Porron

I recently discovered something new. There is a Spanish drinking vessel called a Porron. It looks similar to a decanter, but is used for drinking wine and passing to the next person in the circle. From what I read, it is fairly messy to use also, but can be fun.

Here is a link with more information about the Porron.

Enjoy!

Le Caveau - Thomas Meunièr of Authentique Vin- Wine Tasting

Marilyn, Thomas Meunièr, Abbie

Thomas Meunier of Authentique Vin

Le Caveau writes: "Thomas has made it his mission to find true winegrowers that make no concessions and distinctive personalities that are reflected in their wine. Authentic people that make authentic wine in a sustainable way which reveal the identity of soil, grape and climate…the notion of Terroir. Thomas started his career at Domaine Frederick Mabileau in Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil, in the Loire Valley in France. He was their international sales manager for six years and after being introduced to his future wife by Domain Mabileau's US importer John David Headrick he moved to North Carolina to start importing many of his friends' wines from the Loire Valley and other parts of France to the US. Thomas is a great guy and we are happy to finally have in the shop showing these great wines"

1) 2010 Domaine de la Charmois Touraine Sauvignon - $14.99
100% Sauvignon Blanc - 12.5% alcohol
Tasting Notes: "This wine is minerally and chalky underneath green pepper and subtle fruit. Quite a soft and round palate on the entry, with lots of typical Sauvignon character, with good grip and acidity too. " I thought it had a lovely finish, lingering in the mouth.
Winemaker: Henry Marionette

2) 2010 Laurent Miquel Pere et Fils Chardonnay - $9.99
100% Chardonnay (unoaked) - 13% alcohol
Tasting Notes: "This early-picked, unoaked Chardonnay is showing nice citrusy acidity, clean white fruit, and a hint of aniseed. It's crisp and fresh with a long bright finish."
I thought it had a beautiful aroma, and was amazingly good for a Chardonnay. I normally do not like Chardonnay. This was a pleasant surprise. Also, I absolutely adore the label on this bottle. He has the names of his ancestors under the roots of the vines. Vines that are slightly raised on the label so you can feel them under your fingertips.
Winemaker: Laurent Miquel. Since 1791, eight generations of the Miquel family have worked the vines of their estate high in the Languedoc hills. Laurent, the latest generation, combines the force of the tradition with a quality improvement approach to create wines with a true Languedoc character. To pay tribute to his ancestries, he named this range "Pere et Fils" (Father and sons) and by looking at the label you'll see a vine with on its roots all the first names of each of Laurent's forebears. All Laurent wines have in common a great balance with a vibrant acidity and some pure and clean fruity flavors showing the essence of each grape.

3) 2008 Moreau-Naudet & Fils Petit Chablis - $19.99
100% Chardonnay (unoaked), 12.5% alcohol
Tasting Notes: "This Chardonnay is lively and fresh, with notes of gooseberries and pear. The finish picks up more mineral notes, like granite and flint. The finish is long and clean."
Winemaker: Stephane Moreau
organic wine, Chablis is the northern-most district of Burgundy

4) 2009 Henry Marionnet Premiere Vendage Touraine Gamay - $22.99
100% Gamay (Sulfite Free), 12.5% alcohol
Tasting Notes: "This wine shows sweet red berries on the nose with a touch of vanilla. In the mouth it's an explosion of ripe strawberry and raspberry with a nice freshness yet good concentration for a Gamay. It has a lovely pure finish."
It was said several times that this was a very drinkable wine, didn't need any food pairings and could stand on its own. Thomas says this one reminds him of themes of Friendship and French Spirit. It's very approachable and pure, and no pesticides were used either.
Winemaker: Henry Marionnet

5) 2009 Domaine Grosbois Chinon 'Gabare' - $17.99
100% Cabernet Franc, % alcohol
Tasting Notes: "Cabernet Franc, the parent of Cabernet Sauvignon, displays a lighter color than its descendant but a more pronounced perfume of raspberries, black currant, violet, and graphite. This wine shows a smooth mouthful with a complex mineral finish nicely rounded by a touch of red cherry and kirsch."
Winemaker: Nicolas Grosbois

6) 2009 Domaine de la Croix des Vainqueurs Vouvray Demi-Sec 'Le Bouchet' - $17.99
100% Chenin Blanc % alcohol
Tasting Notes: "This wine shows a precise balance between a touch of sweetness and a surprising freshness. With ripe tropical fruits on the palate it finishes with a streak of minerality." Le Bouchet means Little Bush
Winemaker: Laurent Bonneau
Pairs very well with spicy Szechuan food!

February Wine Club - Tuscan Wines at Le Caveau - Feb. 15, 2012

February Wine Club - Tuscan Wines at Le Caveau - Wednesday Feb. 15, 2012
Daniel Crawford of Le Caveau hand selected the wines for the evening, and shared his amazing knowledge of the wines, winemakers, and Tuscany.
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Classification of Tuscan wines: Similar to the classification system used by the French.
DOCG - Denominazione di Origine Controllata et Garantita - guaranteed quality, highest category
DOC - Denominazione di Origine Controllata
IGT - Indicazione Geografica Tipica (similar to Vin de Pays)
VdT - Vina da Tavola (table wine) - lowest category
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Daniel explains there are 6 DOCG's and 34 DOC's in Tuscany.
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Pairings: Daniel advises the food should either compliment or contrast with the wine you are drinking. For example, the Vernaccia we tasted had almond notes, so we tried pairing with almonds. If the wine was acidic it might help cut through the fat of a cheese, so try a fatty cheese with acidic wine, etc.
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Tasting Notes:
1) 2009 Mormoraia Vernaccia di San Gimignano - $12.99
Varietal: 100% Vernaccia (vur-notch-uh), aged on lees in stainless steel tanks
13% alcohol
Dan's Notes: With a pale canary yellow color, this intensely aromatic white displays notes of apple and rose petal, while the crisp dry palate boasts bright flavors of almond, wild flowers, and grapefruit. True to type, the finish is subtly bitter.
Winemaker Info: Mormoraia (more-more-ee-uh) stretches out over 100 hectares, 30 of which are dedicated to the vine growing and 10 to the cultivation of the olive trees. The estate is set in the heart of Tuscany, on the green hills next to San Gimignano, in a panoramic position of rare beauty. The farming of vineyards and olive groves is carried out with great respect for the territory and environment under the supervision of the owner Mr. Guiseppe Passoni.
TWITs Notes: we don't smell much of anything, perhaps it is a shy wine? although it has beautiful legs and a lovely color. we definitely taste the almond and grapefruit notes. Very nice wine. Vernaccia means indigenous.
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2) 2007 Terenzuolo Merla della Miniera Toscana IGT - $24.99
Varietal: 85% Uva Merla (Canaiolo Nero), 15% Tintoretto (Colorino)
14.5% alcohol
Dan's Notes: This wine is dark with aromas of earth, chocolate covered cherries, wild herbs, and black plums on the nose. On the attack moderate tannins are matched by layers of dark fruit. It has tart acidity to balance the richness of the fruit.
Winemaker Info: Ivan Giulani (has been making wine since 2001) is the only producer of wine made with Uva Merla grapes. Uva Merla (thick skinned tannic grape) is the local clone of Canaiolo Nero, while Tintoretto is the local clone of Colorino in the commune Fosdinovo.
TWITs Notes: I absolutely love this one, it has all of the aromas that I adore in a good red wine, and it has the right touches on the palate to back it up.
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3) 2008 Mormoraia Chianti Colli Senesi DOCG - $12.99
Varietal: Sangiovese blend
13.5% alcohol
Dan's Notes: "The 2008 Chianti Colli Senesi is an attractive red laced with berries, dried flowers, and sweet baking spices. This mid-weight Chianti is best enjoyed sooner rather than later. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2013." Antonio Galloni, October 2010. Wine Advocate.
Winemaker Info: Maceration for 12-15 days with remontage. The wine is aged in oak casks of varying sizes for a period of 4 months. Bottle aged for 1 month in the cellar at 16 degrees celcius.
TWITs Notes: Very nice Chianti, but doesn't move me as much as the previous wine did.
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4) 1998 Mormoraia Neitea - $21.99
Varietal: 70% Sangiovese, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon
13% alcohol
Dan's Notes: This Toscana Rosso has a deep ruby red color containing intense heat that blows off after letting the wine catch its breath with a good decant. Vanilla and liquorice on the nose gives way to ripe berries and tobacco on the palate.
Winemaker Info: This Super Tuscan was fermented in steel tanks with repeated punching down of the lid. Maceration lasts for 15-20 days followed by drawing off into oak drums to be refined for 12-14 months. Assemblage occurs in steel tanks resting the juice 1 month before bottling.
TWITs Notes: Lighter red color, Super Tuscan, very tasty! I bought a bottle of this one!
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5) 2001 Kopke L.B.V. - $24.99
20% alcohol
Dan's Notes: "Rusty ruby in color with a tawny edge. The nose offers raspberry, raisins, toffee, cherry cough drop and mocha aromas. Medium weight, warming and dry on the palate, this one grew on me by day four when it had mellowed a bit. Laser like acidity keeps it in check, with flavors of strawberry, citrus, a back drop of pecan and some mild-mannered mouth coating tannins. The finish is long but shows a bit of the warming spirit." 11/29/10 Roy Hersh, ForTheLoveOfPort
Winemaker Info: Kopke is a German Diplomat, this is the longest continuously produced Port (since 1638)
TWITs Notes: Per Dan, the letters are hand-stenciled on the bottle. LBV means Late Bottle Vintage (meaning style of Port produced from a single vintage), lovely aromas, perfumey, definitely raisin on the palate, reminds me of an Amarone. Per Dan, the grapes are treated similarly to an Amarone, but not quite the same. The method is Passito. He also went into detail about Tawny versus Ruby Ports (click link then scroll down to the Barron Food Lovers Companion section).
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We also spoke about Vin Santo (or holy wine).
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Discussion about Kevin Rathbun of Rathbun's. He may not charge you a corking fee, if you bring your own wine, so long as you share a glass with him.
Word to the wise: he is also partial to Dale's Pale Ale.
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Links: Website focused on Tuscan Wines.
Tuscan Wine Guide

Le Caveau - South American Wine Tasting - Feb 11, 2012

Le Caveau - South American Wine Tasting - Feb 11, 2012

Special Guest: Joe Herrig of Global Wines featuring a tasting of South American wines. Global Wines is brand new to the state and we will be showing the following hand picked selections from their book:

Also, don't forget to check out Joe's blog Suburban Wino (see links to the left of this entry).

1) 2010 Alma de los Andes Torrontés - $14.99
100% Torrontés
This wine shows aromas of white peach, orange rind and flowers (think Viognier or Muscat aromas). Juicy, pure fruit on the palate where the lovely floral notes are echoed. This white finishes juicy and long, and not a bit heavy thanks to ample acidity.

Torrontés is highly productive and is just under ten percent of all white grape plantings in Argentina, however as a varietal, it made up almost 20 percent of all white wine sold in Argentina in 2008.
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2) 2009 Fingerprints Bonarda - $13.99
100% Bonarda
This wine has deep red color with violet hints. The wine shows ripe cherry and plum on the palate that is light to medium bodied. It has a lovely, lingering finish with rounded and sweet tannins. Equally enjoyable with food or by itself.

As the story goes, Bonarda is an Italian grape that was transplanted to Argentina in the 1800’s. As popular as Malbec has become, it only recently surpassed Bonarda in acreage cultivated.
***ABBIE's FAVE!***
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3) 2010 Yllum Pinot Noir Reserve $22.99
100% Pinot Noir from Tupungato
With a medium garnet color, this wine shows aromas of ripe red fruits with notes of coffee and mushrooms. The palate is fresh and focused with red berry fruits and spice balanced by nice acidity.

The fruit for this wine comes from Tupungato inthe Valle de Uco and is grown at 3900 feet above sea level. Yllum means meeting place in the local Huarpe indian tongue and Tupungato means star viewpoint (Tupungato, a stratovaolcano is the higheast peak in Argentina).

4) 2008 Alma de los Andes Malbec Classic - $14.99
100% Malbec from Agrelo and Medrano
Deep ruby black color with a purple rim, it shows blackberries, ripe plum, and spice on the nose. The medium to full bodied palate is rich with dark fruit but comes off balanced with a silky elegance.

Winemaker Pablo Durigutti gained wide experience while working with the Rutini winery and with his older brother Hector Durigutti at Altos Las Hormigas

5) 2009 Casa Rivas Carménère Gran Reserva - $23.99
85% Carménère, 10% Syrah, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon
14.3% alcohol
This wine has a deep, ruby red color, with a [BIG] nose of plum and black pepper, coffee, and spice. On the palate it's concentrated with red fruits, round tannins and and nice structure, finishing long and silky.

Cuttings of Carménère were imported by Chilean growers from Bordeaux during the 19th century, where they were frequently confused with Merlot vines. They modeled their wineries after those in France and in the 1850s cuttings from Bordeaux, which included Carménère grape, were planted in the valleys around Santiago

Le Caveau - Meet the Winemaker: Paulo Demarie - 02/04/12

Abbie with Paulo Demarie
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Le Caveau - Meet the Winemaker: Paulo Demarie - 02/04/12
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This was truly an experience, as we got to meet the winemaker, the distribution folks, and Paulo autographed the wine bottles I purchased. What a rare treat!
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1) 2009 Demarie Roero Arneis DOCG - $19.99
Varietal: Arneis, white grape from the Piedmont region
12.5% alcohol
Arneis is one of the great white wines of Piedmont with a full, intense aroma. Elegant floral and fruity flavors bring to mind hints of peach, apricot, chamomile, and small spring blossoms. Fresh and lingering on the tongue, with a wonderful slightly almond-flavored finish. Charming, enchanting, and fresh-like with a light summer meal.
Maturation: The wine is held in stainless steel tanks until bottling.
Food Pairing: Mushroom ragu, roasted chicken with rosemary, pasta with butter-sage-Asiago cheese.
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2) 2007 Demarie Barbera D'Alba DOC Superiore - $22.99
Varietal: Barbera (red)
13.5% alcohol
Barbera is a time honored expression of Piedmont. This classic Barbera is easy to drink due to its good acid structure and low astringency. Revelations of brilliant ruby hues deepend to garnet with age. Intense scents of prune and mulberry accompany the full-bodied flavor.
Maturation: 6 months in 2500 L Slavonian Oak Casks.
Food Pairing: Filet Mignon, lasagna, veal scaloppini, and Piave Cheese.
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3) 2007 Demarie Nebbiolo D'Alba DOC - $26.99
Varietal: Nebbiolo
13.5% alcohol
With a spectrum of brilliant ruby red to enticing burgundy with maturity, the Nebbiolo bouquet opens slowly to release delightful impressions of wild violet and ripened Morello cherries. The palate expression is intense and fragrant with mellow tones of cherry, raspberry, and wild strawberry jam, with a lingering of spicy licorice and a sophisticated finish. Taste the tannins!
Maturation: 8 months in 2500 L Slavonian oak casks
Food Pairing: Pork Loin, Porcini mushroom risotto, spaghetti Carbonara, and Grana Padano Cheese
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4) 2006 Demarie Barbaresco DOC - $54.99
Varietal: Nebbiolo
14.5% alcohol
"The Queen of Wines" palate expression is intense with notes of red fruits and rose petal. It reveals a majestic garnet red color, with a mystifying orange reflection in the glass and strong tannins. This wine is truly elegant on the finish.
Maturation: 2 years in 5000 L Slavonian oak barrels, then bottle aged for 3-4 months.
Food Pairing: Grilled steak, rack of lamb, wild boar ragu, and Taleggio cheese
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5) NV Demarie Brachetto Birbet - $18.99
Varietal: Brachetto
6.5% alcohol
Birbet is a classic celebratory wine, perfect for a toast or to complement desserts. It has a blooming cherry red color with soft ruby nuances and endless bubbles. Fragrant and aromatic, it sweetens the palate with notes of strawberry, raspberry, and blackberry. The taste is reminiscent of the Renaissance Era and crafted with expertise mirroring the elegant culture of the Piedmont.
Maturation: the wine is held in stainless steel tanks until bottling
Food Pairing: Dark Chocolate Truffles, plum tart, and fresh berries