Roger introduces Frank Hanson
I t was an evening of Côtes du Rhône with a little side trip to Rioja. “Fabulous” Frank Hanson, as Roger introduced him, was the evening’s guide through the offerings of two wineries from these regions.
Hanson is president of Auctus Brands, and was presenting wines from the Vison Wine and Spirits portfolio.
His knowlege of the wines was very apparent as he spoke about each wine and the blend of grapes each contained without having to refer to any notes.
As mentioned there was two wineries but there were 3 labels this evening. Gabriel Meffre makes high end wines from specific AOC’s using the Gabriel Meffre label but has a second label, La Chasse, that has an attractive price point and has a general Côtes du Rhône designation.
When asked about which wines could be described as “hidden gems” he pointed out the two from Rioja Bordon, a Spanish winery that celebrated its 125th anniversary last year. Rioja Bordon and has French roots but a Spanish soul. It was founded 126 years ago by a frenchman who was trying to find fresh territory when phylloxera descimated the French wine industry. He came to Rioja where he built a winery using his experience from Bordeaux. Unfortunately the Spaniards kicked the French out in 1922 and it because a Spanish owned winery. But it still honors it’s French roots with the name Bordon, which means “Pilgrim’s Cane”.
Hanson pointed out that Rioja Bordon ages its wine longer than necessary to qualify as Crianza or Reserva, terms that have special meaning within the Rioja wine region. This was new to me so I learned something tonight. Strict marketing rules within Rioja require that any wine must be aged at least 2 years, one of those years in oak, before it can be called Crianza. A Reserva must age at least 3 years, with one of those years in oak. Rioja Bordon ages their Crianza for 30 months, 15 in oak and 15 in the bottle. Their Reserva is aged 18 months in oak and 2 years in the bottle. Because of the extra time that these two classifications of wines require the prices for Crianza and Reserva are usually much higher. These, Hanson pointed out, are $14.99 and $19.99 and make them great values.
When it came time to taste the 3 Gabriel Meffre wines, it was obvious that these wines were deserving of their higher price points. Each got better as we went through the 3. The Chateauneuf du Pape Saint-Theodoric 2011 was pretty amazing. I could enjoy a bottle of this with a great meal.
The prices ranged from $14.99 to $59.99 for an average of $26.37 a bottle. Not bad for a $25 seminar. I also must mention the great nibbles that John produced. They added to the evening.
Tonight’s seminar was held at: Vineyard Wine Market (map), 4414 Evans to Lock Road, Evans, GA. (706) 922-9463
When: Thursday, August 18, 2016, 7-9:00 pm.
Cost: $25. Reservations were required.
Here are the wines to presented (click to see more):
- La Chasse Presitge Cotes du Rhone Rosé 2014
- La Chasse Prestige Cotes du Rhone Blanc 2013
- La Chasse Prestige Cotes du Rhone Rouge 2013
- Rioja Bordon Crianza 2012
- Rioja Bordon Reserva 2009
- Gabriel Meffre Cotes du Rhode 2014
- Gabriel Meffre Gigondas Saint-Catherine 2012
- Gabriel Meffre Chateauneuf du Pape Saint-Theodoric 2011
Invalid Displayed Gallery
Here are the detailed wine notes:
La Chasse Presitge Côtes du Rhône AOC Rosé 2014 | Cotes du Rhone, France
Rhône rosé is an undiscovered treasure for many wine drinkers. This gorgeous pink wine – a blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Shiraz – is fruity and slightly spicy, perfect for Asian cuisine or a summer barbecue. It has Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah grapes. The wine has a striking, gorgeous pink colour with very light shades of purple. On the nose, the main aromas are floral and fresh red berry fruits. Raspberry flavours come through strongly on the palate and the finish is fruity and slightly spicy. Try it with salads, fish, roasted white meats and it is perfect for a bbq on a warm summer’s evening
Website
Cost: $15.99
La Chasse Prestige Cotes du Rhone Blanc 2013 | Cotes du Rhone, France
This blend has Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, Clairette Blanche and Roussanne. A fantastic wine that is not as well-known as it should be outside of its local market. Grapes are harvested early in the morning to preserve their freshness and then vinified separately to allow their specific characteristics to shine. A bright golden yellow colour with pale green tints. It has a fine and elegant nose with complex aromas of white flowers and peaches. The flavours are subtle and well balanced leaving the drinker with a long, persistent, fruity finish. Enjoy a chilled (10-12C) glass on its own or with chicken, fish, white meats and salads. This wine can age for 2 to 3 years, but mostly will be consumed the year following harvest. Website
Cost: $15.99
La Chasse Prestige Cotes du Rhone Rouge 2013 | Cotes du Rhone, France
This blend has Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault and Mourvèdre grapes. Benchmark southern French red wine with masses of juicy fruit flavours and a hint of spice. Not aged in oak, this Côtes du Rhône is a slightly different style to the réserve. Delicious with roasted or grilled meats and Mediterranean cuisine. A deep red wine with purple tints. The nose is intense and full with suggestions of blackberry fruit and spices. The spicy element is also apparent to taste, complementing the red fruit character of this full, lively wine which has a long tasty finish. Delicious with Mediterranean cuisine, cheeses and grilled or roast meats. Serve at cool room temperature. It will cellar for up to 2 years. Website
Cost: $15.99
Rioja Bordon Crianza 2012 | Rioja, Spain
Once the selection of the fruit, the production is based on the stripping of the bunches and the gentle crushing of the berries. After the alcoholic fermentation and the malolactic deacidification, the wine passes into an American white oak barrel (Ohio) medium toast. The wine remains in barrels for twelve months and their upbringing is interrupted every six months to make the traditional racking barrel to barrel. Red color and ruby tones, it expresses on nose marked notes of ripe fruit, toasted memories and notes of vanilla. On mouth it is smooth with good structure and elegant tannins. Its final brings notes of fruits and spices. Website
Cost: $14.99
Goes with: Vegetables, white meats and grilled, sheep’s cheese, pasta and fried foods in general.
Rioja Bordon Reserva 2009 | Rioja, Spain
Once the selection of the fruit, the production is based on the stripping of the bunches and the gentle crushing of the berries. After the alcoholic fermentation and the malolactic deacidification the wine passes into an American white oak barrel (Ohio) medium toast. The wine remains in barrels for eighteen months and their upbringing is interrupted every six months to make the traditional racking barrel to barrel. Bright ruby red color, their hallmarks in nose are a subtle toasty aroma, red fruits, sweet spices and light toffee touch. In mouth it displays a complex array of nuances where wood and fruit are perfectly assembled.Cost: $19.99
Goes with: Vegetables, ‘spoon dishes’, grilled meats or with sauces, roasts.
Gabriel Meffre Cotes du Rhode 2014 | Cotes du Rhone, France
Crimson robe with purple nuances. The nose is seductive with hints of cherries and spices. The palate is elegant, round with a spicy finish. This Côtes du Rhône is a blend of Grenache and Syrah grapes from clayey limestone soils from the north of Vaucluse and Gard. With a Southern French climate renowned for its contrasts, the vineyard endures the summer heat and Mistral wind. The 2014 harvest marked a season of even development across all grapevarieties, higher yields, and a return to normal volumes, with productionlevels on par with better years. Grenache has delivered wines that are warmand rounded on the palate, expressing the typical spiced blackcurrant andblack berry flavors of the southern appellations. A cool summer will resultin wines that are less tannic and full-bodied than usual, but nonetheless,expressive of the terroir. Website
Cost: $21.99
Goes with: For everyday meals with cooked meats, grilled meat and strong cheese.Enjoy it now or cellar for up to 5 years.
Gabriel Meffre Gigondas Saint-Catherine 2012 | Cotes du Rhone, France
A deep aubergine robe, an intense black-fruit nose of plums and dark cherry and a full, intense presence on the palate. A thread of garrigue (rosemary, thyme, juniper) spice runs from start to finish, which is long and generous.. 2012 was marked by an short episode of very intense frost followed by a wet spring and a dry summer allowing a healthy crop, later and smaller in size than 2011. The result is a very balanced vintage, fresh and aromatic with vibrant colour and complex aromas of tobacco and olive tapenade for the Syrah. The Grenaches are round and sweet with notes of ripe strawberry and plum. This Gigondas is a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. The vineyards are situated on marl limestone deposits of the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods, with a mix of sand and clay of the Tertiary era. The climate is Mediterranean, significantly influenced by the dry Mistral wind, a high level of annual sunshine and low rainfall, concentrated mostly in the Spring and Fall seasons. Website
Cost: $45.99
Goes with: This Gigondas marries beautifully with stews (Boeuf Bourguignon, Rabbit Ragou), grilled steak and soft, ripe cheese. Given its richness, it is highly recommended to serve at a cool temperature (16° to 18° C). Can be appreciated now for its youthfull livelyness or enjoyed over the next 6 to 8 years.
Gabriel Meffre Chateauneuf du Pape Saint-Theodoric 2011 | Cotes du Rhone, France
A rich, bright ruby colour with subtle and complex aromas of Kirsch and cherry paste. The palate is full and structured with liquorice and roasted apple wood notes lasting through the finish.
Harvest 2011 in Châteauneuf-du-Pape was marked by an extraordinary «Indian Summer» in September which allowed to harvest, under ideal weather conditions, grapes of excellent sanitary quality and optimal maturity. From a sensory point of view, this vintage offers balanced wines with lots of fruit, good density and generous in the mouth. This wine is a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre grapes grown in a stony soil of quartz mixed with sandy red clay. Website
Cost: $59.99
Goes with: Enjoy this Châteauneuf du Pape with roasted game, duck fillet or cheese. Serve at 16°C. Can be enjoyed already and up to 10 years of age.
