Sparkling Wine

• Grapes have been produced in Romania, which lies on the same latitude as France, since the 7th century BC. This female winemaker has made wine since the 1999 vintage. As a native Romanian with winemaking experience in South Africa and Australia, she brings New World techniques to what is essentially Romanian-style wine. This non-vintage extra brut bubbly is a blend of Chardonnay, Riesling, and the little-known Feteasca Regala grape, producing a sparkling wine that is dry and fresh with good acidity.
  

White Wine

• Bürgstadt is one of the most important villages in the German wine region of Franconia (Franken), which is the only wine region in the federal state of Bavaria. Although the amount of Müller-Thurgau has been decreasing for the last ten years, it is still the most produced grape in Franconia. This family has been involved in viticulture since 1638, and in 2003, the wine guide Gault Millau WeinGuide elected the proprietor as wine maker of the year in its German edition. Treatment of the vines and soil is near organic and as close to natural as possible. This traditional 2007 Müller-Thurgau offers crystalline purity with a near silky palate, but is true to varietal and terroir.
  

Red Wines

• The grapes for this 2006 Stellenbosch, South Africa Pinotage are grown in selected vineyards, picked at optimum ripeness and vinified with specific intention of capturing varietal character in the wine. Subtle wood maturation ensures that the oak does not overpower, but rather forms an elegant background for natural fruit flavors. Dark plum in color, the wine shows cherry, coconut and spice on the nose, with a hint of fresh leather. A soft, creamy palate shows juicy cherry, hints of tobacco and American oak-derived flavors, with a dry and lingering finish.
  
  
• Nero d'Avola is a grape that is indigenous to Sicily. This 2007 vintage shows typical varietal character in its crisp chocolate and black-cherry aromas and flavors. It also boasts a slight nuttiness that the winemaker calls “hazelnut” - a characteristic he attributes to Nero d’Avola grown in the southwestern portion of Sicily.
  
  
• The husband and wife team began their winery with the goal of producing world-class wines from Paso Robles grapes. In addition to the grapes grown in their own vineyards, they buy fruit from over 20 different growers, giving them the flexibility necessary to select the best fruit every year. This 2005 vintage, however, is produced from estate-grown fruit and aged just over one year in American and Hungarian oak - a fine example of how expressive a Paso Robles Petite Sirah can be.

Dessert Wine

• This sweet late harvest 2006 vintage is produced with 100% Romanian grape varieties partially affected by botrytis. Honey, fruits, and fresh flowers on the nose lead to a very smooth, creamy, sweet, nutty, and rich finish. This wine will stay fresh for up to four weeks in the fridge after opening. Enjoy with sweet desserts!
  
  
  

Appetizer of the Week

Pepperoni Pizza Bake - $8

 

For more specific information on these great wines, or to taste for yourself, stop by the Tasting Room at Wines by Jennifer this week. We look forward to seeing you!