It’s the most wonderful time of the year….
Celebrating the end of a no Hurricane season, perhaps it’s time to re stock that wine refrigerator and get ready to entertain visitors from the north, or perhaps you’re a part-timer and friends and family are on their way to visit over the holidays. We here in Tampa Bay have much to celebrate as the summer weather was kind to the entire state of Florida. This blog will explore everything from great Champagne to Beaujolais, the Gamay grape to enjoy with a traditional turkey dinner, an interesting Greek white, and domestic wines to bring to the holiday table or gifts that don’t disappoint!
Herbert Beaufort House of Champagne
In the 6th century, Count Atilla, the Seigneur of Pagus – gave to Saint Basles the lands of Bouzy. Bouzy became famous during the Sun King Century, and even Louis XIV was known to prefer these wonderful wines of Champagne over any other area. The first Champagnes were marketed with “CRU” and where it came from. Since 1895 Bouzy has been classified among the 17 Grand Cru Villages in Champagne. Recognized for the quality of their soil and the specificity of their climate, these vineyards have exceptional conditions to produce superior quality grapes. On thick, chalky sediment, the vineyards of Bouzy cover 381 hectares facing South on the Reims Mountains.
Herbert Beaufort, Champagne, 1er Cru Brut Reserves Les Facettes (NV)
This NV, or Non-Vintage Champagne is made from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes from the small estate. 18 months of lees aging offers texture and body with flavors of brioche and apple. Crisp and refreshing, almost an extra dry with notes of cherry blossom. We give it three bones.
Semeli Estate Mantinia, Greece
Beginning your festivities with sparkling wine is always a treat! However, if you need a nice, bright light white to either pair with seafood or appetizers, let us celebrate the mood with a fine Greek wine. Founded in 1979, Semeli Estate is a premier winery with deep roots and time honored traditions. A long-established name in the Greek wine market, this winery is worth exploring Moschofilero is the grape varietal, it shows elegant floral aromas with lemon, citrus and rose petal. Rich and fruity on the palate with a long aromatic finish. Moschofilero grapes are hand-picked at the estate in the region of Mantinia- chilled overnight, pressed pneumatically and vinified according to the Greek classification, with gentle maturation on the lees for four months. This wine is intense but light, showcasing the great white varietal indigenous to the Peloponnese. We give it three bones.
Daniel Bouland, Cote de Brouilly Cuvee Melanie
The Gamay grape varietal, the only red grown in Beaujolais, is believed to be a cousin of Pinot Noir- a cross between Pinot Noir and the ancient varietal Gouais, thought to have been brought to the region by the ancient Romans. Gamay has more floral notes and a bit more acid and minerality than Pinot Noir. The Beaujolais Crus tend to produce more concentrated and age worthy wines, than say, the Villages wines. Key Beaujolais regions are Julienes, Saint Amour, Chenas, Moulin A Vent, Fleurie and Morgon, as well as Regnie and Cote de Brouilly.
Daniel Bouland is perhaps the greatest producer of old fashioned Morgon in existence- from less than four hectares of old vines, he crafts wine that can age 20 years or more. All the grapes are hand harvested and vinified full cluster. There is a distinctive minerality and structure to the Brouilly, this is old world produced Gamay at its finest. Beautiful violet notes on the nose with red fruit. Raspberry, black cherry and plum flavors, all the while sensing mineral and earth (like flint, granite and pepper) with hints of chocolate. We give it three bones.
Chasing Lions Pinot Noir, CA
The mighty Lion roars and is the cornerstone brand for Nine North Wine Company. Chris Nickolopoulos and Elijah Pfister became friends after spending many barbeques and drinking wine together. The two are no strangers to good food and wine as Chris grew up in a restaurant family in the Midwest, and Elijah’s uncle owned a large wine and liquor retailer in North America. Nine North is a proprietor and negotiant wine business, which means Chris and Elijah work together with many wineries and grape growers to select the best vineyards, lots, plots, and barrels for each wine they produce. Winemaker Molly Lippett consults for all the award winning varietals.
Chasing Lions Pinot Noir is a varietally correct Pinot – Burgundian in style but a bit more body from North Coast California appellation. It opens with bright cherry fruit, orange peel, violets and black figs. A balanced spice with layers of oak and vanilla bean, and flavors of Turkish apricot and essence of clover. Wine Enthusiast gives it 92 points, we give it three bones.
Bonny Doon rLe Cigare Volant – “Take me to your Liter”
In 1984 Bonny Doon released the inaugural vintage of Le Cigare Volant, an homage to Chateuneuf du Pape, and this wine continues to be the winery’s flagship brand. The premier release referenced an obscure French law enacted in 1945 by the tiny French town synonymous with these varietals. The law prohibited the use of flying cigars (saucers) around the town’s numerous vineyards. At the time there were believed to be UFOs in the area. The artwork on the label remains today, and there is even a drawing of Graham’s face hidden in the “cigar”, and signature “aliens”. This 40th Anniversary bottling of Bonny Doon Le Cigare Volant red blend comes in a Liter size with the “Take Me to Your Liter” label in jest of the alien ship. Notes of wild strawberry, rhubarb and black pepper. 69% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 14% Cinsault, 2% Petite Sirah, a perfect medium to light bodied pairing for your holiday dishes, we give it three bones.
Hullabaloo Zinfandel is another California project from Nine North, at a fair price point it delivers everything a Zinfandel from Lodi should. A perfect gift or paring for all the flavors of your holiday table. The vines sourced are over thirty years old, aromas of boysenberry, licorice and white pepper, with flavors of wild cherry, blueberry and cola, with a nice dash of spice on the finish. We give it three bones.
Chateau Chantalouette Pomerol is made with 72% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Franc, and 11% Cabernet Sauvignon. The Chateau has been owned by the same family in Bordeaux for five centuries. A “second wine” of the famous Chateau de Sales, the 2016 vintage is their current release. An exceptional vintage, 1/3 aged in oak and 2/3 in vats before blending and bottle aging. The intense nose reveals red berry aromas, delicately complimented by spice and vanilla notes. A complex mid palate of fresh red fruit, cherry and cocoa, with velvety tannins and a lingering harmonious finish. We give it three bones.
Whether you’re searching for a hostess gift, a bottle to impress, something for your own table to share that you won’t see in the corner grocery or drug store, the above selections are for you! Ranging in price and palate, the wines will compliment most any typical holiday meal, from ham to turkey to lamb. Blessed we are to have such fine offerings available this holiday season.
Happy Holidays!
By CRBrown
