Wine Tasting – June 3 and 4
Join us this Friday and Saturday for our weekly tasting.
Gruet Blanc de Blanc “Sauvage” – Zero Dosage
Gilbert Gruet founder of Gruet Winery was born in Bethon, France in 1931. He grew up in a poor family, and began working at a young age. In 1952, Gilbert Gruet, along with his wife Danielle, dreamt of producing fine quality Champagne. Gilbert followed his heart and in 1967 created the U.V.C.B. (Union Vinicole des Coteaux de Bethon), a co-op in the village of Bethon.
In 1983, the Gruet family was traveling through the Southwestern part of the United States, and while in New Mexico met a group of European winemakers who had successfully planted vineyards in Engle, near the town of Truth or Consequence, 170 miles south of Albuquerque. The land was inexpensive and the opportunity golden. In 1984, Gilbert Gruet, whose Champagne house had produced fine Champagne in Bethon, France since 1952, made the decision to plant an experimental vineyard. This vineyard was exclusively planted to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. His children, winemaker Laurent and daughter Nathalie, then relocated to the great state of New Mexico to begin their American wine making adventure.
At 4300 ft. the vineyards are some of the highest in the United States, so regardless of how hot the days might be, the temperature at night can drop as much as thirty degrees, cooling the fruit and slowing down the maturation process on an otherwise short growing season. Sandy and loamy soil, and a lack of humidity that might contribute to rot, give us a consistency of fruit year in and year out, and allow us to produce our award winning wines without the use of pesticides.
The excellent 1987 harvest allowed Laurent to produce his first two wines following the strict guidelines of a true Methode Champenoise (the sparkling wine making methods used in Champagne, France). His first wines were Gruet Brut N.V., and his Gruet Brut Blanc de Noirs N.V. with a production of only 5000 bottles (415 cases). All manual machinery had been shipped from France and the wine was produced in a small rented facility in the city of Albuquerque.
In 1989, after the required minimum of two years aging on tirage, our first two sparkling wines were introduced to a very appreciative wine world. Critics and connoisseurs alike were astonished by the quality and the value. New Mexico wine was on the map!
What is tirage?
Tirage bottling is when the base wine (still wine) is combined with yeast and sugar, and then bottled. Once inside the bottle, secondary fermentation begins. This how the bubbles get into your favorite sparkling wine. In this case, they are saying the wine aged on the dead yeast cells for 2 years before bottling. As the yeast eats the sugar it releases CO2, and once all of the sugar has been eaten the yeast cells die and settle in the wine. Leaving the dead yeast cells, also known as “lees”, in contact with the wine can add greater character, depth, and complexity to the wine.
Tasting Notes:
This sparkler is made from 100% Chardonnay. Gruet Sauvage NV is a bone-dry sparkler, pale straw in color with a delicate but persistent mousse. The aromas of bright mineral and citrus notes tickle the nose followed by touches of green apple, lemon and grapefruit. The finish is structured, flavorful and long. The bright acidity makes this wine a perfect pairing for oysters, sushi and cream sauces.
Regular Price $21.99
Cooper’s Price $18.99
LaLande Gascogne Chardonnay 2013
Last week, we tasted the Sauvignon Blanc from this winery and it met high approval. So we are trying this Chardonnay!
The vineyard, which stretches out along the Canal du Midi, was created at the same time as this historical canal in the 18th century that housed one of the most famous architects of the time who designed the plans for the Canal du Midi.
Tasting Notes:
We discovered this little beauty the same time we found its brother the Sauvignon Blanc. This wine delivers punctuating aromatics of apple and apple skin with a slight spice. It is unoaked Chardonnay so, it too has some racing acidity that continues to refresh the palate while drinking it. Get some seafood, ham sandwich, or smoked chicken and chase it with this terrific buy!
Regular Price $14.99
Cooper’s Price $12.99
Chateau de Gueules Les Cimels 2013
The talented and passionate Diane de Puymorin farms 50 hectares (125 acres) of Syrah, Grenache, Carignan, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, Chardonnay, Grenache Blanc, Roussanne and Rolle in the Costieres de Nimes. In 1998 she bought and renamed the winery Château d’Or et de Gueules, a tribute to her family crest. Recently certified in organic farming, Diane also prunes rigorously to limit yields, practices leaf pulling, and plows to aerate the soils. No machinery is allowed on the property. Each cuvée bears a name in old Occitan. The wine is 60% Syrah, 30% Carignan, and 10% Grenache
Kevin’s Notes: I was tasted twice on this wine and my notes are very consistent, outstanding price to quality which happens to be our mantra. Dark black fruit, sweet pipe tobacco, coco and a very long savory finish had me label this wine as a baby Chateauneuf du Pape at 1/3 the price! It is a terrific buy that works with many BBQ meats and roasted fowl while reaching a large audience.
Regular Price $18.99
Cooper’s $15.99
Owen Roe Yakima Valley, Washington Red 2013
This new red blend of some of our favorite vineyards in the Yakima Valley and the most sought after fruit in Washington. This small bottling is sourced from 5 unique sites, expressing the synergy of different soil types, climate and overall terroir.
The initial aromatics show bright Cabernet Franc spice notes of cinnamon, anise and pink peppercorn. A blast of pretty plum fruit and firm tannins boasts a well-rounded mouthfeel with hints of subtle oak toast. Sweet cedar accents help the finish sing. Seriously red wine fans — this stuff is awesome. 45% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Franc, and 22% Cabernet Sauvignon. This is a blend in the style of a great Bordeaux!
Kevin’s Notes: This is a serious red wine drinker’s wine. It’s incredible for the price! This is primarily a wine found only in restaurants, but here you have it ~ Cheers!!!
Regular Price $26.99
Cooper’s $22.99
