2017 NANCLARES & PRIETO “TEMPUS VIVENDI” – RÍAS BAIXAS, SPAIN
Albariño
Winemaking details: These grapes come from 6 different parcels all with very close proximity to and strong influence from the Atlantic Ocean. They are hand harvested and processed with freshness in mind. A whole cluster press straight to steel tank for a native yeast fermentation. Ageing in steel for six months on the fine lees, with malolactic fermentation blocked. Bottled unfined and unfiltered with minimal sulfur usage.
Color: Pale yellow with green tinges.
Bouquet: Briny, crushed rocks, lime, lemon flowers, cream, herbs.
Palate: This wine is quite bright and lively on the palate, with racy acidity and a medium body. It is long and reminiscent of the sea. It begs for oysters, grilled fish, or any other fresh sea fare.
This wine is great now, but will hold up for 5-7 years.
Further information can be found here: http://www.josepastorselections.com/uploads/1/3/9/1/13912267/nanclares_y_prieto_-_tempus_vivendi_2017_tech_sheet.pdf
2018 MONTESECONDO ROSSO TOSCANO – TUSCANY, ITALY
Sangiovese
Winemaking details: All of the vines that Silvia Messana of Montesecondo tends are in the DOCG of Chianti Classico, but he labels most of his wines under IGT Toscano. His wines tend to be a bit lighter in style than most in the area. The grapes for this wine come from two parcels, one being more clay based soil at a lower elevation and warmer site, and the other having more limestone rich soils at a higher elevation. After hand harvesting, the grapes are mostly destemmed and ferment spontaneously in concrete vats. There are no extraction methods such as punchdowns or pumpovers used, and the maceration is shorter than most Chianti. The wine rests in concrete for a year before being bottled unfined and unfiltered with sulfur only used sparingly at bottling.
Color: Crimson
Bouquet: Cherries, leather, earth, violets, and a plethora of red fruits.
Palate: This surprisingly low alcohol wine (11.5 %) has a light to medium body, chalky tannin, and high acidity. It has a nice mouthfeel, complex layers, and a rustic feel. Give it an hour or so to decant, and pair it with Lasagna, Spaghetti, or Cioppino for a great night.
This wine is great now, but will hold up for 5-7 years.
Further information can be found here: https://www.bowlerwine.com/producer/montesecondo