October 2024 – Wines of Central and Eastern Europe

1. Bohemia Sekt ‘Prestige’ Brut NV
Region/country: Moravia, Czech Republic
Grapes: Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Welschriesling
ABV: 13%
Bohemia Sekt Prestige Brut is a premium traditional-method sparkling wine, aged for 15–18 months on its lees. The cuvée is a unique combination of quality varietal wines from selected vineyards in southern Moravia. Rheinriesling (aka Riesling) gives the wine a rich aroma and spicy acidity, while Pinot Blanc supplies extractive notes on the palate and Welschriesling adds freshness. Bohemia Sekt Prestige brut has a unique sparkling appearance, an unmistakable flavour, a pleasant green-gold colour and fine, long-lasting bubbles.
Wines of Bohemia (online) £23

2. Tikveš Smederevka ‘Belo’ 2022
Region/country: Tikveš, Republic of North Macedonia
Grapes: 85% Smederevka, 15% Riesling
ABV: 14.5%
Smederevka is an indigenous variety native to the Tikveš area.
A pale lemon wine delivering tropical and stone fruit aromas underpinned by a streak of zesty citrus. Beautifully balanced on the palate with crisp and refreshing fruit flavours through to a clean, vibrant finish.
Hallgarten & Novum £8.57

3. Vachnadziani Winery, Kakheti, Qvevri Rkatsiteli, 2019
Region/country: Kakheti, Georgia
Grape Varieties – 100% Rkatsiteli
ABV 13%
A layered and complex wine, with green tea tones, dried orange peel and honeyed, toasty notes, leading to hints of beeswax on the palate. A powerful and focused wine, with wonderful depth through to a long finish.
Hallgarten & Novum £16.27

4. Viile Timisului ‘Solara’ Rose, 2022
Region/country: Viile Timisului, Romania
Grapes: 45% Merlot, 20% Fetească Neagră; 35% Others
ABV: 12%
This delicious rose wine from Cramele Recas in Romania is part of their natural-feel Solara range. Blending well-loved Merlot with the flagship Romanian grape Fetească Neagră, only the free run juice was used for this. The wine was lightly filtered and then directly bottled while fresh. Deep pink with purple touches in appearance, it shows intense notes of strawberry and cranberry on the nose. The palate is packed with crisp, fresh fruit; cherry, raspberry and strawberry. Crunchy acidity for a refreshing finish. Try with light and creamy pasta dishes, Thai red curry with tiger prawns, or with summer barbequed fish.
Symposium Lewes £10.75

5. Solara Orange, Orange Wine, 2022
Region/Country: Viile Timisului, Romania
Grape: Feteasca Alba, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Tamioasa Romaneasca
ABV:12.5%
The Cramele Recas Estate winery is owned by Englishman Philip Cox who runs the operation with his Romanian wife Elvira. The vineyard itself is located in incredible mountainous surroundings, forcing the duo to be constantly testing new techniques for grape growing and pushing the boundaries of innovation.  This orange wine offers an aromatic hit of apricot, peach and melon on the nose and has a lovely, deep, straw gold colour. On the palate there is more stone fruits and honey – yet delivers a crisp, refreshing finish. Completely organically created, this wine is also vegan friendly.
Seven Cellars, £13.50

6. Odessos, Cabernet Franc ‘Kavarna’ Single Vineyard, 2021
Region/country: Varna, Bulgaria
Grape: 100% Cabernet Franc
ABV: 13%
Harvested by hand in small crates, this Cabernet Franc undergoes a seven-day cold soak before spontaneous fermentation sets in. Following fermentation, the wine ages in Bulgarian oak barrels for eight months, followed by an additional eight months in stainless steel tanks, allowing for the seamless integration of oak aromas. The wine shines with a medium intensity and bright ruby colour. A classic Cabernet nose unfolds, offering herbal aromas of peppers alongside abundant cherry, blackcurrant, and a touch of cocoa. On the palate, juicy notes intertwine with a balanced density and acidity. Ripe cherries, chocolate, and subtle spices dance on the tongue, culminating in an impressive long, fresh finish.
Butler’s £24.50

7. Armas Aragatsotn, Karmrahyut 2015
Region/country: Aragatsotn Province, Armenia
Grape: 100% Karmrahyut
ABV 13%
A superb example of Karmrahyut, showing intense aromas of mature red fruits, rose petals
and spice which prelude a palate of pure energy. This powerful, full-bodied wine achieves
excellent balance with firm tannins and finishes on notes of honey, laurel and vanilla.
Hallgarten & Novum £13.58

8. Royal Tokaji, Late Harvest Tokaji 2018
Region/Country: Tokaj, Hungary
Grapes: Furmint, Hárslevelü, Muscat
ABV: 12%
Renowned for its incredible range of sweet wines, Royal Tokaji has become one of the most important names in the wine world. This wine’s sweetness is achieved by allowing the grapes extended ripening time on the vine, increasing their sugar content. Expect rich notes of ripe peach, exotic fruits and blossom. It has the perfect balance of honeyed sweetness and fresh acidity, making a great pairing for fruit tarts, baklava, or ripe blue cheese.
Geek fact – the wine is Tokaji, the region is Tokaj.
Majestic £13.99 per 50cl (mix six)

The wines were accompanied by a selection of cheeses, crackers, breadsticks, charcuterie (including Polish sausage), olives, pate, dried fruits and madeleines.

The wine of the evening, as voted for by the group, was the Armenian red (7), closely followed by wines 3, 6 and 8.  The rose was widely felt to be slightly disappointing.