A selfie of sorts. My hand, being served by Paige.
I t is really hot outside. Wine World was a great place to chill out Thursday night. The white wines were exceptional tonight. Well technically one was a Rosé and it was excellent.
The first was the Laurent Perrachon Beaujolais Blanc. I made the comment to Andrew Benjamin that I usually use the term “a good food wine” to reds but this one deserved it. He agreed to a point but added that despite the wonderful flavors that the dish you serve can be too bold or the wine’s beauty would be lost. I can see that.
The Wairau River Pinot Gris had more body that most Pinot Gris I’ve had. The tasting notes mentioned “stonefruits” a term that I’m accustomed to seeing mentioned with reds but that is an apt description of this wine. Not lightweight wine.
As I mentioned before the Houchart Cote du Provence Rosè was excellent. It is a very nice balanced wine. I can’t appreciate a real acidic wine but this one has a nice balance between the acidity and a smooth body. I can add this to my list of nice Rosès I’ve had this year.
I asked several different tasters tonight about their favorites. Allison and Don, both said they really liked the whites tonight despite being red drinkers. Allison added she would probably be buying the Houchart Cote du Provence Rosè.
Don was impressed with the Laurent Perrachon Beaujolais Blanc and said that’s probably what he would take home. But first he decided to that the full glass option to make sure it’s the wine he wanted. (You can purchase a full glass pour for a nominal fee).
The reds tonight were mostly dry reds. The Frescobaldi Remole was one of the driest reds I’ve had in a while. The tasting note mentioned black pepper which I detected but the eucalptus mentioned makes sense. That would aptly describe the dryness.
The Montes Classic Malbec was dry because of its minerality. I could see this one with a fat juicy steak.
I saw the Howling Moon label and honestly thought it was going to be a red blend. On sampling I still thought that for a moment. Then I saw it was a Pinot Noir. Nice body for a pinot. Cherry and raspberry aromas with vanilla in the flavor describes this wine well.
On the cheese table they had English Sage Derby, Mediterranean Torta (cream cheese with parmesan, romano, sweet red peppers, herbs and kalamata olives) and Point Reyes Bleu Cheese (my favorite of the night).
Next up for Wine World is an Italian wine seminar conducted by Jean-Pierre Chambas, Friday, July 28th at 7pm. It will feature 9 wines.
Where: Wine World, 133 Georgia Ave., North Augusta, SC
803-279-9522
When: Thursday, July 20, 2017, 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 the wine notes handed out):
- Laurent Perrachon Beaujolais Blanc 2016
- Wairau River Pinot Gris 2014
- Houchart Cote du Provence Rosè 2016
- Frescobaldi Remole 2015
- Montes Classic Malbec 2104
- Howling Moon Pinot Noir 2014
Here are the detailed wine notes:
Laurent Perrachon Beaujolais Blanc 2016 | Beaujolais, France
Chardonnay, “Perle Blanche” Aromas of white blossom, stone fruit and apple accents of crushed herb (chervil, perhaps) and a little butter. Flavors of pear, apple, peach, and a dusting of crushed stone. Refreshing on its or with roast chicken, seafood and more. Website
Wairau River Pinot Gris 2014 | Marlborough, NZ
Vines dating back to 1990 planting, cool-fermented in stainless-steel, with a portion in seasoned French oak. Aromatic yellow stonefruits with nuts and kernels, with exotic florals and spice notes. Medium to full bodied, luscious flavours of stonefruits, florals and honeysuckle. White meat dishes and Middle Eastern fare. Website
Houchart Cote du Provence Rosè 2016 | Provence, France
Grenache, Cinsault, Mourvèdre, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah. Nose is fresh, with strawberry and red berry notes, delicate aromas of yellow peach and grapefruit. Fresh and delicious, with a fine attack, it is well balanced and long in the mouth. Grilled Mahi-Mahi, Goat Cheese stuffed Chicken Breast. 91pts Wine Enthusiast. Website
Frescobaldi Remole 2015 | Toscana, Italy
85% Sangiovese, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. Deep purple-red color, brilliant and intense. Aromas of raspberry, blackberry and black cherry, followed by aromatic and spicy notes of black pepper and eucalyptus. Fresh, medium-full bodied Remole proves to be an elegant wine with a long finish. Cured meats and sausages, barbecued meats and vegetables. Website
Montes Classic Malbec 2104 | Colchagua Valley, Chile
Elegant flavors of plum and blackberry. Butterscotch and spiciness integrated with notes of vanilla from oak aging. Ripe tannins and voluptuous mid-palate and a long finish. Pork tenderloin with fennel and onions, grilled bacon wrapped mushrooms. Website
Howling Moon Pinot Noir 2014 | Monterey, California
A medium bodied 100% Pinot Noir. Aromas of cherry and raspberry with hints vanilla and spice on the finish. Pairs with chicken or veal Parmesan and semi sweet chocolate desserts. Website
