WINE
Picos Do Couto Reserva 2010 Portugal
When Becky and
Mary at Joe’s Place (S. Main, Greenville, SC) asked if we’d like to try this Portuguese wine, they men- tioned how much they both liked it. Upon tasting it, I could see why. Actu- ally, as I lifted the glass to my nose, I was taken in imme- diately by the aroma - nice and fruity
with buttery and apple hints. It has been some time since the nose of a wine caused me to sali- vate, but this one did. This medium bodied white wine blend is fresh
with tastes of mineral, with lime, citrus and pear - oxidized just enough to make it a joy to the taste. It strikes me as having a rustic, Old World vibe. The wine is made from Encruzado grapes and aged six months in oak barrels, and is just a pleasure all the way from the appearance - a bril- liant citric color, through to the finish which lingers on the tongue - with hints of lime, grape- fruit and Italian spice. This is my third Portuguese wine of late, and I
must say, I am beginning to look at bottles to see that they came from Portugal, a place that is quickly winning my favor as a wine producing country. As for food pairings, I honestly can’t suggest any at this moment. I would prefer to pair it with another glass of the same! Five Stars
El Huique Special Selection Chardonnay 2011 Chile This fine medium bodied wine boasts a clear
yellow color with green tones and a very pleasing nose. Aromas of tropical fruit, including pineap- ple, ripe peaches, and bananas along with hints of vanilla make way for a clean, fresh taste on the pallet. The pineapple and vanilla are especially pronounced on the taste buds. One of the best tasting chardonnays I have had the pleasure of trying lately, El Huique ends with a very memo- rable soft tropical and buttery finish. Five Stars
Perle de Roseline Cotes De Provence 2010 France This wine has a golden yellow color. The nose
is very aromatic, with distinct aromas of citrus and white fruit. The palate is very lively, with notes of exotic fruits. A very nice finish, with hints of pear and apple. As for food, Perle de Roseline pairs well with
seafood, shrimp, oysters and grilled fish. Four Stars
Cupcake Vineyards Chardonnay Monterey County, California 2014 Cupcake wines are 100% barrel fermented for
nine months and in my opinion, the oak barrels help to make the wine especially tasty. The aging helps to create a rich, buttery flavor with a golden color, and a soft texture. This chard is rich, full bodied, creamy with flavors of ripe apple and citrus as well as vanilla along with hints of oak and spice, and I found it to be a very nice table wine from the nose to the finish. Pairs quite well with crab cakes or roasted
chicken in mushroom risotto. Yum. Also goes great with a cheese and fruit platter or pan seared trout with grilled asparagus. Four and One Half Stars
- Michael Buffalo Smith
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