Wines of the Souths Wine Tasting

Wines of the "Souths" - 545 Wine Tasting - Friday, March 15, 2013 - 4:00 to 7:00

Stop by this Friday for our “545” Tasting (Try 5 Wines for $5) to taste and learn about the wine of South America and South Africa. The vine made its way to South Africa, Chile and Argentina during the period of European colonization that occurred between the 16th and 17th centuries. It was brought to South America by Spanish conquistadors for use in the Catholic mass, while it was the Dutch who planted the first vineyards of South Africa. The common phenomenon shared amongst all of these countries is that quality, world class wine was not the norm until recently……….with a few rare exceptions of course. Today however, all three of these countries are seeing major investment coming from those near and far. Stop by and learn why, but more importantly, taste why! $5/person…..Free for Grape Nuts

The Wines
Prices range from $13 to $22

1. 2012 Beyond Sauvignon Blanc
This one hails from Constantia, which is the birthplace of the vine in South Africa. Super bright, lively and zingy, this one penetrates the palate with lime, lemon and herb notes.

2. 2012 A.A. Badenhorst Secateurs White
Based in the Swartland zone of South Africa, Adi Badenhorst is making some of the country’s most exciting wines. This one is 100% Chenin Blanc from older vineyards, fermented in stainless steel. A 92 point rated wine at less than $15, you might want to come check it out.

3. 2010 Baptiste Cuvelier Cuvée Del Maule
Not your typical Chilean red to say the least. Baptiste was given a lot of freedom to “construct” this blend of Cab, Carignan, Carmenere, Pais, Merlot and Zinfandel. All organic and naturally made it is full of life, personality and character.

4. 2009 Cousino Macul Cabernet Sauvignon “AR”
From one of Chile’s first families of wine, the “AR” here refers to Antiguas Reservas, one of the top Cab values in the world every year. I’ve enjoyed at least 10 vintages of this wine, and it hasn’t changed too much. Dark fruit, eucalyptus, earth and spice notes abound in this full, hearty, ageworthy bottling.

5. 2009 Bodega Gratia Malbec
We’ll finish the tasting off with a wine that has a direct connection to Asheville. Bodega Gratia founder Eric Scheffer is also the owner of Vinnie’s in north Asheville. We like Vinnie’s and we love the wines that he’s helping to bring to the mountains. This Argentinean Malbec is full bodied with luscious notes of black cherry, raspberry, mocha and spicy oak.