Wines Worth Wandering For
We’re taking the scenic route around the wine world tonight. Just far enough away from the usual suspects. Chenin bubbles from the Central Loire Valley, France. To an oddball Willamette, Oregon white blend, Italian red from the slopes of an active volcano on Sicily. And a juicy little red number from Southern France. Four jovial wines from a little off the beaten path. Come check em out!
@ Humble Vine
Wednesday, September 9th
HOURS: 2PM - 8 PM
Wine Tasting: $25
Langlois, Crémant de Loire Loire Valley, France — $30
Langlois has been making bubbles in Saumur for almost 150 years! Chenin Blanc is the star here, 58%, with Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc added for structure and depth. Chenin is perfect for sparkling wine because it hangs onto its bright acidity while bringing pear and a little honey. 24 months aging on the lees. A fine bubble with lemon, crisp pear, white flowers and a little fresh-bread character, with plenty of acidity keeping everything lively.
Shiba-Wichern, Willamette Blanc Willamette Valley, Oregon — $29
Shiba Wichern is the wonderfully small-scale project of winemaker Akiko Shiba and Chris Wichern. A Willamette blend of Pinot Gris, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Noir made as direct-press, no skin soakin’. Spent 24 months aging and uses a mix of stainless steel, neutral oak and acacia puncheon, with native fermentation. Whifs of orange pith and fresh cranberry. A palate of wild brambles heavy with tart ruby fruit, fragrant pine and velvet dark earth.
Tenuta di Fessina, “Erse” Etna Rosso Etna, Sicily — $27
Volcano wine! Lighter in color, aromatic, high in acidity and delivers plenty of tannin. Grapes are co-fermented for 2 weeks, and bottled with no oak aging. Native varietals grown around 700 meters elevation on Etna's northeastern side. A blend Nerello Mascalese (90%), Nerello Cappuccio, Minnella, and Carricante. Wild blackberry, pink pepper, coriander, clove and volcanic earth, with silky-but-serious tannins. It's elegant, spicy and slightly wild.
Domaine de la Mordorée La Remise Rouge Southern Rhône, France — $29
This juicy little Southern Rhône troublemaker is a blend of Merlot, Marselan and Grenache grown on sandy soils with some clay. The vineyards are farmed organically and biodynamically, and bottled with no added sulfur. Aromas of blackberry, blackcurrant, plum, cherry, with floral hints of violet and peony. A rich palate with lovely freshness, and a juicy finish. The focus here is very much on fresh fruit. A round texture, easy tannins and plenty of Southern French character.
