Having friends over for dinner sometimes can be a bit of a complexity for me when choosing a wine, especially for friends who are not ‘obsessive’ over it like I am. Some of these friends are the Ménage à Trois, Apothic Red type, which of course is totally fine because it’s wine after all. ( As a side note: drink whatever wine you choose, people! I will never put anyone down for wines that are not my preference. I am not a snob. I just guarantee you, training your palate is no different from training your mind or your body. You get better with practice.)
At any rate , here is the dilemma for the wine advocate: You have so many beautiful special bottles that would only warm your heart to share, but maybe not for those who cannot appreciate what it is. They may appreciate the wine in and of itself…but not the meaning, the producer, the speciality, or the work that went into making it…. It’s not even about the cost. You save these bottles for your equally wine obsessive friends because you end up talking about that bottle for at least 45 minutes non stop. That would bore the hell out of anyone who does not feel an interest or connection with wine. It’s okay, they’re just not that into it. To each his own, right? What to serve instead? Something that will cater to all palates : A wine with crazy flavour, lively acidity and still enough plushness so satisfy both the aficionado and expert alike. Birichino’s Malvasia Bianca 2014 should do just the trick, and for that, it is my wine of the week.
Disclaimer here: I had NO CLUE the men behind Birichino (John Locke and Alex Krause) once worked with the likes of Ostertag and Grahm until moments before this post was published. It’s all I can muster to contain my excitement calmly and professionally……Can’t get over it. Never knew. No wonder I love what they make. Although it is not my wine of the week, Birichino’s Grenache is absolutely gorgeous, available at the SAQ. They also produce a Vin Gris which I wish I could get my hands on….but sadly not available here yet. (*wink)
Birichino has the most beautiful labels for portfolio of wines.
“If we can do right by the vineyard sites we are fortunate to draw on, and manage to impart the wonderment and excitement we feel for what we do, we have succeeded. We hope in some small measure what we produce will also add a little joy to the world.” -Locke & Krause
Well boys, you are bringing lots of joy my way, I dear say. Keep it coming!
Grapes are harvested at night to retain their freshness, with extended skin contact to enhance all the beautiful aromas and flavours the grape ( Malvasia Bianca ) has to offer. Fermentation was slow with a temperature of 10 degrees C, and the wine was kept on its lees, being stirred every few weeks to allow for a wine with more complexity, texture and flavour. Unfined. Unfiltered.
Medium gold in colour, the pretty aromas take hold of you instantly as you are transported to a garden full of white flowers and perfume, with fresh brioche baking somewhere close by. ( Not shitting you.) The palate is plush with lychee, citrus and apricot, supported with a steely acidity and freshness. It is crisp, yet has plenty of concentrated fruit with a long enjoyable finish. Drink now or within 2-3 years, but there ain’t no way you will wait that long.
Wine: Birichino Malvasia Bianco 2014
Grape: Malvasia Bianco
Alcohol: 12.5%
SAQ Code: 11073512
Price: $20
Agent: Trialto
http://www.birichino.com
Try this wine with sushis! A really good match.
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