Oktoberfest 2022
CWS Wine Flights
WHITE WINE STYLES
Unoaked White - Pra Soave “Otto” (Veneto, Italy)
Soave is the classic white wine of Italy’s northern Veneto region, right outside of Venice, from the Garganega grape variety. It is a clean, crisp, refreshing white, made to be consumed within a few years of its production. You’ll notice aromas a flavors of pear, flowers, and peach.
Oaked White - Ken Forrester Old Vine Reserve Chenin Blanc (Stellenbosch, S. Africa)
Often when people think of powerful, oaky white wines they immediately think of Chardonnay, but Chenin Blanc is also a grape that can hold its own against the toasty, spicy, vanilla flavors of an oak barrel. This is especially the case when this grape is produced in South Africa. Notice the creamy texture, rich mouthfeel, and soft, harmonious balance of this wine as you sip.
Aromatic White Arenya Torrontes (Cafayete, Argentina)
One of the most engaging styles of white wine is the “aromatic” category, which means that the aromas are particularly vibrant and powerful. Floral and fruity aromas leap out of the glass at you from this wine, and you might taste lime and green apple notes while noticing its crisp, refreshing tartness.
CLASSIC REDS OF EUROPE
Ricasoli “Brolio” Chianti Classico (Tuscany, Italy)
The “Classico” designation means this wine is from the historic center of Chianti, high in the Tuscan hills. Made primarily from the Sangiovese grape, it is smooth yet tart, dry yet fruity, and is beautifully balanced.
When Bordeaux was hit hard by the phylloxera vine pest in the late 1800’s many of their best winemakers moved to Spain to make wine there, and 150 years later we are still reaping the rewards. Rioja is the classic red from central Spain, with notes of spice, black fruit, and firm dusty tannins. This particular example is made with vines planted in the 1970’s.
Marques de Riscal Rioja Reserva
(Rioja, Spain)
When Bordeaux was hit hard by the phylloxera vine pest in the late 1800’s many of their best winemakers moved to Spain to make wine there, and 150 years later we are still reaping the rewards. Rioja is the classic red from central Spain, with notes of spice, black fruit, and firm dusty tannins. This particular example is made with vines planted in the 1970’s.
A classic example of Bordeaux, the rich, dry reds that have been a favorite of English royalty for hundreds of years. Almost always a blend, they are the model that the best California Cabernets are based upon. Red berry flavors combined with notes of spice and chocolate from ample time in oak barrel and bell pepper in the background are quintessentially Bordeaux.
Chateau Greysac Medoc
(Bordeaux, France)
A classic example of Bordeaux, the rich, dry reds that have been a favorite of English royalty for hundreds of years. Almost always a blend, they are the model that the best California Cabernets are based upon. Red berry flavors combined with notes of spice and chocolate from ample time in oak barrel and bell pepper in the background are quintessentially Bordeaux.
OFF THE BEATEN PATH
Santo Santorini Assyrtiko (Santorini, Greece)
This lush Greek white from the island of Santorini is concentrated with aromas of lemon with flavors of pineapple, golden raisin, and a hint of ocean salt. Wine has of course been made in Greece throughout recorded history yet is still viewed as quite exotic here in the US.
Tileda Orgo Dila-O Amber Rkatsiteli/Mtsvane (Kahketi, Georgia)
Orange wines are all the rage, and no they aren’t made from oranges. Instead, this style is technically a white wine, but aged on the skins of the grapes as we typically do with reds. The result is an amber-hued wine with notes of spice and melon. This traditional wine from the country of Georgia is aged in large clay pots called qvevri, the use of which goes back thousands of years.
Bodega Garzon Tannat Reserva (Maldonado, Uruguay)
Uruguay may very well be the next “it” wine country we see from South America, and the grape that they are making their mark with is Tannat. Originally from the south of France, this tannic, bracing red produces juicy, rich wines with notes of plum, raspberry, and spice.