Asheville’s Best Free Wine Tasting W/Skip Hale
Our Wine Wednesdays, include one *free sample from each of our hand selected fine wine features (up to four wines). New wines are chosen each week.
Domaine Marion Pral Beauolais Blanc
Organic. 100% older vine Chardonnay aged 8 months in concrete tanks. Hand harvested, it has a bright gold color, aromas of white flower, apple, and exotic fruits. On the palate, it is round with a silky mouth feel, and has a medium nutty finish. In the heart of the “Pays des Pierres Dorees” in the most southern tip of the Beaujolais region, Domaine Marion Pral practices ecological farming on their 45 acres of vines. The estate is located in the hamlet of La Roche in Saint Laurent d’Oingt, 10 miles from Villefranche, capital of the Beaujolais. Pascal Chatelus, his wife Marion Pral, and their family have been farming the estate for several generations. All vineyards are located on granite based soils, all on hillside, facing south and southwest. Harvests are done by hand.
Pamplemousse Rosé
Rosé wine with natural grapefruit and peach. A refreshing blend of rose with tangy aromas of citrus and peach. Light, crisp with an explosion of vibrant grapefruit and a touch of sweetness. Perfect chilled or over ice as an aperitif, or in a cocktail like a paloma or mimosa. Over the last 5 years grapefruit Rosé wine has been the fastest growing category in FRANCE!
Domaine la Garrigue Vacqueyras
Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault grown on Clay limestone, sand, gravelly clay. Domaine la Garrigue was founded in 1850 by the same family that runs the property today, Famille Bernard. Brothers Maxime and Pierre Bernard, of the 5th generation, are at the helm of the estate with Maxime acting as chef while Pierre focuses on the family’s restaurant nestled in the hills below the Dentelles, Les Florets. Their wives, children, nieces and nephews all have roles at the domaine and there is plenty of work for all, as this is the largest domaine in the appellation covering 83 hectares. The average age of their vines is about 50 years old with some vines well over a century. These are not shy or polished Rhônes but engaging and forceful examples hearkening to the past. An additional 6 months in tank it possesses a notable meaty quality with firmer tannins and a seriously dense core of black fruit and iron. Should you find yourself with a fairly large piece of beef or lamb on your hands you’d be hard–pressed for a more suitable assistant at the table.
Banshee Mordecai Red
24% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Carignan, 17% Syrah, 14% Zinfandel, 12% Grenache, 11% Petit Sirah, 4% Merlot. 90 Points – Vinous. “The 2015 Red Blend Mordecai is a terrific example of something Banshee often does so well: craft delicious, value-priced wines with healthy production numbers that makes them relatively easy to find. Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah are at the core of this juicy, plump red. Drink it over the next few years.” Anderson Valley, Sonoma County, Napa Valley, Mendocino County. Carignan sourced from a 45-year-old, organically farmed vineyard in Redwood Valley continues to expand its influence in Mordecai, acting as a bridge between the Rhone and Bordeaux lots. The 2015 Mordecai has an enticing nose of pepper, violets, cigar and cassis. On the palate it is a mouthwatering mélange of red berry and plum flavors backed by earthy tones of herb roasted meat and fresh black trumpet giving way to a spice-laden finish.
***tasting free with purchase of $10 or more per guest***