Valentine's Saturday WINE TASTING

It's Valentines weekend and here's a quick sampling you can try before doing a Valentines dinner or stay at home with Netflix.
February 15, 2020 (Sat) 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
We get to try three interesting and different wines that are perfect for romantic evenings or romantic movies!

2018 Jurtschitsch - "Belle Naturelle" Grüner Veltliner
2018 | Langlois & Kamptal, Austria | 100% Grüner Veltliner
Jurtschitsch winery dates back to the 16th century in the Kamptal region. A leader in the natural wine movement, this is a biodynamically-farmed Grüner Veltliner made with two weeks of skin contact. Naturally hazy, it is markedly clean wine with only moderate tannin. It is a great introduction to the style of orange wine. Fermented with native yeasts and no sulfur is used save for an exceptionally small dose at bottling for stability. The nose offers aromas of elderflower and chamomile. The floral notes continue through the palate along with black tea notes. Owner/winemaker Alwin Jurtschitsch Belle Naturelle, 'a wine in its birthday suit.' certified organic. Note: Turn gently before opening, do not store above 20°C.
$22.99

Hugel Classic Riesling 2016
2016 | Alsace, FR | 100% Riesling
According to Robert Parker: “the Classic (former Hugel) range that represents “the essence of the pure, dry Famille Hugel style” and now includes Muscat and Pinot Gris, along with all the other noble grapes. The grapes of the Classic range are predominantly purchased but obligatory hand-picked from vineyards with clay-limestone soils in Riquewihr and neighboring villages, and give classic gastronomic wines with a dry expression.” The Hugel Riesling is an intense pale green color, dominated with the green & pale yellow highlights of springtime tree foliage, all completed with a silvery sheen. The bouquet is still a bit discreet & fresh -- it is harmonious, clear & well-stated, yet quite dense & fruity with hints of lime, fresh kiwi, lemon-grass, 'Mirabelle', greengage & a slightly mineral edge. This is a dry wine that is also fresh & lovingly thirst-quenching on the palate. It is well-balanced with a generous & well-formed structure underlined by the wonderful freshness & vigor which is so typical to this grape variety's elegant temperament. The grapes are perfectly ripe.”It serves as an excellent aperitif. Best served with turbot, sea bass, monk-fish, lobster, king prawns, seafood, sander, pike, salmon, scallops, marinated or raw fish carpaccio, goat's cheese.
Sale $19.99 (Reg. $24.99)

Domaine les Evigneaux Rasteau
2016 | Rasteau, Southern Rhône Valley, FR | 50% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 10% Carignan, 5% Mourvedre, 5% Cinsault
Benoit and Frederic Lavau have always been fans of Rasteau, which became a cru unto itself in 2010. This red offers a lot of complexity on the nose with rich aromas of cedar, baking spices, cola, blackcurrant & vanilla followed by a hint of raspberry. Full-bodied & savory on the palate, there are meaty flavors of chocolate & leather that develop in intensity & power all the way through the long, long finish. The tannins are robust & well-integrated reflecting the power & complexity of this AOC. Although it is already approachable, it is good to drink over the next few years & promises to be spectacular with three to five more years of aging (if you can wait that long!)
Wine Advocate – 90 pts
$24.99

These are all delicious and work well with Valentine dinners and chocolates and a great change from champagne.