France vs Italy

Ms Avery and I won this free tasting the last time we were here for the Bookwalter wines. There were a couple of people there when we arrived. The people recognised us and knew what we were here for immediately. Great service!


Stemmari Pinot Grigio 2010 Sicilia Feudo Arancio
Produced in the West Sicily. This had a nose of lime, mineral and herbs. It was light, acidic with a slightly bitter end. Oo


E Guigal Cotes Du Rhone Blanc 2010
This stood out as being strangely soaping with a bitter end. Something might have been wrong with this particular bottle. O

I cannot say who won in this one, because I would not drink either anyway.

Santi Solane Valpolicella 2009 (Italy)
A blend of Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara, this wine definitely adds to the Quest list! This smells a little of caramel and chocolate brownie. It was fruit forward with hints of blueberries. Well balanced with good tannins and a dry end. OOO


E Guigal Gigondas 2007 (France)
Grenache (60%), Mourvedre (30%), and Syrah (10%) predominate, similar to Chateauneuf Du Pape. This had savory notes of leather, meaty and earthiness with dirt. It was plum with a certain savory characteristics to it. Fulled bodied with not much residual, it was slightly vegetal and had a mineral finish. OOo

Italy won in this one! I wonder if it is a good comparison though.

We also had the Add-ons for $6 which was actually pretty expensive for two pours. However, since the rest was free, we were more than happy to pay.

Seghesio Barolo 2005 (Italy)
With hints of tobacco, cedar and rum, this wine was hot and bold with a burst of flavor of tropical fruits. It really reminded me of rum when I first smell it and that just does not seem right although it did have good flavors. Oo

E Guigal Chateauneuf Du Pape 2006 (France)
This smells like a typical Chateauneuf Du Pape. It was toasty with hints of meatiness and cabbage. It had good minerality with burnt caramel toffee with a train of fruitiness. Well balanced with silky tannins. Dry end. OOOo

Definitely prefer the French for this last one. France seem to be represented by E. Guigal founded by Etienne Guigal in 1946 in the ancient village of Ampuis. This was a great way to end Tuesday night.