Roger serves a sample
G reat little tasting. I stopped by Friday afternoon to try these wines and catch up with old friends.
Roger said in his newsletter: “Despite a labeling system that is often confusing to many outside of France, French wine still gives the greatest pleasure of any wine producing region. French wines go best with food, never overpowering either in flavor or in alcohol, always well balanced, often beautiful. Today the quality of even the least expensive French wine has improved impressively providing a whole new range of wines open to wine drinkers.”
The Pierre Spar Pinot Gris is from Alsace and I think picks up some influence from the late harvest wines from the area.
Fruit up front and much more body that any Pinot Gris I think I’ve ever had. Not sure if it was spicy on its own or was the result of the cheese I nibbled on.
The Bouchard Aine & Fils Macon Villages Chardonnay was one of the driest Chardonnays I think I have ever had. If this touched oak it was most likely neutral oak.
I read where some areas in France are running out of Rosé because of their popularity in the US. I think this one fits that bill. Not sweet but not bone dry either. This is a wine I can sip. I sometimes will drink a Rosé a bit too fast. This one I think I would simply sip and enjoy it the whole time.
The last two were red blends, with the Tessellae Old Vine GSM being my favorite. The Syrah makes this wine stand out. Nice fruit up front. A slightly musty finish that I actually enjoy. Almost smokey. The Bastide Miraflors is from the same winery. It has even more Syrah in it. I think I could drink this one over a nice steak. That’ is making me hungry thinking about it. Gotta go.
A shout out to Nikki Burns and the jewelry line she reps
Where: Vineyard Wine Market (map), 4414 Evans to Lock Road, Evans, GA. (706) 922-9463
When: Friday, Sept. 11, 2015, 4:30-6:30PM. Saturday, Sept. 12, 2015, 3 to 6 pm.
Cost: $10 (usually)
Here are the wines to be presented (click to see more):
- Pierre Spar Pinot Gris
- Bouchard Aine & Fils Macon Villages Chardonnay
- Chateau Beaulien Rosé
- Chateau La Loge
- Tessellae Old Vine GSM
- Bastide Miraflors
Here are the detailed wine notes:
Pierre Spar Pinot Gris | Alsace, France
Gleaming golden yellow, the 2013 Pinot Gris presents earthy aromas of autumn leaves and ripe grapes on the nose. With some aeration, notes of juicy apricots follow, accompanied by a touch of minerality. On the palate it is soft and minerally with a delicate sweetness-to-acidity ratio, a fancy minerality and a firm, sleek body, crowned by a touch of smoky bacon and spice on the finish. 13% ABV. 100% Pinot Gris.
Bouchard Aine & Fils Macon Villages Chardonnay | Burgundy
A pale gold with green tints, brilliant and clear. On the nose : Flowery, fruity aromas with notes of citrus fruits, mint and honeysuckle. Exotic, even spicy scents. In the mouth : Well-balanced. The dominant notes are reminiscent of grass and flowers. Mâcon-Villages wines are dry, light, lively, charming and fresh. Their spontaneity and lightness make them very seductive. Website
Chateau Beaulien Rosé | Provence, France
An exemplary, traditional Provencal rosé, Château Beaulieu Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence is bright and fruit-forward with exotic fruit that reminds of guava and papaya and white floral aromas on the nose. It has body and structure, yet is fresh on the palate and beautiful minerality. Each varietal is vinified separately in stainless steel tanks at low temperatures to preserve its natural characteristics. A versatile wine that pairs beautifully with a wide variety of seafood. Serve chilled, when young. Website
Chateau La Loge | Bordeaux, France
50% merlot, 30% cabernet franc, 20% cabernet sauvignon. Website
Tessellae Old Vine GSM | Cote du Russillon
40% Syrah, 50% Grenach, 10% Mourvedre. Nose is open and very expressive. Intense, complex with a bouquet of strawberry and black cherry mixed with springs flowers. The texture is smooth and the tannins voluptuous. 93 POINTS ROBERT PARKER Website
Bastide Miraflors | Côtes Catalanes, France
Deep garnet red dress. The set opens with notes of red fruit and melts in the final with spicy notes. Lingering aroma. 70% Syrah & 30% Grenache. Website
