Our 2014 route across Europe took us through many exciting wine-producing regions.
Starting with the Pelesac Peninsula (Plavac Mali grapes), Korcula (Grk) and
Istria (Malvasia and Refosco grapes) in
Croatia, we cycled through the Postravje Region of Slovenia (Laski Rizling
grapes). Then the southern Styria or Steiermark (Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay
and Welschriesling) and Wachau/Krems (Riesling and Gruner Veltliner) regions of
Austria, and the Baden in Germany. Wobbling west from the Rhine, we went through
the south of Alsace (Riesling, Pino Gris, Gewürztraminer and Sylvaner), Burgundy
(Pinot Noir and Chardonnay) and finally the length of the Loire (Sauvignon
Blanc, then Cabernet Franc and its renowned Chenin Blanc).
This time we we be slightly further north, but again in interesting wine-producing regions.
This time we we be slightly further north, but again in interesting wine-producing regions.
Jenny
has a particular interest in food and wine. She has done sommelier courses, has
a discerning palate, enjoys formal wine tastings and is concerned about the
qualities of the wine. Ian is a quaffer, drinks 3/4 of the bottle to Jenny's
1/4, and is concerned about the price.
The
various scales for assessing wine (points out of 20 or 100) are useful for
formal tastings, competitions and marketing. However, only the top half of the
scale is ever really used. 60% for university maths is pretty good; 60% on the
wine scales is downright poor. So for a bit of fun and to keep things simple
while traveling, we have our own scale out of 10 - the "Wobbling Winos
Scale". Even Blake Edwards could only manage a top score of 10 for a far
more complex and interesting subject.
WW
Scale:
- Not fit for human consumption. Better as a drain-cleaner or weapon of mass destruction.
- Bloody awful. Can use as mouthwash or to mark your territory.
- Nasty. Suitable only for students or serve to relatives you do not particularly want to see again.
- It's redeeming feature is that it is wet. Reserved for quenching thirst or emulsifying fatty food when nothing else available.
- Acceptable as a mid-week quaffer. Pleasant, but unmemorable.
- Enjoyable with friends. Enhances food. Balanced, with some structure and length, but won't cycle up a mountain to buy another bottle.
- Very good. Would cycle up a mountain to buy another bottle. Enjoyable even without friends. Has character; good nose, mid-palate and finish.
- Excellent. A great example of its style. A wine worth discussing and telling people about.
- Outstanding. A wonderful experience. Ticks all the boxes: fruit, acidity, balance, elegance, structure, length etc. A standing ovation for the winemaker.
- Absolute perfection. Words don't do it justice, so don't try - just savor the moment.
