Friday Night at Wine WorldI always look forward to Wine World’s First Friday tasting. I have to agree with a taster I overheard talking to Sally Benjamin. “I’ve never had a bad wine at your tastings,” she said. I have to agree.
The Wine World staff always presents a great selection. Tonight I really enjoyed seeing a wine they’ve presented before, Blüfeld Riesling, one of the best German Rieslings that I’ve had.
I was looking forward to the red table because they had both a Zinfandel and a Carmenére two varietals I’ve really started to enjoy.
At the red table I really liked the Healdsburg Ranches Zinfandel. This is one of the lightest Zins I’ve tried. I usually prefer a bold heavy Zin but this one has the fruit of a Zin but has a much lighter mouthfeel. I think this would be an excellent sipper when you don’t want something heavy.
The Chono Carmenére Reserva on the other hand was a darker bolder wine. A hint of minerality that would go nicely with a steak. I think I will have to serve this wine this next time we have quests over.
Where: Wine World, 133 Georgia Ave., North Augusta, SC
803-279-9522
When: Friday, October 5, 2012, 5 to 8 pm
Cost: $5, with rebate on the purchase of 1 bottle of the featured wines.
[scrollGallery id=555]
Here are the wines presented (click to see more):
- Cortenova delle Venezie Pinot Grigio 2011
- La Mision Chardonnay 2009
- Blüfeld Riesling 2011
- Santa Martina Rosso di Toscana 2009
- Healdsburg Ranches Zinfandel 2009
- Chono Carmenére Reserva 2010
[scrollGallery id=556]
Here are the detailed wine notes:
Cortenova delle Venezie Pinot Grigio 2011
A great Pinot Grigio featuring floral aromas with a hint of pear and apricot. Lovely pear and apple flavors with a touch of grapefruit/lemon citrus. Lingering finish. Especially attractive, bright & fresh. Aperitif. Seafood. Fish filet in white wine sauce. Pasta Alfredo. Tangy cheeses.
From: Italy
Winery: Cortenova delle Venezie
Year: 2011
La Mision Chardonnay 2009
100% organic. Full aromatic notes of flowers, yellow apple, tropical fruits and melon with a hint of toast & spice. Silky with pleasing round texture. Nice for sipping. Appetizers. A good choice for chicken or pork with a cream sauce. Crab cakes. Poached salmon with buttery sauce. Camembert.
From: Maipo Valley, Chile
Winery: La Mision
Year: 2009
Blüfeld Riesling 2011
Crisp and refreshing, Blüfeld offers aromas of citrus and peach with floral notes. Flinty fresh with a juicy mid-palate, balanced acidity and a sweet, lingering finish. The blue slate in the Mosel valley adds an intriguing minerality to the wine. Aperitif, sushi, spicy oriental or German style dishes. Chicken in Orange Sauce. Stilton with Lemon Zest or with Mango & Ginger.
From: Mosel Valley, Germany
Winery: Blüfeld
Year: 2011
Santa Martina Rosso di Toscana 2009
Blend of Sangiovese, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah from a superb vintage. It has ripe, red cherry aromas and flavors with earthy notes. Tangy acidity and fine tannins balance its juicy fruit character. Fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to enhance the fruit
aromas. Aged 10 months in Slavonian oak to give roundness and complexity. “Baby Super Tuscan” at an everyday price. Pairs well with pasta and tomato-based sauces, pizza, cured meats. Chicken Cacciatore. Hearty cheeses.
From: Tuscany, Italy
Winery: Santa Martina
Year: 2009
Healdsburg Ranches Zinfandel 2009
An especially good, fruity Zinfandel with aromas & flavors of raspberry, cherry and spice. Captures that wonderful briary aspect of Sonoma Zin. Easy drinking and easy price. Pairs well with burgers, BBQ. Beef-Zin Stew. Braised Chicken Thighs with Asian glaze. Thanksgiving dinner! Manchego. Full-flavored cheeses.
From: Sonoma County, California
Winery: Healdsburg Ranches
Year: 2009
Chono Carmenére Reserva 2010
This is a classy expression of the signature red grape of Chile showing intense dark fruit. Aromas & flavors of lush dark cherry-vanilla and blueberry balanced by pleasing acidity and well-integrated oak-spice. The rich fruit and vanilla notes continue through the round, lingering finish. Excellent match for red meat. Grilled steak or lamb chop. Venison. Smoked barbecued pork or beef ribs. Bacon wrapped mushrooms. Aged Gouda.
From: Maipo Valley, Chile
Winery: Chono
Year: 2010
