Author: Andrew Stark

Did You Know… Sauvignon Blanc is the “Mother” of Cabernet Sauvignon?

Posted on by Andrew Stark

It may come as a surprise that one of the world’s most revered black grapes originated via a chance crossing of another black grape – Cabernet Franc – and the white grape – Sauvignon Blanc. This is believed to have occurred in South-West France some time during the 17th century. Whilst miles apart in colour, you can though find some aromatic and flavour compounds which link these two together – most notably the herbaceous and chopped green bell pepper bouquet and taste – particularly in cooler climate examples. And Cabernet Franc come across more like a restrained, unplugged, or “acoustic” version, of the mighty and tannic structured son Cabernet Sauvignon. 

Wright Wine Company recommends:

  • Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, Mayfly                                     2017    13.0%  £10.00
  • Saumur Champigny, Tuffe, Château du Hureau, ORGANIC          2015    13.0%  £14.50
  • Cabernet Sauvignon, Montes Alpha, Colchagua Valley, Montes   2014    14.0%  £14.00
Cabernet Sauvignon
Sauvignon Blanc

What links Bourbon, Sherry and Scotch Whisky?

Posted on by Andrew Stark

Did You Know? #1

The American whiskey Bourbon is required by law to be aged for at least two years in brand new, heavily charred American oak barrels (please see picture), which contributes to the deep colour and rich, vanilla and caramel notes.

The Scotch Whisky industry then imports used Bourbon barrels to age their own whisky as they have mellowed through both the production and ageing process in America to a state which they are considered suitable for Scotch maturation. However, many distilleries also combine these barrels by aging in old Oloroso Sherry casks – or butts – which contribute a nutty liqueur like quality to the Scotch. This tripartite arrangement and recipe is a universal practice throughout most of the Scotch whisky industry and contributes to both the style and complexity of their unique spirit.

Wright Wine (and Whisk(e)y) recommends:

  • Colonel E H Taylor, Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon
  • Glenfarclas 17yo Single Malt Whisky (Sherry)
  • Glen Scotia 18yo, Single Malt Whisky (Bourbon)

Mackmyra Swedish Whisky

Posted on by Andrew Stark

On Saturday 15th December, we welcomed good friend Alex from Mackmyra whisky. Alex was with us most of the day telling customers all about the wonderful distillery of which we’re big fans.

For those of you not in the know, Mackmyra distillery is named after the Swedish village of the same name. The distillery was formed by eight friends who met up in a log cabin each year for a ski trip. Each friend would bring a bottle of whisky for the trip – and eventually, they decided to make their own.

Mackmyra is a great story of friends but also provenance – all the ingredients they use (except the yeast I believe) is from just 75 mile radius of the distillery – making it a true product of the country and region. As well as traditional bourbon casks, they use Swedish oak. Even the stopper in the bottle is Swedish.

Here’s the whiskies;

MACK by Mackmyra – 40% abv

Their new entry-level bottling is a flavourful whisky with a bright, fresh character and notes of vanilla, pear and citrus.
Mackmyra openly admit that they have added caramel colouring.

 

 

 

BRUCKSWHISKY – 41.4% abv

Mackmyra Brukswhisky has a balanced character with fruits and butterscotch. The nose is clean and young, with light, spicy, notes of Swedish peat and juniper. Clear fruitiness with butterscotch, citrus and pear. Prominent notes are liquorice and mint.

The palate is fruity and slightly smoky while the aftertaste is fruity and slightly spicy.

 

 

SVENSK EK – 46.1% abv

Svensk Ek has a spicy character giving notes of sandalwood, dried ginger, black pepper, roasted oak barrel and herbs to our whisky. These spicy characteristics are complemented by fruity undertones with hints of vanilla and toffee from oak barrels, previously used to age Bourbon.

 

 

SVENSK RöK – 46.1% abv

Svensk Rök (Swedish Smoke) is the only smoky single malt whisky made on Swedish ingredients only.

The aroma is slightly smoky and spicy, with a much smokier flavor and peaty juniper notes. Together, the flavors unites in a quite unique Swedish flavor.

 

 

Others we tried were Mackmyra Skördetid (meaning ‘Harvest time’) which is matured in an Amarone cask and Mackmyra Ten Years.

To see our Mackmyra range, click here.

Visit Mackmyra website here

Yorkshire Dales Distillery, In-Store Tasting

Posted on by Andrew Stark

On Saturday we welcomed Andy from Yorkshire Dales Distillery who provided some hands-on expertise and free tasting throughout the afternoon.

When we can, we like to invite suppliers in to give our customers something different. It helps to showcase a product (the free tastings help) but also you get to hear directly from the producer – with all their knowledge, experience and passion.

Andy, brought along a great range for us and customers to try – and it resulted in a really successful day for them and for us;

Purple Ram Gin

40% abv, London Dry Gin

Exceptionally smooth, quadruple distilled and 100% vapour infused through select Yorkshire botanicals, including artisan local honey. A sweet nose of spicy orange, a smooth citrus palate and a balanced juniper finish.  Smells fantastic.

Wild Ram Gin

45% abv, London Dry Gin

Smooth, strong and warm.  Quadruple distilled and 100% vapour infused through select Yorkshire berries and heather flowers.  A red fruit and juniper nose, a balanced redcurrant palate with a mellow finish of warming strawberry.

Dessert Ram Gin

50% abv. London Dry Gin – ‘Army Strength’

Strong and smooth, quadruple distilled and 100% vapour infused through North African and Middle Eastern botanicals.  A minty juniper nose, a warm orange palate and a long spicy finish with a touch of strawberry.

Smokey Ram Vodka

40% abv. Golden Yorkshire Rum

Exceptionally smooth, quadruple distilled and 100% vapour infused through Yorkshire hay smoked black peppercorns.  Pure with a light smokey nose, a peppery sweet palate and a dry finish with grain notes.

Intrepid Ram Rum

45% abv. Golden Yorkshire Rum

Smooth Caribbean spirit, quadruple distilled and oak aged at Yorkshire Dales Distillery.  100% vapour infused with Yorkshire honey and heather.  A bold oak and vanilla nose, a demerara and spice palate with a velvet chocolate finish – and completely sold out on the day!!

 

All in all, it was a great day with Andy’s car being a touch lighter on his way home than it was on his way to us. Big thanks to all at Yorkshire Dales Distillery. Why not pop in and see what range we have in stock!