The Grape Crusader

Winery: Saint Andre de Figuiere

Bottling: 2008 Le Saint Andre Vin de Pays du Var Rose (Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Cinsault & Grenache)

Importer: Paul M. Young Fine Wines

Region: France

Sub-Region: Vin de Pays du Var

Estimated Retail Price: $14

Purchase Details: Purchased from Solano Cellars in Albany, California for $13.50.

Tasting Notes: Very pale coral and salmon hue in the glass.  On the nose, delicate aromas of roses and mineral.  In the mouth and interestingly enough, this rose has flavors that are more reminiscent of white wines.  Apples and white peaches are the main flavors I remember tasting.  Unripe Safeway strawberries added actual rose flavors.  A very light-weight mouth feel and a crisp, dry finish complete the wine.
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Unfortunate zuchinni in the background, awaiting their fate.

Winery: Chateau Trinquevedel

Bottling: 2008 Tavel Rose

Importer: Kermit Lynch Wine Merchants

Region: France

Sub-Region:  Tavel, Southern Rhone Valley

Estimated Retail Price: $17

Purchase Details: Purchased directly from Kermit Lynch Wine Merchants in Berekeley, California for around $17.

Tasting Notes: In the glass, a saturated and intense, dark pink hue.  On the nose, ripe red stone fruits and ripe strawberries.  In the mouth, flavors of ripe strawberry and spice.  The wine is firm, rich and juicy and has a dry tea like, but surprisingly refreshing finish.  Although the fruit takes center stage here, the wine never seems heavy or cloying and retains a nice fresh quality.

I’m not sure what the grape make up is on this particular Tavel, but the grapes that are typically used include grenache, syrah, cinsault, mouvedre and carignan (not to exceed more than 10%).  Also, not one grape can exceed more than 60% of the blend.

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Winery: Chateau Soucherie

Bottling: 2008 Rose de Loire (Not sure..Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc or a combination of the two)

Importer: Rosenthal Wine Merchant

Region: France

Sub-Region: Loire Valley

Estimated Retail Price: $15

Purchase Details: Purchased for $15 plus tax at Arlequin Wine Merchant in the Hayes Valley neighborhood of San Francisco.

Tasting Notes: Pale salmon color hues.  On the nose, faint aromas of strawberries, roses and mineral.  On the palate, flavors hints of strawberries, lemon and citrus juices.  There’s a fair amount of acidity here that makes your mouth pucker and your face contort; in a good way of course.

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Winery: Saint Andre de Figuiere

Bottling: 2008 Cotes de Provence Rose, “Cuvee Magali” (25% Grenache, 15% Cinsault, 30% Syrah, 30% Cabernet Sauvingon)

Importer: Paul M. Young Fine Wines

Region: France

Sub-Region: Provence

Estimated Retail Price: $14

Purchase Details: Purchased from the K&L Wine Merchant in the South of Market neighborhood of San Francisco.

Tasting Notes: This wine has got one of the prettiest pale coral hues I’ve ever seen.  On the nose I get aromas of ruby grapefruit and strawberries.  In the mouth, barely ripe pink grapefruit, barely ripe strawberries, watermelon, rose water and even a little rosemary and spice.

This is a very delicate wine with a light, airy and feminine mouth-feel.  The wine finishes on a crisp and dry note.

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Winery: Villa Granda

Bottling: NV Pinot Prosecco (75% Pinot Bianco, 15% Prosecco, 10% Pinot Nero)

Region: Italy

Sub-Region: Veneto

Estimated Retail Price: $12

Purchase Details: Purchased for $11.99 plus tax at K&L Wine Merchants in the South of Market neighborhood.

Tasting Notes: In the glass, a watermelon bubble gum pinkish tint.  On the nose, aromas of white roses, fresh peaches and a little yeast.  In the mouth, the aromas of peaches, white roses and yeast are echoed as flavors.  Nice and  tangy, with a hint of nuts and almond on the finish.

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