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April Taster's Advantage
2 Bottles of red wine (tax & shipping not included) Ferraton Cotes du Rhone Samorens 2016, France Grape Variety: 50% grenache, 50% Syrah Origin: Rhone, France The march of time continues unabated as spring starts its sublime sojourn toward summer. Warm days may meet some rain and still-chilly nights as Mother Nature sorts her wardrobe, not quite ready for the full warmth of the sun. As always, our palates, plates and pantries reflect the current climes, reflecting and reacting to how the mercury moves. We strive each month to find a wine that matches the mood of the weather as well as the call of the calendar. And this month, we found a crowd-pleasing winner of a wine that will pair with all of the above. A blend of Grenache and Syrah (50/50), the grapes are sourced from vineyards on the left bank of the Rhône River, grown on alluvial and gravelly soils. Mixed red and black fruits fill the nose as secondary notes of incense, cedar and forest floor resolve to hints of rose petal, mulberry and a touch of herbal influence. Dark black fruits, black berries and blackcurrant, are balanced by silky tannins. Layers of dark spices and earth uplift the dark fruits as they crest the wave of the finish, slowly receding yet flavorful still. Pair with spring lamb, Easter banquets, hearty stews or hard cheeses. Remember, it's never too early to warm up the grill for summer! Wine Tip: Another rhone wine from the amazing 2016 vintage. This bottle is a beautiful example of rhone. Fruity but not full bodied, elegant but not simple, complex but not hard to understand. La Petite Ferme Rouge 2017 Morocco Grape Variety: Cabernet Sauvignon and Marselan Origin: Zaer, Morocco This is a delightful blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignan and Marselan (a crossing of Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon) from the Zaer region of Morocco. La Ferme Rouge was founded as a vineyard and olive orchard in 1908. The winery was started in 1933. Located in the Zaer region of Morocco, about 45 kilometers from the Atlantic ocean and at an elevation of 450 meters, the vineyards benefit from cool ocean breezes. Grapes are hand-picked, pressed gently and fermented in temperature-regulated concrete vats. Winemaker Jacques Poulain believes in farming harmoniously with nature. Wine Tip: Morocco was a French colony and was one of the largest bulk wine producers of the French colonial empire. “La petite ferme’” means the small farm. Enjoy this delicious African wine! |
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1 Bottles of red wine and 1 bottle of white wine (tax & shipping not included) Ferraton Cotes du Rhone Samorens 2016, France Grape Variety: 50% grenache, 50% Syrah Origin: Rhone, France The march of time continues unabated as spring starts its sublime sojourn toward summer. Warm days may meet some rain and still-chilly nights as Mother Nature sorts her wardrobe, not quite ready for the full warmth of the sun. As always, our palates, plates and pantries reflect the current climes, reflecting and reacting to how the mercury moves. We strive each month to find a wine that matches the mood of the weather as well as the call of the calendar. And this month, we found a crowd-pleasing winner of a wine that will pair with all of the above. A blend of Grenache and Syrah (50/50), the grapes are sourced from vineyards on the left bank of the Rhône River, grown on alluvial and gravelly soils. Mixed red and black fruits fill the nose as secondary notes of incense, cedar and forest floor resolve to hints of rose petal, mulberry and a touch of herbal influence. Dark black fruits, black berries and blackcurrant, are balanced by silky tannins. Layers of dark spices and earth uplift the dark fruits as they crest the wave of the finish, slowly receding yet flavorful still. Pair with spring lamb, Easter banquets, hearty stews or hard cheeses. Remember, it's never too early to warm up the grill for summer! Wine Tip: Another rhone wine from the amazing 2016 vintage. This bottle is a beautiful example of rhone. Fruity but not full bodied, elegant but not simple, complex but not hard to understand. Kracher Pinot Gris 2016, Austria Grape Variety: 100% Pinot Gris Origin: Austria WINE ENTHUSIAST 91 POINTS - "Hints of ripe Mirabelle and yellow apple show on the rather restrained nose. The palate adds bright, lemony freshness and zesty, pleasant citrus pith to the fruit, creating a texture alive with juiciness and shot through with freshness. It leaves a lasting, lemony aftertaste." Wine Tip: We have the chance to taste a loooooot of wines at Hi-Time. I like to taste the wines that are open behind the wine bar when the shop is closed. I try to taste without looking too carefully at the bottle, so my judgment is not biased. I was happily surprised when I saw that the price of this bottle was much lower than I imagined. The definition is superb, and the finish will make you salivate a long time. You can find a lot of overly sweet and fruity Pinot grigio. This one is not one of them. |
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2 Bottles of red wine (tax & shipping not included) Pedro Parra 2016 Pencopolitano, Chile Grape Variety: Malbec, Syrah, Cinsault, Carignan, Pais, Carmenere Origin: Itata, Cauquenes, Chile These are some of the best we've tasted from Chile in some time. If you are unfamiliar with Chilean viticulture these will be a splendid introduction; if you remember when Chilean wines first splashed onto the market decades ago, these bottles will showcase not only how far their acumen has progressed but also how much potential and world class quality can come out of their soil and into our glasses-- these are the real deal! "After 18 years of terroir work all around the World, I felt mature enough to create my own wines, from what I consider the most incredible Chilean Terroir, Itata. I had the chance to work and dig in Barolo, Burgundy, Montalcino, Oregon, Sicily, Rioja, and worked with the best people." - Pedro Parra Chatenay Chiroubles 2017 Beaujolais, France Grape Variety: 100% Gamay Origin: Chiroubles, Beaujolais, France Organic Winery WINE ADVOCATE 92 POINTS - "The 2017 Chiroubles offers up a pretty bouquet of raspberries, red cherries, plums and dark chocolate, lent lift by pretty floral top notes. On the palate, the wine is medium to full-bodied, ample and succulent, with a layered core of fruit, fine tannins and mouthwatering acids. It hails from a steep hillside site and is matured in stainless steel." Wine Tip: This is one of the top producer of the Beaujolais region. His style combines freshness, drinkability and an amazing quality and purity of fruit. What stands out the most is his impressive abilities to restitute and reveal the differences of every terroir. This Chiroubles has a stunning quality of tannins and delicious floral notes.
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1 Bottle of red wine and 1 bottle of white wine (tax & shipping not included) Pedro Parra 2016 Pencopolitano, Chile Grape Variety: Malbec, Syrah, Cinsault, Carignan, Pais, Carmenere Origin: Itata, Cauquenes, Chile These are some of the best we've tasted from Chile in some time. If you are unfamiliar with Chilean viticulture these will be a splendid introduction; if you remember when Chilean wines first splashed onto the market decades ago, these bottles will showcase not only how far their acumen has progressed but also how much potential and world class quality can come out of their soil and into our glasses-- these are the real deal! Commanderie Peyrassol 2018 Cotes de Provence Grape Variety: Cinsault, Syrah, grenache and Mourvedre Origin: Cotes de provence, France The Commanderie de Peyrassol comes from the foremost appellation for French Rosé, the Côtes de Provence. The grapes are sourced from fully matured vines with an average age of 25 years. The blend is comprised of Cinsault, Syrah and Grenache with a touch of Mourvèdre. Harvested separately during the night when temperatures are coolest, the grapes are then de-stemmed and pressed. After fermentation they are aged in stainless steel vats to preserve freshness.. The wines of Peyrassol fully express the quality of the terroir and several centuries of know-how. Wine has been produced from this favored site for more than 800 years. Generations of wine growers have nurtured the vineyard and its vines which are is located at an elevation of 330 metres on the lower slopes of the Massif des Maures. The soil consists of clay and limestone which is ideal for viticulture. All this contributes to Commanderie being considered amongst the top Rosés being produced in Provence. Highly sought after yet surprisingly affordable, this is a great Rosé to stock up on and have on hand throughout the summer. It is the perfect refreshment to open for guests or enjoy by the pool and pairs with most any food. One sip is all it takes to understand why this Rose is so popular with our staff and customers. Enjoy! Flat-out gorgeous with classic salmon-pink coloring. The nose is expressive with aromas of rose, wild berries, raspberry and citrus. On the palate, the wine is fresh, refined and dry with refreshing acidity and a silky palate feel. Flavors of fresh strawberries, melon and citrus are enhanced with a touch of minerality on the lengthy finish. Very harmonious.
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2 Bottles of white wine (tax & shipping not included) Jean Masson Apremont 2016 La Centenaire Savoie Grape Variety: 100% Jacquere Origin: Apremont, Savoie, France The majestic glacially carved mountains that make the ridge line of the Savoie is breathtaking. One of this region’s most recognizable natural rock sculptures is the imposing limestone cliffs of Mount Granier, the mother that gave birth to the soils that make up Apremont, the appellation where all of Masson’s vineyards are located. Like other mountains with a recent violent history (a la Mount Vesuvius, or Mount Saint Helens), Granier had its moment in 1248 when half of the mountain crashed down and buried five villages and thousands of people. Jean-Claude explained that Apremont has the highest density of natural herbs and grasses of all wine regions within France and a look into his organically farmed vineyards is a good supporting argument for that claim. The family’s nine hectares of vines are primarily planted to Jacquère, a white grape variety that when grown on Apremont’s east facing limestone vineyards can (if farmed well) yield wines with a dense core of electricity, ripping acidity and always strong mineral impressions. Like many Alpine wine regions (for example, like Italy’s Valle d’Aosta and Alto Adige/Sudtirol) the climate can be unpredictable from week to week, but generally have hot summers and cold, harsh winters. The close proximity to the mountains brings these alpine foothills optimal diurnal shifts (large day and nighttime temperature swings), which during the months before harvest brings balanced physiological ripeness while maintaining fresh natural acidity. Wine Tip: This wine comes from vineyards that are more than 100 years old. Crisp and mineral this wine is a perfect example of apremont wines. Hugel Gentil 2016 Alsace, France Grape Variety: Blend of Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Muscat, Sylvaner and Pinot Blanc Origin: Alsace, France The perfect introduction to Alsace wines as it combines the qualities of all our white varietals. This wine revives an ancient Alsace tradition that wines assembled from noble grape varieties were called "Gentil". Gentil "Hugel" allies the suave, spicy flavour of Gewurztraminer, the body of Pinot Gris, the finesse of Riesling, the grapiness of Muscat and the refreshing character of Pinot Blanc and Sylvaner. This is an excellent blended wine that combines, with a wonderful harmony, the varied and magnificent grape varieties of the Alsace region. And the result for this 2017 vintage: an Alsace wine that is both typical and authentic for its region; full of flavour, fruity, straight and dry, the perfect combination to arouse a thirst for cool, round, refreshing sensations. The aroma hits the nose with a powerful fruitiness filled with the scent of youthful springtime and a flavor melts and charms on the taste-buds. This is an ideal thirst-quencher; serve immediately although, thanks to its perfect and harmonious structure, there is a potential improvement to be had from laying it down for 3 to 5 years. An ideal wine for aperitifs, serve at 8°C. Oysters, shellfish, seafood, raw fish, sushi or marinated, Carpaccio of langoustines, scallops, grilled fish in light or slightly creamy sauces. Ideal with lightly spiced oriental, Indian, Moroccan, Mexican dishes, or serve with white meat: veal, pork and poultry, partridge, pheasant. |
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1 Bottle of Champagne (tax & shipping not included)
Remi Leroy Extra Brut Origin: Meurville, Cote des bar
Grape variety: 60% Pinot Noir, 40% Chardonnay
Disgorgement date: May 2018; Dosage: 4.5g/L
Remi Leroy’s vineyards are like a wellness spa for his vines when compared to neighboring vineyards. All the vines for his vines are organically farmed and a walk through them shows his deep respect for nature, unlike the vineyards on all four sides of his, which are void of life except the vine itself. Sadly, Champagne is all too often an atrocity of abused, unhealthy soils rich in herbicides, pesticides and vines with unnatural probiotic systemic treatments and excessive spraying of everything under the sun you don’t want in your wines. For the majority of the Champagne houses, it’s all about volume of grapes, so small growers make sure the poundage is high when their vats hit the scales, regardless of how mistreated the grapes may have been, as long as they are grapes.
Wine Tip: This month champagne is little cheaper than what you are used to. This a négociant bottle and I picked it because it is an impressive value. The Duc de Romet, made by Jean-Baptiste Geoffroy, is a delightfully balanced Blanc de Noirs made from purchased grapes from many of Geoffroy's small-producer colleagues. |
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