90
2016 Nord Est Vermentino, Sardinia
£8.99, 12.5%, Co-op; Majestic; Wine Rack; Berry Bros; Wine Rack; Wimbledon Wine Cellars; Cambridge Wine Merchant;
Vermentino is one of the great Mediterranean white grapes, retaining acidity when other varieties have gone as soft as a tired mattress. This lovely unoaked example has notes of lemon peel and aromatic herbs with good weight and texture and classic Vermentino crunch.
Available from (as of date of review): Co-op; Majestic; Wine Rack; Berry Bros; Wine Rack; Wimbledon Wine Cellars; Cambridge Wine Merchant;
Drinking window: 2018-19
85
2012 Cooperatiu agricola Gariguella, Puntils, Emporda, Empordà
€4, 13.5%,
Combining Tempranillo, Garnatxa and Merlot, this is a grassy, strawberry-scented red with refreshing acidity. It’s a little developed perhaps, but at €4 who’s complaining?
Available from (as of date of review):
84
2008 Vinícola del Nordest, Anubis Reserva, Empordà, Empordà
€14, 15%,
A high-toned blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon with plenty of structure and tannin. Not the subtlest wine in the world, with flavours that are starting to turn a little pruney. Pricey, too.
Available from (as of date of review):
84
2012 Coop Agricola Garriguella, Essència de Gerisena, Emporda, Empordà
€7, 16.5%,
Youthful, fortified Muscat showing a hint of spirit and floral, grapey fruit flavours. An easy-drinking, dessert style that would work well as an aperitif.
Available from (as of date of review):
83
2012 Mas Romeu, Malesa Rosat, Emporda , Empordà
€10, 12.5%,
A pale-coloured rosado with marked acidity, slightly lacking in concentration with a touch of oxidation and a bitter finish. Needs more weight and fruit.
Available from (as of date of review):
83
2009 Celler Brugarol, Bell Lloc, Empordà , Empordà
€16, 13.5%,
A different blend and a different vintage, showing some reduction, a touch of sweet oak, medium weight tannins and refreshing acidity. Once more, I’d like more fruit and weight on the palate.
Available from (as of date of review):
83
2010 Can Sais, Selecció, Baix Empordà , Empordà
€15, 15%,
A Merlot, Grenache and Tempranillo blend showing some reduction and slightly baked, extracted aromas and flavours. A little chewy and dry, this is a wine that needs more fruit sweetness for balance.
Available from (as of date of review):
85
2012 Fitó, Mas Romeu, Emporda, Empordà
€12, 12%,
A rare Emporda Chardonnay, with only 500 bottles made. Banana notes, with some vanilla and custard cream and good acidity, with an undertone of wild mushroom. Well made, but why produce Chardonnay here?
Available from (as of date of review):
84
2012 Clos de les Dòmines Reserva, Celler Cooperatiu Espolla, Emporda, Empordà
€9, 13.5%,
An oak-fermented blend of Ganatxa Blanca, Cariñena Blanca and Muscat from one of the region’s better co-ops. The oak is quite assertive here, with some marmalade-like notes from the Muscat and a bitter finish.
Available from (as of date of review):
84
2012 Nivia, Mas Llunes, Emporda , Empordà
€7.50, 13.5%,
A pure Garnatxa Blanca that is still showing its oaky shell. Savoury/sweet with assertive, toasty oak and some bitterness. Decently made, but the oak seems a little too intrusive, at least for now.
Available from (as of date of review):