All smiles at the Red table
N ice time for picking up some cheese and craft brews for Christmas. Oh, yeah, there was a wine tasting going on. It was time for Wine World’s Third Thursday tasting. I have to say right off the bat that I really liked the Brack Mountain “Cyprus” Rosé of Pinot Noir 2017. This rosé has one of the most buttery mouthfeel (feel only… no buttery taste) I’ve ever sensed with a rosé. Nice flavors without being too sweet or too dry. I really liked it. The Le Grand St Vincent Sauvignon 2017 has a sense of lemongrass and hint of honeysuckle. It had some nice fruit without being sweet. And last but not least on the white table was the M. Bonnamy Crémant de Loire Brut NV. This is a great sparkler for those who don’t like the massive bubbles in what people generally refer to as “champagne.” Nice bubbles that don’t explode in your mouth or rush your head with a bunch of CO2. Flavors are nice and gentle, not overly dry and minerally. I think I found a sparkler that Mrs. Dan will enjoy.
At the red table I had to admit I had to rush a bit to get home but the Alfredo Bertolani ‘Rosso all’Antica’ Lambrusco was nothing like the Lambrusco of my youth. A dark sparkler. Once again not a super bubbly wine. But dark and if it weren’t for the bubbles I might describe as a bit jammy. But I hate to use that term because it isn’t a jammy wine.
Nice tasting. On the cheese table they featured Roth Havarti Dill, Red Dragon English Cheddar with Wholegrain Mustard and Ale (I bought some) and Clawson Cotswold.
Where: Wine World, 133 Georgia Ave., North Augusta, SC
803-279-9522
When: Thursday, December 20, 2018, 5 to 8 pm
Cost: $5, with $2 rebate on the purchase of 1 bottle of the featured wines.
Here are the wines presented (click to see more):
- Brack Mountain “Cyprus” Rosé of Pinot Noir 2017
- Le Grand St Vincent Sauvignon 2017
- M. Bonnamy Crémant de Loire Brut NV
- M. Chapoutier Belleruche Côtes-du-Rhône 2017
- Alfredo Bertolani ‘Rosso all’Antica’ Lambrusco 2016
- Broadside Printer’s Alley Proprietary Red 2014
Here are the detailed wine notes:
Le Grand St Vincent Sauvignon 2017 | Touraine, France
This pale yellow wine streaked with green is dry and refreshing with straightforward but typical aromas; the mouth is full and develops into fleshiness with the characteristic fruitiness of our Côteaux wines. It goes perfectly with seafood, raw vegetables, charcuterie, fish and barbecues. Website
Brack Mountain “Cyprus” Rosé of Pinot Noir 2017 | Anderson Valley, California
This gorgeous rosé explodes right out of the bottle with notes of cherry blossom, honeysuckle, and hyacinth. On the palate, it has notes of ripe Rainier cherries, watermelon, and peach with a nice, dry finish. Made with all Anderson Valley fruit! Website
M. Bonnamy Crémant de Loire Brut NV | Loire France
65% Chenin Blanc, 20% Chardonnay, 15% Cabernet Franc. Quartzy and bright nose, redolent with fresh apple skin and crushed sweetart aromas. Zippy and energetic on the palate with a long chalky citrus finish, the maritime proximity and limestone soils really shine through in the very pure, minerally wine. A fantastic accompaniment for an aperitif or seafood. Website
M. Chapoutier Belleruche Côtes-du-Rhône 2017 | Rhone Valley, France
Aromas of blackcurrant, raspberry, and white pepper. Juicy, powerful and red fruit on the palate, with lovely roasted notes, and delicate silky tannins. Young milk-fed lamb. Website
Alfredo Bertolani ‘Rosso all’Antica’ Lambrusco 2016 | Reggiano, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
A dry sparkling red, this wine is created fully respecting the ancient traditions, selected from the best ruby coloured Lambrusco grapes. With a full ruby red colour, Rosso all’Antica blends its important body with the classic liveliness of Lambrusco. Ideally serve with typical Emilia cuisine, cured meats, roasts and game. Its full body and balance can also hold their own when combined with more challenging dishes like brazed and grilled meats. Website
Broadside Printer’s Alley Proprietary Red 2014 | California
35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 60% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot from selected vineyards in Paso Robles, Santa Margarita Ranch, and San Juan Creek District AVAs. Enticing berry, plum and vanilla notes dominate the generous aromatics. Endowed with youthful vibrancy, its juicy, bright palate opens up to reveal layers of baking spice and cherry. Website
