Around the World: Part 2
Directions
Borders Schmorders
C’mon peeps. Let’s forget about what we can’t do and where we can’t go. Let’s put on our rosé coloured glasses and hit the VIRTUAL airport. The world is waiting…
World of Wine part 2: Isabella to Piquepoul
Isabella
First stop: USA! Not the famous Californian Napa Valley, nor bucolic Oregon – and certainly not the chilly Finger Lakes in upstate NY. We’re going deep south - to charming old South Carolina. This is the birthplace of Isabella - an intriguing hybrid of Vitis labrusca (the native American species) and vitis vinifera. Isabella makes light-bodied (sometimes semi-sweet) reds, with trademark strawberry flavours.
Though we’ll want to kick back on the porch and enjoy some famous southern hospitality and an Isabella or two – we can’t get too comfy. With its capacity for thriving in hot, marginal conditions, Isabella has successfully travelled to Brazil, Japan, India and even Bali. Taxi!!
Juhfark
Pronounced Yoo-fark. (Anyone caught sniggering can go and sit in economy.) Juhfark is a rare variety that grows on the slopes of an extinct volcano, in HUNGARY’s Somló region. After a glorious day exploring Budapest, we’ll amble across the historic Széchenyi Chain Bridge - to the Buda Castle district.
Down the stairs that lead from the remains of a 13th century Dominican Cloister, we’ll find the underground wine cellar that was carved from chalkstone in the middle ages – part of a labyrinthine escape route from the castle. By candlelight, we’ll sample a range of Hungarian delights, including the distinctive lemony, nutty, stone fruit and rhubarb notes of Juhfark.
Koshu
JAPAN in autumn is a glorious tessellation of crimson, russet and gold – as maples, elms, gingko and grapevines alike undergo their glamorous autumnal transformation.
Grapes arrived here from Europe a thousand years ago along the Silk Road, but it wasn’t until the late19th century that winemaking became a thing. Today, it’s a thriving industry, and the star turn is Koshu - an elegant, crisp and aromatic white that partners sensationally with Japanese cuisine. We’ll sample our Koshu in situ - framed by Mt Fuji and the Japanese Alps, in the beautiful Koshu Valley. Then hop on the express train to Tokyo and be back in our ryokan in time for Kaiseki!
Loureiro
The rain-washed north-west corner of PORTUGAL – way up near the Spanish border - is the home of Portugal’s famous Vinho Verde wines. The name translates as ‘green wine’, but the meaning is in fact ‘young wine’, and it refers to a range of light and youthful reds, whites, and rosés that are made specifically to be enjoyed in their youth.
Louriero is one of the major grapes used for white Vinho Verde, and boasts bright peach, ripe citrus and acacia blossom aromas, with soft pear and grapefruit flavours. Quick – the sun’s out. You grab the Louriero; I’ll get the Sardinhas Asadas and the Charred Occy. Delicioso!
Malvasia
This is fun: we’re staying in Portugal, AND we’re traveling overseas – to a tiny archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic. Although it’s closer to mainland Africa than to any part of its parent country, the Madeira Archipelago is an autonomous region of Portugal. Its largest and most populous island, also Madeira, is a lush little speck in the Atlantic - and the birthplace of the world’s longest-living wine. Madeira’s unique fortified owes much of its fame to Malvasia – the richest of the noble grape varieties that make this rich, sweet, unctuous wine.
Nerello Mascalese
Ringed by the sparkling Mediterranean, and only kilometres from the toe of Italy’s designer boot, gorgeous SICILY boasts beaches, coves and caves; rich history, cultural treasures and even an active volcano. What more could you want? Well, a little glass of something might be nice…
So meet your new favourite Sicilian: Nerello Mascalese - the rare red variety grown on the slopes of (the still active!) Mount Etna. With flavours of red fruit, spice and dried herbs, NM has the elegance of Pinot Noir and the explosive exuberance of Zinfandel. Pair it with pretty much any Sicilian dish - from Arancini to seared seafood or even barbecued steak. Delish? You’re not wrong, Nerello.
Öküzgözü
Ahhh… TURKEY. There can never be too many visits to Istanbul - the endlessly fascinating capital of 3 separate empires: Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman.
After lapping up its historic palaces, mosques and bazaars, we’ll treat ourselves to a boat trip up the Bosporus – where we’ll sit with one cheek in Asia, and the other in Europe. Back on shore, we’ll hit up the street vendors for spicy Köfte and Şiş Kebap washed down with a bright ruby red glass of Anatolia’s famous Öküzgözü.
Piquepoul
We must have been tipping the driver well because our magic travel machine has dropped us in the south of FRANCE. Specifically, the picture-perfect medieval town of Albi – birthplace of Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec; home to the gloriously gothic 13th century Sainte-Cécile Cathedral; and gateway to France’s biggest wine region: Languedoc. Or as it is correctly known these days; Occitanie.
When we’ve had our fill of Albi (and that may take some time), we’ll head toward to coast to the village of Pinet. With the breeze coming off the Golfe Du Lion, we’ll smash down a couple of dozen oysters with a glass or two of the local specialty – a full-bodied lemony lip-smacker known as Piquepoul de Pinet, while we plan the rest of our journey…