Glass bottles be gone? Also, the glory of Priorat.

Year 12, No. 06

Jul 28, 2022

Greetings,

I won't lie, it's been hot, but it's been a great deal worse for others across Iberia, France, and even the UK which saw a "healthy" blast of heat because of this 'split jet stream' which I don't like the sound of at all. But, as we're hoping for a cooler (or at least saner?) August, let's have a look at what's been going on.

The lead Essay in this newsletter is on alternative bottle formats (*). Yes, I know, yawn, yawn, boring... but as there's a push by a certain segment to ditch glass in favor of lighter materials like plastic, there's a conversation that needs to be had lest we make things a great deal worse!

Then we have a look at some of my favorite wines with the annual DOQ Priorat report that's now out. It was delayed as winemakers are having to deal with countless insanities, but in the end there are some great wines this time around from what's appearing to be another "sleeper" vintage. Also, I take an extensive look at some exciting wines from the island of Vis, Croatia.

A fine time was had at what is now the annual Festival Gastronòmic (*) of Corpinnat. In the Canary Islands, single-vineyard certifications are now a thing. The regional legal issues are still a problem in Valencia. And lastly we take a look at Domaine Bila-Haut, Rhône juggernaut M. Chapoutier's project in Roussillon.

See you again once summer's passed!

Drink well, be well.

-Miquel

* articles are free to read

FEATURED ESSAY

The hidden truth about alternate wine bottles *

You're seeing them more and more on social media, wine bottles that aren't made from glass. Various new formats from plastic pouches, to paper, and plant fiber have been appearing. But, are they actually better for the environment than traditional glass bottles?

FEATURED ARTICLE

Revisiting the island wines of Vis, Croatia

Vis is unique island in a country that lays claims to over 1,000 of them along the Adriatic Coast. Here I revisit the wines from the main producers of this remote place.

REGIONAL REPORT

DOQ Priorat 2022

The most comprehensive annual tasting of the wines from DOQ Priorat. The current situation of winemaking is looked at as well as what producers are up against and how the vintages are stacking up as well as the Tasting Report with nearly 150 wines.

AND NOW THIS

Festival Gastronòmic II! *

Single vineyard Canaries

Bila-Haut of Roussillon

IN THE GLASS

Ferrer Bobet Vinyes Velles 2018

Making the most out of a tough vintage in DOQ Priorat, this wine from famed producer, Ferrer Bobet shows serious winemaking chops.

Very light, dried raspberry and red forest berries with a light touch of red peppercorn, black tea leaf, thyme, dried rose petal, and toasted citrus peel. Barrel notes still a touch pronounced, but fruit nicely developed behind them showing potential for ageing and gaining complexity.