April 2012 Wine Tasting

Wine Tasting

Friday

April 27^th

4:30 – 7:30

10% off the price of all tasting wines!

The Sparkling:

Belle De Nuit Cremant de Loire 2009 (France) $16.99 – Without a doubt, the sparkling wines from the Loire Valley that are made in a similar way to Champagne are among the best sparkling wine values in the world!  This has nice aromas and flavors of white stone fruits and pears.  Plus some vanilla.  Blend of 15% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay, 35% Chenin Blanc, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon.  Hand-harvested grapes.  Aged 15 months sur lie in the bottle.  Undergoes a disgorgement as does Champagne and is then vinified dry in the bottle. 

The Whites:

Lanzos Blanco Castillo y Leon 2010 (Spain) $13.99 - This delicious wine is a great example of the incredible value coming from the Castilla y Leon region of Spain. A blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Viura, it has crisp ripe fruit and a touch of floral aromas. On the palate, it is crisp and full of fruit with a hint of minerality. A very refreshing wine that pairs well with a wide variety of seafood, fowl, and full-flavorful cheeses.

Château Tuilerie Pagès Entre Deux Mers Blanc 2011 (France) $14.99 – This is a deliciously unoaked Bordeaux Blanc.  Aromas and flavors of citrus and tropical fruit.  Everything is nicely balanced.  Blend of 65% Sauvignon Blanc and 35% Sémillon.  Stainless steel fermentation and aging.  This comes in a beautiful blue bottle.    

The Rosé:

Vieux Clocher Rosé Cotes Du Rhone 2011 (France) $13.99 - This is a delicious rosé!  Aromas and flavors of strawberries and red berries.  This is light and refreshing!  Perfect for sitting and sipping on a warm day.  From the oldest continuously-owned family winery in France, 1717 - the Count François de Castellanne, de Lauris, de Vassadel, de Gérard, Chevalier Marquis d’Ampuis, de Lagnetoux, universal landlord of the place called Vacqueyras, donated a parcel of vines to an acestor of the Arnoux family. To this day, the Arnoux family farms this land and makes wonderful wines. Food pairing – sipping on a warm day. Grilled chicken or pork. Spicy dishes. Perfect for a picnic. Great with ham for Easter Dinner. Great with turkey and all the trimmings for Thanksgiving Dinner.

The Reds:

Cave Anne de Joyeause Camas Syrah 2009 (Languedoc, France) $12.99 – Cave Anne de Joyeuse is a high quality cooperative in Limoux, which was founded in 1929.  Today it has 650 members.  All the individual growers must adhere to rigorous procedures that are defined and monitored by the winery’s oenologists.  The cooperative is also committed to preserving the environment and to sustainable agriculture – the result of this commitment is best shown by the fact that over 80 varieties of orchid which are native to the region have spontaneously regenerated in their vineyards.  Since 1994 they have been recognized by the label “Protect The Planet” for work methods which are compatible with sustainable agriculture and the promotion of bio-diversity.  This Syrah is ripe and smooth, showing nice dark and red berry fruit.  Excellent wine at a great price!

Bliss Pinot Noir 2009 (Mendocino County, California) $17.99 – The cooling influences for growing wines in this area are ideal conditions for Pinot Noir and the result is a moderately-priced California Pinot that tastes like Pinot and is only 13.5% alcohol.  It is NOT Syrah-like, which Pinot never should be, but too often is.  Aromas and flavors of violets, raspberries and cherry cola.  Long, elegant finish with a little earthy spice on it.  Food pairing - Versatile enough to pair with everything from seasonal salads to your favorite poultry dish. Perfect with roasted veggies, chicken kebabs or partnering with your favorite fare.

Carol Shelton “Wild Things” Zinfandel 2008 (Mendocino County, California) $21.99 - From the award-winning winemaker Carol Shelton. Aromas of black cherry, plum and raspberry fruit combine with a beautiful hint of vanilla-oak loveliness, smoothly textured in mouth, very creamy and round, the finish is long and has lush jammy fruit — this wine is dangerously good! Remember – you are what you drink ….

Bank Note "The Vault" Red Blend 2009 (Napa Valley, California) $36.99 - Bill Knuttel consults with winemaker Pete Nixon to create the Banknote Wine Company, specializing in limited-production hand-crafted Napa Valley Wines. This Zinfandel based blend (45% Zinfandel, 30% Syrah, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon) selected from only the finest Napa Valley Vineyards showcases ripe, concentrated dark fruit flavors that finish with a touch of spice and sweet tannins. The sheer boldness of this beauty makes it a great match with grilled steaks and chutney-accompanied dishes. Why so many labels? According to the winery, they couldn't decide on one banknote to represent the wine, so each case of Banknote wine has twelve different banknote labels.

The Cider:

Eden Ice Cider Caville Blanc Blend (Vermont) $29.99 – Think beyond dessert with this cider!  It goes well with sharp cheddars, game, patés and more.  Made from MacIntosh, Empire and Russet apples to provide sweetness and full body, Calville Blanc to add acidity and citrus notes and Ashmead’s Kernel that adds tannins for structure.  Ice Cider brings the essence of pure apple to a sophisticated wine. Vermont’s natural winter cold is used to concentrate cider to the optimum balance of sweetness and acidity. The unique blend of traditional and heirloom apples produces a complex, delicious flavor that complements food yet may be savored on its own.  Featured in Food and Wine Magazine!