The theme of this Friday’s tasting is……..well, there is no theme! It’s just a bunch of good wine from all over the world. We’ll make stops in Spain, France, Italy and Oregon and we’ll pour bubbles, whites and reds. Join us from 4-7 p.m. as we take you on a tour of the world via wine. The cost to taste all seven wines is just $5………..free if you’re a Grape Nut!
1. NV Avinyo Cava Brut Reserva – Avinyo is one of the benchmark producers of Cava, Spain’s most famous sparkling wine. Based in Penedes, the heart of Cava country, this is a blend of Macabeu, Parellada and Xarel-lo aged for 22 months in the bottle before being disgorged. It is a super quality sparkling wine with an array of peach, citrus, biscuit and toast notes.
2. 2011 Garofoli Verdicchio “Macrina” – Run by two brothers, Garofoli has a great reputation for their Verdicchios. The grape produces a white wine that is very dry and minerally with notes of lemon, green apple, nuts and wet stone. Perfect for pretty much any sort of fish or seafood preparation.
3. 2011 Ostatu Rioja Blanco – Bodegas Ostatu is a family winery located in the heart of the Rioja Alavesa region in the town of Samaniego. They produce one of the best value white Riojas every year, and 2011 is no exception. A blend of 60 to 70 year old Viura and Malvasia fermented in stainless steel, it expresses a wonderful melange of lemon, tropical fruits and subtle floral nuances.
4. 2011 Grochau Cellars Pinot Noir “Commuter Cuvee” -After years working at some of Portland’s finest restaurants and internships at Erath and Brick House, John Grochau started his own winery. This is his entry level Pinot Noir, and it is a real winner. Light, fresh and fruit forward, it exhibits pure aromas and flavors of fresh cherry and strawberry with subtle earthy underpinnings.
5. 2011 Domaine Massiac Minervois “Cuvee Sentinelle” -We’re heading to southern France to taste this delicious country wine from Domaine Massiac. Located in the heart of Minervois, the wine is a blend of 75% Syrah and 25% Carignan. It’s a bit funky, but don’t be afraid – it tastes of dark, wild berries, earth, herbs and spices and tastes even better if served alongside slow braised lamb stew!
6. 2010 Joan D’Anguera Montsant “Planella”– Brothers Joan and Josep D’Anguera are quickly establishing themselves as one of the top producers in the region of Montsant, in northeastern Spain. If you are a fan of Prioarat, this one should appeal to you. It is a blend of 45% Carignan, 45% Syrah and 10% Garnacha aged in French oak for 12 months. It boasts a gorgeous nose and palate of ripe cherry and raspberry, along with abundant spice nuances. Plump and luscious, it is a super impressive wine at a great price.
7. 2008 Le Calle Montecucco “Poggio d’Oro”– Le Calle is a wonderful family run estate based in Montecucco, one of Italy’s newest DOC’s. Located just south of Montalcino, the region’s wines use the same clone of Sangiovese that is used to make the regal wines of their more famous neighbor. Ripe, complex and drinking wonderfully well right now, it displays notes of black cherry, currant, herbs, spices and earth. It really over delivers!