Wine Life - Houston

A couple of rainy evenings led to all indoor cooking and some opened bottles of Burgundy. Neither of these bottles come from "outstanding" vintages so I was interested to see how each would taste. 2011 Seguinot-Bordet Chablis Premier Cru Vaillons 100% Chardonnay wine, approximately $33 at Spec's. Pronounced honeysuckle floral aromas with lemon and a hint of fresh asparagus with similar flavors. Dry, medium+ body and acidity with a long mineral-laced citrus finish. I really enjoyed it; it made me think about chalky minerality, electric acidity and everything that you hope your Chablis will be. I served it with jumbo lump crab cakes. 2007 Daniel Bocquenet Vosne-Romanee Villages 100% Pinot Noir wine, approximately $63 at Spec's. My first thought on sniffing this glass was "fully developed". Aromas of leather, earth and patchouli. Dried apricot fruit flavor with a lightly spiced finish. Dry, medium+ body, tannins, acidity and length. I found ...

  Life has not been lived entirely through Rosé colored wine glasses this summer. I have also been pouring a variety of reasonably priced lighter Italian white wines as well. In addition to being fairly wallet sensitive and easy to find, they are refreshing and food friendly, making each of these perfect for summer sipping. 2011 Bolla Soave Classico 883 Selection I received this as a media sample but I would purchase it again. It is easy to find, it is affordable at under $10 and it is a versatile wine to keep on hand. Floral aromas of honeysuckle with lemongrass and a fresh citrus flavor. Dry, light to medium body, medium+ acidity and a mineral laced finish. I served this as a poolside aperitif before a casual early weekend supper with my brother's family where it was well received.   2009 Tommasi il grigio Ramato Pinot Grigio   This wine was purchased for approximately $15 at Spec's. While this wine ...

My summer of Rosé continued after my deadline for my Galveston Monthly feature on Rosé wine had passed. I wanted to recommend a few more refreshing Rosés for you to try as our hot summer wears on. 2 012 Tavel "Les Eglantiers" - Tavel is an appellation in France's Southern Rhone Valley that produces Rosé exclusively. This is a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault. It has pronounced aromas of red cherry and citrus blossom with a tart berry and bit of peach flavor. Dry, medium+ body, medium acidity with a plush feel and a long mineral laced finish. An elegant Rosé at approximately $15 at Spec's. 2011 and 2012 La Vieille Ferme from the Ventoux appellation in France's Rhone Valley is a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault. I always try to buy the freshest vintage available but I couldn't resist opening these up together to see how they compared. Very similar across the board with the 2012 seemingly "brighter" over all. Floral aromas, fresh che...

As originally seen in the August 2013 edition of Galveston Monthly  magazine.