Post Memorial Day Tasting Beat the Heat with these Cool Wines *PLUS* New House Wines from Nicolas of France
This week we will sample a variety of good-value wine that is ideal for the warm weather months ahead. They are from various regions and grape varieties and cost between $7.99 – 14.99. There will be eight wines total including a sparkling rose, four whites and three reds. We hope you will join us this Thursday night!
Secco Italian Bubbles Rose 2011– Veneto, Italy. The wine is made in by Charles Smith (K Vintners of Washington State) and his wife, Ginevra Casa, who is from Rome, Italy. “The vineyards, located in the Piave Valley of Veneziano, are made up of alluvial soil, a mix of sand, fine rocks and stone. The vineyard site is Salci di Caposile. 2011 Secco Italian Bubbles Rose, IGT Veneto (80% Raboso Piave and 20% Pinot Noir). Beautiful, vibrant Rose. Alpine strawberry, black raspberry, Italian dark cherries and crushed stone. Smooth, long and sexy…these bubbles deliver! Secco Italian Bubbles goes with everything from caviar to oysters to your favorite Chinese take-out or as a component to a seductive Bellini or Mimosa base.” $13.99
Schloss Gobelsberg ‘Gobelsberger’ Gruner Veltliner 2011– Kamptal, Austria. “For this wine, the grapes are from the best sites around the Heiligenstein (Lamm, Grub and Renner). The Grüner Veltliner is grown in young vineyards (under 20 years old) of the former Steiner Allerheiligenstiftung, a religious foundation that dates back to 1171.” 2010 vintage, 89 points Wine Advocate- “Subtly floral scents; nips of cress and citrus peel; fresh French green bean; and low-toned coffee and lentil combined for a delightfully multi-faceted 2010 Gruner Veltliner Gobelsburger whose brashly juicy palate leads to a finish of impressive length, wherein salt, stone, and iodine convey dynamic and complex interaction with fruits, vegetables, and flowers.” $14.99
Jean Francois Merieau Sauvignon Blanc 2011– Touraine, France. 100% Sauvignon Blanc. “Born from 60 year old organic vines [single parcel] planted in chalky soils, hand harvested, aged in stainless steel for 7 months [some lees stirring], this shows bright mineral notes along with some citrus, honeydew and sweet herbs. Sounds like a description for a Sancerre, doesn’t it?” “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.” $14.99
Peter Lehmann Layers White 2010– Adelaide, South Australia. “Semillon, Muscat, Gewürztraminer and Pinot Gris, each add character to the final blend. An attractive pale yellow with green tints, it has aromas of citrus, hints of peach and aromatic lifted spiciness. It has excellent structure and a soft creamy mouthfeel, delightful depth on the middle palate and finishes wonderfully fresh with a mouthful of crunchy fruit. The fine structured lemon flavours of Semillon are beautifully complemented by the soft floral aromatics of Muscat and delicate spice of Gewürztraminer. Pinot Gris gives the blend luscious texture and mouth feel. Layers of fruit flavour indeed.” $13.99
Trapiche ‘Astica’ Malbec 2011– Cuyo, Argentina. “Astica means ‘flower’ in the native language of the Huarpes. The wine was made in their honor. A wine of varietals and blends elaborated with grapes coming from specially selected vineyards of the Cuyo region. Fresh, floral and young wines intended for daily consumption.” “100% Malbec. Intense red color with ruby hues. Red fruit and vanilla aromas, great complexity of the red and black fruits in the palate with sweet tannins and great typicity. Serve with red meats and cheeses.” $7.99
Joseph Carr Merlot 2010– Napa Valley, Rutherford, Stags Leap District and Carneros, California. “85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc. The wine was barrel aged for 13-16 months in 1 and 2 year old French and American oak. Elegant, stylish, with depth and balance, this wine offers a bouquet of ripe plum, cassis, sage and subtle cedar. Its flavors are highlighted by wild berry, ripe cherry and a hint of olive and spice. Structurally sound, yet very approachable.” Regular $18.99; Special Tasting Price $14.99
In addition we will try two new House Wines that are brand-new to Spirits and Alabama. They are the custom label “house wines” of Nicolas Wines, a family-owned retail wine (chain store) in France. They are called ‘Nicolas Wines’ and we currently stock a Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon (with more varieties are on the way) that are $8.99/bottle and $7.50 by the case (of 12).
Nicolas Sauvignon Blanc 2012– Cotes du Gascogne, France. On the nose it is very perfumed with aromas of gooseberry and lime. The palate is nicely balanced with crisp acidity, notes of tangy pear and green apple, and a gentle finish with lingering floral, tropical fruit and mineral flavors.
Nicolas Cabernet Sauvignon 2012– Vin de Pays d’Oc, France (South). Brick red in color with an inviting aroma of blackberry and plum fruit. The substantial, full-bodied palate offers toasty notes with a hint of herbs and spices and dried fruit undertones. It is bold, yet approachable with firm tannins.