W e’re sorry we missed this one (The Wine Festival Judging got in the way). The wines sounded great. But from what I heard a good crowd dropped by and enjoyed them.
Where: Wine World, 133 Georgia Ave., North Augusta, SC
803-279-9522
When: Thursday, Sept. 19, 2013, 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):
- Twin Vines Vinho Verde 2012
- Dry Creek Dry Chenin Blanc 2012
- Chateau La Graviere Entre-deux-Mers, 2012
- Cupcake Pinot Noir 2011
- Melini Chianti Riserva 2009
- Matt Cline Three Zin 2011
Here are the detailed wine notes:
Twin Vines Vinho Verde 2012
Vinho Verde is the signature white wine of northern Portugal. Its hallmarks are pleasing fresh fruit and citrus flavors, accompanied by refreshing acidity. Twin Vines is one of the best Vinho Verdes we’ve tasted. It’s a perfect example of the classic Vinho Verde style. Fine match for shellfish. And for most seafood, for chicken, light salads. A great “party wine” and refreshing aperitif.
From: Portugal
Winery: JM Fonseca
Year: 2012
Dry Creek Dry Chenin Blanc 2012
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.
From: Clarksburg, California
Winery: Dry Creek Vineyard
Year: 2012
Chateau La Graviere Entre-deux-Mers, 2012
Entre-Deux-Mers is one of our favorite sources of great-value, crisp whites. Here’s the new vintage. La Gravière is a traditional blend of Sauvignon Blanc with some added Semillon to provide body and a hint of honeysuckle character. Aromas of lemon and grass lead through to an almost silky finish. Aperitif. A great match with seafood, chicken, turkey, pork dishes. Asparagus with Parmesan cheese. Goat cheese.
From: Bordeaux, France
Winery: Chateau La Graviere
Year: 2012
Cupcake Pinot Noir 2011
A good example of a well-made simple Pinot at a very affordable price. Aromas of cherries carry through the palate with a touch of red currant and a hint of spice. Sourced primarily from Santa Barbara County. Cool fermentation is used to preserve the bright cherry fruit, then American & French oak barrels are used for aging for about nine months. A wonderfully versatile food wine. Thick tuna steak. Salmon encrusted with peppercorns. Duck with fruit salsa. Mushroom ragout. Grilled meats.
From: Central Coast, California
Winery: Cupcake Vineyards
Year: 2011
Melini Chianti Riserva 2009
Bright ruby in color with a nose of raspberry, blackberry and a hint of violets. Medium-bodied with flavors of jammy, berry-fruit, spice and a firm finish. Fine balance and length. A great Italian classic with a modern touch. Rare steaks, rich braises and ragùs, chicken or mushroom dishes and anything with tomatoes.
From: Tuscany, Italy
Winery: Melini
Year: 2009
Matt Cline Three Zin 2011
Three is the label Matt Cline & his wife Erin founded in 2007. Terrific Zin! This wine is a field blend: 77% Zinfandel, 17% Petite Sirah, 4% Carignane, and 2% Alicante Bouschet. It shows the typical raspberry & blackberry fruit typical of Contra Costa. Dense cherry & dark fruit flavors with hints of earthiness, spice & pepper. Enjoy now or age 3 to 7 years. Fine partner to grilled steak, burgers or sausage. BBQ. Pulled pork. Venison. Lamb stew. Aged Gouda.
From: Contra Costa County, California
Winery: Matt Cline
Year: 2011
