Another fun tasting experience at Aligra this past week. On trend – Rosé wines, light refreshing whites even a Pink Port Cocktail! If you missed it, here are the notes for you. Most are still in stock so drop by to pick some up for your summer sipping! Notes and research courtesy of Ken Bracke, Sommelier.
- Croft Pink Port Vila Nova De Gaia, Portugal 19.5% abv $22.99 (and Soda) Cocktail
One of the original founding port houses, Croft traces its origins to 1588 when the company was established in England by Henry Thomson, a member of the Merchants Company of York. The Croft family, which joined the partnership in 1736 and gave the firm its present name, served the port trade with great distinction. The reputation of Croft as a Vintage Port producer derives to a large extent from its ownership of Quinta da Roêda, one of the finest estates in the Douro Valley, and from such legendary wines as the Croft 1945, recognized as one of the finest of that landmark year. This innovative new Rosé style of Port has been made by a technique which extracts fresh, fruity flavours and a subtle and delicate pink colour from limited contact with the skins of classic Port grape varieties, grown in top quality vineyards of the Douro Valley. The result is wonderfully fresh and vibrant, full of the rich fruit flavours of Port but with a unique and distinctive appeal. It has created the perfect opportunity for Port to be consumed in the warmer months of the year when Port may not otherwise be the drink of choice. Tasting Note: Attractive floral notes underline the pungent, aromatic raspberry fruit aromas. The palate is full of deliciously ripe cherry and raspberry fruit flavours with lovely nuances of honey and grapefruit.
- Pamplune Rosé Pepignan, France (infused with natural grapefruit extracts) 8.5% abv $17.99
The French have a long history of blending their dry wines with fresh juice or fruit liqueurs also knowns as kir. More recently, a new summer drink became very popular among French restaurants, bars and outdoor cafés consisting of a blend of dry rosé with fresh squeezed pink grapefruit. This wine from Provence uses classic Mediterranean varietals, is fermented in stainless steel tanks, and then is blended with natural extracts of grapefruit from the pomelo variety. Tasting Notes: light pink color, offers expressive aromas and flavors of citrus, roses and exotic fruits such as lychees. Light, slightly sweet and refreshing.
- CA Rugate Soave Classico San Michele DOC, Soave, Italy 12% abv $24.59
CA ‘ Rugate produces wines from the Lessini Durello, Valpolicella and Soave Classico regions. It prides itself as a company that has been able to innovate by reinterpreting traditions and investing in prized vineyards producing wine from indigenous grape varieties. For the past four generations, the Tessari Family has owned the property, located in the volcanic, hilly region of Rugate, near Brognoligo. Since 2013, CA ‘ Rugate has been a member of the independent winegrowers of Soave, an association affiliated to the F.I.V.I. (Italian Federation of Independent Winegrowers), driven by the desire to protect the typical Soave wine by focusing on authenticity. 100% Garganega. Tasting Notes: Pale yellow colour. Fine and delicate nose of sweet flowers: Chamomile tea, elderberry, iris. Palate pleasant with sweet almond aftertaste.
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