Last Week's Tasting Notes

Montinore Gewurztraminer ($17.99)
Willamette Valley, Oregon
From the producer:
"This is a wonderfully forward, floral wine in our traditional dry style, making for a crisp wine that pairs beautifully with food. Straw gold color introduces an intense aroma of pomelo and rose water with hints of kaffir lime leaf and a palate bursting with tropical notes and powdered ginger. The finish is dry and bright, leaving the impression of fresh citrus."

From me:
This Gewurztraminer has a nice bright freshness compared to some of its Alsatian cousins, which tend to be a little heavier on the palate. The acidity balances out the fruit, and the floral notes give the wine a fine complexity. This is a dry wine that will pair nicely with white meat, salads, roasted vegetables, and ham.

Couillaud Gamay Rosé ($10.99)
Loire Valley, France
From me:
Gamay is the grape best known for making Beaujolais, so it's a little different to find it as a varietal Rosé, but am I happy to have stumbled across this gem! It's from the Loire Valley in Northern France, so the style is a little juicier than what you get in Provence or Languedoc. There's a lot of fruit on the palate, but the light freshness keeps it vibrant and easy to drink. This would pair well with salads or ham, or you can enjoy it as an aperitif.

Charmet Beaujolais "Moulin la Blanche" ($19.50)
Beaujolais, France
From the producer:
***LOOSELY translated by me***
"The soil in the area is full of shale, and that imparts intensity and roundness on the palate. This broad and generous cuvée accompanies meat and game, and possesses good potential for aging."

From me:
Most Beaujolais are fresh, with cranberry notes and should be enjoyed young. This wine is slightly different, in that it has a little earth to it, and can take some aging. I much prefer this style, which is light enough for to drink in the warmer seasons, but can still stand up to heftier meals. This would pair well with pork, ham, or lamb.