How about a warmer version of Ice wine? -1

The dried grapes ready to contribute to the makings of Amarone!

If you have read my previous post about ice wine, and love concentrated versions of this wonderfully creation (i.e. our beloved wine), here's something else you just might be interested to know about!

And Yesss, i present the Straw wine. Oh, what a name you might think! But let not the name dampen your heightened desires to drink it. Nope, it's not gonna taste like straw, or even smell like one. A warmer version of ice wine might just be the phrase I would gladly attach to it.

Straw wine, or else better known as raisin wine, holds a rather similar fate as our beloved ice wine. Being made from grapes that have been dried in order to concentrate its juice, you bet you're in for another sweetalicious treat. And yes if you're thinking this sounds a bit like ice wine processed in warmer climates, you're right! As for the attaching of this rather weird name, that you probably still can't figure out why it was ever named after, here's some enlightening. The classic method of processing this unique wine starts with drying clusters of grapes on mats of straw in the sun, though some other regions do dry them slightly differently like drying them under cover, hanging the grapes or even replacing the straws with modern racks nowadays. Not neglecting the recognition of its homeland, straw wines are mostly produced in Northern Italy and the French Alps. However, as per any other of its cousins, you should expect other areas to come out with more and more experimentation of producing this brother of ice wine.

Having the similar process as producing ice wine, it should naturally bring you into realization the labour intensive and low yields production straw wine has!And so needless to comment further, the higher price you will see yourself paying! But as per any other great wines of the world, you know it's always worth experimenting the fine works around, don't you agree?

Another area of straw wine I would find it worth mentioning would be the different diversification it holds. This being broadly categorized, its growth into either a dry red wine (Amarone della Valpolicella) or a sweet red wine (Recioto della Valpolicella) specifically in the region of Verona. Care to know more about the childhoods of Amarone and Recioto? Stay tuned as I bring to you "How about a warmer version of Ice wine? - 2".

Oh and before I end this post, how about adding a few new terms to your wine index. Here's presenting the various names of straw wine in the respective regions:

• Vin de Paille - France
• Strohwein - Germany/Austria
• Passito (Generic name) - Italy

Till then, let me toast to you a marvelicious glass of Recioto to end off our night with sweetness! *Cheers*

P.S The above information is gathered from the following:
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Straw_wine
- http://z.about.com/d/italianfood/1/0/y/A/201.jpg - Picture
- http://amarone.mangibene.com/ - Picture

An Australian wine review to share...

Very unlike my style to blog about an australian wine. However, since I came across this particular bottle of Australian red, why not share my experience ya?

A rather unique description was actually attached to this bottle as follows:
"Serpico was a famous NY police officer in the 70's who wasn't afraid to "work against the grain" and in doing so exposed the immense depth of police corruption in the era. With Mitolo Serpico we aim to step outside out peers and redefine the accepted style of Australian wine."

Hmm...so what has been stirred within you after reading the description? Will it be a bottle that will be able to get your curiosity aroused? If you're still in the midst of your hestiation, allow me to being you through some insights (probably biased insights though)...

A 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon McLaren Vale-thin in texture. However, I wouldn't see it as a good thing here because what was brought along with the thin texture, was a superficial finish. No in depth emotions was found. The mild spice that landed on my taste-buds subsided and left me like in a split-second moment. Savouring it seems like an unexpected request to be made. All in all, the tannin while light enough to serve for casual chit-chats, it just didn't meet the standard to add colours to the session.

Here's more information should you wish to know more about it:

Mitolo
Serpico
2004
Cabernet Sauvignon
McLaren Vale

Produced by Mitolo Wines
CNR of Angle Vale Road
Johns Road Virginia,
South Australia 5120
www.mitolowines.com.au

Produce of Australia
Preservative (220) added
15.0% alc/vol
approx 8.9 standard drinks

Audendum defendere fides tuas
nonque conformandum plebi est
750ml

P.S: The above review is solely based on my personal tasting experience and holds no intention against the producer in particular. All are still encouraged to give it a try. Afterall, with the unique tastebuds of every individual, you just might fall in love with this wine.