Temperature makes such a big difference to wine. Often, of a weekday evening, I don't take the time to carefully bring my chosen bottle to the ideal serving temperature. If it's a white, I'll grab the bottle straight from the fridge, quietly congratulating myself on having been so organised as to have put one there in the first place. I'll open it right away, pour a glass, and sniff. Usually, as with tonight, the wine smells of nothing. But, if I'm lucky, a conversation will start as the wine warms a little. Little wisps of aroma emerge, then more, until it reaches full operating temperature.
This white Burgundy, for example, smells increasingly of vulgar white flowers, melon and (the slightest bit rancid) butter. It's not an explosive nose, but it shows an attractive (if slightly outré) character and good balance. It's getting better as it warms. Entry is an éclat of flavour and acid texture. More rockmelon, caramel and butter spreads over the tongue as the wine slides through the mid-palate. The malo influences are obvious but they don't rob the wine of freshness, thanks to assertive acid. Intensity is unexpected after the nose, and there's enough complexity to keep things interesting. Texture is also remarkable, being tingly and rough and chalky in turn. This is a rustic wine, with bright, ripe flavours that are all slightly larger than life. Intense fruit continues to sing through the after palate, and the wine's finish is decent and tasty, if perhaps attenuated due to acid.
At $A47, this isn't an especially cheap wine in absolute terms. I might reasonably expect more sophistication and refinement in a local wine at this price. But there's no arguing with this wine's drinkability and character. It's very tasty and went extremely well with chicken salad.
Domaine Rapet Père et Fils
Price: $A47
Closure: Cork
Date tasted: 2008
This white Burgundy, for example, smells increasingly of vulgar white flowers, melon and (the slightest bit rancid) butter. It's not an explosive nose, but it shows an attractive (if slightly outré) character and good balance. It's getting better as it warms. Entry is an éclat of flavour and acid texture. More rockmelon, caramel and butter spreads over the tongue as the wine slides through the mid-palate. The malo influences are obvious but they don't rob the wine of freshness, thanks to assertive acid. Intensity is unexpected after the nose, and there's enough complexity to keep things interesting. Texture is also remarkable, being tingly and rough and chalky in turn. This is a rustic wine, with bright, ripe flavours that are all slightly larger than life. Intense fruit continues to sing through the after palate, and the wine's finish is decent and tasty, if perhaps attenuated due to acid.
At $A47, this isn't an especially cheap wine in absolute terms. I might reasonably expect more sophistication and refinement in a local wine at this price. But there's no arguing with this wine's drinkability and character. It's very tasty and went extremely well with chicken salad.
Domaine Rapet Père et Fils
Price: $A47
Closure: Cork
Date tasted: 2008
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