WINESTONE
“Sometimes Overlooked, Never Disappointing”
August 30, 2008
Notes by Yoko
Grape:
Jacquere
A
popular destination for winter sports and summer relaxation, Savoie is an Alpine
region in Eastern France bordering Switzerland. Since most of the wines produced
here are consumed locally, only a handful of its wines leave the region to come
to America. About two-thirds of the production is white, often sold under Vin de
Savoie, though there are 17 crus, which includes Abymes. The one we taste is
from Domaine Labbe. Made from indigenous Jacquere grape, this is a very light
refreshing wine expressing fruit of melon and apple with citrus-lime acidity.
Crystal-clear mineral quality of this wine gives you almost cooling sensation
once it hits the palate. This would be a perfect wine to sip with seafood dishes
(both raw and cooked), pork, or Asian dishes.
2005
Studert-Prum, Riesling Kabinett
$20
Where:
Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, Germany
Just
like some people do not touch rose wines because of Mateus and White Zinfandel,
some people do not touch German wines because of Blue Nun. On top of this
‘Blue Nun Saga’ Gothic script and unpronounceable village name on the label,
plus its classification system based on the ripeness of grape make German wines
as hard as Statistics 101. And that is a pity because Germany produces some of
the best white wines in the world! Focusing on just Riesling, Studert-Prum
family has been cultivating vines in the Mosel Valley since 1581. This 2005
Kabinett bottling displays fresh fruit of apple, pear, citrus, followed by nice
balance of vibrant acidity and juicy fruit flavors on the palate. Good acidity
and pure fruit of Riesling make it very versatile to pair with a wide range of
food and that is the reason why many sommeliers love this grape!
2006
Waterford, Chardonnay $20
Where:
Stellenbosch, South Africa
Grape:
Chardonnay
History
of wine in South Africa began when Jan van Riebeeck came to the Cape in 1652 to
establish a settlement on behalf of the Dutch East India Company. Seven years
later in 1659, the first grapes were pressed for wine under the command of
Riebeeck. Today, South Africa ranks seventh in wine-producing countries
worldwide. Structured for elegance and food compatibility, while expressing
varietal flavors, the style of South African wines fits somewhere between the
New and Old World. From the cerebrated Stellenbosch region, this Waterford
Estate Chardonnay shows complex fruit of pear, grapefruit, and lime,
complemented by well-integrated French oak, which gives away toasty character
and spice on the palate. This would be a nice match with chicken, lobster,
scallops, as well as pastas or gnocchi in cream or butter sauce.
2005
Georg Mumelter, Lagrein $20
Where:
Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy
Grape:
Lagrein
Because of the historical relationship to the
Republic of Venice, three northeastern wine regions of Friuli-Venezia, Trentino-Alto
Adige and Veneto are often referred as Tre Venezie, or Three Venices. Despite
its northern location and success with white wines, Trentino-Alto Adige produces
more red wines from both international and native grapes.
Believed to have originated in the Lagarina Valley of Trentino,
Lagrein is an indigenous grape here producing both red and rose wines with
unique personality. From Georg Mumelter’s farm of Griesbauerhof, this wine
shows fruit of blueberry, blackberry and black cherry along with hints of spice
and dried herb earthiness. With bright acidity and mild tannins, this would be a
bottle of something new and interesting to pair with Italian meat dishes.
2006
McManis, Merlot
$12
Grape:
75% Merlot (with 17% Petite Sirah and 8% Petite Verdot)
Overlooked grape these days,
wines of Merlot usually comes in two different styles. ‘International style’
made in the New World, when the grape is usually harvested at the maximum
ripeness to show intense dark berry fruit with soft tannins, supported by toasty
new oak. As the most planted red variety in Bordeaux, the grape is usually
harvested earlier to produce lighter body and lower alcohol levels with higher
acidity and red fruit character. Here is an example from the New World side.
Aged for four months in a combination of new and used French oak, this McManis
Merlot displays juicy ripe fruit of black cherry and strawberry, accompanied by
soft and lush texture. Hints of spice and toastiness from the oak linger on the
long finish.
Where:
Cahors, France
Grape:
Blend of 70% Malbec, 25% Merlot and 5% Tannat
Although
Argentinean Malbec is enjoying all the press and high scores these days, there
is another Malbec existing on the other side of the world, too! And that Malbec
is the wines of Cahors, a.k.a. “The Black Wine of Cahors”. Cahor is a wine
region located in southwest of France, producing exclusively red wines. The
vineyards here are one of the first planted in France by the Roman Emperors,
dating back more than 2000 years. Reputedly the darkest wine in the world, this
noble and ancient wine provides both power and elegance. In order to suite
modern palate, this Cahor from Chateau La Caminade is blended with 25% Merlot
and 5% Tannat. Enjoy with hearty grilled meat dishes, charcuterie, and strongly
flavored cheeses.
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