Great Value Wine & Cheese Tasting
October 6th & 8th
Thursday 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Saturday 12 PM – 5:00 PM
Bigi
Vipra Bianca 2009
Origin: Umbria, Italy
Varietal: 60% Grechetto and 40% Chardonnay. Vipra Bianca is the creation of world renowned oenologist Francesco Bardi. The grapes are grown on the gentle slopes surrounding the historic town or Terni not far from the Nera River.
Tasting Notes: On the nose, this wine expresses hints of fresh almonds, acacia, and citrus. It is rich, yet fresh with a savory, elegant flavor. Wine Enthusiast - Here’s a fresh and easy-going blend of Grechetto and Chardonnay from Umbria that offers just the right level of freshness and intensity you need for a successful pairing with shrimp and avocado salad or fried crab cakes. This wine sees no oak.
Food Pairing: Vipra Bianca makes an excellent aperitif wine. Serve chilled with hors d’oeuvres and soft, fresh cheeses. Also an excellent choice grilled seafood, veal and poultry.
Altos Del Cuco 2009
Origin: Jumilla, Spain
Varietal: 40% Monastrell, 30% Syrah and 30% Tempranillo
Tasting Notes: Abundant aromas of mature fruit, particularly blackberries, are complimented by subtle nuances of vanilla and cinnamon. The Syrah was aged for 3 months in a combination of French and American oak barrels, while the Monastrell and Tempranillo rested in stainless steel until blending. Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar - 87 points - Deep ruby. Ripe blackcurrant and cherry on the nose, with smoky herb and cured meat qualities adding complexity. On the wild side, offering deep dark fruit flavors and a distinctly smoky character. The finish repeats the cherry note and leaves a touch of peppery spice behind. Very Old World in style and suited to grilled or braised red meats. #9 "Best Buy" Wine Enthusiast 2010 Top 100 Best Buys.
Food Pairing: A fantastic value, this wine is suitable for everyday consumption. Enjoy with a wide variety of dishes from roasts and grilled meats to casseroles and rice dishes.
Concannon
Cabernet Sauvignon Conservancy 2007
“Our Conservancy wines help protect precious California vineyard land from urban development, as all Conservancy winegrowers have placed their land into a legal trust that protects against development forever. The Conservancy wines preserve not only the land but a simpler way of life for future generations.”
Origin: Livermore Valley, California. Located 30 miles east of San Francisco, Livermore Valley Wine Country is home to over 40 wineries and was the first region to put America on the international wine map back in 1889
Varietal: 93% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Syrah
Tasting Notes: The 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon, Conservancy is a full-bodied wine, rich with ‑flavors of black cherry and vanilla oak. The enticing palate reveals soft round tannins with a hint of tobacco and pepper notes. Subtle spices on the back palate lead to a long, silky finish.
Food Pairing: Roasted lamb chops crusted with pine nuts and thyme or a selection of aged cheeses.
Cameron Hughes Meritage California Collection 2009
Origin: California
Varietal: 33% Merlot, 33% Cabernet, 33% Petit Verdot
Tasting Notes: “Our Meritage is deep ruby-red in the glass, with aromas of black currant and cassis. This seductive wine is lusciously textured with a myriad of black and purple fruit delivering a smooth, elegant finish.” Gold Medal: 2011 Winemaker Challenge; Gold Medal: 2011 Dallas Morning News
Food Pairing: This wine should pair well with grilled Salmon, Roast Duck, Rack of Lamb, Prime Rib or a grilled Filet .
Concannon Petite Sirah Conservancy 2008
“Our Conservancy wines help protect precious California vineyard land from urban development, as all Conservancy winegrowers have placed their land into a legal trust that protects against development forever. The Conservancy wines preserve not only the land but a simpler way of life for future generations.”
Origin: Livermore Valley, California. Located 30 miles east of San Francisco, Livermore Valley Wine Country is home to over 40 wineries and was the first region to put America on the international wine map back in 1889. Livermore Valley celebrated a lot of milestones this year, among them were the 80th birthday of Jim Concannon from Concannon Vineyard and the 50th anniversary of Petite Sirah being bottled as a varietal (also by the Concannon Family).
Varietal: 100% Petite Sirah
Tasting Notes: The 2008 Petite Sirah, Conservancy has fantastic depth and character. It exhibits a rich nose of fresh berry fruit, and the flavorful palate shows blackberries, chocolate, mocha and plums. Subtle notes of molasses, cedarwood, and ripe mulberries are complemented by soft, creamy oak tones and a smooth, silky finish.
Food Pairing: This wine pairs well with a variety of foods such as Trout, Red Snapper, Turkey, Game Hens, Beef, Pork Chops, Sharp Chedder, and Chevre (goat cheese). When cooking, season foods with Mint and Thyme.