April's Wines-of-the-Month
Westport Rivers Westport Brut RJR 2003
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Our White Wine selection for April
One of Oprah's "Favorite Things" and the champagne served at the White House, this local sparkler is a special wine worth seeking. A blend of 63 percent Pinot Noir and 37 percent Chardonnay, Cuvee RJR is a fine expression of the quality of New England fruit. It is the wine Westport Rivers credits with putting their winery "on the map", and to the rest of the U.S., it is an emblem of the sophistication to which East Coast winemaking has risen. A thick mousse, bright fruit, lively acidity and a mere hint of toast make RJR the sort of wine you don't want to put down. It is crisp enough to awaken the palate at brunch, a smart choice as a palate cleanser, yet big enough to serve with dinner or a late-night plate of cheese. And, with a price point under $30, RJR is a wine you can afford to sereve at any and all occasions.
Production Area: Massachusetts
Grape Varietal: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
Color: Clear, Pale
Bouquet: Apple Blossom, Ripe Pear, Light
Toast
Taste: Samll, persistent bubbles, creamy finish
Alcohol: 11.8%
Food Pairing: A perfect apertif or palate cleanser, beautiful match for shellfish but also big enough for cheese and meats.
Price: $22.99
Estancia Pinot Noir
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Our Red Wine Selection for April
Estancia relies on the benefits of boutique-style winemaking techniques including whole-berry fermentation, gentle punch-downs and basket pressing for their estate grown Pinot Noir. The Monterey based winery uses only native yeasts to increase aromatics and gentle gravity flow systems to minimize aggressive tannins and bitterness. Their hand-cdrafted approach results in a Pinot Noir with soft, luscious aromas and flavor and rich, deep color. Notes of dark berries, black cherry and caramel accent the allspice, rose petals and soft hints of vanilla. Ripe blueberry, black cherry and plum are balanced by rich cdreamy vanilla on the palate.
Production Area: Monterey County,
California
Grape Varietal: Pinot Noir
Color: Deep garnet with crimson hue
Bouquet: Dark berries, caramel, rose
Tast: Black cherry, blueberry, vanilla
Alcohol: 13.5%
Food Pairing: Roasted Chicken, Tuna, Mushroom Sauces
Cheese Pairing: Goat Cheese, Brie
Price: $16.99