A wine is ready to drink when it reaches its peak, i.e. when it is at its most pleasant on the palate. However, a wine is not inconsommable before this period! It will simply be better if you wait to reach it. A wine’s peak is generally expressed by a range of years: best after/best before. Many of today’s fine wines are very seductive in their youth, then close up for a few years before reaching their full potential.
Today, TWIL has put together a selection of 7 wines ready to be enjoyed in 2023!
During the next Christmas festivities: Vertige, Cave Yves Cuilleron
Tasting notes : brioche, exotic and spicy notes
This white wine is the ultimate ally for your festive meals. A perfect accompaniment to whole foie gras, fresh or pan-fried. A complex, refined wine with aromas of dried fruit (apricots), honey, candied orange peel and roasted almonds. The palate is balanced and powerful, with a delicate woodiness and a long finish.
On chilly days with a tartiflette: Arbois Cuvée Béthanie, Château Béthanie
Tasting notes : Walnut, lemon, hawthorn
Very typically Jura, with 60% Chardonnay and 40% Savagnin, it is the flagship product of Château-Béthanie. It’s a racy, surprising and unforgettable wine that goes wonderfully well with cheese in particular. You can go for it with your eyes closed.
A bottle you can open for no reason: En Grands Champs, Alphonse Mellot
Tasting notes Blackberry, Morello cherry and pink pepper
A legendary figure in Sancerre vineyards, the Alphonse Mellot family estate offers us a red Sancerre that honors the Pinot Noir grape variety. This wine reveals a deep crimson color with notes of black fruits such as blackberry, cherry and pink pepper. Its silky tannins and natural acidity give it excellent ageing potential. The 2011 vintage is ready to drink!
Ideal for the 2023 barbecue season: Clos des Papes, Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Paul Avril
Tasting notes : Black fruit, Smoked wood, Pepper
Contrary to popular belief, strong reds can be perfect for summer sipping, especially when barbecue favorites are on the table. For juicy burgers and grilled red meats, we can’t think of a better choice than this wine from Paul Avril. Expect dark, dense flavors of dark fruit, raisins, smoky wood and pepper on a long, concentrated palate. Serve slightly chilled and sip with food!
Toast with bubbles: Cuvée Prestige – Extra Brut Millésimé, Champagne Th. Small
Tasting notes Toasted notes, dried fruit
This 2008 vintage will reach its peak in 2022, so don’t miss out! The nose is complex and slightly roasted, opening up with aeration. Well-structured and rich on the palate. The finish is long and fresh. All in all, TWIL recommends a powerful, mineral vintage. For good reason, it’s one of our favorites ♥️
As an aperitif on a summer terrace: Minuty Rose et Or, Château Minuty
Tasting notes Citrus, peach, grapefruit
We are never disappointed by Château Minuty. The balance is right and the intensity is good. With two stars in the Guide Hachette des Vins, this rosé is a blend of Grenache and Tibouren. On the nose and palate, intense notes of citrus fruit and white flowers are complemented by aromas of white peach. Liveliness and freshness accompany you throughout the tasting experience.
Getting out of your comfort zone: Sauska – Birtok Harslevelu, Sauska
Tasting notes Honeyed, fruity
To finish, we suggest a Tokay. The nose presents aromas of gunflint, orange zest and pineapple. On the palate, the minerality is lively, with a concentration of orange zest, apricot jam and pineapple. Lingering, sensual, silky finish. An atypical and original white wine, ready to drink in 2023.
Whatever the situation, it’s always in moderation! 🍾
Champagne and wine lover ! 🥂🍷
