This is the platter of food we were given (that's right no charge) when we visited Vin Alto vineyard in Clevedon a couple of weeks ago. We hadn't had this point even bought any wines.
When Gastronomie announced the theme for this months Wine Blogging Wednesday I thought it would be all too difficult to find a wine with production of less than 250 cases. Then I remembered, amongst the bottles we had bought at Vin Alto that day was an Amarone style wine. Maybe it was only made in small quantities. A quick phone call to Vin Alto and I was right. They only made 50 cases of the Retico 1999 .
It was ready for drinking so WBW became the excuse for opening it.
Eyes: Red with brick around the edges
Nose: Chocolate
Mouth: Soft tannins, a bit too much oak for me, but a nice hint of chocolate.
Verdict: Not bad for a New Zealand amarone style.
Vin Alto is open for wine tasting luncheons on the weekend. Check out the current menu. It's worth the drive out to the Clevedon hills as there are now several cellar doors open to the public. Margaret and Enzo at Vin Alto will make you feel like you're a family friend. Our last visit was only to taste wine but it is such a lovely dining room we are going back for lunch.
Thanks to Gastronomie for hosting this months Wine Blogging Wednesday. Drop by to see the final round up next week.
