Third Thursday Wine World-Feb. 16

It was kind of a dreary day that called for something to brighten things up. I think this tasting did just that. Wine World once again selected six nice complementary wines that made for a great evening.

Right off the bat the first wine of the lineup was mentioned as one of their favorites by more than half of the tasters I talked to. The slightly sweet Spanish Besitos Moscato had just enough sweetness and sparkle to please probably both white and red drinkers.

Dick and Sally had recommended this wine to be paired with Stilton with mango and ginger which happened to be one of the cheese selections of the night. Trudy reported they had sold out of the cheese with exception of a small wedge they were using for samples. A great pairing indeed. (The cheeses also included Havarti Dill, Tillamook Extra Sharp Cheddar and Castello Soft Blue Triple Cream).

From the red table the Lander Jenkins Cabernet Sauvignon was one of the favorites of tasters Jennifer and John. Sally Benjamin had decanted this wine. I was able to taste a sample before and after decanting and it started to open up nicely and bring out the ripe black currants and Big cherry flavors. The tasting notes mention aromas of mint with this wine but to me and another taster the finish had a hint of mint flavor as well.

Several tasters who frequent the Wine World tastings said they had Renwood Wines before at Wine World tastings but realized that this was the first time they had tried the Barbera.
Where: Wine World, 133 Georgia Ave., North Augusta, SC
803-279-9522

When: Thursday, February 16, 2011, 5 to 8pm
Cost: $5 per person with rebate on purchase of a featured wine.

Here are the wines presented (click to see more):

1. Besitos Moscato 2010
2. Selbach “Incline” Riesling 2010
3. Lander Jenkins Chardonnay 2010
4. Louis Latour Domaine de Valmoissine Pinot Noir 2010
5. Renwood Barbera 2008
6. Lander Jenkins Cabernet Sauvignon 2009

Here are the detailed wine notes:

Besitos Moscato 2010
A lightly sweet, lightly effervescent wine (and light in alcohol) that outshines most of the moscatos rushing to the market today. This lively moscato shows aromas of rose petals and flavors of peach. (Valencia has been producing grapes since before 9000 B.C. and is famous for growing moscato.) Besitos is a perfect aperitif. Have a celebration!
From: Valencia, Spain
Winery: Besitos
Year: 2010
Goes with: It’s great for dessert: lightly sweet fruit tarts, fruit, crème brulee. Mild cheeses. Stilton with mango & ginger.

Selbach “Incline” Riesling 2010
With just a touch of residual sweetness, this excellent riesling is an outstanding example of Mosel rieslings from an outstanding producer. It’s vibrant, with floral, fruit and citrus aromas, flavors of green apple, citrus and hint of honey. Refreshing acidity and classic minerality (from the Mosel’s slate soil). Johannes Selbach chose the name “Incline” for his modest-priced riesling as a reminder of the extremely steep slopes on which these vines are grown—and hand-harvested. Aperitif. Versatile food wine.
From: Mosel, Germany
Winery: Selbach
Year: 2010
Goes with: Great match for Asian, Thai, sushi, Cajun. Pork & braised sauerkraut Alsatian style. Havarti with Dill.

Lander Jenkins Chardonnay 2010
A bright Chardonnay with lots of appeal. Aromas & flavors of apple, pear, apricots, pineapple with citrus and vanilla notes. Creamy texture and long finish. Lander-Jenkins wines are from the Rutherford Family Portfolio produced from sustainably farmed vineyards in select North Coast,
Monterey County and Central Valley vineyards (Lodi, Trinity, and Napa).
From: California
Winery: Lander Jenkins (Rutherford Wine Company)
Year: 2010
Goes with: Pasta in a creamy sauce with salmon. Herbed roast chicken. Crab cakes. Chicken salad with apples or peaches or mangoes.

Louis Latour Domaine de Valmoissine Pinot Noir 2010
Pretty aromas and tasty fruit. Earthy aromas and flavors of raspberry, cherry and blackberry, with medium body and medium tannins. A little more pepper, spice and forward fruit than in many earlier vintages. An elegant, good value, Pinot Noir. The appellation is Coteaux du Verdon (in the hills about 70 miles north of St Tropez).
From: Southern France
Winery: Louis Latour
Year: 2010
Goes with: Grilled tuna, beef, rare lamb chops, lamb meatballs with Moroccan seasonings. Cablanca Goat Gouda.

Renwood Barbera 2008
This ruby-red colored wine has aromas of black cherry, plum, hints of peppery earth, and a touch of oak. On the palate the wine has some really nice fruit flavors reminiscent of cranberries, black cherries, and red currants.
From: Sierra Foothills, California
Winery: Renwood
Year: 2008
Goes with: Pairs very well with spaghetti or pizza made with a sweet tomato basil marinara and a crust brushed with olive oil. Will enhance many hearty dishes. Grilled meats, sausages. Pasta with mushroom ragout. Gruyere cheese. Leyden.

Lander Jenkins Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
This good-value cab gives lots of pleasure. Aromas of blackberry, plum, cranberry with mint and chocolate hints. Flavors suggest ripe black currants and Bing cherries. Full-bodied with well-integrated tannins. Lander Jenkins wines are part of the Rutherford Family Wine portfolio.
Steaks, burgers. Grilled eggplant & peppers. Cheddar cheeses. Blue Castello.
From: Central Coast, California
Winery: Lander Jenkins (Rutherford Wine Company)
Year: 2009