Sparkling Wine

• The bodega is one of the few wine growing estates in the Penedes that exclusively bottles its own production. Hand-harvested, followed by a severe selection of only the healthiest and ripest grapes. Grape varieties (45% Xarel-lo, 30% Parellada and 25% Macabeo) and grapes originating from different parcels with varying exposure and age of vines are all fermented separately in order to keep all the character of the terroir. Made in the traditional method, this non-vintage Cava exhibits aromas of apple, nutmeg, minerals, nuts and honey. Very fresh, dry and brisk, with lively citrus flavors. A ripe, serious sparkling wine that finishes dry, subtle and persistent.

White Wines

• A delicious white wine from a grape usually associated with the more northerly Spanish region of Rueda, this 100% Verdejo comes from La Mancha, a region in central Spain which lies just south of Madrid. Less maritime influence and more humid weather lead to a richer, riper style of this normally very austere, crisp white. Elements of meringue aromas and flavors abound, with notes of lemon custard, lime zest, kiwi, guava and grapefruit. The 2008 vintage is a light- to medium-bodied white wine that is ideal for warmer weather grilling, including seafood, chicken and turkey dishes.
  

• Common in France's Loire Valley, Chenin Blanc (known locally as Steen) makes up 33% of South African plantings. This delicious 2008 Stellenbosch Chenin shows beautifully expressive sweet fruit aromas of yellow Golden Delicious apples, ripe pears and floral notes. A tropical fruit salad of melons, guavas and pineapples fill the palate. Sun-ripened Chenin has a subtle honey and raisin flavor that adds to the layered complexity and smooth, silky texture on the finish.

Red Wines

• These Willamette Valley vineyards comprise five separate estate vineyards carefully selected to represent different elevations, soil types, and microclimates, all planted almost exclusively to Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir. This 2008 Pinot Noir displays a rich ruby color, with aromas of dark cherry, cranberry, raspberry, and blueberry and hints of vanilla and black pepper spices. Bright red cherry and cranberry fruit with vanilla oak spice and rich tannins filling the palate. The structure indicates a wine capable of aging. Pair with Pacific Northwest salmon hot off the grill!
  
  
• Argentina's Patagonia region claims the southernmost vineyards on earth. Vines have been planted here for decades, but only in the past 10 years has modern winegrowing been established. This area's best virtue is its strong wind, producing dryness in the atmosphere that helps prevent diseases. This 2007 Malbec is aged in French and American oak barrels (80/20) for 12 months and another eight months in bottle. Intense red with violet hues. Fresh plum and jammy black fruit on the nose, with soft tannins and a full body supporting a balanced, complex and long finish.
  
  
• The wine is produced in one of Chile's oldest wine estates by one of the foremost families in the wine world. The exclusive use of French oak is undoubtedly part of its elegance and finesse. On the nose, this 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon from Colchagua Valley shows ripe crushed black fruit dominated by black cherries, loganberries and soft sweet currants, followed by jammy licorice-laced plums, oak references, spices, tobacco leaf and earth-driven minerals. In the mouth, this wine is a big mouthful of spiced black currant juice -- true to the Cabernet structure -- then layered soft blackberries, wild cherries and elderberry fruit, leading into a seamless mid-palate that is just ripe with black fruit and hints of mint and black tea. Try it with herb-crusted rack of lamb grilled medium-rare.

Appetizer of the Week

Fresh Tomato Basil Soup - $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!