Quite the turnout for Wine World’s Third Thursday tastingF unny how fast the weather changes. Last week at this time none of us had power and were shivering in ice and snow. A week later and it’s 80 degrees and the front door is propped open. It seemed appropriate that the white wines this week go real well with a spring warmup. To my palate all three whites would go with a nice spring dinner party out on the patio. I really liked the Hidden Crush Chardonnay. It was a nice standalone sipper.
I asked Scottie, one of the tasters for his opinion of the evening’s selection and he said that he actually had been buying the last wine presented, Hidden Crush Cabernet Sauvignon, but was very impressed with Domaine Martin “Plan de Dieu” Cotes du Rhone Villages. “Ive stopped by and purchased the Hidden Crush several times lately but tonight I’m buying the Cotes du Rhone Villages”
Both where real nice wines. The Cotes du Rhone Villages is a bit more structured and has the mineral tone to it that many French wines do. I really liked the Hidden Crush Cabernet Sauvignon. It had some nice chewy tannins that I would love to pair with a steak.
Next tasting up for Wine World is a Wines of the Piedmont seminar on Feb. 27th. It sounds like it will be a good one. Their next drop by is their First Friday tasting on March 7th.
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Where: Wine World, 133 Georgia Ave., North Augusta, SC
803-279-9522
When: Thursday, February 20, 2014, 5 to 8pm
Cost: $5 fee—$3 rebate with your purchase of one bottle of featured wine
Here are the wines presented (click to see more):
- Seigneur Jean de Roze 2012
- Dry Creek Dry Chenin Blanc 2012
- Hidden Crush Chardonnay 2012
- Franco Serra Barbera d’Alba 2012
- Domaine Martin “Plan de Dieu” Cotes du Rhone Villages 2011
- Hidden Crush Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
Here are the detailed wine notes:
Seigneur Jean de Roze 2012 | Pays d’Herault, France
A blend of Mediterranean grape varieties (Grenache Blanc, Carignan Blanc and Sauvignon Blanc). From the Languedoc – Roussillon region. Generous floral aromas lead to flavors with fruit, acidity & minerality in good balance. Refreshing finish. Aperitif. Spicy vegetable dishes. Great partner for salads, seafood, chicken.
Winery: Cave des Vignerons de Saint Chinian
Dry Creek Dry Chenin Blanc 2012 |Clarksburg, California
Beautifully crisp & refreshing, one of our most favorite wines. Aromas of melon, white peach, citrus and mineral aspects showing this grape’s Loire Valley origins. Apple & citrus flavors with excellent balance. Delightful aperitif. Terrific food wine. Shellfish and white meats. Pork loin in creamy sauce with leeks. Salads, sushi. Aperitif.
Hidden Crush Chardonnay 2012 | Central Coast, California
Aromas of lime, lemon blossom, green apple, pineapple and white peach. Generous fresh fruit flavors, rich texture, refreshing crisp acidity and lovely lingering flavors. Pair with sauteed fish. Crabcakes, three-cheese white pizza or a Cuban sandwich. Think about a really good Fettuccini Alfredo. Pleasing aperitif.
Franco Serra Barbera d’Alba 2012 | Piedmont, Italy
Big, earthy dark berry aromas and flavors with hints of strawberry and mocha. Medium bodied, light tannins, well-balanced acidity. A very food friendly wine. A fine Barbera, especially for the price. Great match for dishes made with tomato sauce (pasta and pizza). Excellent with sausages, beef, lamb, venison.and cheeses. Stuffed mushrooms.
Domaine Martin “Plan de Dieu” Cotes du Rhone Villages 2011 | Rhone Valley, France
All of us were excited when we tasted this wine. It’s an unusually beautiful Cotes du Rhone Village (and a terrific good value). 60% Grenache, 25% Syrah & 15% Mourvedre. Aromas of concentrated red fruit (raspberries & blackberries), silky body and rounded tannins. Perfect match for beef, lamb, venison. Steaks & burgers. Ratatouille. Braised lamb shanks with couscous. Gruyere cheese.
Hidden Crush Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 | Central Coast, California
Aromas of cherry and black currant with layers of cedar, spice, coconut and vanilla. A medium-bodied wine with bright fruit flavors of red berries and spices. Full flavors and easy finish. Pair with red sauce pasta with sausage. Great with grilled burgers or steaks. Hearty beef pot roast. Cheeses.
