Wine & Cheese Tasting at The Wine Steward
Thursday, June 7th and Saturday, June 9th, 2007
Pinot Gris A to Z 2005
Origin: Oregon
Varietal: 100 Pinot Gris
Tasting Notes: Rich and ripe. The color of the 2005 Pinot Gris is yellow gold with beautiful flashes of emerald. Powerful aromatics are redolent of ripe citrus fruits, acacia flowers, tropical fruits (mango, papaya and kiwi), lychee, powdered sugar, honeysuckle, nectarines and pineapple. A
Concentrated wine with ripe acidity. The finish rolls seamlessly off the mid-palate and lasts forever. The lasting impression is a wine of great ripeness and opulence balanced by wonderful juiciness and succulence. The 2005 Pinot Gris will drink wonderfully for the next 2 years. Wine Spectator 87 points, #1 Hottest Small Brand of 2006.
Food Pairing: Pairs well with seafood such as Shrimp, Snapper and Sole as well as Roasted Chicken, Pork or Turkey Breast. A great barbecue or picnic wine. $16.29
Fume Blanc, Chateau St. Jean 2005
Origin: Kenwood, Sonoma County, California
Varietal: A blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Semillion.
Tasting Notes: This lively and refreshing Fumé Blanc offers bright aromas of grapefruit, melon and lemongrass. The Semillon contributes a hint of sweet red apple that combines with the vibrant citrus, fig and spice characters found on the palate, creating a beautifully balanced wine with a long, lingering finish. Wine Spectator 91 points
Food Pairing: Chicken (Grilled, Fried, Stir-Fry); Turkey, Ham, Swordfish, Halibut, Haddock, Lobster. Pasta with: light oil-based, white cream, pesto, puttanesca, alfredo, and seafood. Salads: Chef, Cobb, Pasta. Cheese: Brie, Swiss. Soups: vegetable, chicken, potato-based, chowder, bisques. $14.59
Albarino, Burgans 2005
Origin: Thought to be Spain's finest white wine, Albariño is grown in Spain's northwest corner, near Galicia, just above the border of Portugal.
Varietal: 100% Albarino
Tasting Notes: This is an outstanding value." (Sep/Oct 2006) 90 points and a Best Buy from the Wine Enthusiast: "Defined by ripe peach and melon aromas, fresh yet full-bodied fruit flavors, and a smooth finish. One of the best values in Albariño."
Food Pairing: Pairs well with summer salads, seafood of all types and spicy Asian foods. $14.59
Lucca Vino Rosso di Santa Barbara, Mosby NV
Origin: Santa Ynes Valley, California.
Varietal: Lucca is a blend of mostly estate-grown Sangiovese with some Dolcetto and is every bit as good as many Chianti Classicos.
Tasting Notes: Perfect for everyday meals, Lucca is one of the best wine values in the Santa Ynez Valley. This dry red table wine has classic flavors of dark cherry and light oak with a bright, balanced acidity and smooth finish.
Food Pairing: This is a wine that pairs easily with a wide variety of foods. Our menu suggestions include casual fare such as pasta dishes, hamburgers, grilled chicken, barbeque, and of course pizza! Salude! $12.99
Nero D’Avola, Kyos, 2006
Origin: On the hills of Santa Ninfa, province of Trapani, Sicily, Italy
Varietal: Kyos is made from 100% Nero d’Avola grapes.
Tasting Notes: This is a brilliant ruby red colored wine with spicy notes and a hint of small red fruits. It has a full taste revealing good persistency with a long finish reminiscent of Asian spices and fresh picked cherries.
Food Pairing: Kyos Nero d’Avola is the perfect wine to complement pasta dishes, grilled meats and ripened cheeses. $14.59
Aglianico Irpinia, Mastroberardino 2003
Origin: Campagnia, Italy
Varietal: 100% Aglianico. Campania's finest wines today come from the cool, wooded uplands of Irpinia around the city of Avellino. Located northeast of Mt. Vesuvius, Irpinia's unique microclimate sets it apart from the rest of Italy. Grown primarily in the southern part of Italy, and if done right will produce wines that are inky black, with firm-to-huge, tannins, powerful structure that benefits from 5-10 years or more of cellaring. Aglianico ages gloriously, amply rewarding the consumer’s patience with the richness and complexity of its development.
Tasting Notes: Aglianico Irpinia is an intense ruby red color with a delicious wild blackberry aroma. Soft and elegant, it exhibits strawberry jam flavors, with a hint of darker berries on the finish.
Food Pairing: It is outstanding with pastas in tomato sauce, grilled red and white meat dishes and all cheeses. $22.39