Zarate 2016 Balado Albariño Rias Baixas DO

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Zarate 2016 Balado Albariño Rias Baixas DO ($48.99) with Hake Galician Style

A family-owned and operated winery in Spain’s coveted Rias Baixas DO in Galicia. Rias Baixas attained its appellation status in 1998 with less than 40 wineries in operation, but has grown to over 240 today. Albariño, an aromatic grape variety probably related to Riesling, thrives in the cool, wet, and sandy soils of Galicia. This pairing follows the tried and true “what grows together, goes together” approach: locals would most certainly be enjoying a similar meal. Depending on viticultural practices and the vintage, this grape can range from lean and tightly wound to broad and fleshy, but a core fruit profile of peach and apricot is typical. Expect this wine to show great body and weight on the palate, with lifted floral aromas. Drink 10-13 C.

Barone Pizzini Animante Franciacorta Brut DOCG

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Barone Pizzini Animante Franciacorta Brut DOCG ($32.99) with Baked Scallops & Clams in Marinara Sauce

Hailing from one of the oldest wineries in Franciacorta, Barone Pizzini was established in 1870 by the noble Pizzini Family. They were the first winery to implement and promote organic winemaking and sustainability in the region. Indeed, producers in Franciacorta use very unique techniques to fight diseases and pests in their vineyards. For example, to counter the devastating effects of the vine moth, pheromones are strategically placed throughout the vineyards to disrupt the moth’s mating cycle. This is an expensive but eco-friendly way to minimize the moth population. This wine is exceptionally balanced, with fresh acidity supported by a creamy mousse on the palate. Notes of apricot, honey, and something distinctively toasty – from the ‘champagne’-style in-bottle fermentation – linger on the long and expressive finish. Drink 8-10 C.

Curator White

This white blend is made up of three grape varieties; Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay and Viognier. All the grapes are handpicked. Predominantly Chenin Blanc, this wine has great structure and a nice medium body, the chardonnay is fermented with natural yeast adding flavours of dried peaches, apricots and ripe citrus. The Viognier helps to add a bit of spice and complexity to the finish. Overall this wine is a wonderful food wine.

Served with Focaccia at April 2016 event

Niepoort 10 Year Tawny Port (45.99) Portugal

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Apricots, crystallized citrus peel and a little nuttiness on the nose of this fortified wine from Portugal. the palate has great structure with a long finish of dried fruit and orange peel, with hints of toffee, caramel, and honey. Full bodied and lush with lots of sweet fruit and a subtle finish that goes on and on. Fabulous representation of a 10 year Tawny Port