Although I'm
unlikely to convert to veganism any time soon,
with all the interest in avoiding animal products these days, when I
came across North
South Wines recently, their being specialists in organic and
vegan wines piqued my interest. But you're probably wondering
how much animal is in your wine. Well, the short answer is
none. Though the long answer is more complex. A
number of animal products can be used in winemaking, such as gelatin,
albumin, casein and isinglass, used in the fining (basically
clarification) of wine. This isn't weird, but entirely
traditional practices. Nowadays, some winemakers are
substituting plant and mineral based alternatives, such as bentonite
clay or plant casein, so that their wines can be drunk by vegans with a
clear conscience.
I tasted the
following wines and was told that all were vegan,
except the two Villa Sandi wines and the Lurton Piedra Negra.
NV
Feudo di Santa Tresa Il Grillo de Santa Tresa
Vino Spumante Brut - Italy, Sicily, Sicilia
The nose is gently aromatic, if a bit slight.
Decent palate. Good clean, crisp fizz. No great depth or particular
interest, but a good, solid, proper fizz with decent balance. 87/100
NV
Villa Sandi Asolo Prosecco Superiore Brut
- Italy, Veneto, Asolo Prosecco Superiore
Very light, slightly grapey floral nose.
Lovely palate.
This is a really good prosecco. 89/100
NV
Villa Sandi Rosato Brut Il Fresco -
Italy
Light red fruits on the nose.
Perfectly fine, but dull. 85/100
2017
Azienda Agricola Cortese Carricante Terre
Siciliane Nostru - Italy, Sicily, Terre Siciliane
Light, lemony nose.
Fresh, crisp acidity dominates the palate with some peach fruit.
Not overly impressive, but perfectly fine. 85/100
2017
Azienda Agricola Cortese Terre Siciliane
Cataratto Lucido Nostru - Italy, Sicily, Terre
Siciliane
Apparently cataratto lucido is a low cropping clone.
Light and fresh.
Harmless. 84/100
2017
Azienda Agricola Cortese Nerello Mascalese
Terre Siciliane Nostru - Italy, Sicily, Terre
Siciliane
Lovely bright red fruits on the nose.
Very young, but very tasty. Lots of character. Significant tannins.
88/100
2018
Te Awanga Estate Pinot Gris Wildsong Organic
- New Zealand, North Island, Hawke's Bay
Terrific nose: aromatic, with stone fruit, herbs and a floral note.
Fresh, oily, rich palate.
There's a strong streak of pear.
Really good PG. 91/100
2018
Te Awanga Estate Sauvignon Blanc Wildsong
Organic - New Zealand, North Island, Hawke's Bay
Bright, fresh, very French-Loire SB nose.
Delightful palate.
I wouldn't guess this was from New Zealand. 91/100
2018
Te Awanga Estate Pinot Noir Wildsong Organic
- New Zealand, North Island, Hawke's Bay
Good, correct PN nose.
Nicely made, if a bit of a straightforward New Zealand pinot noir.
88/100
2014
Painted Wolf Wines Roussanne -
South Africa, Coastal Region, Paarl
Big, full nose.
Rich, very well balanced palate. Lovely stuff. 92/100
2014
Painted Wolf Wines Madach cape 'hunting' red
- South Africa, Coastal Region
A blend of pinotage, grenache, mourvedre and shiraz.
Peppery black fruit on the nose.
Good palate. Not without interest (although not a great deal of it).
86/100
2017
Bodega Piedra Negra (François
Lurton) Malbec Reserva - Argentina, Mendoza, Valle de Uco,
Vista Flores
Big, meaty nose with a bit of funky farmyard.
Impressive palate. Quite poised and elegant. 90/100
2018
Paxton Shiraz The Pollinator Series
- Australia, South Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale
Biodynamic, no added sulphur, gluten free, vegan.
A slightly rubbery nose.
Interesting palate with nice depth and richness. 89/100
2017
Paxton AAA - Australia, South
Australia, Fleurieu, McLaren Vale
Somewhat dull and unforthcoming on the nose.
Very pleasant palate. Nicely balanced, particularly on the finish.
87/100
2016
De Bortoli Shiraz Wilderness Organic
- Australia, South Eastern
Bright, youthful Shiraz on the nose and on the palate. Perfectly okay,
but boring. 84/100
