Wednesday, September 1, 2021

For the last days of summer! One white and one rosé

For the last days of summer!
 One white and one rosé



You might be expecting a screwcap closure on this one as it  is white and comes from the Languedoc, one of the less formal wine areas of France. But you’d be mistaken, though the cork itself, not from traditional materials, is one of these modern amalgams.


Picpoul is both a grape and an area. This Château Albajan has a green-tinged light straw colour. An inviting mix of fresh citrus and pear gently lead the aromatics and you’ll find their flavours on the palate, a lively palate! There is the slightest tingle on the attack before the zesty flavours round it off on the way to a lip-smacking (no, not really lip-stinging!) crisp finish. Highly Recommended. Well priced too by the way.


O’Briens tell us that Château Albajan has been in the Albajan family since 1850. It is located in Castelnau de Guers in Picpoul de Pinet, lying between the famous oyster farming Thau lake (Bassin de Thau) and the historic town of Pézenas. The estate is run by Marie-Laure Albajan with a focus on achieving the best expression of their terroir with perfectly ripe and healthy grapes.


And the grape? Picpoul (also spelt as Piquepoul) is very well suited to the region and has been grown here for centuries. The name Piquepoul might put you off because it translates as "sting the lips", and is a reference to the grape's mouthwateringly high acidity. No wonder they say: “Match with salty”! But you may like to pair it with Pastas, Vegetarian, Poultry, Lean Fish (cod, haddock, or pollock for instance), Canapés.



GAI’A 4-6° Agiorgitiko Peloponnese (PGI) 2020, 12%, €15.95 O’Briens



Agiorgitiko is a fragrant red wine grape native to Greece's Peloponnese and that is where this rosé hails from. It is a pale pink. Rose petals, strawberries and pomegranate in the aromas. Very pleasant  and fresh bouquet indeed and very pleasant in the mouth also with its fresh fruit flavours enhanced by a lively acidity. Light and lovely all the way to the finish. Highly Recommended.


Gaia say: This wine, whether taken as an aperitif or enjoyed by the glass while out at a bar with good friends, it will impress! Paired with a light meal, it will definitely fascinate! And as an accompaniment to Asian cuisine, it will surely conquer. AGIORGITIKO 4-6h can be treated as a white wine, and served cold in a big glass for one’s own pleasure! 


Rosé wines are back! Some lighter and fresher, some darker and richer. The Agiorgitiko 4-6 was created from grapes which grow at a particularly high altitude, give a lovely rose color and a profound freshness of aroma and flavor. Suitable for Vegans & Vegetarians


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