story by Bryan Holt
Spring is finally here! Took a little longer this year for it to arrive, but it is here and now we can grill out for about a month. After that, it’ll get too hot and we will all complain about that too. This will be my last article until September, so I figured that I would show you some wines to get you through the hot months that are coming, and I’ll see you again in the fall. Thank you all for reading these articles and thank you to everyone who braved the mini-hurricane that showed up on April 12th and came to the Down Town Sip and Stroll. We are already working to make next years better, with a lot more countries and wine areas coming into the fold.
Summer Wine List
1- AMBLE + CHASE Rosé – This is a Provence, France rosé that comes in a can…yes, a can. So, whether you’re getting ready for a day on the boat, prepping the awesome meal you’re about to cook on the grill or just want a small serving of rosé, this a great one to try out. A blend of 50% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 30% Cinsault, AMBLE + CHASE Rosé 2018 is pale salmon pink in color and shows complex aromas of cherry blossom and white raspberry, giving way to notes of juicy peach and ripe red grapefruit on the palate. The wine has a persistent freshness and salty minerality thanks to the vines’ southern exposure and cooling breezes from the Mediterranean. This rosé compliments any grilled fish or shellfish dinner. $17.99/4 pack of 250ml cans.
2- Echo Bay New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc – This Sauvignon Blanc is grown in the pristine vineyards of Marlborough, surrounded by jagged mountain peaks, brilliant blue skies, and a maze of crystal-clear inlets. With its bright, exuberant flavors and crisp acidity, every sip of Echo Bay Sauvignon Blanc is pure New Zealand – a beautiful light straw color with a tint of green. Zesty citrus and floral aromas lead to balanced flavors of passion fruit, melon, fig and gooseberry, followed by a clean, refreshing finish. It’s exquisite on its own or paired with lighter foods, summer salads, and seafood. $16.98
2- Henry Fessy Gamay Noir – We recently had an After Hours tasting featuring the wines of Louis Latour and this wine was the star of the show. Going up with wines doubled and tripled in price, this light Gamay held its own and now is a featured wine at both locations. The estate of Maison Henry Fessy consists of over 70 hectares (175 acres) of exceptional vineyards in the heart of the region’s celebrated Crus. Originally from Burgundy, the Gamay Noir variety is a naturally fruity grape that produces elegant and balanced wines. The reintroduction of the owl to the vineyards was carried out in order to sustainably combat and eliminate rodents and other animals that attack the vine. This wine will go great with any kind of wild game and is a pleasant red wine to just sip on. $12.98
4- Avatar Malbec – Founded in 1862, Casir dos Santos is one of the oldest wineries still operating today. With more than 100 years of history, the winery was selected to nurture our project. This is how Casir dos Santos was born. A winery which brings together a great history and a team of people who continuously bring professionalism, creativity, and passion. Easily, one of the coolest places I visited while in Argentina. This 100% Malbec presents a vibrant red color with glints of Bordeaux. Great aromatic intensity. It expresses in a very fresh way, with red fruits and a remarkable sweetness. In the mouth, it’s balanced with round and sweet tannins, rich and with marked acidity. In my opinion, nothing goes better with grilled steaks than Argentina Malbec and this one is a steal at $14.99.
During this brief time of perfect weather, you need to get out and enjoy it. Invite some friends over, cookout and enjoy the weather before it gets too hot out there. Be sure to tell your mother you love her on Mother’s Day (Michelle Holt, I love you!) and we have some awesome tastings coming up too!
May 9th Washington State Wine Tasting – Pamplico Highway, 7:20-9:00 pm, $15.00 admission, receive your ticket cost back when you spend $75.00 or more.
May 10th & 11th Free Mother’s Day tasting – 5 Points, 3:00-7:00 pm.
May 23rd Battle of the Blends – 5 Points, 7:20-9:00 pm, $15.00 admission, receive your ticket cost back when you spend $75.00 or more.
June 4th Lands Down Under Wine Experience – 5 Points, $15.00 admission, receive your ticket cost back when you spend $75.00 or more. LAST AFTER HOURS TASTING UNTIL AUGUST!
Bryan Holt with the Wine Maker and Co-Owners of Casir Dos Santos, producers of Avatar Malbec