Hello, Feastlings.
It’s a fine line between poor taste and being topical, so we’re hoping that in spite of the Big Island’s woes, the tasting that we decided to do weeks ago when it was a less serious situation still falls under “topical” rather than “in poor taste.” Our friend and erstwhile dining room manager-turned-wine-rep leads a tasting of wines that all hail from volcanic soil of one type or another, from regions around the world.
The tasting is a mere $30 plus tax and tip, and it begins at 3:30 this Sunday, May 27. You’ll need to make your reservation the old-fashioned way, by calling 326-9363, since web and email reservations won’t hold you a place at the tasting.
Volcanic Vino
2013 Pieropan Soave Classico DOC “Calvarino” $33.00
The Calvarino vineyard is in the heart of the Soave Classico zone and represents the core of the ancient family estate, bought at the beginning of 1900. The soil there dates back to the tertiary era and is rich in clay and tufaceous basalt which give the wine an attractive savory, mineral quality. The name ‘Calvarino’ derives from ‘Little Calvary’ reflecting how difficult the soil is to work and the tortuous path which winds from top to bottom. The nose is fresh, flowery with aromas of elderflower, lemon and cherry; the palate is dry, well balanced and elegant, with tremendous length and finesse.
2015 Château de Poncié “La Réserve” Fleurie $24.00
Situated on the knoll of Poncié and the hill of Montgenas, terroir on slopes of crystalline rock, at the same time dry and
demanding, combines the conditions needed for rediscovering the historic qualities that made Fleurie’s reputation. Bright brilliant color, reflecting garnet and violet nuances. Bouquet: fine and elegant with notes of cherry and blueberry. Palate: extremely expressive, with a freshness highlighting the balance between structure and aromatic richness.
2015 Purple Hands “Stoller Vineyard” Pinot Noir, Dundee Hills $36.00
Hickory smoke, red strawberry, red licorice, savory spice, black licorice, sweet orange rind, and a delicate, broad, powerful mid-palette and finish.
2016 Tornatore Etna Rosso DOC $33.00
The flavors of red berries, Morello cherry and black cherry have a freshness balanced by a soft, round mouthfeel that maintains its liveliness. Light herbal notes, firm but subtle tannins and bright, balanced acidity create a persistent, intensely-flavored finish.
2011 Friedrich-Wilhelm-Gymnasium “Graacher Himmelreich” Riesling Kabinett, Mosel $24.00
The complexity of the wines is reflected by the estate’s exquisite terroir. Steep slate slopes, overgrown foliage reliefs and rolling hills are in perfect harmony to create near-perfect growing conditions. A nose of citrus peel and peach is followed on the palate by a beautiful balance of fruit, acidity and refreshing minerality.
2011 Dow’s Late Bottled Vintage Port $21.00
Slightly drier, in the classic Dow’s style. Very concentrated on the palate, with spicy notes. “Sumptuous dark chocolate and morello cherry character with opulent finish.”- International Wine Challenge, 2014, Silver Medal