Whilst for most of us 2017 has kicked off with headline grabbing events such as Brexit developments and the inauguration of Donald Trump, it also heralds the start of the “wine season”. The new vintage for Southern Hemisphere wines is upon us along with the relentless start of trade tastings and fairs where we get to see what a particular country or region has to offer.
After a lean and dry-ish January , the middle of February tends to usher in a renewed resumption of eating and drinking to coincide with birthdays/valentines day/any excuse to enjoy our two passions: food and wine. Valentines day and birthdays call for a fizz, and both in my case were made that bit more special by drinking a glass or two of Ikon. It is great to think that as a country we can make a delicate crafted sparkling wine that truly rivals any Champagne.
It is at this time that we begin to take note of vintages on white wines. From New Zealand, Australia, Chile and Argentina, expect the whites to already be 2016 vintage for freshness and vibrancy. From Europe expect to start drinking the 2016 vintage this Spring. At wine minds we like our wines to be fresh and vibrant as we try to shake off the winter warming food and move towards, lighter, spring like, cuisine even if it isn’t necessarily accompanied by milder weather, it still feels good for the soul. Roasted vegetables with lamb, salmon and chicken dishes tend to be on the menu accompanied by dry rose, aromatic whites or delicate reds.
Wine minds will be back to you again in March where we will bring you all the news about the Spanish wine Fair in London and the Prowein trade Fair in Germany where we get to show Ikon to other markets as well as news and views on London.