Vergisson
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Friday, November 28, 2014
Interesting Take on what it means to "Make the List" from Catavino
Here's an interesting take on what it means to "Make the List" from Ryan Opaz of Catavino. "The List" in this case is the Wine Spectator Top 100 which featured a total of three Portuguese wines in their Top 10 and named the Dow Vintage Port 2011 their "Wine of the Year." I especially like his thoughts on the importance of brand building vs."cashing in" on the points. They will only take you so far.
http://catavino.net/portuguese-wines-top-100-2014/#comments
My own experience of this is the same-the exasperating nature of the treasure hunters needing exactly those wines on the list this year. Forget the fact that the Wine Spectator flat out states that they are making a statement about the strength of the 2011 vintage in the Douro. Have a great score? Happen to be from the same incredible vintage in the Douro and have been on this list multiple times in the past-maybe even in the Top 10 last year(and have the same winemaker??) No thanks...it can be exasperating.
Mr. Opaz only loses me when he starts Opining about the wines you will only appreciate or have access to if like him you live in Portugal, like Barca Velha. I would point out that Barca Velha did make a list- The Top 100 Cellar selections of 2014 from Wine Enthusiast placed the 2004 in their Top 10. And they also include lots of appellations and varieties not so well known in the wine scene of the US if you don't happen to live in NY or CA. The Enthusiast list boasts a varietal Touriga Nacional from the Dão, a Beiras from Baga master Luis Pato, and a 2009 red from the Setubal Peninsula. This confirms something I have said before, Wine Enthusiast might not yet have the rubber stamp approval power of the Wine Spectator Top 100, but when it comes to Portugal they are in my opinion leading the US pack.
There are also plenty of 2011 Ports and Douro reds from the 2011 vintage on the Wine Enthusiast list and the Quinta do Vale Meao 2011 made both lists. Maybe this year, you could take a regional or vintage themed suggestion from your own favorite retailer in addition to what you can get your hands on from "the list?" Or maybe this is the year retailers finally get the message about the strength of Portuguese wines and.don't wait for these wines to "make the list" to have them in their shops and on their short list of best recommendations. And if one or two of their recommendations happen to make next year's list, they might have some on hand to sell to you without jumping through hoops or missing the boat. And lets be honest, what "I told you so" is more gratifying than the validation/vindication of the Wine Spectator Top 100 ?
http://catavino.net/portuguese-wines-top-100-2014/#comments
My own experience of this is the same-the exasperating nature of the treasure hunters needing exactly those wines on the list this year. Forget the fact that the Wine Spectator flat out states that they are making a statement about the strength of the 2011 vintage in the Douro. Have a great score? Happen to be from the same incredible vintage in the Douro and have been on this list multiple times in the past-maybe even in the Top 10 last year(and have the same winemaker??) No thanks...it can be exasperating.
Mr. Opaz only loses me when he starts Opining about the wines you will only appreciate or have access to if like him you live in Portugal, like Barca Velha. I would point out that Barca Velha did make a list- The Top 100 Cellar selections of 2014 from Wine Enthusiast placed the 2004 in their Top 10. And they also include lots of appellations and varieties not so well known in the wine scene of the US if you don't happen to live in NY or CA. The Enthusiast list boasts a varietal Touriga Nacional from the Dão, a Beiras from Baga master Luis Pato, and a 2009 red from the Setubal Peninsula. This confirms something I have said before, Wine Enthusiast might not yet have the rubber stamp approval power of the Wine Spectator Top 100, but when it comes to Portugal they are in my opinion leading the US pack.
There are also plenty of 2011 Ports and Douro reds from the 2011 vintage on the Wine Enthusiast list and the Quinta do Vale Meao 2011 made both lists. Maybe this year, you could take a regional or vintage themed suggestion from your own favorite retailer in addition to what you can get your hands on from "the list?" Or maybe this is the year retailers finally get the message about the strength of Portuguese wines and.don't wait for these wines to "make the list" to have them in their shops and on their short list of best recommendations. And if one or two of their recommendations happen to make next year's list, they might have some on hand to sell to you without jumping through hoops or missing the boat. And lets be honest, what "I told you so" is more gratifying than the validation/vindication of the Wine Spectator Top 100 ?
Friday, October 17, 2014
Meet Winemaker David Baverstock of Esporão, Quinta dos Murcas Tonight
Meet Winemaker David Baverstock of Esporão, Quinta dos Murcas Tonight at The Vienna Vintner!
Friday October 17
5-7:30 Free
http://viennavintner.com/233 Maple Avenue East
Vienna, Virginia 22180 info@viennavintner.com
Phone: 703.242.9463
Friday, October 10, 2014
3 Wines from Portugal make the Top 10-Wine Enthusiast Top 100 Best Buys 2014
No less than 3 Wines from Portugal are in the top 10 of the Wine Enthusiast Top 100 Best Buys of 2014, with a Vinho Verde claiming the top spot. There are 9 wines in total from Portugal-edging them into third place ahead of Spain and Italy and just behind the US and France in terms of total representation on the list.
And what's more-most of these vintages represent current market offerings. Why are you sitting here? Go by some of these wines!
http://www.winemag.com/November-2014/Top-100-Best-Buys-2014/
Here are two that we have the great pleasure of representing in the Washington DC area. I almost always agree with Roger Voss, one of our top American voices and authorities on Portuguese wines. I am thrilled that such a long aging potential is being attached to these "value wines" but I think they are approachable now if you'll just give them a little air and a lovely filet! I guarantee if you act now you can still find them!
"A dark colored, dense wine that is rich and firmly structured. Aged in wood, it holds notes of plum and berry fruits balanced with a fresh acidity. This is a wine for aging. It's structure a powerful statement. Drink from 2014" R.V.
And what's more-most of these vintages represent current market offerings. Why are you sitting here? Go by some of these wines!
http://www.winemag.com/November-2014/Top-100-Best-Buys-2014/
Here are two that we have the great pleasure of representing in the Washington DC area. I almost always agree with Roger Voss, one of our top American voices and authorities on Portuguese wines. I am thrilled that such a long aging potential is being attached to these "value wines" but I think they are approachable now if you'll just give them a little air and a lovely filet! I guarantee if you act now you can still find them!
#4
94
Quinta dos Murcas Assobio (Douro) 2011
"Assobio is from a single vineyard in the Quinta dos Murcas estate. A powerful, structured expression of Douro Wine, it has black fruits, dark tannins, some subtle layers of wood aging and great concentration. Dark and richly fruity it needs to mature before drinking. Wait until 2017." R.V.#8
90
DFJ Vinhos Portada Winemaker's Selection 2011, Lisboa
"A dark colored, dense wine that is rich and firmly structured. Aged in wood, it holds notes of plum and berry fruits balanced with a fresh acidity. This is a wine for aging. It's structure a powerful statement. Drink from 2014" R.V.Monday, October 6, 2014
Vicarious living for today
Now here is an experience many of us are not likely to get. My favorite Portuguese wine blogger/Critic, Sarah Ahmed has a fascinating entry in her Newsletter this month of library release gems from Bairrada and Dao-Wow!
http://thewinedetective.co.uk/blog/portugal/portugals-million-bottle-secret-cellar-opens-doors
http://thewinedetective.co.uk/blog/portugal/portugals-million-bottle-secret-cellar-opens-doors
Thursday, September 18, 2014
So Much to Write About, No Time to Write
Excuses, excuses.
This will be a bit of a summation of summer events and wines that are captivating our palates these days. I have been meaning to share a little something about an excellent Master Class I attended at Jay Youmans' Capital Wine School. http://capitalwineschool.com/ It was a touring class sponsored by the Vinhos do Alentejo http://www.vinhosdoalentejo.pt/index.php presented by Rui Falcão(the wine critic not the Brazilian politician.) Mr. Falcão who writes for Revista dos Vinhos (the Portuguese equivalent to the Wine Spectator) was a thoroughly engaging speaker and educator. It's so rare to find an individual who is armed with both extensive knowledge of their material and an ability to really teach and deepen their students understanding of the subject.
Here are some of my favorite takeaways. They stressed the huge popularity of Alentejo wines in Portugal and the diversity of their native grape varieties (Duh!) and sub-regions. In addition to the sunny central plains that we associate with the Alentejo, there is a region cool enough to make sparkling wines and one of high elevation terraced old vines in the north east. Paid homage to the ongoing tradition of Vinho de Talhas, the traditional wine made to this day in clay Amphora, and
delved into the regions long and interrupted wine making history. Politics and religion really do mess up absolutely everything. When will we learn? The wines have plenty of fruit but plenty of acidity as well. I think because they tend to be fruity or fruit forward, it is easy to write them off as simple. They are not. An important distinction Mr. Falcão made, they are not always "begging for food" but they are without doubt food wines. You will miss the magic of these wines if you do not serve them at the table.
Nary a restaurant list in Lisbon will be found without a healthy offering of blends based around Aragonez(Aragonês,) the Alentejo version of Spain's Tempranillo, aka Tinta Roriz in the Douro and the northern appellations. You don't hear much talk of clones, but Aragonez in my experience has a very different character from Tinta Roriz, or Tempranillo or Tinta de Toro, and maybe this is just terroir? I often perceive a note of red licorice or sundried tomato (which could well be the Trincadeira commonly in the blend and not the Aragonez at all.) I would not be surprised, however, to find a relationship similar to Sangiovese and Morrelino de Scansano or Sangiovese Grosso.
We are starting to see a better representation of Alentejo wines on US shelves. Four of the participants in the class were from Total Wine. It would surprise many independent retailers who pride themselves on being at the forefront of trends and emerging regions to know that they have been outdone with respect to Portugal by Total wine for years. Unfortunately for the rest of us, many of their brands are "Total" brands and any waves of market penetration they generate do not reach beyond their shores/shelves.
Another large and emerging power player in the Northeastern US wine market, Wegmans Supermarket chain, has recently plugged into the Alentejo region as well, highlighting key bottles in their "Highly Rated" promotions. This is a huge development. The grocery cart, after all is the entryway to the American psyche.
http://www.centerclub.org/
In other news, I had a wonderful time co-hosting the "Culinary Tour of Portugal" dinner with Al Spoler this month at Baltimore's Center Club, complete with 16th floor panoramic views of Baltimore's Inner Harbor. Executive Chef Robert Bannan's dishes were exquisite and the wines paired beautifully. General Manager Kevin Bonner and his warm and polished staff ensured the event went off without a hitch. Truly a great evening and a great group of people.
And why just try a new variety when you can try the world's oldest variety...or the wine that Odysseus used to liquor up the Cyclops??
More and more reasons to love our Greek wines. I had a great time pouring Northern Greek wines at Vinosity in Culpeper last weekend. For more tasting opportunities in your neck of the woods, don't forget to check out the Dionysos Imports Facebook page.
Cheers!
Amy
My New favorite wine!
The legendary Eugenio Almeida winery in the Alentejo, famous for the nearly unobtainable cult wine Pera Manca, also crafts this ultra classy little table wine that can be had for a song. EA Tinto is a tank fermented blend of Aragonez, Trincadeira, Alicante Bouschet and Syrah.
Fresh, lively and literally stuffed with warm, velvety fruit, the EA Tinto is a first class introduction to the Alentejo that will go with everything imaginable. Fisherman's stew, Porca Preta, game and young cheeses.
Everyone had something different to offer up for their impressions of the 100% organically grown Limnio from Domaine Vourvoukeli in Thrace. The antique variety Limnio can make a case for itself as the oldest known variety referred to in Ancient literature. They just can't quite trace the DNA yet to verify that what we call Limnio today is indeed the Limnio of Odysseus. From Bobal, to southern California Pinot to old vine Zinfandel, this bottle kept tasters on their toes and reminded us that when you taste a new variety, it will ultimately just taste like itself, regardless of our great desire to put it in a recognizable box. With a slightly oxidized nose of dried fruit and nuts, the palate had plenty of fresh red fruit as well and a more angular, acid driven frame than the nose suggested. Intriguing to say the least, this one is begging for food-sliced duck breast on wild greens with walnuts and candied cherries maybe, or as someone suggested your favorite eggplant dish, Moussaka? Go forth, and fell your Cyclops.
This will be a bit of a summation of summer events and wines that are captivating our palates these days. I have been meaning to share a little something about an excellent Master Class I attended at Jay Youmans' Capital Wine School. http://capitalwineschool.com/ It was a touring class sponsored by the Vinhos do Alentejo http://www.vinhosdoalentejo.pt/index.php presented by Rui Falcão(the wine critic not the Brazilian politician.) Mr. Falcão who writes for Revista dos Vinhos (the Portuguese equivalent to the Wine Spectator) was a thoroughly engaging speaker and educator. It's so rare to find an individual who is armed with both extensive knowledge of their material and an ability to really teach and deepen their students understanding of the subject.
Here are some of my favorite takeaways. They stressed the huge popularity of Alentejo wines in Portugal and the diversity of their native grape varieties (Duh!) and sub-regions. In addition to the sunny central plains that we associate with the Alentejo, there is a region cool enough to make sparkling wines and one of high elevation terraced old vines in the north east. Paid homage to the ongoing tradition of Vinho de Talhas, the traditional wine made to this day in clay Amphora, and
Nary a restaurant list in Lisbon will be found without a healthy offering of blends based around Aragonez(Aragonês,) the Alentejo version of Spain's Tempranillo, aka Tinta Roriz in the Douro and the northern appellations. You don't hear much talk of clones, but Aragonez in my experience has a very different character from Tinta Roriz, or Tempranillo or Tinta de Toro, and maybe this is just terroir? I often perceive a note of red licorice or sundried tomato (which could well be the Trincadeira commonly in the blend and not the Aragonez at all.) I would not be surprised, however, to find a relationship similar to Sangiovese and Morrelino de Scansano or Sangiovese Grosso.
We are starting to see a better representation of Alentejo wines on US shelves. Four of the participants in the class were from Total Wine. It would surprise many independent retailers who pride themselves on being at the forefront of trends and emerging regions to know that they have been outdone with respect to Portugal by Total wine for years. Unfortunately for the rest of us, many of their brands are "Total" brands and any waves of market penetration they generate do not reach beyond their shores/shelves.
Another large and emerging power player in the Northeastern US wine market, Wegmans Supermarket chain, has recently plugged into the Alentejo region as well, highlighting key bottles in their "Highly Rated" promotions. This is a huge development. The grocery cart, after all is the entryway to the American psyche.
http://www.centerclub.org/
In other news, I had a wonderful time co-hosting the "Culinary Tour of Portugal" dinner with Al Spoler this month at Baltimore's Center Club, complete with 16th floor panoramic views of Baltimore's Inner Harbor. Executive Chef Robert Bannan's dishes were exquisite and the wines paired beautifully. General Manager Kevin Bonner and his warm and polished staff ensured the event went off without a hitch. Truly a great evening and a great group of people.
More and more reasons to love our Greek wines. I had a great time pouring Northern Greek wines at Vinosity in Culpeper last weekend. For more tasting opportunities in your neck of the woods, don't forget to check out the Dionysos Imports Facebook page.
Cheers!
AmyThe legendary Eugenio Almeida winery in the Alentejo, famous for the nearly unobtainable cult wine Pera Manca, also crafts this ultra classy little table wine that can be had for a song. EA Tinto is a tank fermented blend of Aragonez, Trincadeira, Alicante Bouschet and Syrah.
Fresh, lively and literally stuffed with warm, velvety fruit, the EA Tinto is a first class introduction to the Alentejo that will go with everything imaginable. Fisherman's stew, Porca Preta, game and young cheeses.
Everyone had something different to offer up for their impressions of the 100% organically grown Limnio from Domaine Vourvoukeli in Thrace. The antique variety Limnio can make a case for itself as the oldest known variety referred to in Ancient literature. They just can't quite trace the DNA yet to verify that what we call Limnio today is indeed the Limnio of Odysseus. From Bobal, to southern California Pinot to old vine Zinfandel, this bottle kept tasters on their toes and reminded us that when you taste a new variety, it will ultimately just taste like itself, regardless of our great desire to put it in a recognizable box. With a slightly oxidized nose of dried fruit and nuts, the palate had plenty of fresh red fruit as well and a more angular, acid driven frame than the nose suggested. Intriguing to say the least, this one is begging for food-sliced duck breast on wild greens with walnuts and candied cherries maybe, or as someone suggested your favorite eggplant dish, Moussaka? Go forth, and fell your Cyclops.
Saturday, July 19, 2014
Greek Tasting in Alexandria Today 3-6
Please join me today at Altura Wine and Gourmet in Alexandria, VA
We have a great line-up of Greek wines to sample including a delicious and deliciously affordable Vegan red great for BBQ and for the hearty and the curious, an authentic Retsina- great with Mediterranean dishes and according to the winery, Sushi?!
We have a great line-up of Greek wines to sample including a delicious and deliciously affordable Vegan red great for BBQ and for the hearty and the curious, an authentic Retsina- great with Mediterranean dishes and according to the winery, Sushi?!
Free
3-6 PM
Altura Wine
108 N. Patrick St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
Phone (703) 683-2421
Fax (703) 683-2425
Thursday, June 26, 2014
Greek Class (you missed it) and a SECOND CHANCE at the favorite of the night.
A great night at the sold out Greek Class at the Wine Cabinet in Reston June 17. Ioannis G. Tsapos (Yani), owner/founder of Dionysos Imports, shared his wealth of knowledge, humor and stories from his 24 years as the Washington DC area's top importer of Greek wines.
If you have not discovered Greek wines, there is no better way to learn/experience these wines than getting to "ride along" with an expert. I encourage you to go to the Dionysos Imports Facebook page to learn where Yannis will be next!
In the meantime, you can come to the Wine Cabinet this Friday night to try the organic/vegan red that was the favorite wine of Greek Class, as well as some great summer pours from Greece, Portugal, and France. ALL WINES 10% OFF DURING THE TASTING-15% off ON A SOLID CASE
The Wine Cabinet
5-8PM Free
Santola NV Vinho Verdhe, Minho
Varieties:Loureiro, Avesso, Perderna
The uniquely spritzy and refreshing white wine of Portugal's Green coast, Santola Vinho Verde is the perfect warm weather white. Zesty, mouthwatering lemon/lime citrus and green apple flavors will quench your thirst and beg another glass(Don't worry, it has a low 9% ABV!) Enjoy all by itself on the patio or proudly serve at your next Crab feast...this works wonderfully with Old Bay Spice!
Esporao Verdelho 2012
For the transportation of the grapes we have special frames and the vines are around the winery, from the moment you cut the bunch (traditional harvesting of many people with songs) from the vine until the Vinification does not pass more than half an hour."
Quinta de Cabriz Rerserva Dão 2009
Roger Voss of the Wine Enthusiast, one of the top authorities on Portuguese wines in the US, just awarded this wine 91 Points in June!
 |
| Greek Class at the Wine Cabinet |
If you have not discovered Greek wines, there is no better way to learn/experience these wines than getting to "ride along" with an expert. I encourage you to go to the Dionysos Imports Facebook page to learn where Yannis will be next!
In the meantime, you can come to the Wine Cabinet this Friday night to try the organic/vegan red that was the favorite wine of Greek Class, as well as some great summer pours from Greece, Portugal, and France. ALL WINES 10% OFF DURING THE TASTING-15% off ON A SOLID CASE
The Wine Cabinet
http://www.thewinecabinet.com/
Friday, June 27, 2014
5-8PM Free
Santola NV Vinho Verdhe, Minho
Varieties:Loureiro, Avesso, Perderna
The uniquely spritzy and refreshing white wine of Portugal's Green coast, Santola Vinho Verde is the perfect warm weather white. Zesty, mouthwatering lemon/lime citrus and green apple flavors will quench your thirst and beg another glass(Don't worry, it has a low 9% ABV!) Enjoy all by itself on the patio or proudly serve at your next Crab feast...this works wonderfully with Old Bay Spice!
Domaine Du Dragon Rose "Grande Cuvee" Côtes de Provence 2013
Grenache 68%-Cabernet 15%-Cinsault 8%-Rolle 6.5%-Mourvedre 2.5%
If you needed Brangelina to clue you in to the delights of rose from Provence you will be paying a premium for your pink buzz this year. If on the other hand, you're in the know, you can enjoy wines like this one from the gorgeous Domaine du Dragon for half the price! Snap it up while supplies last. This will sell out!!!
Pale Salmon with copper highlights. The nose is intense with red fruit and strawberries. Elegant palate with some chalk and savoury notes (herbes de provence/ramps) The ultimate spring and sumer food wine; Grilled White meats, Pasta, salad, pate and fine meats and cheeses.
One of the 50 Great Portuguese Wines of 2013
This vibrant Verdelho should appeal to fans of both Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris. On the palate, it is fresh and full of delicate mineral notes, with a long and persistent finish. Passion fruit and nectarine round out the mid palate.
SANT'OR 12 ST GEORGE RED VEGAN
From a tiny dedicated organic winery in Peloponnese, this little Saint George is full of flavor and character with soft and spicy plum fruit, pipe tobacco and cedar.
"The main thing to create good wine is the quality grapes. Our vineyards have low yields, they are situated in high altitude clay/schist soils.For the transportation of the grapes we have special frames and the vines are around the winery, from the moment you cut the bunch (traditional harvesting of many people with songs) from the vine until the Vinification does not pass more than half an hour."
Quinta de Cabriz Rerserva Dão 2009
Roger Voss of the Wine Enthusiast, one of the top authorities on Portuguese wines in the US, just awarded this wine 91 Points in June!
Castas: Touriga Nacional, Alfrocheiro, Tinta Roriz Like Barbaresco to Barolo, the Dão is the Douro's more elegant and refined counterpart. Touriga Nacional and Tinta Roriz are still the stars of the show, but grown on these granite hills in a more continental climate-they reveal a more feminine expression. Local variety Alfrocheiro lends some earthiness and spice. Delicious now, these wines age remarkably well.91 points Wine Enthusiast
"This complex, mature wine has plenty of red fruit flavors, but its main character displays concentrated, tannin and spice. Hints of leather and rich acidity add their notes to this dense, dusty wine. It is ready to drink although it will still mature until 2020. — R.V"
Saturday, June 21, 2014
French Beach Wines!! Take a Vinous Journey to the South of France
Please join us today at the Cheesetique in Del Ray Alexandria for a Trip to the Beach,
Southern French Style!
1-4 PM Free!
CADASTRES 2013 PICPOUL DE PINET WHITE
Crisp and citrusy-perfect for patio/shellfish
DOMAINE MOULINES 2013 IGP Vin de Pays D'HERAULT "LES CIGALES" ROSE
"Les Cigales" (or cicada) comes from the picturesque Domaine Moulines. Located in a coastal area between Montpellier and Nîmes, with 55 hectares of vines in one continuous vineyard, its soil is propicious to the growing of a large variety,of vines, especially Merlot.
Benefiting from a temperate Mediterranean climate on a clayey- limestone soil, the vineyard gets advantage in summer from an excellent marine humidity.
Tasting Notes:
Gorgeous deep pink rose with golden highlights, full of red berry fruit (strawberry/raspberry) accented by ripe nectarine. Delicious by itself, will brilliantly accompany grilled white meats, pizza, seafood and summer salads. Benefiting from a temperate Mediterranean climate on a clayey- limestone soil, the vineyard gets advantage in summer from an excellent marine humidity.
Tasting Notes:
VAL DE SALIS 2013 PINOT NOIR Languedoc
Fantastic varietal character this year
REGIS BOUCABEILLE 2012 COTE DE ROUSSILLON ORGANIC RED
Lush Rhone varieties-drinks like a Vacqueyras for 1/4 of the price
Cheesetique Del Ray
cheese shop hours:
Monday – Friday 10am – 10pm
Saturday 8am – 10pm
Sunday 10am – 10pm
Saturday 8am – 10pm
Sunday 10am – 10pm
cheese & wine bar hours:
Monday - Saturday 11am – 10pm
Sunday 10am – 10pm
Brunch served Sunday 10am-3pm
Sunday 10am – 10pm
Brunch served Sunday 10am-3pm
Wednesday, June 4, 2014
Monsarraz!!
Don't you wish we could visit here ??
 |
At least we can drink the wine...This Winesday Wednesday at Whole Foods Georgetown! 5 wines-5 tasty appetizers to enjoy Happy hour style. Just $4 if you bring your own glass($7 if you need to buy a souvenir glass to use and keep for next time!)
Come see me tonight at the Whole Foods in Georgetown
 
Castelão, Trincadeira, Aragonês
"The wine has a defined ruby colour, a complex aroma of mature fruits (blackberry, blackcurrant) and wood. In the mouth it is smooth and round with smooth tannins and a prolonged aftertaste. Accompanies grilled or roasted meat dishes, game, patês and cured cheeses.
It should be drunk at a temperature of 16ºC-18ºC." |
Friday, May 30, 2014
What We're Drinking
Ask a seasoned wine veteran what they are drinking at home, and chances are they will tell you French wine. It's hard to beat the quality, subtlety, balance, and sheer unpretentious class of these vin de terroir wines from the French countryside. Come taste what we are talking about this weekend at The Wine Cabinet in Reston from 1-5! We are pouring 3 stellar French wines-one from the Loire, 2 from Provence (and one devil's advocate Sonoma Cab for good measure!)
Need Directions?
Dionysos Imports
1:00 - 5:00 pm
The Wines!!
Domaine du Clos Chapitre Touraine 2013
100% Sauvignon Blanc. The vineyard in Saint Romain sur Cher town, in the Loire castle area. Great aromatic expression with white flowers and grapefruit aromas. Sur Lie aging lends depth and complexity to the fresh and vibrant palate of peaches and orchard fruits.
100% Sauvignon Blanc. The vineyard in Saint Romain sur Cher town, in the Loire castle area. Great aromatic expression with white flowers and grapefruit aromas. Sur Lie aging lends depth and complexity to the fresh and vibrant palate of peaches and orchard fruits.
Domaine Du Dragon Rose "Grande Cuvee" Côtes de Provence 2013
Grenache 68%-Cabernet 15%-Cinsault 8%-Rolle 6.5%-Mourvedre 2.5%
If you needed Brangelina to clue you in to the delights of rose from Provence you will be paying a premium for your pink buzz this year. If on the other hand, you"re in the know, you can enjoy wines like this one from the gorgeous Domaine du Dragon for half the price! Snap it up while supplies last. This will sell out!!!
Pale Salmon with copper highlights. The nose is intense with red fruit and strawberries. Elegant palate with some chalk and savoury notes (herbes de provence/ramps) The ultimate spring and sumer food wine; Grilled White meats, Pasta, salad, pate and fine meats and cheeses.
If you needed Brangelina to clue you in to the delights of rose from Provence you will be paying a premium for your pink buzz this year. If on the other hand, you"re in the know, you can enjoy wines like this one from the gorgeous Domaine du Dragon for half the price! Snap it up while supplies last. This will sell out!!!
Pale Salmon with copper highlights. The nose is intense with red fruit and strawberries. Elegant palate with some chalk and savoury notes (herbes de provence/ramps) The ultimate spring and sumer food wine; Grilled White meats, Pasta, salad, pate and fine meats and cheeses.
Domaine du Dragon Rouge "Haute Vignes" Côtes de Provence 2010
33% Mourvèdre, 34% Grenache, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon
A light, fruity, and spicy wine with pepper notes. Well balanced mid-palate. Grapes are handpicked at the height of their maturity and vinified in vat to maintain the young fresh fruit character. Pairs with Barbeque, poultry and grilled meats.
Robert Goyette Sonoma Cabernet Sauvignon 2012
WORLD WINE CHAMPIONSHIPS AWARD: Gold Medal
RATING: 91 points (Exceptional)
Friday, May 23, 2014
Italian Store Memorial Day Tasting!!!
I will be at the famous Italian Store in Arlington, VA this Saturday pouring four fantastic Italian Wines perfect for all of your Memorial Day Weekend celebrations!
Come fill the wine cooler while you stock up on subs, charcuterie and some of the DC areas best Pizza!!!
http://www.italianstore.com/index.html
as we kick off Memorial Day Weekend with a tasting of 4 delicious wines from the portfolio!
Franco Serra barbera
Sweet spice, chocolate and red fruit aromas with hints of
Poggio al tufo cabernet
Come fill the wine cooler while you stock up on subs, charcuterie and some of the DC areas best Pizza!!!
The Italian Store
3123 Lee Hwy Arlington, Virginia 22201-4207
Phone: (703) 528-6266
http://www.italianstore.com/index.html
Wine Tasting this Saturday May 22, 2014!
Perfect wines for relaxing and grilling!
Please join Wine specialist Amy Evans of Dionysos imports this Saturday from
11:30 to 3:30
as we kick off Memorial Day Weekend with a tasting of 4 delicious wines from the portfolio!
La Jara Organic Prosecco!
Floral and refreshing with an elegant bubble
Floral and refreshing with an elegant bubble
Roncho blanchis collio pinot grigio
Pure class-this is what pinot grigio is supposed to taste like! scents of flint stone and pear
Franco Serra barbera
Sweet spice, chocolate and red fruit aromas with hints of
tobacco. Raspberry, strawberry flavors, medium bodied, light tannins and well balanced acidity. great match for dishes made with tomato sauce; pasta and pizza. Also excellent with cured meats and cheeses
Poggio al tufo cabernet
“rompicollo”
“This is good, honest cabernet, suitable to pair with any
“This is good, honest cabernet, suitable to pair with any
red meat dish and nimble enough to dance by itself. Best of all, it’s not gussied up with a lot of oak flavors that people too often mistake for high-quality wine” The Washington post.
Friday, May 9, 2014
Event pick-Meet Al Spoler of Cellar Notes and taste some Portuguese and Spanish Wines
Great tasting opportunity in Baltimore this weekend! Al Spoler, co-host of the Cellar Notes radio program on WYPR 88.1 FM, is presenting wines from Spain and Portugal this Saturday at Wine World Beer and Spiritshttp://mywineworld.com/index.php . He is also leading a wine soaked historical trip to the two countries with historian Graeme Cooper in the Fall. Learn how you can join them below!
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This
Saturday, Starting at 1:00:
Meet
Al Spoler!
This
is your chance to talk with one of the most informative, and
genuinely nice people you would ever hope to meet, on the subject
of wine, beer and spirits!
Al Spoler
is one of the hosts of the "Cellar Notes" radio spot heard each
week on WYPR 88.1 FM, and we are very happy to have him return to
Wine World this Saturday afternoon at 1:00.
Al is
involved in a "Vineyards and
Victories" tour of the Iberian Peninsula of
Spain and Portugal scheduled for this October. He and famed
historian and Certified Battlefield Guide Graeme Cooper will lead
a lucky group of travelers on a first-class tour through those two
countries as they re-trace the steps of Wellington's army, wine
glass in hand!
To learn
more about your opportunities to be among them, click the link
provided above.
But for
those who can't join Al in October, we've arranged for a small
taste of what they will be enjoying as we present today's tasting
of Portuguese and Spanish wines with our
very special guest, Al Spoler!
 
2011 Alente
White - $9.99: Alentejo, Portugal - Made from a
distinctive blend of the high quality indigenous Antão Vaz variety
and the renowned Arinto grapes, Alente White has a golden citrine
color with an aroma of tropical fruits and hints of peach and
melon. It is rich in fruit, complex and exhibiting volume, it is
well balanced, fresh and exciting.
2012 Palacio de
Vivero Rueda - $9.99: Castile-León, Spain - This fresh,
lively wine is a blend of 60% Verdejo and 40% Viura grapes from
the Rueda region, northwest of Madrid. Its color is a pale golden
yellow with glints of green. Offering fresh tropical fruit and
citrus aromas, the wine shows good structure and complexity. The
palate is fresh and fruity with a mineral note that matches very
well with shellfish or salads.
2009 Banda Azul
"Crianza" - $17.99: Rioja, Spain - This blend of 80%
Tempranillo and 20% Garnacha shows a bright ruby red color. The
bouquet of American Oak barrel aging is predominant with a hint of
fruitiness. A well developed wine with rich sensations, a harmonic
structure and great persistence.
2010 Porrais Tinto
Douro - $15.99: Douro, Portugal - This aromatic red
wine is made of a blend of 4 typical Portuguese grapes: Touriga
Nacional, Touriga Franca, Sousão, Tinta Barroca. It shows a black
cherry color in the glass, with fragrant fruit and floral aromas
bursting forward delighting the nose. The first sip is supple and
savory with flavors of red fruits and spices tempered by soft
tannins. Its dense richness is balanced by a ripe acidity leading
to a long and satisfying finish. A very stylish wine!
2011 Tineta Ribera
del Duero - $14.99: Burgos, Spain - Sourced from a
single vineyard, and made from 100% Tinto Fino (aka Tempranillo),
this dense red wine offers extraordinary depths of dark fruit
flavors such as plums and blackberries with a hint of smoke on the
finish. Medium to full-bodied, juicy and succulent, this wine is a
perfect pairing with grilled meats!
2010 Mas Sorrer
Montsant - $17.99: Catalonia, Spain - A beautiful red
blend of Cabernet, Merlot and Syrah from the hills of the Montsant
region, this lovely wine brings aromas of cherry, cedar, earth and
spices. The taste is packed with juicy plum and fresh cherry notes
followed nicely by hints of spice and cedar with a touch of tar on
the lingering finish. A well balanced and complex
wine.
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Thursday, April 17, 2014
More Americans discovering Portugal as a vacation destination
Portuguese tourism office brings, "Portuguese experience 2014" to US travel agents in Boston, NYC, Washinton D and Miami
http://travelworldnews.com/2014/03/17/portuguese-tourism-office-launches-new-events-travel-agents/
http://travelworldnews.com/2014/03/17/portuguese-tourism-office-launches-new-events-travel-agents/
Friday, April 11, 2014
Is the US at a "let them eat cake" moment? Luxury Wine and Hungry Children in one of the worlds wealthiest nations.
I love wine. I sell wine for a living. It pays my bills and buys my kids shoes. But this is ridiculous. Today in things that disgust me, according to wine-searcher.com, since being awarded a 100 point score by Robert Parker in the October edition of the Wine Advocate, "A bottle of 2010 Screaming Eagle, described as “utter perfection” by (Robert)Parker has risen from an average price of $1913 in October (all prices ex. sales tax) to $2797 in March, a cool 46 percent increase in six months." This as a new study finds that the US is ranked 34th, 34th!!!, in child poverty out of 35 developed countries. Its us and Romania bringing up the rear. Yes, people are paying nearly $3000 dollars for a single bottle of wine as an effort to raise the federal minimum wage from $7.25 to $9/hour stalls out in the US Congress. Glad to know that the rise in child poverty is keeping apace with the rise in the price of a luxury cult cabernet from California.
Says Max Fisher of the Washington Post on the United Nations Children's Fund Study, "The poor U.S. showing in this data may reflect growing income inequality. According to one metric of inequality, a statistical measurement called the gini coefficient, the U.S. economy is one of the most unequal in the developed world. This would explain why the United States, on child poverty, is ranked between Bulgaria and Romania, though Americans are on average six times richer than Bulgarians and Romanians."
Says Max Fisher of the Washington Post on the United Nations Children's Fund Study, "The poor U.S. showing in this data may reflect growing income inequality. According to one metric of inequality, a statistical measurement called the gini coefficient, the U.S. economy is one of the most unequal in the developed world. This would explain why the United States, on child poverty, is ranked between Bulgaria and Romania, though Americans are on average six times richer than Bulgarians and Romanians."
Robert Parker also announced a new magazine that will be called 100 Points by Robert Parker, aimed at the jet-set, for "high net-worth individuals and corporate leaders." I have a few things I would like to aim at the jet-set myself(like acerbic aphorisms, settle down revolutionaries.)
When the recession hit, people were walking around for a while with a WW2 mentality. Your belt (if you still had one) would be tightened. It was bad form to throw money around when so many were suffering. There were lots of articles decrying personal jets and champagne tastings. And whats more, it wasn't really fun to drop a couple thousand on your wine cellar after watching your net worth dip so significantly.
When the modern day Rockefellers began to operate in the shadows, stepping in with cash to gobble up your foreclosed on homes and bankrupt companies, the job they finally offered you back-twice the work for half the pay, felt like a blessing. Fast forward to our so called "slow recovery," the jet engine propulsion of our rapidly dividing classes blasting the very wealthy into the stratosphere and the middle and working classes into an economic free fall. The very wealthy make no apologies. They are unabashedly living their 100 Point lives, far above us all.
Pretty soon the only thing farther apart than a wealthy and a poor American, will be our image of ourselves as Americans and our 34th place finish American reality.
Map: How 35 countries compare on child poverty(The US is 34th)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2013/04/15/map-how-35-countries-compare-on-child-poverty-the-u-s-is-ranked-34th/
100 Parker Points Give Screaming Eagle Prices Wings
http://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2014/04/100-parker-points-give-screaming-eagle-prices-wings
Parker Launches Luxury Lifestyle Mag
http://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2014/03/parker-launches-luxury-lifestyle-mag
Map: How 35 countries compare on child poverty(The US is 34th)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2013/04/15/map-how-35-countries-compare-on-child-poverty-the-u-s-is-ranked-34th/
100 Parker Points Give Screaming Eagle Prices Wings
http://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2014/04/100-parker-points-give-screaming-eagle-prices-wings
Parker Launches Luxury Lifestyle Mag
http://www.wine-searcher.com/m/2014/03/parker-launches-luxury-lifestyle-mag
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