February Favourites

It may be the shortest month of the year, but it is certainly not the least. The snow continues to fall, eagles return to their northern nests, spring breaks begin, we celebrate the occasional leap year as well as Valentine’s day, and much more. So no matter what your reason to sit back and enjoy a little wine I recommend you do so – and here are a few of my February favourites.

ADAMI BOSCO DI GICA: a superb bubbly from a superb producer. Adriano Adami is painstaking bordering on obsessive about his proseccos. The Bosco di Gica is a classic extra dry, with alluring perfumed floral, appley-citrus fruit and wonderful juicy acidity creamy bubbles, and persistent finish making it fun to drink on its own or a great match for a crisp salad, creamy pasta dish, or some fresh oysters.


PARES BALTA BLANC DE PACS: a unique white wine in that it is a blend of Parellada, Macabeo, and Xarello; totally obscure grapes used for Cava, (Spanish sparkling wine), production but vinified in a dry table wine style. A light greenish-yellow colour with leafy flowery notes hinting at orchard fruits. Delicate and crisp on the palate with tangy citrus and apple-pear notes, a pleasant richness to the mouth feel and a long juicy finish. Another great by-the-glass wine or perfect for green olive tapenade, seafood, or mild cheeses.


GIANFRANCO ALESSANDRIA BAROLO: wonderful mid-winter red with soft ruby red colour fading slightly around the edges. The nose is layered with dried flowers, orange peel, tar, leather and spice. The well structured palate is balanced and has an elegant strength as it offers intense dried dark berry fruit, bittersweet cocoa, subtle earthiness, leather and tremendous length. Perfect to chase away the winter chill or enjoy with savoury braised beef ribs, or game stew.


Try these wines, or others and make your own February Favourites list; it’s a great way to pass the time while our days are still short and our nights are still cold. Remember: variety is the spice of life so try something new next time you pull the cork.


Enjoy!






Michael Kompass