Why and why not a Winehog Rating – enjoyable and delightful wines in focus

The focus on drinkable and at least somehow affordable wines have lead to the initiation of the Winehog award or rating.

I know that most wines with a 86 points rating often are overlooked and forgotten, while the 93 point Malconsort gets more attention.

The fact is however, that I often can find as much pleasure in a 86 point Bourgogne Rouge, as I find a nice young Malconsort – especially on the day – without giving the bigger wine years to mature.

So I want to promote these drinkable wines – wines that are not for 20 years of cellaring .. and wines from lesser terroirs that show refinement, finesse and elegance … without being Grand Crus or 1er cru for that matter ..

The Winehog Rating

I have therefore made a special rating for wines that offer a special personality, pleasure and quality. The wines are marked with the Winehog signature, that indicates that they will offer a special pleasure or “joie de vivre” if you like.

The Winehog rating is given aside the ordinary points rating … and is given only to the wines that offer great pleasure and joy along with true personality.

Wines from modest terroirs can merit the Winehog rating, but also special Grand Cru wines of top quality can get the Winehog rating – if they are that especially great – but that would be a rare occasion!!.

The first Winehog ratings

The first Winehog ratings are already awarded …. and the following wines are given a special rating:

Maison Chantereves, Volnay Les Lurets 2017
Maison Chantereves, Auxey Duresses
Domaine Denis Bachelet, Côte de Nuits Village 2017
Domaine Denis Bachelet, Gevrey-Chambertin Les Evocelles 2017
Domaine Jérôme Galeyrand, Bourgogne Chardonnay “Orane”
Domaine Jérôme Galeyrand, Fixin “Champs des Charmes”
Domaine Nicolas Faure Bourgogne Aligote La Corvees de Bully 2017
Glantenay Bourgogne Pinot Noir “Maison Dieu” 2017

I could perhaps have awarded more, but on the day, these were the ones that gave me most pleasure and personal expression!

One could say that a wine like Domaine Denis Bachelet, Gevrey-Chambertin Les Evocelles 2017 is expensive, and that might be true for some. Burgundy is not cheap and seen in context with the Charmes Chambertin, the Les Evocelles is not very costly. So price is a factor – but not all!

But comments are welcome .. then I can fine tune the Winehog Ratings!