Sally Benjamin presents the Twin Vines Vinho Verde to some tasters at Wine World Friday night
T here was a pretty good crowd at Wine World by the time I arrived around 6:30. It was even larger by the time I left. That’s the nice thing about the Wine World format. Six wines spaced so if you are in a hurry you can quickly taste them and be on your way. Or take your time, talk with your friends or meet some new friends. On this night there was plenty of both.
I liked the Twin Vines Vinho Verde. Slightly sweet, nice balanced acid on the finish with that hint of effervescence that Sally tells me Vinho Verde traditional has. I also like sampling the New Age White because I keep forgetting how sweet this wine can be. I usually drink it over ice with a squeeze of lime juice. Great summertime refresher that tastes like a vodka tonic.
On the red table I liked the Thorny Rose Red. I’ve bought this wine at Wine World before. Nice full bodied dark red. Fruit forward and usually a crowd pleasure for those who don’t want a super dry red.
Next up for Wine World is their Third Thursday tasting on Sept. 18th and then the next day on Friday the 19th, a Wines of South Africa seminar.
Where: Wine World, 133 Georgia Ave., North Augusta, SC
803-279-9522
When: Friday, Sept. 5, 2014, 5 to 8 pm
Cost: $5, with rebate on the purchase of 1 bottle of the featured wines.
Here are the wines presented (click to see more):
- Twin Vines Vinho Verde
- Ruffino Pinot Grigio “Lumina” 2013
- New Age White
- Don Ramon Red 2012
- La Framboisiere Cotes du Rhone 2011
- Thorny Rose Red Blend 2011
Invalid Displayed Gallery
Here are the detailed wine notes:
Twin Vines Vinho Verde | Portugal
Vinho Verde is the signature white wine of northern Portugal. Its hallmarks are pleasing fresh fruit and citrus flavors, accompanied by refreshing acidity. Twin Vines is one of the best Vinho Verdes we’ve tasted. It’s a perfect example of the classic Vinho Verde style. Fine match for shellfish. And for most seafood, for chicken, light salads. A great “party wine” and refreshing aperitif. Winery: J M Fonseca
Ruffino Pinot Grigio “Lumina” 2013 | Venezie IGT, Italy
You’ll enjoy this affordable PG. Floral aroma with notes of golden apple and pears along with light herbal notes of sage and mint. Full fruit flavors with mineral and citrus notes and a refreshing finish. This beauty pairs well with many dishes, especially seafood, salads, grilled chicken. Enjoy with Orzo with Shrimp. Pork Saltimbocca with Polenta. Seafood Risotto. Camembert.
New Age White | Mendoza, Argentina
A fruity, slightly sweet blend of Torrontes and Sauvignon Blanc with a very slight effervescence. Fragrant tropical aromas. Flavors of honeydew melon, apricot and zesty citrus fruit. In Argentina New Age white is frequently served on ice with seltzer and a twist of lime. Spicy dishes. Appetizers. Chicken, seafood. Winery: Bodega Valentin Bianchi
Don Ramon Red 2012 | Aragon, Spain
A terrific blend of 75% Grenache and 25% Tempranillo. This tasty Spanish red is a wonderful value. Aromas of red berries, raspberry and black cherry with nice earthy notes giving interest and complexity. Integrated tannins and well-balanced acidity. Good for just ”sipping” and a fine match to so many foods. Bring on the burgers. Grilled meats and vegetables. Rice pilaf with mushrooms. Fennel layered with potatoes. Leyden Manchego. Winery: Campo de Borja
La Framboisiere Cotes du Rhone 2011 | Rhone Valley, France
This delicious wine does indeed show full raspberry (framboisiere) and blackberry flavors. Its spicy and mineral notes add complexity. Long silky finish. It’s a traditional blend: 80% Grenache (80-year-old vines) and 20% Syrah (35 years old.) from near the village of Rasteau. You know we are very keen on good Cotes du Rhone and this is one of our currrent favorites! Especially good with grilled meats and sausages. Steaks. Great with lamb. Use your slow cooker for Braised Lamb Shanks. Stuffed mushrooms.
Thorny Rose Red Blend 2011 | Columbia Valley, Washington State
Enticing intense flavors of black cherry, along with raspberry and blackberry marry. Vanilla and cocoa notes round out the rich fruit flavors in this blend of Cabernet Sauvignnon & Merlot with smaller amounts of Syrah & Malbec. Lots of ripe fruit with a smooth finish. Grilled pork chops. Burgers with cheese. Steaks. Rich, hearty beef pot roast.
