Cool Change

The summer weather has been superb and indeed a little too warm for full-bodied red wines, so we took our time to cool down. Dinner with the Rhythmic Couple as the sun went down with a corresponding drop in temperature meant we could consider the hearty reds.

The mandatory starter white was a 2002 Schlumberger ‘Princes Abbes’ Alsace Riesling. On the verge of falling over with the tell-tale signs of oxidation hinting, but with a delicious honied character which saved the day. Very good for really what is the base-level wine, but the quality of the variety came through.

Main courses ordered and about to arrive, a sirloin steak was headed my way. The Rhythmic Couple had brought back from Italy a wine that appealed to them, a 2009 Marino ‘Proclamo’ Cilento Aglianico Riserva 2009. Nearly black as black, aromas of fennel, aniseed and liquorice abounded on a fulsome and structured palate. Sweet fruit countered by dry structure, and a real mouthful. I picked up a little TCA cork taint, but it was pretty faint, and some funky game notes gave me suspicions of brett. But no-one else saw these, including SWMBO, who is strong on such matters. A surprising 15.0% alc. on the label, but totally unobtrusive.

The final wine was a 2006 Prunotto Barolo. A lovely elegant wine that especially appealed to SWMBO. But tight and reserved for me. This had all the classic dried roses and tarry notes, with sweet herbs, all cut by good acid. Tannins were a feature, but not fearsome, as can be the case, but then Prunotto are modern at being traditionalists.

The Rhythmic Couple are always treating us, so it was a cool change to cover the cost of their meals. And we shared some interesting and satisfying wines on the way.