Two Tastings This Week!

Maison Albert Bichot Tasting

Friday, April 20th
5:00 - 7:00

The Bichot family has been involved in Burgundy wine for generations going back to the early 19th century.  The business has been passed from father to son numerous times over, leading to current proprietor Alberic Bichot.  His goal has been to find a balance between the traditions that have guided his family along with a focus on the future, and the more modern techniques and ideas which the current age brings.  The result are wines that are classic Burgundy while also being thoroughly modern wines, and may be the best quality the family estate has ever produced.  We'll taste through a small selection of some favorites from the winery, and will be joined by Bichot Sales Manager Troy Heinzman for this fun end of week tasting.

Crémant de Bourgogne Brut Réserve NV

Mâcon-Villages 2016

Chablis 'Domaine Long-Depaquit' 2016

Beaujolais 'Château de Jarnioux' 2016

Fixin 2014

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South African Wines

Saturday, April 21st
4:30 - 7:00

For many American wine drinkers, South African wines are a bit of a mystery.  Although South Africa has been producing wine since the late 1700s, the horrible Apartheid politics of the country made their wines banned for decades from export to the US and many European countries.   Since the early 1990s and the end of those prejudiced policies, the export laws and import restrictions have changed and more and more South African wines have become available in the American market.  Mirroring the social and political change, the South African wine community has also changed rapidly with increased international exposure, absorbing new technologies, methods, and trends.  While their wines are usually considered 'New World' wines, being new to the game compared to France or Italy, they in reality truly seem to bridge the gap between Old World and New World wines, with a balance of fruit and earth tones, and also a blend of tradition and modernity.  As their wines have been exposed to previously forbidden export markets, and as demand has increased, they've brought a more international style to many of their wines, and are making some of their most impressive wines ever.  For a long time now, one of the best importers of South African wines for the North Carolina market has been Cape Classics, the company that brings such notable wineries as Kanonkop, Raats Family, DeMorganzon and more to our market.  Our local Cape Classics representative is Zingo Munger, a good friend since before the store even opened, and a familiar face to tasting regulars, and he will be on hand to walk us through a selection of five of our current favorites of their portfolio.  I am especially excited to feature two wines from B Vintners, one of my favorite wine discoveries of the last few years, and certainly personal favorites in South African wines!

Bayten Sauvignon Blanc
Constantia, South Africa, 2017

B Vintners 'Haarlem to Hope'
54% Chenin Blanc, 42% Semillon, 4% Muscat d'Alexandria
Stellenbosch, South Africa, 2015

DeMorgenzon 'DMZ' Rosé
41% Syrah, 22% Grenache, 18% Mourvèdre, 16% Cinsault, 3% Viognier
Stellenbosch, South Africa, 2017

B Vintners 'Reservoir Road' Pinot Noir
Stellenbosch, South Africa, 2015

Bartinney Cabernet Sauvignon
Stellenbosch, South Africa, 2013