Category Archives: Monthly Schedules

August 18th-Vouvray

This week is revisiting Chenin Blanc. Previously, we tried the grape as it is produced in South Africa. This week, we can see how that version differs from those of Vouvray. Vouvray is an area within the Loire Valley in Northern France that produces Chenin Blanc. Just like with other wines of France, the nameContinue reading “August 18th-Vouvray”

August 11-New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc

Back in June, we tasted Sancerre, a French old world style Sauvignon Blanc. Today, we’ll try a Marlborough new world version of this white grape. While the French versions tend to exhibit more minerality, the cool climates of Marlborough impart lively, sharp acidity, gooseberries, tropical fruits and herbaceousness. They also show an unmistakable smell ofContinue reading “August 11-New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc”

August 4th-Cava

Cava is the Spanish version of Champagne, made in the same manner (listed as traditional method or methode champenoise on the label) but usually from different grapes. The most common grapes used in Cava are Parellada, Xarel·lo, and Macabeo. These grapes can be used to make single varietal wines but are known for their useContinue reading “August 4th-Cava”

July 28th-Argentinian Malbec

Malbec is one of the original Bordeaux grape varieties from the Bordeaux region of France. It is still included in small amounts in many blends from the region but never flourished as a single varietal wine grape until some vines were relocated to the Mendoza region of Argentina in 1868 in an effort to improveContinue reading “July 28th-Argentinian Malbec”

July 14-German Riesling

Riesling is a wonderful wine because it can vary so widely in its level of dryness (or sweetness), complexity, and mouthfeel (thin or lush). It is an acidic wine, which can offset the sugar content to allow for a dryer perceived wine. This, along with its floral aromatics and low alcohol content, make it aContinue reading “July 14-German Riesling”

July 7-Chablis

Chablis (Shah-blee) is a Chardonnay producing appellation in northwestern France and part of the Burgundy region. Burgundy is known for its iconic Pinot Noir wines as well as phenomenal Chardonnay.In the most recent years, as we discussed when we talked about California Chardonnay, has become known as a heavy, buttery, oaky, rich textured wine. ChardonnayContinue reading “July 7-Chablis”

June 30- Tavel Rosé

I bet you’re wondering why I would select such a specific type of rosé for this week’s post. I chose it due to it’s different character when compared to most typical rosés. Tavel originates from the southern portion of Rhône, on the west bank of the river, across from Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Tavel also consists of theContinue reading “June 30- Tavel Rosé”

June 16-South African Pinotage

I know many of you may not have heard of Pinotage before, and honestly, finding a bottle that represents the grape in a favorable manner isn’t always an easy task! Pinotage is a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault. (Cinsault is a dark red blending grape from Southern France.) It is the main red grapeContinue reading “June 16-South African Pinotage”