WINE:Reno Spiteri's Wineopolis.: A Taste of Malta:The Blends

For the second part of our feature about the "Malta Blends", we are this time reviewing some excellent blends produced in Malta's sister island - The Island of Calypso formally known as GOZO.

Viniculture in Gozo is not a new thing, in fact excavations which were carried out in 2005, by the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage at Mgarr Ix-Xini, on this small island, situated right in the center of the Mediterranean, confirmed results of past studies that viniculture, grape pressing and wine production, had an important role in the Maltese economy since the classic period.

Punic wine pan and basin hacked in rock - 500BC Gozo.

Some 15 wine and olive oil presses have been discovered and successfully excavated, and which date back to the 5th century, that is 500BC. These presses can be clearly seen embedded in the Gozitan valley for what they are. The presses were dug into the rock and form a shallow pan on top of which was mounted the pressing mechanism, ancient as it was, to press the grapes, after which the juice would flow through a channel to a lower deep basin. After pressing the wine juice used to be collected and stored in amphora for it to be shipped by galley to Sicily.

Similar presses have also been discovered in Malta in the Mgarr Valley and at Mnajdra in an area known as the Misqa tanks.

Modern Stainless Steel Tanks -Ta' Mena Estate, Gozo.

Wine making in Malta and in Gozo have come a long, long way since then, and today Gozo boasts a state of the art winemaking estate, which is producing some excellent wines, strictly from grapes grown and harvested on their estate.

For the purpose of this feature, I am reviewing here the top brands from this winemaker, which qualify admirable to be listed in our review of the "Malta Blends". Quality and originality of the blends have been taken well into account for these reviews.
The selected wines are the :

Marsamana- five grape variety- Premium Blend.

1. TA' MENA MARSAMENA 2009 - GOZO DOK -BARREL FERMENTED RED WINE-BLEND.

This wine is produced from a blend of five grape varieties, grown and harvested from the Ta' Mena Estate in the Marsalforn Valley, in Gozo. The grape varieties chosen for this unique blend are : MERLOT; CABERNET SAUVIGNON; CABERNET FRANC; SYRAH AND SERKUZAN; hand picked and selected carefully from low yielding vines.
After pressing, maceration and fermentation, the wine is blended and matured for 10 months in new French oak barrels. Bottling takes place with very little filtering or fining so that the full flavours and aromas of the blend are preserved.
The wine has a dark red ruby colour,and is a full-bodied red, with a bouquet of ripe cherries, prune and blackberries. On the palate it is well structured and spicy with flavours of cinamon and vanilla, chocolate and ripe fruit. Tannins are strong and firm with excellent acidity. The finish is long, with sweet tannins reminiscent of fine Marsala and Vermouth.

An excellent wine blend which had to be taste-tested against the benchmark wine to verify the rating given.
Alcohol content: 13% by volume.
Price range: Eur 13.50
Serving temperature: 18 deg.C

RATING: RS92.

The Premium Blends from the Ta' Mena Estate-Gozo.

2. TA' MENA GABILLOTT 2009 ISLE OF GOZO DOK-BLEND.

Like the MARSAMENA, the GABILLOTT is blended from the same five grape varieties but with Merlot being the predominant variety. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Serkuzan are blended in, in lesser quantities.
The wine blend is aged for 9 months in stainless steel tanks after maceration and fermentation is completed, resulting in a full-bodied, unoaked, ruby red wine that pairs well with lighter meats such as veal, rabbit and pasta.
Due to its Merlot content this wine has a floral bouquet with tinges of caramel, clove and spice. On the palate it has hints of black pepper, plums, and black currants with supple tannins which are offset by the inclusion of the Cabernet Sauvignon and the Cabernet Franc to give a well balanced red wine. The finish is medium lenght but enjoyable..

Alcohol content: 13% by volume.
Price range: Eur9.50

RATING: RS90.

3. TA' MENA 1551 - 2009 GOZO DOK BLEND- SERKUZAN AND SYRAH.

This wine is produced from a blend of 50% Syrah and 50% Serkuzan, grown and harvested in the Ta' Mena - Marsalforn Valley estate, handpicked from grapes from vines yielding a controlled yield of about 2kg. per vine. The wine is fermented and matured for 12 months in stainless steel tanks resulting in a mediuml-bodied, deep red wine with firm tannins.
Aromas and flavours are distinctly of blackcurrant with overtones of black pepper and spice. The fruit sensations in the mouth of the blend are complemented by warm alcohol and firm but sweet tannins and good acidity. Good finish and very enjoyable.

Alcohol content: 13% by volume.
Price range: Eur8.80.
Serving temperature: 18Deg.C

RATING: RS87.

The Ta' Mena 1551 Brand.

4. TA' MENA 1551 - 2009 - MERLOT/CABERNET FRANC BLEND-GOZO DOK.

Composed from an estimated 65% Merlot and 35% Cabernet Franc grape varieties, this wine blend is fermented and matured in stainless steel tanks for 12 months.
Dark red in colour with a bouquet of blackberry, plums and herbs. In the mouth it is soft and mellow due to the Merlot content; black cherries with mineral notes and good acidity come from the Cabernet Franc. Finish is mellow and lingering.

Alcohol content: 13% by volume.
Price range: Eur8.80
Serving temperature: 18 deg.C.

RATING: RS88.

The 1551 branded red wines reviewed here are considered to be in the 85 to 89 points range which is defined as: Very Good- Quality at a good price.

Food Pairings: All of the above four wines pair well with red meats; roast beef; grilled prime steaks; rabbit; veal and turkey. Pasta with red and meat sauces or fillings; mature cheese; Italian and Mediterranean cuisine.