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T his is the season where we are thankful for many things. I’m thankful that Thanksgiving is always the fourth Thursday of the November so I can find a good Turkey Wine at Wine World’s Third Thursday tasting the week before.
If you are looking for a nice sparkler for the Holiday’s the Charles De Fére Blanc de Blancs served tonight is a nice sparkler that isn’t super dry. It’s labeled Brut but as many sparklers go being Brut doesn’t really mean its dry. Nice holiday wine.
If you want a turkey wine then Dick Benjamin’s recommendation is always going to be Gewürztraminer and this year he had a great example with Foris Gewürztraminer. He also adds it’s great with General Tsao’s chicken at Szechuan Garden on Walton Way.
Three different tasters I talked to all said they prefer white wines and these two wines were their favorites of the evening.
At the red table Phil told me that the Angeline Pinot Noir
Then I bumped into Ed who I met at the very first wine tasting I covered for BottleReport. Over the years I found that our palates are similar so I always ask him what he likes to make sure I check it out. We both tried the William Hill Cabernet Sauvignon and both agreed it was a nice little cab with some fruit up front and “a touch of spice at the back.”
On the cheese table they had two standards of cheeses that Wine World has: Havarti Dill and the soft Blue Castillo. As I’ve said so many times the First Friday and Third Thursday tastings are a great place to unwind after a long day and chat with friends new and old.
Also, mark your calendar. Wine World is having a California Jewels tasting seminar on November 20. $15 with reservation. Sounds like a good one.
Where: Wine World, 133 Georgia Ave., North Augusta, SC
803-279-9522
When: Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012, 5 to 8pm
Cost: $5 per person with rebate on purchase of a featured wine.
Here are the wines to be presented (click to see more):
- Charles De Fére Blanc de Blancs
- Shaya Old Vines Verdejo 2010
- Foris Gewürztraminer 2011
- Angeline Pinot Noir 2010
- Franco Serra Barbera d’Alba 2010
- William Hill Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
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Here are the detailed wine notes:
Charles De Fére Blanc de Blancs
One of our most favorite sparkling wines. Fine, delicate bubbles. Generous, rich flavors of ripe apple, spice and butter, with an attractive yeasty aroma. (Blend of Chardonnay, Ugni Blanc and Chenin Blanc.) Excellent aperitif. A good match for almost all foods. Pita bread with prosciutto and Fontina (Fontal) cheese and herbs. White Stilton with Lemon Zest.
From: France
Winery: Charles De Fére
Shaya Old Vines Verdejo 2010
Intense green apple, pear and lime aromas with a hint of white pepper and herbs. Ripe citrus and orchard fruit flavors with attractive herbal and mineral accents. Long, refreshing finish. A terrific match for light fish and shellfish. Start the Thanksgiving dinner with Shaya and oysters or scallops.
From: Rueda, Spain
Winery: Bodegas y Vinedos Shaya
Year: 2010
Foris Gewürztraminer 2011
Enticing aromas of citrus blossom, rose petal, orange peel and a touch of nutmeg. Flavors of pineapple, nectarine, and hints of cardamom and ginger spice. Richly texture, yet lively. Gewürztraminer is wonderful in its youth and ages very well. Spicy Chinese, Thai, Indian dishes. Prime choice with Southern Thanksgiving turkey and trimmings.
From: Rogue River Valley, Oregon
Winery: Foris
Year: 2011
Angeline Pinot Noir 2010
Ripe fruit, balanced with bright acidity. Excellent Pinot Noir character. Intense aromas and rich flavors of cherry, plum, blackberry aromas with spice notes and hints of smoke & oak. Pizza, pasta, spicy dishes. Good with turkey dark meat. Grilled Portobello mushrooms. Smoked or Grilled salmon. Herbed Pork Loin. Seared tuna with fruit salsa and balsalmic vinegar. A Wine World favorite. Another great Thanksgiving wine.
From: California
Winery: Angeline
Year: 2010
Franco Serra Barbera d’Alba 2010
Marvelous food wine that is also pleasing for sipping. Earthy red fruit aromas with hints of spice. Flavors of raspberry, strawberry, black cherries with notes of smoke and black pepper. Pleasing texture, right tannins and well-balanced acidity. Great match for dishes made with tomato sauce; pasta and pizza. Excellent with cured meats and cheeses. Beef Goulash Soup. Lamb Kebobs with Lentils. Steaks, Burgers.
From: Piedmont, Italy
: Franco Serra
Year: 2010
William Hill Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
An appealing, affordable Cab Sauv with beautiful fruit and more complexity than you’d expect at this price. Aromas of dark cherry, ripe plum and blueberry with vanilla notes. The rich dark berry flavors carry though a layered, smooth finish. Bring on the steaks and burgers. Lamb. Venison with a berry sauce and caramelized onions. Blue Castello Cheese.
From: Central Coast, California
Winery: William Hill
Year: 2010
