What’s the first wine you think of when I say Argentina? New Zealand? If you answered Malbec and Sauvignon Blanc, in that order respectively, then you know that the wine producing countries of the Southern Hemisphere each have their own “signature” grape variety. And even though all of these countries, from Argentina to Australia, produce a broad range of other wines, it is their signature grapes that account for the largest percentage of each country’s wine sales in the United States.
Join us this Saturday, November 16th as we pour you some of these wines and talk to you about the grapes. It’s free, the wines are delicious, and you’ll be able to purchase any/all of them at the best prices you’ll find them in town. Come on down to South Asheville this Saturday and join us as we explore some grapes from “down south.”
The Wines
10% off by the bottle, 15% off if you mix any six tasting wines
1. 2012 Seifried Old Coach Road Sauvignon Blanc (Nelson, New Zealand)
Seifried is one of the pioneering family estates of Nelson, New Zealand. Located on the south island, just west of Marlborough, it is known as the sunshine capital of New Zealand with an average of 27,000 hours of sunshine each year! You can almost taste the sunshine in this Sauvignon Blanc that just snaps, crackles and pops with energetic, juicy citrus and tropical fruit notes. This is just classic New Zealand Savie!
2. 2013 Man Vintners Chenin Blanc (Coastal Region, South Africa)
Many people don’t know that Chenin Blanc, aka Steen, is South Africa’s most planted grape variety, and the team at Man Vintners do a wonderful job with this varietal. Founded by a group of South African industry veterans, Man Vintners is all about high quality wines at affordable prices. Their Chenin Blanc is their top seller, and we think that you’ll understand why when you taste it. Ripe, juicy, and really easy to drink, this is about as good an under $10 bottle of wine can taste.
3. 2011 Fabre Montmayou Malbec Reserva (Mendoza, Argentina)
Malbec reigns supreme in the Mendoza section of Argentina, and Frenchman Hervé Joyaux Fabre crafts one of the region’s top values. Born in Bordeaux, Hervé arrived in Mendoza in the early 1990’s and purchased some very old Malbec Vineyards, many of which were planted in 1908! His wines are always a bit more reserved and less opulent than many of his neighbors, but what else would you expect from a guy born in Bordeaux. His 2011 comes from 40 year old vineyards, and it “has a ripe, pretty bouquet of blueberry and violet aromas that are simple but pure. The palate is medium-bodied with dry tannins with earthy tones. It is very classic style, elegant with a dry, black pepper-tinged finish.” Neil Martin – The Wine Advocate 89 points
4. 2010 Domaine Tournon Shiraz “Mathilda” (Victoria, Australia)
Famed Rhone producer Michel Chapoutier started this project in 2002 with Ron and Elva Laughton of award winning Jasper Hill Winery in central Victoria. The resulting wines from this all-star team are nothing less than astounding, and you can really taste the combination of influences in this wine. It’s ripe, but not overripe like so many Aussie Shirazes and it is silky and smooth, but it possesses great acidity like a good Northern Rhone Syrah. The Wine Advocate 91 points