perfect wine was Trapiche Malbec Viña Jorge Miralles which once again showed that Argentian Melbec is as a good a s the French original.
Couvent des Jacobins Bourgogne Blanc 2007
Trapiche Malbec Viña Jorge Miralles 2009
Collines de Rocalinand 2010
Fonterutoli 2009
Clare Hills Riesling 2009
Masi Amarone Costasera 2006
Comte de Dunois Brut NV
Sondraia 2008
Lirac Les Chenaies 2010
Ser Lapo Riserva 2008
Gimblett Road Syrah 2010
December wines
A month that usually disappears somewhere in between Xmas parties, gifts shopping and eating too much and of course December last year was no exception. After a very busy month both Christmas and New Year’s turned out to be relaxing affairs with some real nice wines and food (of course).
Crozes-Hermitage Domaine Habrard 2011
Lamole di Lamole Riserva 2008
Penfolds Bin 8 Cabernet – Shiraz 2005
Sancerre Les Baronnes 2007
E. Guigal Côtes du Rhône Blanc 2010
Capitel de'Roari Amarone 2008
Ser Lapo Riserva 2008
Tsarine Brut Premier NV
Girard Old Vine Zinfandel 2010
Senfter Niersteiner Ölberg Riesling Spätlese 1986
Perrier Jouët Grand Brut NV
Campogiovanni Brunello di Montalcino 2007
Crozes-Hermitage Domaine Habrard 2011
Lamole di Lamole Riserva 2008
Penfolds Bin 8 Cabernet – Shiraz 2005
Sancerre Les Baronnes 2007
E. Guigal Côtes du Rhône Blanc 2010
Capitel de'Roari Amarone 2008
Ser Lapo Riserva 2008
Tsarine Brut Premier NV
Girard Old Vine Zinfandel 2010
Senfter Niersteiner Ölberg Riesling Spätlese 1986
Perrier Jouët Grand Brut NV
Campogiovanni Brunello di Montalcino 2007
February 10, 2013
November wines
My least favourite month of the year. Just dark, wet and windy and no real reasons for celebrations, unless you’re a true food and wine lover. Then every weekend is a chance to try and experiment with new flavours, food and spices. The Rabl Pinot Noir from Austria was probably the surprise of the month. Along with grilled halibut, smoked pancetta, red wine juice and puree of Jerusalem artichokes it was match made in heaven.
Castello di Fonterutoli 2006
Le Volte 2010
Tim Adams Riesling 2008
E Guigal Crozes-Hermitage 2006
Rabl Vinum Optimum Pinot Noir 2009
Stoneleigh Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Deutz Brut Classic NV
Trimbach Riesling 2009
Nederburg Noble Late Harvest 2011
Tatachilla 2007
Chablis Domaine Thierry Mothe 2010
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Poliziano 2009
Vedré 2009
Castello del Poggio Barbera d'Asti 2009
Tsarine Brut Premier NV
Duca d'Aragona 2001
Castello di Fonterutoli 2006
Le Volte 2010
Tim Adams Riesling 2008
E Guigal Crozes-Hermitage 2006
Rabl Vinum Optimum Pinot Noir 2009
Stoneleigh Sauvignon Blanc 2008
Deutz Brut Classic NV
Trimbach Riesling 2009
Nederburg Noble Late Harvest 2011
Tatachilla 2007
Chablis Domaine Thierry Mothe 2010
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano Poliziano 2009
Vedré 2009
Castello del Poggio Barbera d'Asti 2009
Tsarine Brut Premier NV
Duca d'Aragona 2001
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