Joe's Winos Wine Club november 2017

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MONT-REDON

COTES DU RHONE RESERVE BLANC 2016

2000 years ago, the first vines were planted on Mont-Redon's property in the heart of Chateauneuf du Pape. It was not until 1344 that the Pope gave the "Mourredon" official vineyard status. Today Mont-Redon remains the largest landowner in Chateauneuf du Pape. Blended from equal parts Grenache Blanc, Roussanne, and Viognier, this classic white Rhone offers something a little richer for the fall weather. Lemon tart, white flowers, ocean air, papaya, and macadamia nut lead to a juicy, bright mineral palate. Yellow apples, Asian pear, lemon juice, chrysanthemum tea, and white pepper close with bright acidity. This blend showcases how well white Rhone varietals compliment each other's individual character.

Pairings:

Shellfish, Roasted poultry, creamy pasta dishes, brie, Camembert.

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DOMAINE DE LA TERRE

TÊTE-À-TÊTE ROUGE 2012

When winemaker Bill Easton started scouting Amador County for Rhone varietals, he was clearly one of the first. The region had long been firmly established in Zinfandel production and it took Bill several years before he was able to bottle a wine without blending vintages. He was one of the first of the Rhone Rangers. These individuals saw the climate of the Sierra Foothills in Northern California as a goldmine for grapes from the Southern Rhone. Bill also wanted to make wines in a post-Prohibition style. These un-manipulated were not particularly big in style but showed their unique personality regardless of popular trends. The Tête-à-Tête is a Rhone blend of primarily Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre meant to drink like a Cotes du Rhone Villages. The Southern French inspiration delivers on a nose filled with black pepper, dried herbs, iron, leather, cranberry, plum and cocoa. The palate is medium bodied with plenty of tart cherry, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, boysenberry and a bit of wild game. Perhaps this is the true expression of Amador County?

PAIRINGS:

Tomato sauce driven dishes (pizza included), stir-fried pork, Grilled, herb & cheese stuffed mushrooms.