Cantillon's amphora-aged grape lambic - or rather, pomace lambic, as only pomace from Greco grapes was used; became an instant classic upon its release and I am absolutely certain that I had it at that time, so I wonder why my rating was not imported from Ratebeer to here like all those others. This is also worrying because who knows what else went lost in the translation from one site to the other... Anyway, thanks to Bart, I got a second chance at rating this one so big cheers to that. Snow white, medium thick, moussey, opening and thinning head on an initially clear, warm yellow-golden blonde robe, turning a bit 'milky' with sediment. Aroma of green apple, unripe green grape and grape skin, wine gums somewhere, sourdough, whitecurrant, baked clay from the amphorae, lemon blossom, lime zest, raw quince, river sand, minerals, pickled apricots and an odd touch of entirely green banana. Tart onset packed with fruitiness, very refined in every respect, bringing associations with green apple slices and sour whitecurrants but also hard pear and white grape; medium carb, yoghurty lactic acidity running through a wheaty, supple grain core, vinous in mouthfeel with a pronounced underlying minerality - again that clay-like amphora thing returning. Minerally, tart-fruity, very vinous, complex finish - no wood indeed, but still every bit as layered as any 'normal' wood-aged fruit lambic. Utterly fruity in a supposedly restrained way - paradoxically perhaps, but Cantillon knows how to bring out tons of fruitiness from just pomace, a talent I have praised Tilquin for on certain occasions as well. I think I still prefer the warmth and 'organic' feel of wood, but the amphora effect could not have been more sophisticated than in this beautiful gem.

Apple, dry and fruity

LCI. A bunch of my photos didn’t come out. Had this side by side with the Giardine wine with Tufa grapes as ell. Light floral honey sweetness, elegant funk. Classy, one of the better of the wine pairs I’ve had

Sour, fruity and sweet. Green grapes and some apple, smooth, low acidity. Very nice.

Fruity with some hints of tart apples, vinous grapes and mild sourness. Pretty balanced and crushable.