Today — THIS FINE DAY — we find ourselves in the midst of the final week of Isaac’s little journey of self discovery in Europe, and as such, we’re almost ready to return to our regularly scheduled programming.
WHAT TO EXPECT…
• This week: 2 great bottles to try, hand selected by none other than Tannic Panic’s finest Zach (an excellent vintage).
• Next week: A special guest post whilst we [Isaac & Zach] power-study for & take our wonderful little WSET L3 exam (WISH US LUCK)
• NEXT-next week: Tannic Panic’s triumphant return to “normalcy”
*With a bonus post chock-full of European travel & wine recommendations somewhere along the way*
WITHOUT FURTHER ADO — a little background on this week’s bottles.
One of these puppies hails from Madiran (France), and the other from Priorat, which you may recall from prior ramblings.
The underrated little wine region of Madiran AOC is nestled at the foot of the great Pyrenees Mountains in the South West of France. Madiran is known for robust, full-bodied red wines made primarily from the Tannat grape (and often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot or Cabernet Franc). Tannat is arguably the most tannic grape variety in the universe (but don’t panic, these are the “good kind”).
DID YOU KNOW… Madiran wines have “earned” the title of "the healthiest red wines" globally, thanks to their remarkably high procyanidin levels, which are found abundantly in Tannat grapes, and believed to be a boon for cardiovascular health. Additionally, the humble juice of Madiran has unprecedented aging potential (like you, after imbibing some).
Profile: Cassis, black cherry, black plum, cedar, grilled herbs, tobacco, mocha and chalky minerals
You’re gonna go mad for this Madiran! LOL! Rich black fruits, cedar, tobacco, oak spices and chalky minerals (the good kind!) pave the way for a layered and bold wine that will never leave you wanting for flavor (LIKE ME!). A powerful, full-bodied blend, with strong, but well-integrated tannins.
93 points.
ALTERNATIVE: Can’t find this bottle or just want something cheaper? Try this one instead! [And be sure let us know how it compares with our notes!]
Next, we MOSEY about 300 miles south across the Spanish border and into the Catalunya region of northeastern Spain to sample the humble, yet prestigious red wine of Priorat. Characterized by a rugged landscape of steep, terraced vineyards adorned with vibrant "llicorella soils” (red slate & sparkly little bits of mica), Priorat's red wines are made primarily from gnarly, ancient Garnacha (Grenache) and Cariñena (Carignan) vines that cling for dear life to the rocky, red earth in search of nutrients.
The scarcity of nutrients in the soil, combined with the llicorella soil’s ability to reflect the sun's rays yields concentrated ripe grapes, resulting powerful red wines with intense black and red fruit and rustic minerality. Many Priorat red blends (like the one we are about to imbibe) are blends of Garnacha with international varieties such as Merlot, Syrah, and/or Cabernet Sauvignon.
Profile: Blackberry, baked strawberry, red plum, grilled bread, game, leather, licorice and cocoa powder
This heavy hitter delivers rich black and red fruit flavors, with nuances of grilled bread, some gamey notes, leather and spice. Even a dash of cocoa powder for you chocolate fans. Very well balanced with an incredibly long finish. Slurp slurp.
94 points.
ALTERNATIVE: Can’t find this bottle or just want something cheaper? Try this one instead! [And be sure let us know how it compares with our notes!]
Now get out there and start drinking — YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT.
Until next time, happy drinking people.
Cheers,
Zach & Isaac
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Humble, yet prestigious...