A (Gentle)manly Wine Tasting

On a recent Thursday night, a group of distinguished gentlemen who've been meeting regularly for a number of decades to discuss the vicissitudes of their lives, diverged from their normal agenda to a partake in first time event, namely, a tutored wine tasting led by yours truly.   We took a virtual tour of wine regions from Italy to France to Spain and finally to California, sampling some of the more notable wines these famed wine producers are known for. Herewith, then, are descriptions of the wines along with pictures of the bottles consumed so that you may look them up yourselves.  Everyone had their favorite, but it appeared that overall, the Miraval rosé stood out for its intoxicating aromas, delightful freshness and lingering complexity.  Indeed, each new vintage by the mega ciné-stars, Brangelina, seems to be getting better and better.  The 2014 is likely sold out, but look for the 2015 vintage next Spring.

1. Fontaleoni Vernaccia di San Gimignano 2013 

                      

Varietal: 100% Vernaccia

Classification: Denominazione di Origne Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) Vernaccia di San Gimignano

Production/Tasting Notes: Organic certification in process; hand harvest; matured in steel tanks; yellow straw color; nose: fruity, flowery, white peach, acacia flower; dry, fresh, soft; medium-bodied

Food pairings: light salads, seafood, as an aperitif

12% Alcohol; retails for about $15

2. Miraval 2014

                                                   

                                

Varietals: Cinsault, Grenache, Rolle (Vermentino), Syrah

Classification: Appellation Côtes de Provence Contrôlée (A.O.C.)

Production/Tasting Notes: “Mis en bouteille par Jolie-Pitt & Perrin” (yes, Angelina & Brad); vinified in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats (95%) and barrels (5%); pale pink in color; pleasant floral nose of white flowers, soft roses, crushed strawberries and ripe cherries; round and soft on the palate; delicate structure that deepens on the palate; fresh summer red fruit:strawberries, wild raspberries, red currant; hint of lime;mineral notes with a slight saltiness and fresh acidity; savory herbal edge

The Wine Advocate (91 pts) - "The finest rosé yet from this estate (the wine is made by the top notch team at Chateau Beaucastel), the light pink colored 2014 Cotes de Provence Rose sports a fresh and lively bouquet of wild strawberries, raspberries and white flowers to go with a supple, lightly textured, silky and seamless feel on the palate. About as gulp-able and hard to resist as they come, it's a killer rosé to drink over the coming 6-8 months."

Food pairings: fish (fresh coho salmon, for example), poultry, vegetarian fare; also great as an apéritif; your favorite summertime Provençal fare

        13% alcohol; retails for about $30, but usually can be found on sale for $22-23

3. Artazuri Garnacha 2010

                                                       

Varietal: 100% Garnacha (Grenache)

Classification: Denominacion de Origen (DO): Navarra, Spain

Production/Tasting Notes: 4-6 Months in French oak; heady aromas of forest berries, lavender, violet; good, natural acidity; bold, powerful with distinctive flavors of strawberries, raspberries, black pepper, mint; very approachable, everyday wine; well balanced; medium bodied.

Food pairings: pizza, burgers; tapas; roast chicken

14% Alcohol; retails for about $12, at Total Wine

4.              Fore Family Vineyards Cabernet Lake county 2006

                                         

Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

District of Origin: Lake County, California

Production/Tasting Notes:  Dark ruby in color; initially closed, but quickly opens to an array of aromas—cinnamon, black cherry, sweet oak and vanilla;  aromas continue into the expansive flavors on the palate;  round and supple;  fine, strong structure that will sustain this wine for many years.

Food pairings: roasted meat; rib-eye steak; lamb; hard cheeses; dark chocolate

15.5% Alcohol; retails for about $30, available only by club membership