The red table had 3 really nice wines tonight
I stopped by Wine World’s First Friday tasting around 7:30 and found they had a great crowd and some really nice wines.
The tasting started off with two really nice whites. The Ecker Gruner Veltliner is one of those nice little refreshing wines that is great by itself. Got nice citrusy flavors and bit of zing. The second was the Thomas Henry Chardonnaywhich was sub for a sauvignon blanc that was in the tasting email. It had a very nice body to it. Not super buttery, just nice mouthfeel. Enough citrus to make it interesting but still remind you it was a chardonnay. The third white is one of the sweetest wines I’ve ever tasted at Wine World. The Quady Electra Moscato has a big body to match its sweetness. I hate to admit it but I think I agree with the tasting notes about this being a good picnic wine. I might just enjoy this on a hot summer day on a picnic.
Andrew Benjamin agreed that this was probably the sweetest wines they’ve presented but added that some tasters like sweeter wines and that is what a tasting is about. You try wines you’ve never thought about. It reminded me of what his dad used to say “When someone says they don’t like a particular type of wine I just tell them they just haven’t found one they like. You won’t find one if you don’t try.”
I talked to several tasters tonight that were attending for their first time. One young couple was Kaitlin and Andy. I asked them for their favorites so far, both saying they liked the first white. She added that the first red was nice as well. Andy was a bit disappointed that they ran out of the last wine, the Aquinas Cabernet Sauvignon. By then it was 8PM and with the crowd they had tonight they unfortunately ran out. But not to fret. They subbed it out with an excellent JLohr Paso Robles Cabernet 2014.
On the cheese table they had Daneko Danish Fontina, Rembrant Extra-Aged Gouda and Asher Blue from Sweetgrass Farm down in Thomasville, GA (this one you got to try).
Next up for Wine World is their Third Thursday tasting on February 16, from 5-8PM.
Where: Wine World, 133 Georgia Ave., North Augusta, SC
803-279-9522
When: Friday, Feb. 3, 2017, 5 to 8 pm
Cost: $5, with rebate on the purchase of 1 bottle of the featured wines
Here are the wines to be presented (click to see more):
- Ecker Gruner Veltliner
- Thomas Henry 2015
- Quady Electra Moscato 2015
- Skeleton Malbec 2015
- Austerity Pinot Noir 2015
- Aquinas Cabernet Sauvignon 2014
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Here are the detailed wine notes:Ecker Gruner Veltliner | Wagram, Austria
Strong notes of citrus, especially lemon, with a light fizz. The finish is dry and lingers slightly with hints of mixed veggies. Food matches Traditional Wiener schnitzel, Wasabi and tuna salad, Zucchini quiche. Website
Cost: $13.99
Thomas Henry Chardonnay 2015 | Sonoma California
The palate is honeysuckle pear, peach, orange and light rind, with a swell structured citrus and white stone fruit experience. The long finish has a creamy tang. Trout in butter sauce, crab-stuffed flounder. Website
Cost: $12.99
Quady Electra Moscato 2015 | Central Valley, California
Soft bubbles float over flavors of sweet citrus, peach and melon. A bouquet of wildflowers refreshes the senses. Picnic wine for drinking outside, in warm weather. Fruit, salads, spicy Asian and Indian foods. Website
Cost: $12.99
Skeleton Malbec 2015 | Mendoza, Argentina
Aromas of violet and plum, notes of blackberry jam and dark fruits. Rich, fresh fruit on the palate, vibrant acidity, and a touch of oak, lingering finish. Fiery chicken drumsticks, Vegan Black Bean Chili. Website
Cost: $10.99
Austerity Pinot Noir 2015 | Monterey, California
Aromas of cranberries and graham cracker with earthy overtones. Ripe red fruit flavors complemented by balanced tannins, lingering finish. Roast duck or any game bird served alongside truffle risotto. Website
Cost: $14.99
Aquinas Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 | North Coast, California
Aromas of cherry preserves, tobacco leaf, molasses and vanilla. Layers of cocoa nibs, blackberry compote and cranberry. 4 percent Petite Sirah. sticky BBQ ribs, Skirt Steak, Barbacoa. Website
Cost: $14.99
