Joe's Winos Wine Club JULY 2017

OTTO'S CONSTANT DREAM

SAUVIGNON BLANC 2016

New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc has become a point of contention. Newer trends by large companies to increase the residual sugar as an inexpensive way to handle overly acidified grapes at harvest have lead to a good bit of consumer trepidation in this category. Houses that maintain strict vineyard management and controlled yields produce world class Sauvignon Blanc that push beyond the heavy grapefruit notes that have become synonymous with the region. Communal Brands' first release, Otto's Constant Dream sources from two single vineyards in New Zealand's famed Marlborough region to produce its wonderfully balanced Sauvignon Blanc. The high clay content of the Omaka vineyards bring power and structure to the elevated, herbaceous notes offered by fruit from Rapaura vineyards. Both harvests are vinified and managed separately until a final blend is chosen. The nose offers honey, white pepper, papaya, under-ripe mango, grass, lime and gardenias. The palate has bright, flinty mineral notes with fresh herbs, starfruit, and a bright mouthwatering finish.

Pairings:

Softer, more briny cheeses, light salads with plenty of fresh herbs, Grilled Pork or Poultry

CHILCAS

PAIS 2010

País, a descendant of the Spanish "common black grape" which was brought to Chile by the Conquistadors in the 16th century, remained Chile's most popular varietal until the 19th century when Bordeaux grapes were introduced. This País comes from 50-year old, head-trained, dry farmed vines located in the Maule Valley 124 miles south of Santiago. Considered the Queen of Chilean wines, this grape has been described as Pinot Noir with grip. The weight may be similar to a Pinot Noir but the profile is very much unique to this varietal. Dark chocolate, nutmeg, macerated red and black fruit, leather, cured meat, lavender, sweet tobacco and dark wood form a complex and heady bouquet. The velvety palate still shows distinctive grip despite 6 years in bottle. Dried spices and mushrooms linger on the umami finish. Be careful with the cork on this wine as the years in bottle may have dried them out a bit. Go slow and even push down a bit to dislodge the cork from the inner wall of the neck of bottle. If you have an Ah-So wine tool (pictured below) this would be ideal.

PAIRINGS:

Pork Rillettes, Braised Duck, Roasted Game Hen, Prosciutto, Wild Mushrooms