THIS WEEK’S WINE TASTING

Old World Wines to pair with Thanksgiving Dinner

 

Schloss Gobelsburg Gobelsburger Riesling 2012
Kamptal Kremstal, Austria. 100% Riesling. “As one of the oldest wineries in Austria, Schloss Gobelsburg has some 35 hectares in historical vineyard sites around the castle. Every site has its specialties and particularities with different soil and micro-climatic conditions. From the sun-exposed terraces on Zöbinger Heiligenstein and the Gaisberg mountain to the extensive garden facilities around Gobelsburg castle, the vines are subjected to a wide range of conditions. In accordance with their respective potential, the best possible development conditions are established for every grape variety.”

“A dry Riesling that offers such a fragrant nose that you think that it must be a sweet Riesling… until you taste it. Peaches, ripe apples, minerals and maybe a touch of tropical fruit in the nose. In the mouth, tangy and focused, with a tart edge and lively acidity. It is designated Trocken, but not skeletal or austere, and with food, that ripeness makes all the difference, keying up with nutty smoked gouda in a creamy mac-and-cheese, latching seamlessly into a plate of sauteed fennel and mushrooms with thyme.” $16.99

*Thanksgiving Pairing Suggestions: Apples and Apple Desserts, Roasted or Smoked Chicken, Duck and Goose, Corn, Roasted Beets, Asparagus, Cranberry Sauce, Ham, dishes with Nutmeg

 

Francois Merieau Sauvignon Blanc Touraine 2013
Loire Valley, France. “One of the new stars of the Loire, Jean-François Merieau is as ambitious as they come. Before coming back to settle at his family’s property in the Touraine just east of Tours, he wandered the world tasting wine and spent time working at several wineries outside of France. It was this exposure that drives his creativity today. Instead of blending his wines, Jean-François produces most of the varietals with which he works in single varietal bottlings, often from a single parcel. This terroir-specific approach allows us to taste singular wines of great expression. He is converting the entire production to organic viticulture. Without exception, all of the wines produced at this property offer tremendous value.

The Sauvignon de Touraine rivals many of the great Sancerre wines being produced today at half the price. 100% Sauvignon Blanc from a single parcel of old vines (60 years old). Harvested by hand, fermented and aged in stainless steel tank for 7 months. Some lees stirring.” $14.99

*Thanksgiving Pairing Suggestions: Artichokes, Asparagus, Smoked Poultry, Fried Turkey, roasted Vegetables such as Garlic, Zucchini, Peppers and Onions, dishes with Thyme, Dill and other Herbs (Stuffing!)

 

Domaine Pral Moulin a Vent 2011
Beaujolais, France. 100% Gamay. “Moulin-a-Vent is arguably the most noteworthy of the ten Beaujolais crus, located in the very north of the Beaujolais region. Moulin-a-Vent wines, made from the Gamay grape variety, are known for being some of the most concentrated and tannic made in Beaujolais, a far cry from the light, simple Beaujolais Nouveau wines. Floral and fruit-driven in youth, these wines often develop spicy, earthy characteristics as they age.

Crafted from 40 plus-year-old vines, this cru is aged for nine months, yielding hints of spices, coupled with notes of red fruits and berries.” $16.99

*Thanksgiving Pairing Suggestions: Grilled or Roasted Poultry, Ham, cold Poultry (leftovers!), Thanksgiving Dinner, Innards (liver, organs), Cherries and Cherry desserts, dishes with Sausage, Bacon, and Mushrooms

 

Domaine la Manarine Cotes du Rhone 2011
Cotes du Rhone, France. 100% Grenache. “This “petite” domaine was created by Gilles Gasq in April 2001. The vineyards are located within the commune of Travaillan, on a splendid plateau northeast of Orange in the southern Rhone. Gilles is a talented vigneron who has honed his skills working as an assistant to Paul Jeune, the proprietor of Domaine Monpertuis in Chateauneuf-du-Pape.

The standard bearer of the domaine is the Côtes du Rhône Rouge produced from the younger (but not young) vines (average 35 years old) of the estate.  This wine is 100% Grenache and produces a classically spicy, full-bodied wine that speaks clearly of the “garrigue” of the region. The grapes are destemmed before the fermentation and the cuvaison is on the order of three weeks duration.  The wine is bottled without filtration after twenty to twenty-four months of “elevage”.  The Manarine Cotes du Rhone is our essential wine in this category.  We now purchase 15,000 bottles per annum.” $15.99

*Thanksgiving Pairing Suggestions: Roasted Duck and Turkey, Roasted Game, Root Vegetables, Deviled Eggs, Sausage, Mushrooms, cold Ham Sandwiches, Onions

 

Chateau Bel Air Haut Medoc 2010
Bordeaux, France. “The harvest is manual and winemaking is conducted by the same team that castles Gloria and Saint-Pierre, the three raw areas belonging to Henry Martin, owned by Frances and Jean-Louis Triaud. Although Bel Air is clearly the most modest of the three wines, this is a guarantee of reliability and quality. Vintages are subject to a rigorous selection process, the rejected part being sold in bulk. Farming is conducted for 12 months in barrels part. The wine has an intense color dress deep ruby red or purple. The nose is marked by Cabernet Sauvignon often with aromas of black fruits, ripe fruit and tobacco. The palate is generous, full-bodied and round. The annual production is about 150,000 to 200,000 bottles.” $16.99

*Thanksgiving Pairing Suggestions: Roasted Pheasant, Quail and Squab, Goose, Duck, Ham, Wild Boar, Venison, Liver

 

Cocchi Brachetto d’Acqui
Piedmont, Italy. 100% Brachetto d’Acqui. “Bunches of grapes are harvested by hand, put in small baskets, then soon pressed and allowed to cold macerate. Thanks to this technique, the aromatic qualities of the skins go to the juice, fully in line with the characters which are typical to the grapes. Then the juice is allowed to ferment in autoclaves under controlled temperature to get its softly aromatic taste.

Cherry red with light notes; vibrant, fresh and stylish bouquet with an intense scent of rose; gentle, slightly tannic to balance the sweet aroma and grant a pleasant persistence. Due to its joyful foam, it is the perfect party wine that goes naturally well with fresh fruits, pastries or elaborate desserts. A young wine to be served chilled; ideal for bars and patisseries, it can be best presented in cup-shaped glasses with a garnish of wild berries.” $17.99

*Thanksgiving Pairing Suggestions: Red Berries and Berry Desserts, Chocolate, Caramel Desserts, Pastries, Cheese Cake