4:00 to 5:30 pm
$10.00 per person
$5.00 is credited toward purchase of the featured wines below
Home of: www.WineAndSpiritGifts.com
611 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Suite #1, Palm Springs, 92264
760-327-7701, 800-925-0030
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Yes, we have great wines made here in California, but it is always instructive to use the European wines as a touchstone to base our criticisms. While we continue to evolve in our state with marrying the correct varietals to the proper micro climates, the main wine producing areas of Europe have pretty much got it figured out. Of course they have been at it for a few hundred years longer than we. Our wines will never be French in style, but maybe we prefer it that way. In any case, the wines being tasted this Saturday are typical of what one expects from over there. Joining us to introduce these lovely wines will be Valentin Pellegrinelli, the brand ambassador for California of Les Grands Chais de France.
Grandial Brut Sparkling Wine, Bourgogne
LIST PRICE 9.99; OUR PRICE 7.95
This fresh and crisp sparkler is a Blanc de Blancs made from a blend of white grapes. It is produced in the heart of the Bordeaux wine-growing area, by a company that is a leader of European technological innovation. It utilizes the Charmat method of production, which differs from the classic method as the fermentation takes place in an autoclave, a large pressurized container, instead of in the bottle. It is dry and harmonious with good bubbles, and is a very good wine at an exceptionally good price.
2010 Goulaine Vouvray, Loire
LIST PRICE 14.00; OUR PRICE 11.50
This Vouvray is quite expressive showing floral and ripe fruit in the sense of citrus and quince notes against a backdrop of developing honey aromas. It has a good balance of sugar and acidity which explode for a very round and full-bodied palate. It has a long finish characterized by notes of honey and dry fruit.
2012 Goulaine Rosé d’Anjou, Loire
LIST PRICE 9.99; OUR PRICE 8.99
This is a blend of Cabernet Franc, Grolleau and Gamay from Anjou in the Loire Valley. It receives short skin maceration in order to extract the color and preliminary aromas. Fermentation takes place at low temperature to develop the aromatic potential with maximum protection against oxidation. Alcoholic fermentation is stopped when the level of residual sugar reaches 16g/l which leaves a hint of sweetness. It is quite powerful and elegant with red fruit and notes that evoke grenadine. It has a fresh entry, is well-balanced in the mouth with fruity notes and is harmonious and pleasant.
2010 Châteaux Roquecourbe, Minervois
LIST PRICE 18.00; OUR PRICE 14.99
This structured and elegant Minervois is a great blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Carignan. Following a 10 days maceration process at controlled temperature, the wine is sent to age and settle in oval barrels. The nose is quite intense with ripe red fruit accents. The taste is dominated by its supple and robust structure. It is balanced, fleshy and spicy with a lingering finish.
2011 Château Fonfroide, Bordeaux
LIST PRICE 16.50; OUR PRICE 12.99
The Fonfroide is a blend of 40% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Franc and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Entre Deux Mers region. The wine-making process takes place in stainless steel vats with temperature control to provide aromas of preserved fruits. The palate is supple and well-balanced with notes of spice and red fruits. Think of duck breast, red meats or pork to accompany this very nice Bordeaux.
2010 Château Dumas Cenot, Bordeaux
LIST PRICE 15.00; OUR PRICE 11.99
67% Cabernet Sauvignon and 33% Merlot is the blend in this wine from the area south of the Gironde. After stainless steel fermentation, the wine is barrel aged for 6 months. It is aromatic and full of expression, and well structured with soft tannins. Its charm lies in the readily easy accessibility and is a joy in which to indulge.