Tasting Notes on some Loire Valley Wines

2007 Chateau de l'Aiguillette "Vielles Vignes" Blanc (Muscadet)
Appearance: Clear, pale straw color
Nose: Clean, medium aromas of peach, orange blossoms, white flowers
Palate: Dry, medium body, light acidity (slightly flabby mouthfeel); Pink grapefruit & less than ripe canteloupe
Finish: Short
Quality: Acceptable+ Price: $12

2009 Domaine Franck Millet Sancerre (Sauvignon Blanc)
Appearance: Clear, pale straw color
Nose: Clean, medium aromas of gooseberry, bell pepper, lemongrass & citrus
Palate: Dry, Light body, medium+ acidity; Grapefruit, minerality, touch of dill
Finish: Long
Quality: Very Good Price: $21

2005 Domaine Baumard Savennieres (Chenin Blanc)
Appearance: Clear, pale straw color
Nose: Clean, medium aromas of apricot, pear and toasted hazelnuts
Palate: Dry, Medium body, medium+ acidity, round mouthfeel; Pear, minerality, bit of lemondrop candy
Finish: Medium+
Quality: Very Good Price: $22

2008 Domaine Montfort Demi-Sec Vouvray (Chenin Blanc)
Appearance: Clear, pale lemon color
Nose: Clean, medium aromas of composting grass, peach/apricot, bit of canned tuna
Palate: Off-Dry, Medium body, high acidity; Baked pears, lemon, minerality
Finish: Medium
Quality: Good Price: $16

2006 Le Prieure' Menetou-Salon "Cuvee des Benedictins" (Pinot Noir)
Appearance: Clear, pale ruby color
Nose: Clean, medium aromas of cherries and herbal undergrowth
Palate: Dry, Light body, medium acidity and tannins; Dried cherries with a chalky minerality
Finish: Medium
Quality: Good Price: $20

Domaine Chanteleuserie Bourgeuil (Cabernet Franc)
Appearance: Clear, medium purple color
Nose: Clean, medium aromas of Mint and strawberry
Palate: Dry, Medium- body, medium acidity and tannins; Mint, unripe red fruit, some medicinal cherry flavor
Finish: Medium
Quality: Good Price: $20

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An Immersive Introduction into the World of Asolo Prosecco

Dinner Views at Osteria Alla Baracca. I was very excited to visit the Asolo DOCG Prosecco region at the end of May on a press trip as it is an Italian area that I have not previously traveled through. Asolo is located in the Province of Treviso at the foot of Monte Grappa in the high hills to the west of the Piave River with views of the Dolomites. The grapes are grown in 17 communes surrounding the town of Asolo. The days were very warm while I was there but I needed a sweater or light jacket on most evenings due to the diurnal swing that makes it a great area for grape growing. Wines from the Master Class Tasting. Asolo was elevated to the DOCG level in 2009. The majority of the Prosecco that I have found in Houston is Prosecco DOC which is mostly from very large producers. Asolo was separated from this category and the region was given this higher status because there are terroir elements that make it distinctive in the world of Prosecco. The Sant'Anna Vineyard. Many of the vin

Lunch at Cépage paired with Paso Robles Sparkling Wine

Cépage is the elegant new restaurant inside of the recently refurbished Paris Valley Road Estate & Winery Tasting Room. Cépage opened in 2022 and currently serves lunch and weekend brunch. Paris Valley Estate is a fairly new brand that is named after the two lane road in Monterey County where the owners, the Stoller family, planted their first vineyard over 20 years ago. The new name inspired them to renovate the former Arciero Winery in the opulent style of French Grand Cru domaines they had previously visited, explained winemaker, Doug Hidinger. I was visiting on a rainy day so I did not get to tour the grounds or take many outside pictures, unfortunately. The table was set and ready upon arrival. Hidinger was at lunch to present both the Paris Valley Road Sparkling Wine 2019 and the Sextant Edna Valley Sparkling Wine 2012 from a sister property of Paris Valley Road. Owner/Winemaker of Vino Vargas , Pedro Vargas, was also there to present his three sparkling wines. All of these

Tasting Tin City - Paso Robles

Located in a small industrial warehouse district, 3 miles south of downtown Paso Robles, is an easily walkable zone of contemporary industrial-style tin buildings called Tin City which is home to an innovative beverage scene. Tin City has several small-production wineries such as Anarchy Wine Co., Benom, Cordant Winery, and Giornata along with somewhat larger producers like Field Recordings . It is not unusual to be greeted by the winemakers in these modern tasting rooms and find them ready to share both their wines and their stories with their guests. Superfly Zinfandel blended with Cabernet and Petite Sirah At Anarchy Wine Co , expect to find a wide range of wines which includes a Bordeaux-Style Blend, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Grenache Blanc, Mourvèdre, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, a Red Rhône-Style Blend, Syrah, Tempranillo, and Zinfandel all deliciously served with a rebel yell in a rock and roll environment. Les Deux Freres means The Two Brothers and is unique

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