Wines
Wines - archive
Degrassi, Contarini Cabernet Franc 2006
Going through the review archives, we established that we haven’t made a single review of numerous Degrassi wines. Considering its importance in the Croatian and Istrian winemaking, it is high time to correct that. One more reason for this is a significant increase in export of wines to the markets of the developed states (this share has increased from 10 percent of total production to around 50 percent, something that can largely be attributed to the drop in consumption domestically) that have, according to the information from the winemaker, very well accepted Moreno’s wine expression.
For starters, we decided to go with the Bordeaux variety of Cabernet Franc that is not very much present in Croatia. The primary reason for this were the impressions gathered at the tasting of 2007 and 2008 vintages (the latter is still aging in the barrel, while 2007 is on the market, and in our opinion it is the best Cabernet Franc in Croatia). Both the wines we tasted were of exceptionally good quality and there will be time to review them both, but guided by curiosity, we still decided to go with an older wine that can still be found on the shelves of wine boutiques. This vintage was released onto the market before the entire portfolio of the winery underwent a “visual modernization” i.e. label redesign. The old label had a nice and discreet detail of oak leaves and barrels with the word “France”, as a sign that the wine aged in French oak. We think this was a much better selection than pointing out the word barrique.
Visually, this specimen is very airy and somehow gentle, but at the same time it is very much alive with a dominating ruby hue and low viscosity. The first nose is atypical and reminds of a combination of cheese (somewhat harsher aroma), dry twigs, leather and wine cellar. There is no trace of herbal character and certain fruitiness we were expecting. We decided to give it some time in the glass and this proved to be the right decision. After half an hour, the aroma settled, so it now had on equal grounds the dark berry fruits, sharpened pencils and leafy fern aromas. Just like on the nose, the light 12.6 percent of alcohol by volume agrees excellently with the light to medium full body, as well as vigor and freshness. The finish is in a green tone that in combination with somewhat pronounced acids leaves a bit of a bitter taste, but one which is quickly replaced by a very pleasant combination of peppery herbs that lasts rather long. On the other hand, it was the acidity that can be credited for the wine’s refreshing character, and the excellent ability to pair with food.
As in all the other wines from their offer we had a chance to try, we also notice a clear terroir signature through moderate minerality that, along with the persistently acidic backbone, is one of the chief characteristics of Degrassi wines.
Best paired with: covers a wide palette of dishes, from Istrian and Dalmatian prosciutto, game meat salami, lasagna, pizza, chicken/turkey breasts in spice herbs.
Serving temperature: 16 to 18 ºC
Price: around 95 kuna
Source: Gastro.hr
For starters, we decided to go with the Bordeaux variety of Cabernet Franc that is not very much present in Croatia. The primary reason for this were the impressions gathered at the tasting of 2007 and 2008 vintages (the latter is still aging in the barrel, while 2007 is on the market, and in our opinion it is the best Cabernet Franc in Croatia). Both the wines we tasted were of exceptionally good quality and there will be time to review them both, but guided by curiosity, we still decided to go with an older wine that can still be found on the shelves of wine boutiques. This vintage was released onto the market before the entire portfolio of the winery underwent a “visual modernization” i.e. label redesign. The old label had a nice and discreet detail of oak leaves and barrels with the word “France”, as a sign that the wine aged in French oak. We think this was a much better selection than pointing out the word barrique.
Visually, this specimen is very airy and somehow gentle, but at the same time it is very much alive with a dominating ruby hue and low viscosity. The first nose is atypical and reminds of a combination of cheese (somewhat harsher aroma), dry twigs, leather and wine cellar. There is no trace of herbal character and certain fruitiness we were expecting. We decided to give it some time in the glass and this proved to be the right decision. After half an hour, the aroma settled, so it now had on equal grounds the dark berry fruits, sharpened pencils and leafy fern aromas. Just like on the nose, the light 12.6 percent of alcohol by volume agrees excellently with the light to medium full body, as well as vigor and freshness. The finish is in a green tone that in combination with somewhat pronounced acids leaves a bit of a bitter taste, but one which is quickly replaced by a very pleasant combination of peppery herbs that lasts rather long. On the other hand, it was the acidity that can be credited for the wine’s refreshing character, and the excellent ability to pair with food.
As in all the other wines from their offer we had a chance to try, we also notice a clear terroir signature through moderate minerality that, along with the persistently acidic backbone, is one of the chief characteristics of Degrassi wines.
Best paired with: covers a wide palette of dishes, from Istrian and Dalmatian prosciutto, game meat salami, lasagna, pizza, chicken/turkey breasts in spice herbs.
Serving temperature: 16 to 18 ºC
Price: around 95 kuna
Source: Gastro.hr
