Rudy and Paige ham it up at the cheese table
I stopped by at the start after a long day at work. Nice time to ease out of the work day.
I really liked the Adria Vini ‘Il Meridione’ Grillo. Interesting grape. I love the stone fruit flavors. I had never tried Grillo before. The Domaine de Bernier Chardonnay was interesting in that it seemed to be slightly oaked but this is an unoaked Chard. Not too crisp. The Brancott Sauvignon Blanc was what I like in a Sauv Blanc. This is a New Zealand wine that has a hint of grassiness that New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs have become know for but the melon flavors are dominant. Andrew Benjamin said the Brancotts where the ones that started the Sauvignon Blanc New Zealand phenomenon. I can see why.
The red table there was a tasting regular, Campo Viejo Reserva Rioja. I’ve had this wine many times. Nice Rioja wine. Not too minerally. The Emporio Wines Gerberas Garnacha did have that minerality that many Spanish wines have. Nice fruit tempered by the minerality. The last wine is always a favorite… and another I’ve had at many tastings. The Bogle Essential Red is the wine I took home with me.
Next up for Wine World is First Friday on Feb. 2. We’ll have to see if the Groundhog sees its shadow. If it does that means another glass of wine doesn’t it?
The evening’s lineup
Where: Wine World, 133 Georgia Ave., North Augusta, SC
803-279-9522
When: Thursday, Jan. 16, 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):
- Adria Vini ‘Il Meridione’ Grillo 2015
- Domaine de Bernier Chardonnay 2015
- Brancott Sauvignon Blanc 2017
- Campo Viejo Reserva Rioja 2012
- Emporio Wines Gerberas Garnacha 2016
- Bogle Essential Red 2015
Here are the detailed wine notes:
Adria Vini ‘Il Meridione’ Grillo 2015 | Sicily, Italy
100% Grillo. A ripe and spicy nose with floral and stone fruit characters. The palate has more honeyed stone fruit and savoury notes backed by fresh citrus acidity. No oak was used. Pair with white fish, grilled octopus, or chicken caesar salad.
Domaine de Bernier Chardonnay 2015 | Loire, France
Fresh, unoaked, with fruit flavors that echo pears and apples, and an enticing hint of minerality beneath the surface. Pair with grilled lobster, fish with sauce, chicken curry and hard cheeses.
Brancott Sauvignon Blanc 2017 | Marlborough, New Zealand
Aromas of sweet ripe gooseberry, golden stone fruit, and rock melon. Palate shows apple blossom, lime zest and chive blossom notes surrounding a core of intense and refreshing lemon and grapefruit flavors. This wine can be matched with barbecued prawns or salmon and poached white fish with fresh green salads containing parsley, pepper or lemon. Mediterranean and Turkish dishes with hummus, olives and feta will also match well.
Campo Viejo Reserva Rioja 2012 | Rioja, Spain
Tempranillo. Brick red color. Aromas of bourbon, celery puree, dried cherry, vanilla taffy, and orange peel and dried rose with a slightly chewy, soft, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a polished, short sea sponge and pinto beans finish with papery tannins and moderate oak. Pair with Hoagies, Chicken Parmesan Sandwich, Steak & Potatoes, Beef Stew. Website
Emporio Wines Gerberas Garnacha 2016 | Aragón, Spain
Bouquet of flowers on the nose, Juicy plum, black cherry, spice, cedar, smooth supplier tannins, raspberry with a little pepper on the edge of the tongue. Eggplant Parmesan, Jambalaya, Bacon Wrapped Chicken Skewers, Hot Dogs.
Bogle Essential Red 2015 | North Coast, California
Old Vine Zinfandel, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah fruit of dark berries and black plums is nuanced by the flavors of juniper and dried herbs. The juicy, jammy fruit is framed with spicy cedar and hints of pipe tobacco and cocoa, the American oak lingers. Pair with a Barbecue Burger, Pt. Reyes Blue Cheese, Goulash, Lamb Curry, Dark Chocolate Macarons. Website
