The Cellar: Great Wines for Summer Grilling
Saturday, July 14, 2012
2010 Chateau Fage, Graves de Vayres Blanc
France’s Bordeaux region is famous for its big and bold, not to mention expensive, red wines. Unbeknownst to many American wine drinkers, many of the region’s chateaus also produces white wine, an often
The $10 Graves de Vayres Blanc from Chateau Fage, lightly chilled, works great as a ‘welcome aperitif’ or a sipping wine as dinner is being prepped and the grill is heating up. This wine is primarily Semillion, the same grape that, along with Sauvignon Blanc, makes the delicious dessert wines of Sauternes. This wine is very different however. It’s dry, medium-bodied, soft and friendly with delicious citrus flavors alongside notes of ripe gooseberries and elderflower.
2009 Santa Carolina Reserva Pinot Noir
The wines from Valle Del Maule, part of Chile’s Central Valley, have long been overlooked. Recently, successful experimentations with international grape varietals such as Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir has
The 2009 Reserva is 100% Pinot Noir aged 9 months in oak. It displays delicious dark raspberry and spice aromas on the nose and only faint hints of oak. On the palate this medium-bodied wine comes across a little rough displaying little more than sour cherries on the mid-palate. However, the transition to the finish is spectacular with fine earth, licorice and cocoa powder notes. This wine would pair great with any grilled bird or even a rich fish like a salmon or tuna steak.
2007 Gloria’s ‘Old Vine’, Cailin’s Cuvee
Not only does John sell fine wines, he makes them too. This week’s final wine is his own creation; a limited production Zinfandel, Carignan and Petit Sirah blend. The grapes are sourced from Gloria’s ‘Old Vines’ winery
100% Californian Zinfandel is sometimes over-the-top rich, ripe and jammy. In blending in the Carignan and Petit Sirah, John has created a structured, meaty, full-bodied blend with smooth tannins interwoven with the delicious of blackberries and spice. While I know it pairs wonderfully with spicy chorizo, I am sure it can handle any kind of heavy meat off the grill.
Enjoy!
Steffen Rasch CSW is ready to answer any wine-related questions, comments or concerns you may have. Feel free to email him at [email protected]. And as always, don’t forget to follow GoLocalProv’s Wine Cellar on Facebook and sign up for one of his tastings through the Providence Wine Academy.
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