Joe's Winos Wine Club April 2015

Montinore Estate

“Borealis” 2012 Willamette Valley

With the weather warming up it is time for bright, fresh, juicy & lightly fruity white wines.  This style is tailor made for the mugginess that is already descending on our fair city. Montinore crafted this wine the “Northern White” varietals.  It’s comprised of 39% Gewurztraminer, 37% Muller Thurgau, 19% Riesling & 5% Pinot Gris.  It is refreshingly thirst quenching & provides just enough ripeness without necessarily sweetness.  The Marchesi family of Montinore Estate are dedicated to producing excellent quality Biodynamically farmed grapes.  This care & attention in the vineyard produces exceptional lively & delicious wines. 

Pairings:

Tsunami’s Tuna Nachos, Olives with gouda & salami, grilled chili glazed shrimp.

Chateau de la Chaize

gamay 2012 Brouilly

The Beujolais area of Burgundy has long produced outstanding wine.  However, somewhere along the way the reputation of this fine growing region was somehow tarnished. Many Americans still to this day either don’t think they’ll like like Beaujolais or don’t know where or what grape is famous in this region. It’s a shame because there is much quality to be had here & for a fraction of the price of wines in other parts of Burgundy.  The grape that the region is famous for is Gamay Noir. In the Appellation of Brouilly this grape produces a wine with light tannin, grip, a bit of earthiness & an ethereal quality that makes it perfect for chilling down ever so slightly. The warm weather of the spring/summer matches up perfectly with its silky, easy drinking texture.

PAIRINGS:

Grilled peach-beet-mozzarella salad with basil, BLTs.