Two Tastings This Week

Château Pierre Bise
with special guest winemaker René Papin

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

We are excited this Friday to welcome René Papin of Château Pierre Bise in the Savennières/Anjou region of the Loire Valley.  Nestled on a high ridge overlooking the steep south-facing slopes of the Layon river, a tributary of the Loire, Claude & Joelle Papin run 80 acres of land with their sons René and Cristophe. Master of Wine Jancis Robinson describes Claude Papin as "one of the most talented growers in this part of the world".  As a true adherent to the importance of terroir, he believes that blending different climates "even 1%" will prevent his wines from finding harmony.  Since he took over the estate from his father in 1972, he has conducted deep analysis of his terroir, identifyin 25 different 'Climats', all vinified separately.  The Papin family's knowledge of terroir is unrivaled in the Anjou, and it is not surprising that their Chenin Blanc, whether dry or sweet, give voice to every nuance that the grape is capable of.  They are also considered leading growers of all the grapes of the region, like the Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon we will taste in their Anjou Rouge.  Please join us as we taste four of their amazing wines!

Crémant de Loire 'Non Dosé' 2015
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Savennières 'Roche aux Moines' 2015
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Anjou Villages Rouge 'Clos de Coulaine' 2014
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Coteaux du Layon 'Rochefort' 2017

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First Rosé Tasting of 2019!

So, at the end of last week as we started to plan this Saturday's tasting, we thought "Wow, Spring weather is finally here, let's do Rosé!".  It seemed like a perfect idea.  Then North Carolina weather did what it often does, and changed its mind completely.  Just goes to show, whenever we plan a seasonal tasting theme, you can be assured the opposite weather will happen.  But it looks like we'll be back on track with mild weather this weekend, and there is a silver lining here, as it will give us an opportunity to disprove a big misconceptions about Rosé wines.  Many people think you only drink Rosé in hot weather. While there is no denying that a good Rosé is delightful and refreshing in the summer heat, we also firmly believe that they are great in colder weather as well, and can be charming fireside wines and are heavenly matches to a winter time feast of heavier comfort foods.  So whatever unpredictable weather North Carolina throws at us this Saturday, come taste some fantastic pink wines with us, learn something new and stock up for the warmer weather that will certainly be just around the corner!

Casanova della Spinetta 'Il Rosé di Casanova'
50% Sangiovese, 50% Prugnolo Gentile
Toscana IGT, Italy, 2018

Les Hauts de Janeil 'Rosé de Syrah'
Pays d'Oc IGP, France, 2018

Figuière 'Le Saint André' Rosé
25% Syrah, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Grenache, 25% Cinsault
Méditerranée IGP, France, 2018

DeMorgenzon 'DMZ' Rosé
29% Syrah, 19% Grenache, 19% Cinsault, 18% Mourvedré,
10% Viognier, 3% Durif, 2% Roussanne
Stellenbosch, South Africa, 2018

Elizabeth Spencer 'Rosé of Grenache'
Mendocino, California, 2018