TWITs Battle of the Bottles - June 5th, 2021

TWITs Battle of the Bottles - originally set for March 14th, 2020, but was postponed due to the pandemic.  Rescheduled to Saturday, June 5th, 2021.
hosted by Chad & Christy

Theme:  Battle of the Bottles - blind tastings between various pairs of bottles, you have to guess which one of the two is the expensive wine ($50+), and which is the budget bottle (~$20 or less). 

     1st Place:  The most accurate guesses goes to Drew!  He guessed 5 out of 6 bottle battles correctly!

     2nd Place: Val with 4 correct guesses

     3rd Place: Tie between Abbie and DuPree with 3 correct guesses 
We did not guess on the Welcome Wines (in case you were counting).

I'd like to give honorable mention to Rheinallt for the most hilarious tasting notes I've read in a while.  Great job sassy pants!

TWITs brought $40/pp to cover the cost of the wines.

Food Pairings:

Chad & Christy prepared some wonderful food pairings for us.

Tasting Notes:

All bottles purchased via Wine.com

Welcome Wine

Food Pairing - Charcuterie Board

Bottle 1: J Vineyards California Cuvee - $24.99

12.5% alcohol

vs

Bottle 2:  Champagne Gimonnet-Gonet L'Origine Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs NV - $45

12% alcohol

Riesling 

Food pairing - Shrimp w cocktail sauce

Bottle 1: 2017 Dr Loosen Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling - $49.99 

12.5 % alcohol

Petrol, stone fruits, minerality, dry, honeysuckle, tropical, unripe papaya, pear, semi-dry, honeydew citrus, no petroleum, very light, shite, sickly, too sweet, nice acidity, but no petrol, cloying after palate, floral, pear, very dry for Riesling, good pear floral, gardenia, I liked this one just guessed wrong, pear floral dry

vs

Bottle 2: 2018 Pewsey Vale Eden Valley Dry Riesling - $16.99

12% alcohol

kerosene, soapy, musky, stinky, viscous, dry briny, gasoline, clean, dry, lots of gasoline, ribana, layers of minerals, it's a deal it's a steal, very dry, briny, petrol, soapy, mineral, not so good, petroleum, flower, pear, plastic, new toy, dry, flower

Sauvignon Blanc

Food Pairing - Bacon/Goat Cheese/Olive Quick Bread

Bottle 1:  2018 Beyond Sauvignon Blanc Buitenverwachting South Africa - $10.99

13.5% alcohol

citrus, lemony, depth, olive, brine at back palate, peaches, pithy, peach cobbler, mineral, lemon, very nice clean nose, spitting out citrus like a deranged satsuma, RH's fave wine of the evening! lemon, dry, acid, very balanced, lemon, sugar, citrus, sweet but rich smooth, fresh, crisp, not very grassy, citrus, would like to drive this to me, brine, citrus, lemon

vs

Bottle 2: 2015 Cloudy Bay Te Koko Sauvignon Blanc New Zealand - $69.99

14% alcohol

petrol, peaches and cantaloupe, stone fruits in yo face, tangerine candy, rich, no no no no no No Zealand, stone fruit over the top, too much acid, too much mineral, less sweet, crisp, grapefruit, sophisticated, peaches, like 1, crisp, peach cobbler, peach, jackfruit, sweet

Rose

Food Pairing - Strawberry salad (Baby lettuces with feta, strawberries, and almonds)

Bottle 1:  2018 Chateau Romassan Ott Bandol France - $58.99

13% alcohol

almost no nose, drinking air, flavored water, if you put bubbles in it it's a White Claw, light in color, no me gusto, devoid of character, vapid but roughness, why you give me roughness? no want. very delicate strawberry, cream, White Claw flavored water, dry, light, doesn't taste like much, color off, very bland

vs

Bottle 2: 2018 Famille Combard Figuiere Magali Signature Cotes de Provence - $19.99

13% alcohol

better color, better flavors, bitter finish, bland but smells like a rose, bit more biting, some banana but still okay, but not good. more acid, cloying after palate, nice, a little sweeter, pepper, not so good, guest soap in grandma's bathroom

Pinot Noir

Food Pairing - Asian meatballs with sauce

Bottle 1:  2017 J Vineyards Pinot Noir Monterey/Santa Barbara/Sonoma Counties - $18.99

14.3% alcohol

berries, chocolate, spice, light, dark fruits, very good California Pinot, classic Pinot attributes like cola and dandelions and burdock, fruit forward, cola, balanced, very nice, sweet berry, blueberry, rich, peppery, dark berries, devious, best so far, blackberry, light on nose, fruit forward

vs

Bottle 2:  2016 Paul Hobbs Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast/Sonoma County - $59.99

14.1% alcohol

higher alcohol, headache tomorrow wine, sour, young, very similar to the other Pinot but lighter, brighter, and better, richer mouthfeel, cola, more spice, more alcohol, cherry nose, but less (illegible sorry), 

Malbec

Food Pairing - Roquefort blue cheese Slider/Burger

Bottle 1: 2014 Tapiz Black Tears Malbec Mendoza Argentina - $54.99

14.5% alcohol

lovely, dark chocolate, leather, berries, woody, dark fruit, baking spices, solid little Malbec, so solid with the burger slider, yes so nice, anise spice and cloves and some other stuff, anise, nose all dark fruit

vs

Bottle 2: 2017 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Clasico Mendoza Argentina - $12.99

13.5% alcohol

f*ck me nose, smooth, sexy, berries, jam yet dry not sweet, smiley face, hotness up the nose, high ethanol, roughness in the extreme, just rough, pickles, brine, pine, didn't like either of these, pine, smooth

Cabernet Sauvignon

Food Pairing - Mini Chocolate Hazelnut Cheesecake

Bottle 1:  2017 Michael Mondavi Oberon Cabernet Sauvignon Napa County - $20.99

13.7% alcohol

bell pepper, chocolate bliss, bell pepper cacao on the nose, solid cab, prob new wood, maybe pedestrian Cab, spice, fruit, nice balance, like, fruity, smooth, good

vs

Bottle 2:  2015 Hall Eighteen Seventy-Three Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley - $74.99

15.6% alcohol

spice and chocolate, smiley face, this has mint, just mint, why does it have mint? spearmint at that! butter, pastry fruit nose, tannin, classic cab, more tannin

WSET Level 1 - Abbie's Adventure

WSET Level 1 - Abbie's Adventure

With the COVID-19 Pandemic wreaking havoc across the world, yet online courses being available, I decided to finally get a wine certification through Vino Venue (the APP - Approved Program Provider).

WSET - stands for Wine & Spirits Education Trust.  The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) is the largest and most recognised organisation providing formal education in wines (sake and spirits) for professionals and enthusiasts. WSET programmes focus on developing systematic tasting skills and product knowledge of the significant wines and wine producing regions of the world. The skills learnt through WSET programmes can be applied to understand and evaluate all wines, regardless of region. For this reason, many sommeliers choose to study for WSET qualifications to gain their product knowledge, opting to develop their service skills on the job.

I opted to start at the beginning with WSET Level 1.  This course was approximately $250 USD.  This did not include the tasting wines and food samples however.  The course doesn't mandate that you purchase the wines and food samples, but it definitely helps with the learning experience. 

These are the wines I purchased for my WSET Level 1 Course:

The food items needed were:  black seedless grapes, tartaric acid (I found this on Amazon.com), sugar, black tea (I used PG Tips), a sweet biscuit, salt, a slice of lemon, and cooked mushrooms or msg powder. 

The 4-week course is offered online, at your own pace.  There were no set scheduled "classes", only the requirement that you participate in the assignment chats (again at your own pace and timing), and complete all of the assignment modules before taking the exam.  There is an online instructor available for a live chat once a week (scheduled at a specific time - often an odd hour for some, so as to accommodate the time zones of the multiple attendees).  The live chat is optional, but it is useful if you have questions.  The course I registered for started on Monday April 26th and went until Sunday May 23rd, 2021.  These are the dates the online instructor is available to answer questions or reply to your chats.  After the end date, the instructor is no longer available.  I believe I still have access to my course materials for a set amount of time (I forget how long) so I can study. 

I was surprised at how many different people from different countries were in my class.  We had attendees from Italy, Ireland, China, USA, Germany, etc.  so many different places.  This was truly a diverse class.  

I was disappointed that we could not take the exam right after class finished.  Why not the same day or next day?  However, the earliest available exam date was 2 weeks out.  I took that time to make notes and trivia questions for my friends to quiz me on, so I could study for the exam.

The exam was taken online.  I had to have 2 devices (my laptop and either a smartphone or iPad/tablet).  The laptop had to have a camera and microphone, so my exam could be recorded.  The iPad was so I could be recorded from the side using the ProctorExam app.  This helps to ensure you are not cheating on your exam.  No poster or writing can be on the walls.  If you have a glass of water it has to be clear, no bottles with labels or any writing on the glass.  No pieces of paper, even if blank.  No other person can be in the room with you either.  No wine bottles or any alcohol items in the room.  The rules are pretty thorough.

I took my invigilated exam online on Sunday June 13th, 2021.  I must say, it took me longer to setup all my devices, and ensure proper recording, etc. than it did to actually take the exam.  They also have you film 360 degree view of the room, your desktop, under your desk, the ceiling, and all four corners of the room, to ensure there is nothing there to invalidate your test results.  The exam was 30 multiple choice questions, and I had 45 mins to take the exam.  I believe I finished my exam in about 10 minutes (after setup).  

I am still awaiting my results.  I believe the results should be sent out roughly 2 weeks after taking the exam.  I hope I passed.  I feel pretty good about the exam, but unlike the ITIL exams I have taken via the invigilated/online method, the WSET didn't immediately tell me my score.  I understand they have to certify the results, but at least with the ITIL exams they tell you your score immediately, and then you only have to wait a few weeks for them to certify it, and send your certificate to you.  Yes I did put this in my feedback survey.

Overall it was a pleasant experience and I highly recommend this certification, should you be interested.

I'll update you with my score once I get it. :)

UPDATE:  I did not receive my score until October 2021.  I passed. yay!  However, I do not understand why it took nearly 5 MONTHS to get my exam results.  I've taken ITIL proctored exams where they at least give you a preliminary score immediately after your exam - with the understanding they have to certify it officially at a later time.  I would have loved to know if missed any questions right away for the WSET, but no.  I had to wait.  Sigh.  We have the technology, not sure why AXELOS has theirs working great but WSET can't use similar tech?  Now I am wondering if we get a certificate or anything to print out?  Probably will take a year for that though. 

TWITs 10 Year Anniversary Party - March 10th, 2018 - hosted by Abbie & Matt

TWITs 10 Year Anniversary Party - March 10th, 2018 - hosted by Abbie & Matt

TWITs is turning 10 years old!  Can you believe we've been doing tastings as a group for an entire DECADE?!?  It boggles the mind.  So to celebrate the New Year and an entire DECADE of TWITs, we are hosting an Anniversary Party.

Theme:  TWITs 10 year Anniversary - Bring a bottle of your favorite wine from 2017 to share

Bring:  TWITs should bring a bottle of your favorite wine that you tasted in 2017


How has TWITs changed your life?
"We are more knowledgeable about wine."
-Rachel & Chris

"I moved to Atlanta a few years back I did not know anyone, having been introduced to Abbie via Rheinallt, she invited me to TWITs and this has given me social events every month to look forward to, a lot of good laughs, fine food, and amazing wine. But most of all, I have made new friends!! I am now encouraging my parents to start a wine club modeled on TWITs back home, because after their last move they have not yet managed to make new friends."
-Crystal

"We have really enjoyed finding a community of folks who enjoy and take wine seriously, but don't seem to take themselves to seriously. Everyone we've met in TWITs has been warm and generous, interesting and insightful, and we've truly enjoyed the camaraderie we've experienced so far, along with learning more about and tasting some great wines!"
-Chase & David

"TWITS has expanded my vocabulary for describing wine, and I've tasted varietals I wouldn't have even have considered before."
-Karin

"TWITS helped me see wine in a more vino-culturally sensitive and socially savvy way."
-Joshua

"We’re so new, TWITs hasn’t had much change on our existence ... and I don’t know if we have fully realized how much TWITs will change our lives in the 10 years to come, but we look forward to finding out!!"
-Crissy & Steve

"TWITs changed my life by opening me up to wine regions around the world I would not have considered before.  It was a TWITS gathering that encouraged us to plan a trip to Burgundy which was one of the best trips we've had.  Our passion for wine has grown so much, we are now having a wine cellar put in our house to hold all our wine - must keep our Burgundian wine at the correct temps!"
-Christy & Chad

"We have learned so much in the years we have been members of Twits! We have learned about different varietals of wine we would have never have normally tried and about different regions and how the terroir impacts the wine. We have also made some wonderful friends and had a lot of fun. Here’s to 10 more years! Cheers!"
- Kathy, Jamie, and Jackson

"I think the most important thing about TWITs for me is the lovely people I've met.  I have a feeling that's going to be a lot of people's answer.  But regardless, the monthly gatherings seem to attract high quality people & the wines themselves make for the perfect conversation starter.  It helps me get out of my introverted shell. Thanks for all you guys do." 
- Val

**FOOD**
1 lb of Foie Gras Torchon (from the Feeding Hannibal cookbook, this time I marinated the Foie in Fonseca Porto Bin No 27)
Toasted Baguette Slices 
Sage Plum Berry Sauce
Caviar w Cremé Fraiche
Prosciutto wrapped melon
Stuffed mushrooms (soy chorizo & Italian cheese)
Mini quiche
Fromages (Dubliner, goat cheese, Brie)
Olives
Charcuterie
Strawberries
Crudités
Chocolate bites

**WINES**
Welcome Wine: NV Gruet Blanc de Noirs, New Mexico ~ $15 @ most wine shops
sometimes can get a good price on a case via Woot.com
75% Pinot Noir, 25% Chardonnay
12% Alcohol

1) NV Schramsberg Blanc de Noirs, California ~ $50 @ the winery itself
85% Pinot Noir, 15% Chardonnay
12.7% alcohol
Sparkling, bubbly, fruity, bubblegum aroma, strawberry, smoked bamboo (just kidding),
Guesses:
Abbie guessed Schramsberg Blanc de Blanc but definitely not La Marca Prosecco
RH says it's too sweet to be that one

2) 2017 Whitehaven Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, NZ  ~ $13 @ CostCo or $20 elsewhere
100% Sauvignon Blanc
13% alcohol
still white wine, green apple, pith, sweet note, muscat, white flowers, quince, apple, honeysuckle, would be good in the hot tub, or on the porch
Guesses:
Karin - Albarino
Kathy - Sauvignon Blanc in USA
Chad, Janssen, Lauren, Val, Rachel - Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand

3) 2014 Yonah Mountain Chardonnay ~ $40 from winery
100% Chardonnay
13.3% Alcohol
floral, not quite as strong as a Jura, a lil funk, oaked, soft palate,
Guesses:
Abbie - French? no wait Semillon from Australia
Kathy - Chardonnay from California
Val - Chardonnay from Napa
Crissy - not 100% chardonnay, a blend?
Joshua - North GA wine
Karin - Semillon

4) 2016 Chateau d'Esclans Whispering Angel Rose, Provence - $23 @ Whole Foods
Rose Blend - varietal info not found online - assume GSM ?
13% alcohol
faint nose, light, refreshing, berries on finish, lot of citrus, pine tree, floral, minerally, mild, doesn't standout, pairs well with chocolate, light pepper on finish, the Vanishing Rose, it kissed the grape skins, made out, but no tongue, the palest pink.
Guesses:
Kathy - French

5) 2015 Domaine Vieux Telegraphe Chateauneuf du Pape - $80 @ PH Wine Merchant
Southern Rhone Blend
14.5% alcohol
cassis, grape nose, back in North GA?, Welch's grape jelly, menthol, licorice
Guesses:
Abbie - Gigondas
Lauren - French Bordeaux/young
Crissy - a sweet red
Kathy - Gamay from France
Matt - North GA
Joshua - Carmenere
RH - Oregon Pinot Noir

6) 2012 E. Guigal Chateauneuf du Pape - $40 @ CostCo
Southern Rhone Blend
14.5% alcohol
smells like foie gras, licorice
Guesses:
Abbie - Italian Barbera
Joshua - Bonarda
Rachel - West Coast CA
Crissy - Willamette, Oregon

7) 2014 Stinson Vineyards Cabernet Franc, Virginia - $23 @ Ansley Wine Merchant
100% Cabernet Franc
13.5% alcohol
Jammy, new oak, IDFK (I Don't F---ing Know)  LOL
Guesses:
Kathy - Pinot Noir
Abbie - Sonoma Pinot Noir
Chad - Santa Barbara Pinot Noir

8) 2000 Podere Rocche dei Manzoni Vigna Cappella di Santo Stefano, Barolo DOCG, Italy - $60 from RH's personal cellar
100% Nebbiolo
14.5% alcohol
robusto, black licorice, currants, sherry, raisins, brandy, worcestershire sauce, tar on the nose
Guesses:
Abbie - Nebbiolo from Italy
Joshua - Tempranillo (but then changed his mind to Syrah from USA)
David - Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

9) 2013 Michel Schlumberger Deux Terres Cabernet Sauvignon - $35 on WTSO or $75 from Winery
100% Cabernet Sauvignon (50% each from each Terres, thus the name)
14.9% alchol
caramel, sweet nose, mmmmmm, honey and caramel, rainbows in the forest, dark and inky, we smell unicorns!,
Guesses:
Crystal - older wine, Australian Shiraz
David - 8 yrs old
Kathy - Chianti
Joshua - Tannat
Karin - Lebanon - no a French Cahors?
RH - Syrah from Sonoma
? - 2011 Brunello di Montalcino ?

10) 2012 St. Clair Winery D.H. Lescombes Petit Verdot New Mexico - $45-50 @ winery
100% Petit Verdot
15% alcohol
tar, asphalt, bell pepper, Cab Franc ? leather, desert, scrub brush, funky, earthy, smells like taint (we had to explain what taint meant, it was hilarious), New World Palate, Spices, pepper, fruit,
Guesses:
Karin - France
Abbie - Cabernet Franc

11) 2015 La Crema Pinot Noir, Sonoma - $21-22 @ most stores
100% Pinot Noir
13.5% alcohol
funky in a different way, bald eagles and freedom, rescuers down under, pine, mineral, earth, chewy, cassis note but not overpowering, soft nose
Guesses:
Chad - Pinot Noir Sonoma
RH - Pinot Noir Burgundy
Joshua - Pinot Noir Argentina
Abbie - Pinot Noir Willamette

12) 2016 Rue de Perle Grand Vin Bordeaux - $15 @ Kroger
Bordeaux blend
13% alcohol
grandma's perfume, flabby, don't like, plums, cinnamon
Guesses:
Karin - Italian

WINNERS:
We had 4 prizes for those who did well with guessing the wines.  Our winners were:
RH, Chad, Kathy, & Joshua

February 10th - Wine & Chocolate - hosted by Steve and Crissy

February 10th - Wine & Chocolate - hosted by Steve and Crissy

This next event already has my mouth watering in anticipation.  Crissy & Steve have just returned from Napa, and they are hosting a Wine & Chocolate pairing tasting.   There will be at least 5, possibly 6 wines which they have curated, with pairings for each course.

WHEN:  Saturday February 10th, 2018  @ 7:30pm ET

THEME:  Wine & Chocolate Pairings

BRING:  TWITs should bring $20/per person

We learned a few helpful tips for pairing wine with chocolate:
1) The wine should be sweeter than the food with which it is being paired.
2) One should taste the wine, take a bite of the food pairing, and then taste the wine again.  This is to see if the food changes the wine on the palate in any way.

Fun Fact:  White Chocolate isn't really Chocolate.  White chocolate doesn't qualify as genuine chocolate because it doesn't contain chocolate solids (a.k.a. cocoa powder). White chocolate is typically made from a blend of cocoa butter, milk solids, sugar, milk fat and lecithin — a fatty emulsifier that holds it all together.  Who knew?

TWITs had a fabulous time tasting the wine and glorious pairings along with them.  I think my personal favorite of the courses was the flourless chocolate cake paired with the Biale Petite Sirah.  Yum!  Crissy is a fanTAStic cook!  However, the most unusual dish was the Dukkah.  I'd never had Dukkah before, and now I think I'm in love.  Crissy and Steve did a wonderful job of designing an exquisite menu to pair with the wines.  Each pairing was spot on, and absolutely delicious.

Welcome Wine:  2016 Ehlers Estate Sauvignon Blanc

~

Course 1:  

2015 Amici Sauvignon Blanc

and

White Chocolate Baba Ganoush

~

Course 2:

Chocolate Dukkah w Olive Oil & Bread

(this also paired with the Amici Sauvignon Blanc AND with the first red wine)

2016 Mollydooker "The Boxer" Shiraz

Course 3:

Chocolate Dukkah Dusted Chicken Breast & Carrots

and

2016 Mollydooker "The Boxer" Shiraz

~

Course 4:

Mole Chili

&

2015 The Seventy Five Wine Company Cabernet Sauvignon

~

Course 5:

Flourless Chocolate Cake with Freshly Whipped Cream

and

2015 Robert Biale Vineyards "Royal Punishers" Petite Sirah

~

Course 6: 

White Chocolate Chunk Macadamia Nut Cookies

and

2015 Ferrari-Carano "Eldorado Gold" Semillon

~

Course 7: 

"PBJ"

Chocolate & Peanut Butter Bites

and

2016 Bella Vineyards "Late Harvest" Zinfandel 

Spooky-good-to-be-true Bargain Bin Wines - Saturday October 8th, 2016

Spooky-good-to-be-true Bargain Bin Wines - Saturday October 8th, 2016

Happy HalloWine!  

When:  Saturday October 8th, 2016 - 2 pm - 5pm ET   

Theme:  Spooky-good-to-be-true Bargain Bin Wines

Where:  

Le Caveau Fine Wines

5256 Peachtree Rd. 
Suite 102

Atlanta, GA 30341
770-837-0710

Recipe:   Chilled Creamy Cucumber Soup - Deb said she didn't need to add water to it.
All cheese purchased at CostCo, Whole Foods, Kroger (on Hammond in Sandy Springs)

Cheese to Wine Scale:
(Affinage is French term describing the aging and maturity level of cheeses)
Soft Cheeses  <------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------> Hard Cheeses
Fresh, High water, milky                                                  Affinage                                     Moisture evaporates - leaves
delicate,                                                                                                                                        behind the fat and protein (flavors) 
                                                                                                                                                       older more rich and savory

Delicate Wines  <-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------> Bold Wines
Young wines have primary                                                                                                      Time spent in cask or bottle knit
notes: fresh, spirited, lively aromas                                                                                       together and acquire nuance.
bright flavors of fruits, flowers, citrus,                                                                                  Secondary notes of oak, toast, 
herbs and spice                                                                                                                           earth, oxidation, minerals, umami
                                                                                                                                                        more complex and savory


Tasting Notes:
1) 2014 La Grange Tiphaine 'Noveau-Nez' Petillant Montlouis-sur-Loire - $28
13% alcohol,
100% Chenin Blanc farmed organically (certified ECOCERT in 2008) practicing biodynamic.  Damien and Coralie Delecheneau are based in Touraine-Amboise but work many vineyards in Montlouis.  This petillant naturel is made in the typical, minimal-intervention manner. The grapes were picked at a potential alcohol of 13.8%, Still in fermentation, the wine is bottled with 14 g/l of residual sugar after which secondary fermentation happens naturally in the bottle.  In the glass it has a vibrant gold with a fine yet plentiful bead.  There is a nose of grilled peaches and rose petals, peppered with nuances of marzipan and a touch of baked apple, yet despite this, it feels fresh with bright and powdery edges.
Cheese Pairing:  Blue Castello St. Agur

2) 2015 Chateau Ducasse Blanc Bordeaux  - $17
12% alcohol,
60% Semillon, 35% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Muscadelle.
Made from 45+ year-old sustainably farmed vines planted within the Graves appellation of Bordeaux in limestone and clay soils, the wine is a blend of 60% Semillon, 35% Sauvignon Blanc, and 5% Muscadelle.  Aged entirely in stainless for 6 months before bottling, the wine displays fresh fruited, lively mineral character.  Fresh citrus, honeysuckle, and a bevy of tropical fruits, green mango, papaya, passion fruit, plantains.  The finish is long and oily lingering for some time.
Cheese Pairings:  Dubliner Aged Cheddar, Lancashire, Mahon, Derby, Brie

3) 2015 Domaine du Couron Rose Ardeche - $ 11
14% alcohol
100% Grenache
Jean_Luc and Marie-Lise Dorthe produce this dry rose exclusively from their 39-year old, sustainably farmed vines of Grenache.  The juice is rested on skins for precisely 8 1/2 hours to get this exact color and fresh-fruited aromas of strawberry, watermelon, and citrus.  With a rich, fresh-fruited palate and a slightly honeyed texture, it is easy to understand why this was handily our best-selling rose last summer, selling out in 3 weeks.
Cheese Pairings:  Oussau-Iraty, Azeitao, Tete des Moines, Gruyere, Cheshire

4) 2013 Bodega de Pinoso 'Flos de Pinoso' Alicante - $13
14% alcohol
100% Monastrell
Vinified from 100% organically farmed Monastrell entirely in stainless tanks, the 'Flos de Pinoso' boasts a remarkably perfumed, fresh-fruited nose.  Wild red and black berries along with dark spice, combine with integrated tannins and acidity on the palate.  Decidedly fresher and more toned than a lot of the chewy, dense Monastrell coming from this eastern Spanish region, the wine is an easy match with BBQ
Cheese Pairings:  Manchego

5) 2015 Domaine Duseigneur 'La Chapelle' Cotes du Rhone  - $14
14% alcohol
50/50% Grenache/Syrah Blend
composed of equal parts biodynamically farmed old-vine Grenache and Syrah, this delightful fruit-driven Rhone is easy to love.  The grapes are sourced from clay hills above the Rhone river, just across from Chateauneuf du Pape.  Fermented entirely in stainless, the wine has wonderful freshness. Founded in 1967, the domaine's principles of respecting soil and environment lead it to be among the first to embrace organic farming in the Rhone.
Cheese Pairings:  Dubliner Aged Cheddar, Cheshire, St. Nectaire, aged Gruyere, Manchego, Gouda

6) 2010 Quinta do Mondego 'Mondeco' Tinto Dao  - $11
13.5% alcohol
Blend of Tempranillo, Touriga Nacional, Alfrocheiro, Jaen & Baga
Made from hand-harvested Tinta Roriz (aka: Tempranillo), Touriga Nacional, Alfrocheiro, Jaen & Baga.  Fermentation in small stainless steel tanks, with 10% of the blend aged in French Oak casks for 12 months.  Intense, dark garnet color and elegant aromas of fresh dark fruits with a touch of mint and cigar box.  A full bodied palate of rich, ripe dark fruits is balanced with good acidity and firm tannins.  91 pts from wine enthusiast.
Cheese Pairings:  sharp cheddar, Azeitao, Mahon, Manchego

(not planned, but Marnie brought a bottle to share)
7) 2014 Cooper & Thief Cellarmasters Select Red Wine Blend  ~ $30
17% alcohol
Cooper & Thief is a dark and jammy red blend comprised of 38% Merlot, 37% Syrah, 11% Zinfandel, 7% Petite Sirah, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% other red varieties, and loaded with bourbon-inspired flavors and aromas. Aging for three months in ex-bourbon barrels gives way to soft velvety tannins, with a subtle heat. The combined result is a rich flavor with a long, lingering finish.
Reminded me of Orin Swift's The Prisoner but with more Port-like notes.
Cheese Pairings:  Blue cheese

Photos:

TWITs June/July - Shining Stars Charity tasting - South African Wines -July 9th, 2016

TWITs June/July - Shining Stars Charity Wine Tasting - South African Wines - Saturday, July 9th, 2016 2pm - 4pm ET

Host or Hostess: Ms Marilyn with Randall & Karen of Marietta Wine Market

Where?  Marietta Wine Market
18 Powder Springs St. SE
Marietta, GA 30064
770-919-1574

Theme:  Shining Stars Charity Wine Tasting - Wines of Portugal - whoops surprise!  we thought we were tasting wines of Portugal, but when we arrived it was South African wines. still delicious either way.

Bring: TWITs should bring $20/person for cost of the wines, and any other amount they wish to donate to the charity.

Wines We Tasted:  
2015 David Frost Sauvignon Blanc
2015 Boschendal The Rose Garden Rose (blend of Merlot, Shiraz, and Pinotage)
2012 Brampton Old Vine Red (blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Carignan and Shiraz)
2014 Ruse en Vrede Stellenbosch Merlot
2013 KWV Classic Collection Pinotage

May "Pet-Nat Wines" - hosted by Ms. Lauren

May "Pet-Nat Wines" - hosted by Ms. Lauren

When: Monday May 23rd, 2016 - 7:00pm ET

Theme:  Pet-Nat is a nickname for Petillant Naturel (pet-tay-ahn Nat-tur-rell), or "Methode Ancestrale", a method of producing sparkling wine by bottling the wine during the the primary, alcoholic fermentation to capture the carbon dioxide that is naturally released. This differs from wines like Champagne that undergo a second, bubble-producing fermentation.

Documented by the monks of the Abbey Saint-Hillaire in 1531, Petillant naturel is considered to be the first sparkling wine pre-dating methode champenoise by nearly a century.

Articles about Pet-Nat
What is Pet-Nat Wine ?  An Ancient Winemaking Style on the Rise
Pet-Nat, Champagne's Hip Younger Sister
Pet-Nat, Champagne's Cool Kid Sister is the Bubbly You Want to Party With
Pet-Nat, the Alcoholic Soda of My Dreams

Bring:  Bring a bottle of Pet-Nat wine within the specified price range (Up to $20/bottle for Singles, between $20 - $40/bottle for Couples)

Tasting Notes:

Welcome Wine) 2014 Pet'Sec Les Capriades ~ $28 @ Hintons Savvy Cellars
11% alcohol, made from a majority of Chenin Blanc with a small percentage of Cabernet Franc
green, light grassy nose, almost like urine but in a good way, effervescent pinot grigio-like, filtered, light, not too sweet.

1) 2015 Vitae Springs Vineyard "Minimus" Petillant Natural, Williamette Valley $25.99 @ Le Caveau
12.3% alcohol, 100% Muller Thargau
cidery, cider & wine, dry as a bone, bitters, cloudy, bubbles quickly dissipate, "miller lite left too warm at the poolside", it's gone dull, needs to be ice cold, with mint sprig

2) 2013 Dirty & Rowdy Pet-Nat Pinot Blanc, El Dorado County in Santa Rosa, CA $42.99 @ Le Caveau
11.2% alcohol, 100% Pinot Blanc
sweeter nose, more golden, asian pear kombucha, good pool wine, easy drinking, not a lot of finish, great for summer, serve cold, clear gold color, peachy keen, could be dangerous.

3)  NV Quentin Bourse Le Sot de l'Ange (The Idiot Angel) Azay-le-Rideau La Couture $22.99 @ Le Caveau
biodynamic, 11% alcohol, 100% Grolleau (vines planted in 1954)
I'm a pink owl, lambic, pickle juice, tomato, vinegar, "it's very fruit forward, specifically tomato", fun times, orange/rose color, peachy hue, tart, pickle juice, sweet tart, refreshing, it has character, you're 3rd bottle, watered down kool-aid with pop rocks

4) NV Patrick Bottex "La Cueille" (The Pick) Bugey-Cerdon $15 from WineLibrary.com
8% alcohol, 90% Gamay, 10% Poulsard
"a million degrees different", foamy, it has good head, a ton more sugar, deep, a fruit basket, too sweet, melon, lots of peaches, watermelon, jolly rancher, "does this come in lite?", get diabetes afterwards, better as a slushy or champagne popsicle, this is a "gas station wine", melted sorbet

5) 2014  Francis Coppola"Sofia" Blanc de Blanc, Monterey County ~ $16 @ Briarcliff Kroger
12% alcohol, Pinot Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscat blend.
foamy gold, clearer, light, harsh, sweet-ish, one-dimensional, bitters on it, mild, starter wine only, if I was out of beer, the "shake-weight" wine.

6) 2014 Pet'Sec Les Capriades ~ $32 @ Brookhaven Wines
11% alcohol, made from a majority of Chenin Blanc with a small percentage of Cabernet Franc
butterscotch, oaky, caramel, I Like It!, tart, vinegar nose, I'm on an emotional roller coaster, mostly downhill, it's morphed, sour, flawed

7) 2014 Eric Texier Rouletabulle Petillant Naturel $24.99 @ Le Caveau
9% alcohol, 100% old vine Chasselas
foamy, effervescent, dry wine, pairs with the avocado/coconut ice cream so well!

8) 2015 Castello Banfi Rose Regale ~ $19 @ Publix
7% alcohol, 100% Brachetto
ruby red, super sweet, strangely also sour, holy moly, pickled strawberries, "a bit of bananar in it", would pair w/chocolate well.

White Burgundy Wines at Le Caveau - Saturday March 26th 3p-5p

White Burgundy Wines at Le Caveau - Saturday March 26th 3p-5p

When:  Saturday, March 26th 3pm - 5pm ET

Theme:  White Burgundy Wines The Burgundy region, in eastern France, runs from Auxerre in the north to Mâcon in the south, or to Lyon if the Beaujolais area is included as part of Burgundy.  Of the white grapes, Chardonnay is the most common. Another grape found in the region, Aligoté, tends to produce cheaper wines which are higher in acidity. Aligoté from Burgundy is the wine traditionally used for the Kir drink, where it is mixed with black currant liqueur. Sauvignon blanc is also grown in the Saint Bris appellation. Chablis, Mâcon wines and the Côte d'Or whites are mostly produced from 100% Chardonnay grapes.

Bring:  TWITs should bring $20/each to cover the cost of the tasting.  Le Caveau does accept credit/debit cards.

Where:  Le Caveau Fine Wines
5256 Peachtree Rd.  Ste. 102
Atlanta, GA 30341
Phone: 770-837-0710

RSVP: reply to the TWITs email invite and let us know if you are joining us.

Tasting Notes: 
1) 2014 Jean Collet et Fils Chablis $23.99
100% Chardonnay farmed sustainably, 12.5% alcohol
Pear, apple, sweet citrus, and crushed white rocks fill the nose.  Tart apple and pear, alongside lemon juice and pith dominate on the palate.  Additional notes of caramel linger in the background with white flowers.  Heaps of crushed white rock melding with mouth-watering acidity all make for a textbook Chablis.
Descended from generations of vignerons stretching back to the late 18th century, Jean Collet founded his domaine in 1952, which is now headed by his son Gilles, alongside grandson Romain.  The 16 hectares of vines for this bottling are from 25 yr old vines on top of Kimmeridgian limestone.  It is fermented and aged entirely in stainless before bottling to preserve the hallmarks of the Chablis terroire.
TWITS notes:
Pair with steak tar-tar, this is Dan's first wine he had in Chablis when he visited. Matt says he would "drink the sh*t out of this" wine.

2) 2011 Demessey Bourgogne Blanc  $14.99
100% Chardonnay farmed sustainably 13% alcohol
Yellow apple skin, apple flesh, lemon juice and pith are supported by ample white flower, mirepoix, and fresh mozzerella on the nose.  The palate follows with classic chardonnay fruits of apple and citrus, finishing with crushed white rocks.
Located within the commune of Meursault, Demessey is a negociant helmed by winemaker Isabelle Laurand.  With projects throughout the entirety of Burgundy, Laurand sources only fruit which best reflects Burgundy's varied terroires.  This bottling is sourced entirely from a South-East facing slope of clay within the Maconnais.  Sustainably farmed and hand-harvested, the wine is aged in a mixture of stainless and French oak to emphasize the rich, roundness of the wine.
TWITS notes:
more juicy, flowery, white flowers, fresh pineapple, yellow fruits,

3) 2011 Bruno Debize 'Cepage Gris' Beaujolais Blanc $34.99
Chardonnay and Pinot Gris farmed biodynamically, 11.5% alcohol
The Cepage Gris has a beautiful yet floral nose with orchard fruit, smoky caramel, salty sea air, and wet rock notes.  The palate is mouth-filling yet restrained with layers of aromatic apple, pear, and smoked caramel alighting on a lithe frame of well-integrated acidity and minerality.
Bruno mostly makes vineyard selected bottlings from a few places in and around the little village of Bully in the southern part of the Beaujolais.  Biodynamic since 1999, he makes some of the purest, most terroir-driven wines in a region where style and dogma often trump transparency.  The fruit for this wine comes from a single vineyard of old Pinot Gris, and younger (40-50 year old) Chardonnay vines planted on white clay and broken limestone.  Note:  Bruno retired last year.
TWITS notes:
like a Jura, apricot, briny, salty, viscous, would pair with white fish and cream sauce, pork tenderloin, scallops, bechamel sauce.

4) 2008 JanotsBos Bourgogne Blanc $24.99
100% Chardonnay farmed biodynamically, 12.5% alcohol
The nose shows ripe orchard fruit aromas that have a wonderful purity and freshness to them.  The medium-bodied palate echoes those pure notes framed by churned butter and a stony Puligny-Montrachet minerality.  The texture is opulent, but offset by lively acidity and great finesse.  This wine is drinking beautifully now and easily has 5-6 more years of positive evolution ahead of it.
Thierry Janots has worked for Joseph Drouhin and Domaine des Comtes Lafon, while Richard Bos bought and ran a cafe in Nijmegen Holland.  In 2005 they partnered to create a winery in Meursault with the idea of making real wines with a sense of place.  The 2008 is a blend of grapes from four different parcels in and around Meursault and Puligny-Montrachet.  The bulk of the fruit comes from 30 year old vines in 'Les Femelottes' and 'La Combe' which are farmed biodynamically.  Les Femelottes is on the Puligny-Montrachet/Meursault border and Le Combe is in Puligny-Montrachet.
TWITS notes:  more fruity initially but then butter on the end of the palate, delightful!

5)  2013 Nicholas Maillet Macon-Verze $32.99
100% Chardonnay farmed organically, 13% alcohol
Intense, concentrated aromas of fresh heirloom apples and pears, orange marmalade, white flowers, and grilled hazelnuts entreat the nose.  Rich, yet lively, on the palate, beautiful apple, pear, and meyer lemon, with nuances of lanolin and mineral all wrapped in a cream and citrus oil texture.
Nicolas was one of the first in the region to go back to manual work, plowing, no weed-killers, and hand harvesting.  He doesn't like oak and his wines are kept a long time in vat on their lees to give them more richness and texture, without the need for oak.
TWITs notes:  that's dense, so good, unctuous, lanolin, orange on palate, classic duck l'orange, viscosity

Brazos Tasting with Brad Patrick at Le Caveau

Brazos Tasting with Brad Patrick at Le Caveau - December 15, 2016