Premium Wine Club - August 2012
Learn the finer points to many of the wines we offer each month. Our club wines are expertly researched and selected for quality, value and uniqueness and every one has an interesting history. Here are some of the wines we are offering this month:
Il Sogno – Italy
2011 Sangiovese Rubicone IGT
The Rubicone IGT is named for the Rubicone River that flows from the Apennine Mountains to the Adriatic Sea through the southern portion of Emilia-Romagna. The river valley and the adjoining hillsides provide optimal growing conditions for the Sangiovese grape. Grapes are carefully selected and gently crushed. The must is left in contact with the skins for approximately one week. It is then transferred to temperature controlled stainless steel tanks where fermentation takes place over a ten day span. Following fermentation the wine is cold stabilized and bottled. Il Sogno then releases the wine in the spring following the harvest. This wine is made from 100% Sangiovese, the same grapes that go into making Chianti in the neighboring Tuscany and even some Super Tuscans. Deep and intense dark red color, it has a complex aroma where it is possible to smell the Mediterranean scrub, ripe cherries in the end. Vinous and charming it has a remarkable note of Sangiovese of the Tuscan coast. Complex and immediate at the palate, it has a fruity note that confirms warmness and big aftertaste. It is wine to be appreciated young (within the next 2 years). With its well-rounded acidity and mild tannins, Il Sogno is extremely versatile and pairs well with a wide range of poultry, meat and pasta dishes.
la Petite France - France
2011 Vin de France Rouge
la Petite France (the Little France) is a fun and fruity new line of wines from Les Vins Aujoux. Located in the Languedoc-Roussillon region. Languedoc-Roussillon covers the area on the border of the Mediterranean sea between the west of the Rhône and Camargue to the border of Spain and the Pyrénées mountains. The vineyards of this sunny region are one of the largest expanses of vine growing region in the world. Long history of wine making and favorable natural and climatic conditions explain why wine is so important in Languedoc Roussillon. Dramatic changes have been made other the years to reduce the production and to improve the quality of the wine. Carignan, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon are produced here along with exclusive French red varietals such as Lladoner Pelut, Picpoul Noir, and Terret Noir. This vintage is comprised of classic French varieties (Grenache, Mourvèdre, Carignan ) that produced a fresh and jammy wine meant to be consumed young like a Beaujolais Nouveau. The wine pours a vivid ruby. It carries alluring aromas of cinnamon, strawberry and flowers, with a subtle undercurrent of pungent herbs. Velvety in texture and showing no hard edges. Smooth, sappy and gently sweet, with good finishing cling. Serve this with a light chill alongside some garlicky sausages or salty cheeses.
Doña Paula - Argentina
2009 Estate Sauvignon Blanc Mendoza
Argentina is regarded as one of the most dynamic wine-producing nations in the world, and possibly the most important wine-producing region in South America. Only four countries in the world produce more wine than Argentina. Considerable investments (much of which has come from famous French, Italian and California wine producers) have been made in new vineyards and winemaking technology in the past several years, which along with recent plantings of more premium varieties of grapes, has made Argentina much more competitive internationally. The Mendoza region is the most important region in Argentina's wine industry and Malbec, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay grown there, reigns supreme. Argentina Wine Awards is the most important wine contest of Argentina. This year, in its sixth issue, over 700 samples were evaluated by top winemakers of the world. Only 18 wines were given TROPHIES, the maximum award, and Doña Paula Estate Sauvignon Blanc was the only Sauvignon Blanc to receive one. Finca Los Cerezos in Tupungato, Uco Valley, is Doña Paula Estate Sauvignon Blanc’s birthplace. The combination of an exhaustive selection of French clones with loamy, sandy, rocky, and well drained soils results in this perfect exponent with intense and typical aromas and vivacious freshness. Made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc from vineyards which have always been managed using Sustainable Agriculture practices. The wine pours a pale straw color. Aromas of lime and grapefruit zest should be immediately noticeable on the nose. The palate is juicy and firmly built, with good definition and energy to the flavors of lime, grapefruit, tropical fruits and peppery herbs. A mineral pungency lifts and extends the finish of this clean and brisk Sauvignon. Drink now through 2013. Ideal as an aperitif, with seafood and fish.
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