On Friday October 18th we'll be tasting our usual half dozen mixed array of reds, whites, and roses here at the store and for a change, this time we will give you a preview. As you see only five are pictured so the sixth is undetermined at this time.
1. 2011 Juno Sauvignon Blanc. Some of the best Sauvignon Blanc anywhere comes from South Africa. These Stellenbosch vineyards are in the Western Cape of the country. The grapes were slightly pressed before cold fermenting in stainless steel tanks and then left on the lees for added richness. The wine is recommended with oysters, grilled fish, and goat cheese combinations.
2. 2010 Torres Ibericos. This is a Rioja Crianza meaning it is aged in oak for one year and then aged longer in the bottle. The grape variety is Tempranillo from the most esteemed region of Spain. The name refers to both the Iberian Penninsula and a favorite food pairing, Iberian ham. The color is red cherry; the nose is black ripened fruits and spice; the taste is forest fruits and spices; the body is elegant and silky; and the finish is long and spicy.
3. 2012 Domaine Houchart Cotes de Provence Rose. This is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cinsault, Grenache, and Syrah sourced from a 200 acre vineyard at the foot of Mount Saint Victoire near Aix en Provence. The Quiot family is the fifth generation owner of the property. The aromas are citrus and strawberry while the flavors are red berries and watermelon, herbs and white pepper, cardamom, and minerality. (Stephen Tanzer-"firm, focused, and racy".) Food affinities include: shellfish, fish, and cured smoked ham.
4. 2010 Torres Celeste. This is a Tempranillo Crianza from Ribero del Duero which is known for bigger reds than Rioja. The wine has a blackberry color and a spicy nose; the mouthfeel is full-bodied and persistent with well-ripened flavors of blackberry and cherry, soft tannins, and licorice and black pepper. Roasts, small game, and red meats in general would accomodate this one.
5. 2010 Gouguenheim Argentine Malbec Reserva. The property is at the foothills of Mount Tupungato (blogpost 11/14/11) in Valle de Uco; at 3,600 feet above sealevel, one of the highest wine regions in Mendoza. Tupungato features alluvial soils, 320 sunny days a year, and the highly beneficial diurnal effect of great temperature swings between day and night. Irrigation in this arid plateau is done with water melted from the Andes snowcaps. The 2011 Gouguenheim Malbec has dark red and violet hues; rich, strong aromas; and flavors of strawberry, plum, black cherry, black currant, chocolate and violets. Further, the wine features balanced acidity, good structure, soft tannins, and a long finish. That was the regular Malbec. We will be tasting the Reserva. Fasten your seatbelts.
The tasting is from 5 to 7pm here at the store. Please share this with anyone who you think might be interested. The wines range in price between $10 and $25. Cheese and crackers will also be on the table. We ask for a minimum $30 purchase or a ten dollar donation per person.
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