A week or two ago, I selected wines for a wine dinner with friends, and I'm pleased to share the selections with the blog readership. The theme of Sommelier's Choice basically means wines that I like and that are a good value, so many of these were Chairman's Selects at Pennsylvania Wine & Spirits stores, or otherwise discounted. They are all available then at your local PA wine store at very affordable price points. The Encanto and Allan Scott were especially popular among the group, and the Agiorgtiko and Monastrell also went over very well. The Morgon was too "forest floory" or earthy for at least one taster, but there are 9 other Beaujolais "Crus" to try if the Morgon isn't your cup of tea. (Crus are the top appellation for Beaujolais and are identified by the particular district where they are sourced. Others include Fleurie, St Amour, Régnié, Brouilly, Chenas, Chiroubles, Moulin-à-Vent, Cotes de Brouilly, Juliénas.)
Cheers!
Encanto Vinos de Arganza Verdejo
Godello 2023
Origin:
Castilla
y Leon, Certificacion de Origen, Spain
Varietal:
80%
Verdejo; 20% Godello
Production/Tasting
Notes: Intense fruity and floral
notes on the nose, distinct petrol note (?); fresh taste on the palate with balanced
acidity and structure; creamy texture. (91 points, Wine Enthusiast; 92
points, Jame Suckling)
Food Pairing: aperitif; shellfish
Alcohol:
12.5%
Allan
Scott Sauvignon Blanc 2024
Origin:
Marlborough,
New Zealand
Varietal:
100% Sauvignon Blanc
Tasting
Notes: Quintessential
Marlborough SB offering up fresh, crisp and juicy bouquet; mouthwatering
flavors of ripe tropical fruit (passion fruit, grilled pineapple), citrus
fruit, key lime and ruby grapefruit with accents of lemongrass, freshly grated
ginger; note of lingering crunchy sea salt. (93 points, Wine Spectator)
Food
pairing: Light
hors d’oeuvres; sauteed fresh branzino
Alcohol:
12.5%
Joseph
Jacôme Morgon 2023
Origin: Morgon
AOC, France
Varietal:
100%
Gamay
Tasting
Notes: Terroir-driven, exuding
stone fruit aromas (cherry, peach, plum); dried papaya; forest-floor flavors on
the palate, followed by crushed stone and dried lemon zest. (93 points, Wine
Enthusisast)
Food Pairing: Roast chicken; Lyonnaise salad
Alcohol: 13%
Gaia Notios Agiorgitiko – Syrah 2023
Origin:
Peloponnese
PGI, Greece
Varietals:
85%
Agiorgitiko; 15% Syrah
Production/Tasting
Notes: Vibrant red fruit aromas,
supple tannins (Agiorgitiko), harmoniously balanced by rich, spicy character
and full-bodied profile of Syrah; complex bouquet, velvety mouthfeel.
Food
Pairing: Eggplant/lamb moussaka
Alcohol:
13%
Los Frailes Caliza Monastrell Vinas Viejas 2022
Origin: Valencia,
Denominacion de Origen Protegida (DOP), Spain
Varietals:
100%
Monastrell
Production/Tasting
Notes: Organic grapes; single vineyard at 600 meters altitude;
fresh, aromatic; notes of orange peel, red fruit and
aromatic herbs; medium-bodied, fine tannins; concentrated, complex; plush. (93
points, Wine Advocate)
Food Pairing: Braised oxtail stew; baked eggplant
Alcohol: 14%
