Sundays Are Not Just For Brunching

Lazy Sundays.

In the wine shop, after the noontime rush of the bubbles-for-brunch shopping traffic, the day mellows out, making it an ideal time to open a couple of bottles from inventory to taste.  Although we sample things regularly, Sundays are the day when we can banter back and forth about what to try and when we finally come to consensus, spend some time discussing whatever we crack open.  Hard work, I know.

This weekend's lineup:

Henri Bourgeois Sancerre Grande Reserve, 2011, France
"Crisp" was a word that came to mind with this wine. Tart lime and citrus were immediately evident on the nose along with some stony minerality.  After sitting for a bit (and warming up slightly) a few tones of underripe pineapple came through.  On the palate,  the same citrus flavors appeared, along with granny smith apple and some flinty tones on the finish. This was a medium bodied wine with medium acidity.  It was an interesting contrast to the other French Sauvignon Blanc we tried last week as this stylistically tasted more like a New World, New Zealand wine.

Lini 910 Labrusca, Lambrusco Bianco, Emilia, Italy
Oh, white lambrusco, you are funky and weird.  The nose was incredibly yeasty with prominent odors of sour cream and greek yogurt.  Overripe golden delicious apple was the only fruity note on this strange brew.  On the palate, there was a sensation of tasting the bubbles more than feeling them as this lambrusco was definitely light on the frizzante. The same flavors were on the palate like some strange bakery experiment. I kept going back to it trying to decide if I liked it or not.

Chateau de Pennautier, Cabardes, 2011, Languedoc, France
Historically, much of the wine in Southern France has been made for bulk production and lacked much of the finesse of other French regions. However, there have been recent movements to improve the quality these wines.  This Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot/Malbec/Syrah/Grenache blend from Languedoc is making an effort.  On the nose, it was rather spicy with pepper, pine needles and sap making way for black cherry.  The same foresty notes were also present on the palate, along with black pepper.  Fruit came through as black cherry and raspberry.  It was of medium body and showcased a bit of astringency.  I'm not sure if this is a wine I would naturally gravitate towards but it's a great value option.

Spain's Great Match Event

Wednesday night brought Spain's Great Match to NYC.  This was truly one of the better wine events I've been to with good producers and wines being offered along with the one aspect that tends to be lacking at these tastings - food!  There were about 10 restaurants offering tastes and in the tradition of Spanish cuisine, I had a great "tapas dinner" comprised of the little plates from places like Casa Mono, Tertulia, Socarrat, Baracca, Boqueria and other NYC favorites.  But, onto the wine...

There was a few familiar favorites being poured along with some great new discoveries.  After tasting through the tables, here are some of the highlights:

Best Sparkler

Sabartes Brut Rosado, Bodegues Sumarroca, DO Cava

This deeply pigmented cava has the same mousse-y texture as my beloved Ruinart Rose champagne.  However, on the palate, this wine has prominent berry notes and is more fruit-driven then the Ruinart.  Strawberry, cherry and raspberry all strongly sing on the tongue. What you sip is what you get, though; this wine is fairly straighfoward and lacks complexity, but it's very juicy and refreshing.  

Best White

Serra Da Estrela Albarino, DO Rias Baixas

This Albarino is a bit lighter in body than other Albarinos I tasted, but there was a slight effervescence that was reminiscent of a Vino Verde.  Crisp, with green apple and grassy notes, balanced with a little bit of pear, this wine makes me long for a summer day on the beach.

Best In Show

Luis Canas Reserva Seleccion de la Familia 2004, DOCa Rioja

Ooooh baby, come to mama.  I could drink this Rioja for days.  On the nose there was notes of blackberry, ripe raspberry and hints of stewed, almost jammy fruits with some oak and earthiness coming into play.  On the palate, this full-bodied stunner has the same prominent fruit notes that were on the nose, but pronounced and round tannins gave this wine body and balance.  A long finish is like a lingering look from a lover and makes you want to return for more. 

The entire Luis Canas portfolio was actually pretty spectacular: 

Not a dud in the bunch and I think it's safe to say this table was best in show. 

Keep sipping.....