The descriptor "salty" is the hottest buzzword in the world of wine today. Often used by sommeliers or seen in professional tasting notes. This new flavor in wine is natural and something we like as it adds another mineral complexity. We assure you that no winemaker is adding salt during vinification and doing the Salt Bae move […]
Weekend Wine Playlist One
Written by Sommelier Ian Santos, Artwork by Bianca Juani
We decided to reach out to three of our Sommelier friends to help us make our weekend drinking celebratory yet affordable since we need it especially in times like this. Think of this collaboration like the amazing duo Bruno Mars and Anderson Paak of Silk Sonic. For this weekend, our wine playlist one is from Sommelier Ian of Xomm Wines.
For many, 2020 has become a long never-ending week. We work so much to get through this pandemic that the next thing we know, it is Monday again! “What day is it?” has become a common refrain. Getting through the week can be quite challenging, and I cannot think of a better way to make the days go faster than planning which wines to drink for the weekend. Having some wines may help remind you what day it is.
The options are endless, but here are my picks at 970 peso or less.
Pandolfi Price Larkün Riesling 2017
₱970
Choosing a wine to start the weekend can be crucial. It will set your mood for the coming days. Make sure to go for something easy. Do not make it too hard for yourself, it is Friday after all.
We start off with a bottle of Pandolfi Price Larkün Riesling. An elegant white wine with notes of pineapple, petrol, lemon, and wild herbs. Lovely and crisp on the palate. Get some crackers, Brillat-Savarin from Bow Tie Duck, and you are off to a good start.
Viña Zorzal Graciano 2018
₱790
Saturday, the day when grills are usually hot and uncorked our go-to classic barbecue wines. I opt for something unique such as Viña Zorzal Graciano.
Graciano is often a blending grape to Rioja wines but here in Navarra region where it grows equally or better. The local winemakers want to highlight the character hence producing a monovarietal wine. This bottle is smooth with aromas of ripe blackberries, black cherries, spice, cassis and cedar notes. Followed by soft tannins, medium body, hint of herbs, minerality and long finish on the palate. This goes well with chorizo, beef brisket and liempo. Great value for money and a good intro of the native grape.
Beaumont Chenin Blanc 2020
₱870
Sunday calls for a glass of mimosa, but for now, we can ditch the OJ and go for some nice dry white wine. I recommend the Beaumont Chenin Blanc. This is a vibrant zesty wine with notes of honeysuckle, lemon, white peach, and apricot blossoms. A well-balanced wine with zingy acidity that makes it perfect for the summer seafood fare with the family. Think raw Aklan oyster, smoked salmon salad and halabos na hipon. Happy Sunday.
