T he wine list was very good this Third Thursday. Some nice summer whites and some reds that sound intriguing especially the Callaway Hybrid Red. We hoped to drop by and sample them but couldn’t. Our loss. Next up, South American Wine Seminar July 18th. 7PM. Call for reservations…. but do it quick.
Where: Wine World, 133 Georgia Ave., North Augusta, SC
803-279-9522
When: Thursday, July 17, 2014, 5 to 8pm
Cost: $5 fee—$3 rebate with your purchase of one bottle of featured wine
Here are the wines to be presented (click to see more):
- Vera Vinho Verde
- Callaway Hybrid White 2012
- J Lohr Riverstone Chardonnay 2013
- Salentein Portillo Malbec 2013
- L’Ostal Cazes “Estibals” 2011
- Callaway Hybrid Red 2011
Here are the detailed wine notes:
Vera Vinho Verde | Minho, Portugal
Bright, zippy and refreshing. Perfect for summer—and beyond. Fruity with a base of minerality and nice acidity for a fresh finish. The wines is made from traditional Portuguese grapes: 60% Arinto, 30% Azal & 10% Loureiro by Luis Duarte, one of Portugal’s most highly respected vintners. Vera Vinho Verde has a little more substance and is more interest than many vinho verdes. It is a delightful aperitif and a fine companion to snacks or light meal. Enjoy with sushi and seafood, with chicken, lighter pastas and summer salads.
Callaway Hybrid White 2012 | North Coast, California
Here’s an interesting and unusual blend that’s a fine summer pleaser: 40% Verdelho, 35% Viognier, 25% Gewurztraminer. Floral aromatics, citrus notes and a slightly sweet impression up front, yet finishes with a crisp, clean finish. Wonderful aperitif. A verygood match for so many summer dishes. Will go well with spicy fare and lighter foods. Seafood, Chicken, Pork, especially with a fruit salsa. Summer Squash with green chilis, onions & cheese. (Yes, it’s the same Callaway family as golf clubs and the Garden.)
J Lohr Riverstone Chardonnay 2013 | Arroyo Seco, Monterey, California
“This elegant Chardonnay has an attractive pale straw-yellow color. The aromas are of nectarine, pear and apple, combined with a perfumed roasted hazelnut and butterscotch bouquet from the barrel fermentation and sur lie aging. The flavors are very soft with ripe pear, tangelo citrus and vanilla toastiness, producing layers of complexity with a silky balance of fresh fruit acidity and palate weight.” A lovely creamy Chardonnay
with very nicely handled oak treatment. A fine bargain. Pairs well with rich creamy dishes and also with simple dishes such grilled chicken or grilled summer vegetables or creamy butternut squash soup.
Salentein Portillo Malbec 2013 | Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina
This terrific bargain is estate-bottled made from hand-picked grapes by the highly regarded Bodegas Salentein, specialists in high quality Malbecs. Despite its easy price, this is a rich Malbec with tempting aromas of ripe black fruits, dark plums and blackberries. Its generous fruit flavors are soft and velvety with notes of spice. Enjoy with grilled meats, pasta, spicy dishes, and cheeses. Grilled steak with Chimichurri sauce. Burgers. Lamb & vegetable kebobs.
L’Ostal Cazes “Estibals” 2011 | Minervois,Southern France
An exciting wine from the Languedoc, rich and powerful, yet elegant. The blend is 60% Syrah, 20% Carignan, 20% Grenache. The fruit suggests blackberries and dark cherries with subtle toast & spice oak notes. Well-integrated tannins lead to a long finish. (This is more recent project, since 2002, by the Jean Michel Cazes familywho also own the famous Chateau Lynch-Bages in Pauillac, Bordeaux.) The L’Ostal Cazes property lies on steep slopes between the medieval city of Carcassone and the old Roman port of Narbonne. This wine is one of our favorites! Terrific with grilled meats & sausages. Bacon & tomato sandwiches. Grilled eggplant salad. Stuffed mushrooms. Roasted summer vegetables.
Callaway Hybrid Red 2011 | Mendocino County, California
The Hybrid Red is an interesting blend and a very good “easy-drinking” red. It’s a juicy, almost jammy blend of 50% Merlot, 35% Zinfandel, and 15% Syrah. A fruit-forward crowd-pleaser. A simple, tasty red that’s a good value and easy for warm weather. Serve slightly chilled.
