European Wine Tasting
Join us on a journey though France, Spain, & Italy as we indulge in lively, vibrant white wines and enchanting reds from regions like Beaujolais, the Loire Valley, Rias Biaxes, Alicante, Piedmont and Tuscany!
European Wine Tasting
Le Petit Bijou
Friday, February 7th
4pm - 6pm, $20
With Special Guest, Kara McKelvey of United Johnson Brothers
256-964-7980 to Reserve
2022 Ceretto “Blange” Arneis, Langhe, Italy
With vibrant acidity and enticing aromas of green apple, Bartlett pear and orange blossom intertwined with subtle hints of almond.
The 2022 Ceretto "Blangé" Langhe Arneis from Piedmont, Italy, is a fresh and refined expression of the Arneis grape, crafted by one of Piedmont's most respected producers. Known for its crisp character and balance, "Blangé" offers a delightful snapshot of the Langhe region's potential for white wines.
Terrior
Sourced from the hills of the Langhe in Piedmont, this Arneis benefits from the area's calcareous and sandy soils, which add minerality and freshness to the wine. The cool nights and warm days typical of the region enhance the aromatic profile and preserve acidity.
2023 Fefinanes Albarino, Rias Baixas, Spain
The unique Albariño grape variety, grown in the Salnés valley, has always taken center stage in our wines. We have devoted the utmost care and attention to this variety, ensuring that its special character, extraordinary varietal expression and its uniqueness are perfectly preserved. Drink as an aperitif or with seafood, fish dishes or cheese. Also with Asian cuisine, beef or tuna tartare.
This wine displays a brilliant, pale gold-yellow color with intense ripe fruit and citrus aromas (mandarin orange). Touches of stone fruit (peach) and spices then come through, followed by a sensation of freshness together with very pleasant acidity counterbalancing the flesh and smoothness of the mouth-feel that have been acquired by the wine’s short ageing on its lees. In every aspect an attractive wine with very appealing classic Albariño character. The first vintage of this wine was released in 1928.
2022 Mommesin St Amour, Beaujolais, France
Deep red-ruby color with bluish reflections. This wine offers a delicate nose of very ripe and slightly candied black fruits, such as blackcurrant and blueberry. The taste is spicy and even cherry-in-brandy with a touch of black chocolate. Enjoy tasting this well-structured Saint-Amour, which has soft tannins, a pleasant texture, and a great long finish. Poultry with cream and morrels pairs perfectly with this Saint Amour.
Produced in limited quantities, Mommessin's Les Grandes Mises range offers Beaujolais wines vinified and aged in Burgundy. The northernmost of the region's crus, Saint-Amour retains all the fruit in the Gamay variety. Aged 11 months on fine lees, it unveils a supple, mouth-watering palate bustling around flavours of sour candy as well as floral and subtly spicy notes.
2021 Garenne Chinon, Loire Valley, France
This blend of 100% Cabernet Franc offers you a memorable moment of conviviality. An unoaked Chinon with youthful wild berry fruit and plum cream perfume, fragrant floral aromas, supple chalky tannins and a refreshing Cabernet Franc tang on the long finish. Perfect match for everyday dishes such as pasta with an herby tomato sauce, Rib Steak over Arugula Salad or a simply grilled lamb chop.
Young vines averaging 25 years old.
Only natural yeasts are used during the three weeks fermentation, added Sulphur is kept to a minimum and the wine undergoes a light filtration before ageing in concrete vats.
Luis XIV “Anforas” Alicante Rosso, Valencia, Spain
Luis XIV Anforas is made from 60% Monastrell, 30% Arcos and 10% Bonicaire.
Bright ruby color with violet hues. On the nose it is very intense and fresh, transmitting all the varietal authenticity of the Monastrell, Arcos and Bonicaire. On the palate, the purity of the fresh fruit stands out, with a light, velvety, fluid and persistent. It is a medium-bodied wine with very fine tannins.
Especially for tapas (fried fish, salads) and rice dishes (paella, arròs al forn, rabbit and snail rice, arròs a banda, caldero ...).
Due to its delicacy, it is a very appropriate wine for different dishes.
Review:
"This is a new dry table wine, a red blend of Monastrell, Arcos and Bonicaire grapes. The 2021 Luis XIV Ánforas is a young, juicy and fruit-driven red with moderate alcohol (13.8%) and ripeness and good freshness. It was produced in a light and approachable style, maturing it mostly in tinaja and a small part in oak. It's perfumed with notes of berries and herbs and has a medium-bodied palate with very good balance and fine tannins. Young, primary and tasty. 5,000 bottles were filled in January 2022. - Luis GUTIERREZ"
2022 Marchesi Antinori “Pian della Vigne” Rosso di Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy
“Iron and sanguine aromas and flavors define this muscular red, while plum cherry, menthol and tar notes join in on the chewy and expansive finish. Balanced on the side of the tannins for now, with fine length. Best from 2027 through 2042.”-93WS
Since the 1300’s Antinori Winery in Tuscany, Italy has been at the forefront of superb winemaking. Family-owned for 26 generations, the Marchesi di Antinori played a significant role in the “Super Tuscan” revolution of the 1970s