Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Aix de Provence




Chateau de Beaupré Coteaux d'Aix en Provence 2011

We were out of town and came upon this cute little french place with french speaking waiters and all. I ordered this looking at what it was made from, mainly Rolle, which I have not heard of but it turns out to be the Provence way of saying Vermentino

This was a blend of several varietals (45% Rolle, 25% Clairette blanc, 20% Sauvignon, 5% Bourboulenc - Quest list!- and 5% Grenache Blanc) and has a nose of Bouquet like a Viognier. It was well balanced with Refreshing acidity. Simple and dry with a little minerality and touch of fruit. Great with food! Although this little place was pretty heavy handed on the butter and cream to the point that we were not feeling good after. Oh well at least I enjoyed the wine! OOOo
View from the Bar Seats
Two bowls of butter and cream. 



Monday, December 3, 2012

Txakolina

http://viveroslucea.com/ENG/hondarribi-zuri.php
Hondarribi Zuri Grape
Txakolina Jatorrizko Izena 2009 Xarmont

I was dining at a modern mexican restaurant when I had this and it looks like an image is rare online!  Txakoli (pronouced Chak-Co-Lee) is a wine that hails from the Spanish parts of Basque country, Cantabria and northern Burgos, made mainly from Hondarribi Zuri, a unique grape variety for the Quest list! This had nose of lime with a touch of tropical pineapple. It was sparkling and low in alcohol (10.1%?). Citrusy and easy to dink with well balanced acidity that made it easy to go with food. I had braised lamb tacos, house cured yellowtail tacos and ceviche which was delicious! I can't say the wine went very well with the lamb but at least the bubbles did not overwhelm the food. OOOo


Definitely something I would revisit :)