August Wines of the Month

Tier One
($8-$15/bottle)

For the month, we are headed to South America for a couple of delicious wines from two of my favorite wineries.

The White

Echeverria* Sauvignon Blanc 2009 (Chile) $11.99 - This is a wonderful Sauvignon Blanc and a great value from Chile! We really like it! Great value. Loads of tropical fruit on the nose and in the mouth. Lemon, grapefruit, green apples, peaches and pineapple. Quite dry and the fruit is balanced by the acidity. Lots of fruit on the dry finish. Food pairing - Goes well with fish, shellfish, lighter foods and quaffing on a warm day! Great white wine for a party! Organic Farming.

The Red

Aresti Estate Selection Pinot Noir 2009 (Chile) Reg. $13.99, Sale $11.99 - Aresti has been growing grapes since 1951. In the '90's they started making wine.....and they've been making excellent wines with great values! The Aresti Pinot Noir has vibrant strawberry jam aromas with anise and cinnamon. This has a nice amount of good “earthiness.” The aromas carrying over to the flavors, easy-drinking and yet complex, with a nice, long finish. Food pairing - grilled meats, mushroom risotto.

The “Other”
($10-$15/bottle)

Petit Cochon Bronzé Rosé 2009 (France) $13.99 – This is a dry rosé from Saint Chinian that is made from Cinsault, so that makes it pretty unusual. This is a pretty dry rosé and the color truly is more of a bronze one than pick. This is more of a food wine than just a cocktail one – so, when supper is a light one, grab this “little pig.” Food pairing – with most any fish, poultry, softer cheese and cold cuts.

Tier Two
($15-$25/bottle)

Domaine Gayda is Southeast of Carcassonne in the Languedoc region of Southwestern France. Some of their vineyards are in the shadows of Queribus, the famous Cathar castle.

The White

Domaine Gayda L’Archet Cuvée Occitane Blanc 2006 (France) Reg. $16.99, Sale $15.99 – I love Southern French whites – especially this time of year! This is a crisp, full white with lots of white stone and apple flavors. It’s spicy with great minerality. The finish is creamy and rich. Blend of Marsanne, Roussanne and Grenache Blanc. Barrel-aged for 9 months in neutral French oak. Food pairing – seafood, grilled chicken, chicken salad.

The Red

Domaine Gayda L’Archet Cuvée Occitane Rouge 2006 (France) Reg. $16.99, Sale $15.99 – Lots of complexity – but, it should be with this blend of grapes - 45% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre and 10% Carignan. Barrel-aged for 9 months in neutral French oak. Aromas of red berries, pepper, baking spices and Provencal herbs. Full-bodied. Flavors of dark plums, blueberries, black currants and spice. Great length on a smooth, silky finish. Hints of dark chocolate at the finish. Medium tannins. Food pairing – grilled meat, pasta dishes with mushrooms.

Tier Three
($25-$50/bottle)

The White


Domaine Roger Perrin Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 2007 (France) $39.99 - This is so good it's not funny! Aromas & flavors honeysuckle, honey, lavender, peaches, green apples, flowers, minerals. Well-balanced & structured. Excellent acidity balancing the fruit. 50% Grenache Blanc, 20% Roussanne (aged in new oak), 20% Clairette, 10% Bourboulenc. Vines are at least 55 years old. Domaine Roger Perrin is a small estate near Beaucastel. The winemaker, Luc Perrin worked at Beaucastel. Food pairing - pork, poultry, lighter game...this will do well with heartier fish....great with spicy Mexican or Thai food! Drinks great on its own!

The Red

Novy Family Winery Syrah Parsons’ Vineyard 2007 (California) $36.99 – This is a big, rich, full-bodied intense Syrah! This has lots of ripe dark berries, blueberries and more in the aromas and flavors. 140 cases made. Also, notes of earth, smoke, pepper and spices. Medium-big tannins, so let this one open up. Drink now through 2017. Food pairing – leg of lamb with mushrooms, bouillabaisse, grilled steak. Wine Enthusiast, 94 points; Wine Spectator, 92 points