Asheville’s Best Free Wine Tasting – Friday, May 29th from 2-7 p.m. – Artisanal, Small Production French Wines From Importer Neal Rosenthal – New York-based importer Neal Rosenthal is one of our favorites. His emphasis on traditionally made, small grower/producer wines is 100% in line with our philosophy here at Table Wine. Remember, our tagline is “Artisanal Wines at Affordable Prices!” Trust us, there’s nothing pretentious or hard to understand about the wines Neal selects. They’re all soulful expressions of the regions they come from, and we’ll be pouring three of our favorites this Friday. Stop by, taste, learn, and save up to 20% off on some truly special wines from some exceptional producers.
The Wines
1. 2013 Chateau Soucherie Anjou Blanc “Cuvée Les Rang de Longue” (Loire Valley): A mere 1,000 cases of this wine are produced each year, and this is a great introduction to dry Chenin Blanc. 100% varietal, it is from single vineyard containing older vines and is fermented in stainless steel and then left to age on the fine lies for 8 to 9 months. The resulting wine is fully textured and golden in color. It explodes out of the glass with notes of ripe peach, honeydew, white flowers, and candle wax. Though rich and full flavored, it has wonderful underlying acidity to keep things fresh and in balance.
2. 2012 Domaine Jean-Claude Thevenet et Fils St. Veran “Clos de L’Ermitage Saint Claude” Vieilles Vignes (Burgundy, France): Ok, that might win the award for the longest named wine! Really, it’s not that complicated at all though. The Thevenet family own the vineyard that goes by the name “Clos de L’Ermitage Saint Claude,” and this wine is produced with their oldest Chardonnay vines (70 years old to be exact). This highly concentrated wine of limited production (about 12,000 bottles per year are produced) is aged in tank (no oak aging). It displays a powerful constitution with great density; it is marked also by notes of tilleul and jasmine in the bouquet and hints of pear in its flavor.
3. 2011 Domaine de la Chapelle des Bois Fleurie “Grand Pré”: About 300 cases of this exquisite Cru Beaujolais make their way into the United States each year. Situated in the northern part of Beaujolais, Fleurie is always considered one of the best Crus. We think when you taste this, you’ll tend to agree with than analysis. 100% Gamay from vineyards in the 40+ year age range, it is a soft, seductive, and sensual wine that easily transcends what Gamay is usually capable of.