Wine Director Constance Begue gives us a sneak preview of the wines being poured at the Wine Bar tomorrow night from 5.30 to 9 p.m. We'll be pouring half glasses and full glasses.
Lunetta Prosecco Brut , Italy
($9.99) Half Glass: $2.00 Full Glass: $3.50
Lunetta (Italian for “little moon”) Prosecco is produced in the town of Trento in Northern Italy; a region known for its prosecco. Prosecco is both the name of the grape and the lively sparkling wine that it produces. The bright citrus is rounded out with a lush mouthfeel making this bubbly a great find!
Renwood Viognier 2005, California
($11.99) Half Glass: $2.00 Full Glass: $3.50
What is viognier and how is it pronounced??!! This fragrant up and comer is a great alternative when you’ve had all of the Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc you can stand. Viognier was actually in danger of extinction with only 35 acres planted in the late 1960s. Viognier is a white grape traditionally grown in the Rhône Valley in France and is known for floral aromas and a honeyed pear and apricot palate. PS- it is pronounced ‘vee-own-yay’
Kunde Estates Chardonnay 2005,
California ($14.99) Half Glass: $2.00 Full Glass: $3.50
This estate grown and bottled Chardonnay displays a ripe pear and peach aroma with a buttery and toasty mouthfeel. High acidity pairs nicely with lighter dishes while the richness allows it to be matched with heavier meals.
Montecillo Crianza 2003, Spain
($10.99) Half Glass: $2.00 Full Glass: $3.50
This red wine from the Rioja region of Spain has great black fruits and olives in the bouquet and the palate. The designation ‘crianza’ (translated to breeding or upbringing) refers to how long the wine was aged; in this case a minimum of 3 years aging with at least 1 in oak. The majority of red wines produced in the Rioja region are from the tempranillo grape which is known to make full bodied, rustic wines that go great with food.
Artesa Elements 2003, California ($19.99) Half Glass: $2.00 Full Glass: $4.50
This plush red wine is a blend of several varieties, the exact amounts of which are not disclosed to the public. Is it just me or does that make it all that more intriguing?! They do admit to mainly Bordeaux varietals (cabernet and merlot) along with some Rhône varietals (ie- Syrah, Grenache)- whatever the potion this is one delicious wine!
Penfolds Club Tawny Port, Australia
($11.99) Half Glass: $2.00 Full Glass: $3.50
Tawny Port is fortified wine (wine that has distilled grape spirits added) aged in wood barrels that allow for exposure to air and evaporation which creates the slightly brown (or tawny) color. The rich texture and underlying fruit flavors makes a perfect pairing with dessert!