Bougie Black Brother

Tuesday Night White (Sauvignon blanc)

This Sauvignon Blanc was very ordinary and came from a Groupon deal from the Splash wines distributors.  This light aromatic wine is not a stand out from most other sauvignon blanc wines.  The taste is ordinary and should be used as a compliment to food as oppose to a great stand alone wine.  Wine connoisseurs stay away, beginners its good to learn and build your palate on.  Check out online reviews on Groupon wines to get more details about the distributors​​​​​​​ 

Trapiche Oak Cask Malbec 2013

Purple-colored, the nose offers up plum and black cherry notes with a touch of black pepper. The palate is soft and round with ripe, saturated berry flavors. Finishes spicy and full with chewy tannins

Founded in 1883, Trapiche is one of Argentina's best-known wine brands. Located at the foothills of the Andes in Mendoza, they own more than 3000 acres of vineyards ranging from 600 meters to over 1200 meters. Chief winemaker, Daniel Pi's goal and vission is to represent the richness and diversity of Argentina's terroir. Trapiche is dedicated to creating the best Malbec wines in the world as exemplified by the winery's most successful project, The Single Vineyard Malbec Series

Villa Amoroso Rosso Toscana I.G.T

There is something inherently special and charismatic about Tuscan wine. Some say this is instilled by the vine, while others are charmed by the balance and full-flavor. What wins us over is the wine's proven food-friendliness. The contrast of tart cherry, plum, and strawberry flavors fuse with earthy notes of oregano, smoke, and tobacco, making it a wonderful dinner companion. Non-vintage Villa Amoroso Toscana Rosso hits every flavor note we expect, leaving us to want nothing else, except for maybe a few more bottles

New Kent Virginia Vidal Blanc

Vidal Blanc grapes are grown from a hybrid of Trebbiano and Seibel varietals. This year, we covered the vines in bird netting to protect the grapes, and cooler summer temperatures let the grapes spend more time maturing on the vine. As soon as we picked the grapes, we chilled them and fermented them to ensure a delightful finish for this light-bodied and slightly sweet wine

Glass vs. Crystal wine glasses

Glass vs Crystal: The primary difference between crystal vs. glass is that crystal glass contains anywhere from 2-30% minerals (lead or lead-free). The key feature of crystal wine glasses is that the minerals strengthen the material, making it possible to produce durable but thin wine glasses.  My take is when, why what would be your personal preference when it comes to these two glasses.

NEETHLINGSHOF ESTATE CHENIN BLANC 2016

Colour:  Clear with a light green hue.
Aroma:  Delicate stone fruit aromas. 
Taste:  A melange of tropical fruit with elegant
pear and guava flavours followed by floral notes.                                                                                                      

Medium- bodied and well-balance with a lingering aftertaste.

Maturation potential: The wine is ready to drink now,
but will develop further over the next two years.

Food pairing: Excellent served with starters, vegetable dishes
and salads, seafood, poultry and pâtés

Sparkling Wines

Today I try a few sparkling wines from 3 different countries.  Maybe not the best of the best but the options some people do not even know exist.    I highlight Prosseco, Cava, and Sparkling Riesling (Sekt) Ladies and gentleman we have other options.  (see the video)  And stop calling them Champagne!!!

Montresor Castrum Suavense Soave

Garganega is a variety of white Italian wine grape widely grown in the Veneto region of North East Italy, particularly in the provinces of Verona and Vicenza. It is Italy's 6th most widely planted white grape

Throughout the Soave production zone Garganega is the principal grape variety though Trebbiano di Soave and Chardonnay are permitted in varying percentages. While most Soave is dry, still wine within the DOC zone a sparkling spumante style is permitted as is the passito Recioto style, that in 1998 was granted its own Recioto di Soave DOCG designation for grapes grown in the hilly region

Mohua Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand

An elegant expression of the world-renowned Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc its grapes are sourced from three premier Wairau Valley sub-regions, bringing distinct and consistent characteristics to every vintage.

Ripe and Juicy tropical fruits, rich stone fruit and fresh cut lime combined with notes of fresh picked summer herbs 

lois Gruner Veltliner Kamptal

Lois (rhymes with choice) is named after the village of Langenlois where Fred Loimer’s winery is located. The wine is produced from contracted growers who are in conversion to organic viticulture.  Pale yellow color, this wine is purely aromatic and lively! Lovely aromas of fresh apples and citrus, this wine surprises on the palate with great spice components as well as exotic fruit and a refreshing acidity

Varietal composition:             100% Grüner Veltliner
Fermentation container:         Stainless steel tanks
Length of  fermentation:         14-30 days
Fermentation temperature:     68 °F
Type of aging container:         Stainless steel tanks