Free on Fridays Wine Tasting – The Best Free Wine Tasting in Asheville – Friday, October 7th from 4-7 p.m. featuring some Classic Autumn Wines!
Fall is upon us, the temperatures are dropping (sort of), the leaves are changing colors, and it’s time for some fuller bodied, heartier whites and reds. Join us at our outpost in South Asheville for a free wine tasting featuring some delicious wines guaranteed to keep you warm at night and/or to pair well with the flavors of fall. We’ll start with a lovely Chenin Blanc from Asheville’s sister city in France and follow that up with one of Oregon’s all time great Pinot Gris’. To finish, we’ll pour you a big, rich, warm, barrel aged, 91 point rated Tempranillo from Spain. All you have to do is stop by, taste, learn, and save!
The Wines
Save big on all of the tasting wines! Mix any 3 of them and save 10%, mix any 6 and save 15%, and mix any 12 and save 20%!
1. 2015 Reserve des Vignerons Saumur Blanc (Loire Valley, France) – Chenin Blanc is one of the most versatile of all white wines, and this one is a great introduction to the French version. Fermented completely in stainless steel, it is dry, crisp, zesty and loaded with aromas and flavors of apple, citrus, and a touch of mineral. With bright natural acidity and terrific purity of fruit, this is a great one to pair with roasted chicken, spicy stews, and curries.
2. 2015 Elk Cove Pinot Gris (Willamette Valley, Oregon) – Elk Cove cannot fail when it comes to Pinot Gris! Pretty much every wine authority agrees that they produce one of Oregon’s greatest Pinot Gris’, and we agree 100% with those sentiments. The 2015 just received 91 points from Wine Enthusiast, and they called it one “of the greatest values in Oregon Pinot Gris.” Laced with notes of luscious apple, pear, and citrus, this full bodied, refreshing white works well with roasted root vegetables, chicken, and pork dishes.
3. 2014 Bodegas Volver Tempranillo “Single Vineyard” (La Mancha, Spain) – This is always a stellar red wine value, but the 2014 is especially good! From an old parcel of vines planted in 1957, it is 100% Tempranillo aged 15 months in French oak and bottled unfiltered. Boasting a deep, opaque color and rich notes of blackberry, cassis, vanilla and toasty oak, it is full bodied, but super smooth and delicious. Enjoy this one with richer fare (grilled meats, beef stew) or without food — it’s perfect for sipping while watching your favorite football team. 92 points Robert Parker