WINE TASTING NOTES: Belfast 2006
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August 2006 Wine Tasting
AUGUST 17, 2006
Our monthly wine tasting on Thursday, August 17th, from 5-8 PM, will tell the story of how two Italians met up with a Californian and had a grand evening of merry-making. We hope you will join them as we taste some wonderful summer whites, two from Italy and one from California, and some easy drinking and versatile reds, two from Italy and one from California. Do you get the picture? We will again be joined by Suzanne Gagnon, our Art Director, for a new landscape show, featuring recent works by Martha Burkert, whose paintings have previously been exhibited at THE CLOWN. In her artist's statement Martha says, "the application of paint, the resonance of colors against each other, the muscularity of shapes and the temperature of light and dark are my guides."
THE WHITES:
La Caplana, Gavi Di Gavi DOCG 2005, $12.99 – The Gavi DOCG is located in the southeastern part of Italy's Piedmont region, directly north of Genoa, and encompasses the town of Gavi and twelve other picturesque villages. Only wines produced within the village of Gavi are permitted to bear the label "Gavi di Gavi". For over a century the Guido family has tended their vines in the highest of the steep-sloped hills in the area. This combined with clayey white soil and 30-year old vines result in a wine that is full-bodied and rich, with intense fruity, aromatic and mineral notes. This dry white wine, produced from the Cortese grape, is fermented and aged in stainless steel. It is straw yellow in color with typical apple and white flower fragrances. A lovely apéritif, it is an excellent accompaniment to all kinds of hors d'oeuvres and shellfish and pairs beautifully with some of our terrific imported Pesto alla Genovese.
Alois Lageder, Pinot Bianco Alto Adige DOC 2004, $12.99 – Alto Adige is one of the smallest of Italy's viticultural areas, but its location makes it one of the most diverse. The Alps to the north give protection from cold winds and make for cool nights, while Mediterranean influences stream up from the south through the open Adige Valley. The year is blessed with more than 300 days of sunshine! Located a stone's throw from Austria, all the towns have both German and Italian names and don't be surprised to see someone wearing Lederhosen and a Tyrolean hat! The Lageder family has been making wine for over 150 years and current head of operations, Alois Lageder has been practicing sustainable, eco-friendly "biodynamic" viticulture for many years. This light to medium bodied Pinot Bianco (Pinot Blanc) was fermented in stainless steel and matured on the lees for 4 months. It is a brilliant straw yellow color with a green tint and has fruit forward varietal aromas of apples and peaches and a pronounced clean, elegant flavor with a fresh mouth-watering finish. It's great as an apéritif and with salads, asparagus and other vegetable dishes and all kinds of seafood and pasta.
Pine Ridge Winery, Chenin Blanc-Viognier 2004, $14.99 – Situated in the heart of Napa Valley's Stags Leap District, Pine Ridge specializes in producing wines that embody the unique characteristics of the appellations in which their estate vineyards are located. Since the winery was founded in 1978, old world traditions have been fused with innovative viticultural and winemaking practices to yield powerful, yet balanced, Bordeaux-style reds and richly textured whites. This unique blend of Chenin Blanc (80%) and Viognier (20%), first developed in California by Pine Ridge, exhibits the fruity floral signature of the former grape and the fragrant bouquet of the latter. Floral with a hint of sweetness, this 2004 has fragrant aromas of pear, nectarine and melon, with a delicate touch of lychee and pink grapefruit. Sweet, bright flavors of citrus and pear are offered up along with a supple texture. The clean, crisp finish is marked with notes of grapefruit peel. This is a versatile accompaniment to soups, salads, shellfish, seafood and poultry. So take it on your next summer picnic.
THE REDS:
Cantina Colli Ripani, Sangiovese Marche IGT "Mójo" 2004, $8.99 - This lovely wine comes from vineyards located 1000 feet above the Adriatic Sea off the coast of the Marche (pronounced MAHR-kay) in east central Italy. With southeastern exposure to the sun and a backdrop of the Apennine Mountains, this area has an historical predilection to red grape varietals and is rich with such native varietals as Sangiovese and Montepulciano. Mójo is made from 100% Sangiovese grapes that are handpicked and the clusters are carefully sorted; fermentation is in stainless steel. The result is a beautiful ruby red wine with an intense and persistent aroma of mature fruit, spices and licorice. The taste is full and robust and the finish lengthy; perfectly balanced tannins are warm, soft and aromatic. It serves as a fine complement to red roasted meats, game, and seasoned cheeses.
La Monica, Montepulciano D'Abruzzo DOC 2004, $7.99 – This DOC is located in central Italy's Abruzzi region along the Adriatic Sea, south of the Marche, and is named after the grape variety Montepulciano, which must make up at least 85% of the wine (the rest is Sangiovese). Note that this wine is not related to and should not be confused with Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, which is named after the town in Tuscany and is mostly Prugnolo, the local name for Sangiovese. Most Montepulcianos tend to be very reasonably priced, as is this estate-bottled La Monica. It is a medium bodied red, exhibiting a delicate ripe cherry nose and a robust finish. Perfect with grilled meats, game or pasta dishes featuring a classic red sauce, it also pairs well with Spanish cheeses and cheddar. It's also a wine that will make a great addition to your culinary creations.
Joseph Phelps Vineyards, Pastiche California Red Table Wine 2004, $12.99 – Founded in 1972, Joseph Phelps Vineyards is an independent, estate-based winery located outside of St. Helena in the Napa Valley. Perched on a knoll in bucolic Spring Valley, the graceful redwood winery overlooks vineyard-studded hills, the town of St. Helena and the Mayacamas Mountains to the west. Joe Phelps has long been known for his innovative spirit and passion for quality and has spent years studying the complex relationship between wine quality and place and understanding the importance of "terroir." Each vintage of Pastiche, defined on the wine label as "a musical, literary or artistic composition made up of selections from different works; potpourri," is comprised of a different blend of varietals. This 2004 is 51% Grenache, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Syrah, 4% Alicante Bouschet and 1% Pinot Noir; 70% of the grapes are estate grown. Due to unusual weather conditions and high temperatures, winemaker Craig Williams stated "our job in crafting the 2004 red wines was to moderate over-ripe characteristics, but from the very beginning the aromas and flavors drifting out of the fermenters signaled outstanding quality with formidable fragrance, color, extract, and silky tannins, as well as powerful structure in the finish." This approachable red wine offers spice, blueberries and licorice on the nose, followed by Bing cherry notes that follow through with a well-balanced, tasty finish. Pastiche is a perfect accompaniment to barbecue, spicy stews and Mediterranean-style dishes.
Please join us at THE CLOWN on Thursday, August 17th to learn the rest of the tale of the two Italians and the Californian who decided to taste some wine before dinner. We know you will also enjoy viewing our exciting new landscape show.
As always, there is no charge for participating in the festivities.
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