Jane's Weekly Wines 
from the Atlanta Wine School

PRINT AND GO VERSION
August 3rd, 2006
Wines for Salads
	
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Rietvallei Sauvignon Blanc 2005
Robertson, South Africa

Medium-bodied dry white wine; medium pale straw. Aromas of stone, flint, chalk, 
and green fruits; fig frames the flavors on the palate. Complxx, with good 
acidity, just a notch of residual sugar Not a trace of the asparagus/bell 
pepper profile characterizing most South African Sauvignon Blanc. 
Trellised vines were established from 1980 to 2000. Grapes were picked 
in two stages of ripeness, from a very low 16 degrees brix, which emphasizes 
the herbaceousness and acidity, and 23 degrees brix, for ripe fruit and body. 
Stainless steel all the way. Great value. Chlled, about 55 degrees, 
after giving it time to open.

Goat cheese salad; tarragon chicken salad with almonds, 
Chinese noodles with slivered almonds and soy dressing; 
chicken salad with soy/ginger/sesame dressing; chilled sautéed or 
poached sacallops with very light tomato/basil dressing (try Vidalia Onion Brothers); 
chicken Caesar salad, shrimp ceviche with citrus juices on greens

Big Boat Wine Co.
$12
91

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Chumeia Silver Nectar 2005
Argentina

Medium-bodied off-dry white wine; medium golden straw. Exotic floral aromas, with 
yellow stone fruits, especially apricot, while the palate features juicy yellow 
fruits--apricot again--and lychee nut. Acidity is brisk, 61, leaving the palate 
refreshed and clean. Residual sugar is 2.5%, handy for dishes with exotic flavors 
and probably not sweet enough for desserts. Hand harvested, whole cluster 
pressed and fermented at cool temperatures. Produced in Argentina and imported 
into the U.S. Chumeia Vineyards is located in Paso Robles, CA. 
Grapes: 76% Torrontés; 24% Chenin Blanc. Moderately chilled, about 55 degrees.

Exotic flavors, such as cumin, lemongrass, spice with a little bit of heat, 
excellent with cardamom. Mexican jícama salad with cucumber and orange, 
lime juice and cumin; cous cous salad with dates, chick peas, cardamom and 
almonds; Thai shrimp salad with lemongrass; Indian-style potato/banana/mango 
salad with lime juice/cumin/peanut oil dressing; curried chicken salad, 
grilled chicken salad with avocado vinaigrette, chicken salad with mango 
chutney and red peppers

Continental Beverage
$11
90

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Folonari Pink Pinot Grigio 2005
The Veneto, Italy

Medium-bodied off-dry rosé; medium copper. Aromas of strawberry with a hint of 
aromatic brown spice; flavors are uncomplicated, with an emphasis on strawberry 
and peach. Easy alcohol (11.5%) with some acidity and a refreshing finish. 
Stainless steel. Connoisseurs may feel funny letting their fellow cons catch 
them drinking this, but fact is, it's perfect for this heat and light meals. 
Pinot Grigio skins hold color, and the wine can acquire a coppery tint by 
simply leaving the juice in contact with the skins.. Chilled, about 55 degrees.

Salads with creamy dressings and some spice: Thai shrimp salad with 
lemongrass and spice; Mexican grilled chicken salad with salsa dressing; 
ham salad (really good); chicken salad with mango chutney and red pepper 
(also really good); grilled salmon salad on greens with citrus vinaigrette; 
spicy Cajun-style crawfish salad; lentil salad with orange segments; 
chicken salad with avocado vinaigrette; vegetable (carrot and bok choy for instance) 
salads with light soy/sesame dressing

National Distributing Co.
$8
87

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Earl Patrice Magni, Les Grandes Vignes du Roy Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 2004
Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhüne Valley, France

Full-bodied dry white wine; medium golden straw. Delicate scent of star anise, 
with flavors that suggest melon, pear and  a touch of pineapple. 
Minerality lifts the flavors to another level. Complex, with a silky 
texture and a long, finish packed with delicious fruit. Classic style. 
Grapes: Roussanne (40%); Marsanne (40%); Grenache Blanc and old vine  
Clairette (20%) on clay, chalk and gravel. Opens a bit dull then blooms, 
so open about 30 minutes to an hour before serving or decant. 
Not too cold, about 60 degrees. 

Surprising pairings: Granny Smith apple and fennel salad, with a mild 
vinegar/oil dressing; grilled salmon with cucumber dill dressing on greens; 
sautéed pistachio-crusted goat cheese on greens with mild vinaigrette; 
chicken Caesar salad; tarragon chicken salad with almonds; shrimp with 
creamy lemon whole-grain mustard dressing on greens

Grape Expectations
$31
91

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Bodegas Tintoralba Higueruela (Garnacha) 2005
Almansa, Spain

Full-bodied dry red wine; deep purple red. Aromas of plum and blueberry, 
leading to plum/blueberry flavors that linger through a fruit-driven finish, 
with a hint of cherry brandy and spice. Soft tannins; supple texture. 
Very concenetrated. All parts well integrated. Old vines. No oak. 
Grape: Garnacha (Grenache). Stunning value. Not a long-term keeper. 
Cool room temperature, about 65 degrees. 

Steak salad with bleu cheese dressing (smashing!);  bean (legumes) 
salad with mild vinaigrette; grilled sausage salad with whole-grain 
mustard vionaigrette; duck breast on greens with fig-infused balsamic 
vinaigrette; grilled lamb on greens with red wine vinaigrette; 
pasta salad with smoked mozzarella, herbs and garlic

United Distributors
$10
90


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Mommesin Côte de Brouiilly  "Le Mongtagne Bleu" 2003
Côte de Brouilly (Beaujolais), France

Medium-bodied dry red wine; medium purple red. Aromas of dried dark and red fruits, 
hint of raisin and apricot. Flavor of raisins, but not "raisin-y," 
Juicy, concentrated, exuberant fruit, with nice acidity and a long finish.  
Lingering finish. Easy tannins. Grape type: Gamay noir. Côte de.66662 
Brouilly is a Cru Beaujolais, all of which are separate appellations. 
It sits higher up the slopes of Mont Brouilly. Wines from Côte de Brouilly 
last longer than Brouilly, a separate appellation. Cool, about 65 degrees. 

Salad of grilled sausages with whole-grain mustard, red wine vinaigrette and 
red onions; grilled lamb on greens with red wine vinaigrette; duck and fresh 
figs and red onion on greens with fig-infused white balsamic vinegar 
vinaigrette; chicken and sesame/soy/ginger dressing on greens; pasta 
salad with smoked mozzarella, fresh herbs and plenty of garlic

Northeast Wholesale
$19
90