Tuck Beckstoffer ‘Hogwash’ Rose, Napa, California, 2013
It’s officially hot as !@$! outside, and nothing does a better job of combating the Louisiana heat like a big, cold glass of rose. At this point you might be thinking, “Umm, no thanks, I don’t drink sweet wine.” But rest assured, doll-face. This isn’t your grandma’s White Zinfandel. Made by Tuck Beckstoffer, one of the leading producers in Napa, this rose is 100 percent Grenache, which is generally a very inexpensive grape to produce, because it grows like a weed, and naturally has intense, fruity flavors without needing much coaxing from the vintner. Because Grenache has a thick, hearty skin, the flavors in this Rose are more intense than, say, one made from Pinot Noir, presenting deep flavors of strawberry, D’Anjou pear, and rose water, with lots of floral notes in the bouquet. There is just a slight note of residual sugar on the finish, but it’s just enough to make you go back for another glass. Rose pairs with just about all cheese, because it is so mild. This one would go well with blue, as the soft acidity would tame the sharpness of the blue mold. If you don’t like blue, try literally any goat cheese, brie, triple cream, or sheep milk. It will be magical. ~ Candace
Old World Grapes in a New World Style
My friends and I at work are always on the lookout for up and coming winemakers or small production projects that are so high quality they can’t be ignored. We recently picked up four different wines from Curt Schalchlin of Sans Liege Wines, which so far have completely blown me away. Buying and blending grapes seems to be a growing trend, and I’m not complaining in this case. Schalchlin sources his grapes from some of the best appellations in California like Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, Paso Robles, and Santa Ynes. At $30 a bottle, The Offering is a Rhône-style blend of 48 percent Grenache, 29 percent Syrah, 21 percent Mourvedre, and 2 percent Viognier. This wine hits the nail on the head with rich dark fruit flavors, smoky meat and mushroom aromas, with an overall smooth and very satisfying mouth-feel. All his wines have appealing artistic labels inspired by Dante’s Inferno that mirror the complex and poetic juice within. ~ Jessica
Girls With Glasses will be hosting a grand rose tasting, Stop and Smell the Rose, on June 18, 4-7 p.m. at Wine Country Bistro & Bottle Shop at 4801 Line Ave, where a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Susan G. Komen foundation, an ongoing charity event at Wine Country for the month of June on all rose sales. $15 a person, and a special discount will be given on all wines poured during the event.
About the Girls behind the Glasses:
Jessica (right) is a native Texan and a self-proclaimed oenophile who enjoys curling up with a good book, a glass of wine, and her cat (usually all at the same time). She can be found selling wine and cheese in the bottle shop of Wine Country Bistro during the week and on her days off biking along the river front and checking out local hot spots around Shreveport. Email her your wine questions at jessica@winecountrynet.com.
Candace is a wine geek at Wine Country Bistro & Bottle Shop in Shreveport, LA, where she peddles fine wine and artisan cheese. Her favorite local spots are Rhino Coffee, Great Raft Brewery, and Day Old Blues Records. Email her your wine questions at candace@winecountrynet.com.