Fall 2008 Wine Tasting Fundraiser

October 18, 2008, 5-7 p.m.

Suggested contribution: $50/person, all proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity projects through the Episcopal Habitat Coalition of greater Phoenix.

The ancient Rhône valley in southern France has been producing wine for over 2,500 years. This is an area of contrast, with a more extreme continental climate in the North and characteristic Mediterranean terroir in the South. In the North, some of the world's longest-lived wines are produced, including rare and aromatic whites such as Marsanne, Roussanne, and Viognier; and tannic and massively structured reds featuring Syrah. In the South, hearty everyday reds are produced from Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Carignan and Cinsault. Mostly found in blends, tonight’s tasting will feature several of these varietals in single varietal wines produced from great wine making regions of the world that now produce wines from these classic varietals of the Rhone.

Tasting Notes:

Cave Cooperative de Tain L'Hermitage Marsanne (2007). Marsanne is the most popular white grape of the northern Rhone, where it is commonly blended with Roussanne. The Tain L ‘Hermitage features a rich aroma of almonds and ripe apricots, together with a very crisp, refreshing, and pleasant lemon-citrus flavor.

Soban Estate Roussanne (2006) Another common northern Rhone white, this Roussanne shows wonderful floral aromas touched with butterscotch and pear. The flavors are honeyed and minerally followed by a crisp, clean finish. Blended with 21% Viognier for bouquet and finish.

Peirano Estate Viognier (2006) Viognier is the most common white of the northern Rhone. This California production features tropical fruit, notably peach, complemented by the scent of lemons and ginger.

Beckmen Vineyards Grenache Rose (2005). A tradition in the southern Rhone is to make light, fruity rose’s from the early harvest of red varietals. This fine example comes from Beckmen Vineyards, a central California winery committed to producing Rhone-style wines.

Cline Cellars Ancient Vines Mourvedre (2006). Mouvedre is a common southern Rhone red, and is a key component in Chateauneuf-du-Pape and Bandol appellation blends. Cline’s Ancient Vines Mourvèdre features a plum flavor with distinct chocolate characteristics and soft Tannins.

Cline Cellars Ancient Vines Carignane (2006). Carignane (pronounced “carin-yawn”) is most commonly used as a blending grape because of its favorable yields, excellent acidity and big tannins. This rare example of vinified Carignan offers aromas of plum, chocolate, and clove with dark cherry fruit.

Chono Reserve Syrah (2006). Syrah is best known from the Northern Rhone appellations of Hermitage and Côte-Rotie, but is now produced in many great wine making regions of the world. This example from Chile is ripe, juicy and full of blackberries with a spicy aroma of black pepper and tar on the nose.

d'Arenburg Grenache (2004). Rather uncommon in the U.S., Grenache is the most widely planted varietal in the Rhone Valley. This fine example from Australia features musky red berries and herbs on the nose, with an accent of pepper and smoke. It’s lush, jammy raspberry and strawberry flavors possess a very long finish.

Clos Saint Michel Chateauneuf du Pape Cuvee Reserve (2004). No Rhone tasting would be complete without featuring a Chateauneuf du Pape, or “New Castle of the Pope,” where the Avignon papacy of the 14^th century was instrumental in developing southern Rhone viicultural practices. This impressively endowed cuvee has a dense ruby/purple color with a sweet nose of camphor liqueur, underbrush, spice, and a touch of smoke and incense. A Robert Parker 93.