Volume 70

Illustration by Anna Vu (@goodwinecrapdrawing)
Abracadabra, Hannah Fuellenkemper
2022
dEAd cAt sTRat(egy)
Xarel·lo, Macabeu
Auvergne, France

All the wines are négoce, zero-zero and hand labelled, although Hannah is keen to change this given the incredibly time-consuming nature of her painted labelling. Most are made in fibreglass tanks, although dEAd cAt sTRat(egy) ’22 is an exception with one barrel mixed back in. The grapes were picked in mid-August and bottled in July ’23; the Xarel·lo de-stemmed and macerated for 7 days with Macabeu from clay soils in the Penedès. Orange peel, a touch of bitter herbs and a good grip. Drink chilled.

Learn More…
Barnag
2022
Dzsúz
Kékfrankos, Cabernet
Balaton, Hungary

Dzsúz has an ongoing place among Bence’s wines and although it changes almost every year, the concept remains the same: a fresh, light, and delicious red wine. 2022 is made with 70% Kékfrankos, harvested early in the cooler climate of the Monoszló area, the majority whole-bunch fermented and some direct pressed, before transferring into fiberglass and stainless steel. Cabernet from a warmer vineyard in Aszófő makes up the remainder, with the grapes given a longer whole-bunch maceration and barrel ageing. In keeping with all his wines since 2020, no sulphites have been added. A delightfully juicy young red with sour cherry, wild strawberry, and barely-there tannins. Enjoy around 10° with spicy pizza.

Read More…
Vin de La Gamba
2023
Frauenpower Vol. 5
Dornfelder, Silvaner
Rheinhessen, Germany

Frauenpower Vol. 5 is the 2023 vintage and a wine with both concentration and complexity. 80% Dornfelder and 20% Silvaner, with the majority of the Silvaner direct pressed to extract fewer tannins. Blended together, the result is a fresh, light red with big bubbles and deep redcurrant notes. Chill it right down to around 7° and enjoy with meringue and mixed berries.

Read More…