Kellye Robertson, head brewer at Dartmouth’s all-lager brewery, Spindrift, has created a modern version of the German Schwarzbier. Using 7 specialty malts to amp up the body, the result is a complex nose and aroma: notes of dark bread crusts, dark fruit, toasted nuts, ash and cacao swirl together on a lean, light-bodied black brew. Overall, the crisp, clean sip is effortlessly integrated.
Located in the heart of Provence, the Coteaux Varois en Provence appellation includes 28 communes around the town of Brignoles, between the Sainte-Baume Mountain in the south and the Bessillons Mountains in the north. There are 2500Ha, and soils are predominantly limestone. Marked by its mountainous landscape, peaks rise from 600 to 1000m, offering many slopes and variation of terroir. This is a blend of bone dry Syrah and Cinsault, lean and streamlined with salted scrubby herbs, wild raspberries, strawberries, and cherries. Acidity is pink grapefruit pithy and bright, and there is a wash of salts that liven the gently cushioned palate and linger on. Lovely savoury and charming rosé, equally serious and smashable.
Deep fruit scents are accented by spicy cinnamon and peppery notes with slightly tart plum and cherry flavours, youthful acidity and dry tannic grip. Give it another 2 to 3 years in the cellar.
This is everything I want from a Dolcetto and more. Vibrant crunchy red plum with mouth-watering acidity and moderate chalky tannins with a savoury finish. A bottle that could easily become my daily house wine. A great partner for pizza margherita or my favourite, pasta all’Amatriciana.
Up front stone fruit and tropical notes followed by a gently off-dry palate of citrus, peach and grapefruit, with a juicy refreshing note through the close and a touch of minerality.
When I looked at the price I thought at first it was a misprint. It’s straw-coloured with a mature, high-toned nose of apple and toasty oak; on the palate it’s dry, nutty and toasty, with apple and pineapple flavours. What’s impressive for the price is its full-bodied, voluptuous mouthfeel and concentration of flavour.
Firm and structured with red fruit, stone fruit and herbal flavours, fresh with bright acidity and lightly tannic on the finish. Begs for food and likely has the versatility and structure to accompany a broad range of meat dishes.