Chimay Belgian Ale

Haven't had one of these in a long time. Brought back memories of my Dad and I enjoying Belgian ales at the Richmond Arms in Houston when I lived there in the early 1990's. He would fly in for a brief visit and it was great catching up. 👍🍺

Paired nicely with grilled pork chops followed by Belgian chocolate for dessert...

NV Ciro Picariello Brut Contadino

 Initial impression is that I would enjoy this more as an Extra Brut, but who am I question a master of Fiano? 

2013 Marcel Deiss Cru d'Alsace Rotenberg

 12.5% abv

Produced from a co-plantation of Riesling, Pinot Gris and a bit of Muscat.

Beautiful pineapple-ly and pear fruit upfront, attractive fruit nose, nice pithy midpalate heading into decent, but somewhat of a clipped finish, lacking in complexity. I love the field blend approach of Marcel Deiss wines.

 

Overall a very enjoyable bottle paired with chicken and sausage jambalaya. 

2015 George Laval Brut Nature Les Chênes

 Wound tight as a drum now. Painfully young, this needs at least another 5 years to show well, preferably 7 to 10 years. Beautiful floral fruit burst upon uncorking the bottle, then things shut down. Chisled chalky minerality (no dosage) frames the potential of this Blanc de Blancs. Elusive peeks of the future as it warms in the glass. Will post day 2 notes tomorrow.

 

Day 2 notes (16 January 2022) on the 2015 George Laval Brut Nature BdB Les Chênes. Still quite austere and unyielding. Recalls to mind a phrase that I believe Donald Pennet (Champagne connoisseur and Michelin-starred chef) put forth "...sacrificed at the altar of no dosage..." , or something to that effect.

Lots of snow today. Optimal time to catch up by the fireside on the new McCartney tome...

Fun evening with Ruth & Jim at Bulla Gastrobar

2015 Marguet Ambonnay Grand Cru
Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
Disgorged September 2020
Zero dosage

Nicely balanced wine with citrusy attack backed by plum underpinnings. Good lift and freshness with a fine mousse and lively acidity. Paired with ...

Tapas
Albóndigas - pork + beef meatballs, Manchego, tomate frito
Ham croquetas - serrano ham + fig jelly
Chorizo stuffed dates - Medjool dates, house made chorizo, Manchego, wrapped in bacon, accompanied by arugula + onion salad

Pintxos
Cumin marinated pork loin skewers, mojo verde, greek yogurt,  rustic bread




2009 Lopez de Heredia Vina Tondonia Blanco Reserva
90% Viura
10% Malvasìa Riojana
+60 year old vines

A lighter vintage of Tondonia Blanco....  shy nose (no petrol accents). Typical palate of pear + quince + marzipan complemented by subtle salinity / chalkiness on a pleasing finish.

Paired with ...
Paella Mixta - Calamari, clams, shrimp, chicken, chorizo, sofrito de calamar, saffron
... and then churros con chocolate for dessert.... along with excellent cappuccino..

NV Champagne Jacquesson • Extra-Brut Cuvée No. 738 Dégorgement Tardif

 Jacquesson 738 Degorgement Tardif (2010 base?)... disgorged Juin 2019, Dosage 0.75 g/l

My first experience with Jacquesson DT cuvee. Sort of an incomplete wine with deep vinosity, but quite lacking in balance, freshness, lift and elegant salinity.  Finish is a bit harsh. Not undrinkable, just meh...

New Years Day, 2022

 

NV Guiborat Prisme 25 Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs 
Very pleasing BdB at a reasonable price. Paired nicely with spicy calamari and tuna poke.



2019 Giuseppe Quintarelli Bianco Secco Cá del Merlo 
What can I say about this intricate blend of Garganega, Trebbiano Toscano, Savignon Blanco, Chardonnay and Saorin from 30 year old vines grown on limestone and basalt that hasn't been said before?  The nose is priceless...
Paired nicely with crab cakes....



... thanks to @"Mark Scudiery" for introducing me to Quintarelli wines years ago 👍😊