Ingrid and Weinviertal
Weinviertal or “wine quarter”, is Austria’s largest wine region. It is situated at the far northeastern part of Austria, bordering the Czech Republic in the north and Slovakia to the east. It is a beautiful area with neat villages and picture postcard vineyards. It is also known for the hundreds of metres of cellars that run underground called “Kellergrassen”. The region’s most famous grape variety – Gruner Veltliner is king here and is characterized by its zesty flavours, delicate aromas and tart acidity.
After a slightly dodgy wine scandal (it’s worth a google if you don’t know the story) in the 80’s, Austria has seemingly recovered fully because it is now one of the most exciting wine producing countries in the world.
Ingrid Groiss describes herself as passionate, emotional and determined. It pretty much says it all about Ingrid and are the sort of character traits we would expect to find in a young wine maker, who modernised their parent’s winery. Having lived the corporate life with Coca-Cola in her younger years, Ingrid returned to her wine making roots in Weinviertel and set about producing fantastic wines from the vineyards her Grandmother had planted some 50 years ago. Ingrid’s wines have a great purity to them and the complexity of her Gruner Veltliners are quite amazing. The wines are all certified organic since the 2019 vintage and they get better with every vintage. We are all such big fans of Ingrid and her wines. It’s a real pleasure being an importer and supplier of such a dynamic winemaker.
Fernando de Castilla Antique Palo Cortado NV 50cl
Fernando de Castilla’s Antique Palo Cortado is one of the greatest expressions of Sherry available. It starts its life as a Fino or Amontillado, aged under flor which disappears for some unexplained reason. The Sherry continues to develop under oxygen as an Oloroso before being fortified to 20% abv. The resulting Sherry is complex and has elements of both an Amontillado (tangy nuttiness) and an Oloroso (smoky richness). It is a rare and unique expression that only accounts for 2% max of Sherry production.
Bodegas Fernando de Castilla, founded in 1972, is a relatively young Bodegas which was created by Fernando Andrada-Vanderwilde. Fernando took over some old sherry and brandy soleras from a couple of local bodegas with the intention of producing the finest Brandy in Spain. He named the Bodegas after King Fernando de Castilla “The Saint” who conquered much of Andalusia in the 13th Century. In 1999 Jan Pettersen, a Norwegian with 15 years’ experience at Osborne, bought the company and continues to produce some of Spain’s finest Brandy alongside high quality, complex Sherries. They are widely regarded as one of Sherries best independent producers.
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