
T he great thing about Wine World’s Third Thursday tastings is even if you are pressed for time you can stop and enjoy six wines and be on your way. Or you stop and relax and chat with new and old friends.
In my case I was in a hurry.
But I, like several other tasters, really liked the St. Francis White Splash from the white table and the Chateau St. Jean Signature Red from the red table. But then again I liked all of the wines. I would be remiss not to mention the Cablanca Mild Dutch Goat Cheese. It was very nice.
The next tasting is the First Friday tasting on August 2. Next time I plan to not be in a hurry (good luck on that one).
Where: Wine World, 133 Georgia Ave., North Augusta, SC
803-279-9522
When: Thursday, July 18, 2013, 5 to 8pm
Cost: $5 fee—$3 rebate with purchase of one bottle of featured wine
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Here are the wines presented (click to see more):
- Carletto Pinot Grigio delle Venezie 2011
- Shelton Dry Rosé 2011
- St. Francis White Splash 2011
- Periquita Red Original 2010
- Campo de Borja Don Ramon Red 2011
- Chateau St. Jean Signature Red 2010
Here are the detailed wine notes:
Carletto Pinot Grigio delle Venezie 2011
A crisp, dry wine with floral aroma, appealing golden apple flavors & citrus finish. Flavors are fresh & well-balanced with a lingering finish. Aging on the lees for two months adds a bit of complexity. An excellent aperitif. Enjoy with Herbed fish fillet and Couscous with asparagus. Chicken sautéed with mushrooms adn shallots. Creamy pasta. Arugula salad. Havarti with Dill.
From: Italy
Winery: Carletto
Year: 2011
Shelton Dry Rosé 2011
Aromas & flavors reminiscent of strawberry, ripe cranberry & raspberry with hints of rose petal and tangerine. Clean, fresh finish with raspberry & lavender notes. Limited production. 99% Cabernet Franc. (Located near Dobson, North Carolina, Shelton is a beautiful winery & vineyard to visit.) Versatile food wine. Great match for salmon. shrimp, turkey dinner. Skewers of Moroccan chicken, peppers & Vidalia onions.
From: Yadkin Valley, North Carolina
Winery: Shelton Vineyards
Year: 2011
St. Francis White Splash 2011
A blend of four aromatic, flavorful white grape varieties (Muscat, Gewürztraminer, Roussane and Pinot Grigio). Sweet fresh fruit aromas and flavors of pear, citrus and a touch of vanilla are accompanied by a full body and crisp finish. Spicy dishes, including Indian and Chinese. Chicken. This is a superb match for the Shrimp and Grits from About Thyme, our neighbor across the street on Georgia Ave.
From: Sonoma Valley, California
Winery: St. Francis
Year: 2011
Periquita Red Original 2010
This lively, affordable red shows flavors & aromas reminiscent of raspberries, dry figs and strawberries
with hints of violets, mint & green tea. It’s a blend of three indigenous Portuguese grape varieties: Castelão (74%) also know as “Periquita”, Trincadeira (14%), and Aragonez (12%).( José Maria da Fonseca began making Perquita wines in southern Portugal in the 1850’s.) This wine is medium-bodied, fruity, soft, and well-balanced with integrated oak and a smooth finish. Sausages. White beans with chirozo. Gouda with Mediterranean Herbs.
From: Setubal Peninsula, Portugal
Winery: Periquita
Year: 2010
Campo de Borja Don Ramon Red 2011
A terrific blend of 75% Grenache and 25% Tempranillo. This tasty Spanish red is a wonderful value. Aromas of red berries, raspberry and black cherry with nice earthy notes giving interest and complexity. Integrated tannins and well-balanced acidity. Good for just ”sipping” and a fine match to so many foods. Bring on the burgers. Grilled meats and vegetables. Rice pilaf with mushrooms. Fennel layered with potatoes. Manchego.
From: Aragon, Spain
Winery: Campo de Borja
Year: 2011
Chateau St. Jean Signature Red 2010
A stunning blend of blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Syrah and Malbec which shows aromas of black currants, spice, strawberry and cherry notes, dark chocolate and ripe plums. Rich flavors of blackberry, mocha and spice. Complexity & a spice element are promoted by aging in French & American oak. Spicy BBQ Chicken. Cheeseburgers. Steaks. Eggplant casserole. Rare standing rib roast. Aged Gouda.
From: California
Winery: Chateau St. Jean
Year: 2010