Wine Tasting By The Shore - Selections from My Cellar

 Earlier this summer, a small group of friends and wine aficionados gathered together for their annual tasting and dinner by the shore.  This year I decided to feature wines from my own private cellar, focusing on summery sips, including three whites, one rosé and one red from both the Old World and New World. Some were old favorites, others more recent discoveries.

Our hosts once again outdid themselves in preparing a delicious array of tasty delights, meticulously prepared and presented, that complemented the wines beautifully.

The menu included mouth-watering treats such as pigs-in-a-blanket, burrata, tomato pie, foccacia with grapes, roast salmon accompanied by pasta, broccoli and fruit salads.

As for the wines, pretty much every one was a hit, with distinct favorites for each person.  I was pleased that the Torrontés received rave reviews since it's not widely known among US consumers and has a very distinctive aromatic profile.  A special mention is also in order for the Finger Lakes Cabernet Franc which I purchased in the pre-pandemic days during a multi-stop tour of wineries.  I remember enjoying it very much at the time, and it aged nicely in the intervening years.

See detailed notes below on the wines, varietals and wine-makers.

Cheers!

Quinta da Alorna Arinto 2018

Origin: DOC Do Tejo (Portugal)

Varietals: 100% Arinto

Production/Tasting Notes: Fermentation at 17 degrees Celsius in stainless steel vats; intense aromas with notes of citrus fruit, banana, and green tea; crisp, vivacious acidity; persistent finish with aromatic sensations   

Food  Pairing: seafood; red fish; Asian food; cheeses with mild aromatic intensity

Alcohol: 13%

 

Karen Birmingham Rosé of Pinot Noir 2020

Origin: Lodi, California

Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir

Production/Tasting Notes: Fruit-driven, delicate, light, crisp; crushed rosehips, raspberry

Food pairing: light, summery hors d'oeuvres

Alcohol:  12.5%

 

Rancho Campo Torrontés 2019

Origin : Mendoza, Argentina

Varietal: 100% Torrontés

Production/Tasting Notes:  Ebulliently, intensely aromatic and perfumy; nectarine; cardamon; white flower; citrus notes of orange, lime and grapefruit; bright, zippy acidity; light velvety palate.

Food Pairings: scallops, white fish; goat cheese on fruit toast; Thai green curry; salmon; piri piri chicken

 

Alcohol: 13%

 

Roberto Sarotto Virgilio Gavi 2020

Origin: Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) Gavi (Italy)

Varietals: 100% Cortese

Tasting Notes: Expressive aromas of acacia, floral scents, green apples, Bosc pear, ripe lemon; apricot; dry, crisp acidity; refreshing palate with elegant, fruity character; long finish.

Food  Pairing: light appetizers; fish, white meats

Alcohol: 12%

 

Domaine Le Seurre Cabernet Franc Barrel Collection Cuvée Classique 2014

Origin: Keuka Lake, Finger Lakes, New York

Varietals: 100% Cabernet Franc      

Production/Tasting Notes:  22 months in French oak Barrels; aromas of red berries, smoke, herbs, minerals; light to medium body;

Food Pairing: lamb shank; grilled, roasted meats; barbecue ribs

Alcohol:  13.5 %

 

Notes on Grape Varietals and Winemakers

Arinto

Primarily grown around the Lisbon area, particularly the Bucelas region. Found in either single varietals or in blends with over native Portuguese grapes. Naturally high in acidity and similar in profile to Sauvignon Blanc; expresses an array of citrus fruit notes, especially lemon and grapefruit (but without any of the "cat pee" aromas sometimes associated with the New Zealand varietal) as well as stone fruit such as peach flavors when aged

Torrontés

Recognized as the signature white grape of Argentina, it's actually a class of grapes representing several varietals grown in high altitude regions (up to 10,000 feet), particularly the Salta. Often intensely aromatic and perfumy with notes of spice and white flowers. Widely blended with Chardonnay.

Cortese

Primary white varietal associated with the Gavi region of southeast Piedmont.  Noted for its bracing acidity, with crisp, lime, herbal and grassy aromatic notes and flavors of apple, peach and honeydew.  Historically, dates back to the 17th and long considered Piedmont's white varietal.  Also found in the Veneto region where it's typically blended with Trebbiano and Garganega.

Domaine Le Seurre

Located on Keuka Lake in the Finger Lakes region of New York State.  Owners Sebastian and Celine LeSeurre, after initial studies in France, traveled the world working at and exploring numerous wineries and vineyards before settling in Keuka Lake where they would establish their own winery.  Their wines include typical varietals of the region such as Riesling, Chardonnay, Gerwurztraminer, Cabernet Franc and Lemberger.        

Karen Birmingham

Worked for many years at LangeTwins Winery in Acampo, California.  She now produces wines for Naked Wines, featuring varietals from the Lodi region, including Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir.