Quick notes: An Austrian Brut, a Douro, and a Pic St. Loup Rose
Schloss Gobelsburg Brut Resever (NV), Kamptal: Bubbly and bone dry, with a crisp green-apple snap and powerful acidity. Enough herbal-earthiness and weight to make this one of the 2 top most compelling alternatives to Champagne I’ve had (Foreau’s Vouvray Brut being the other). Versatile pairing-wise with spicy and sweeter dishes.
Quinta do Portal Reserva, Douro 2001: Massive plum, black cherry and pepper. The acidity really lifts the wine and sings a great counterpoint to the fruit and oak spice. Attractive backend smokiness and dry, slightly tannic finish. Pair with a riper cheese or anything grilled.
Chateau Lancyre Rose Pic St. Loup 2006: Beautiful if confounding nose of melon, bananas, and a little citrus. Ripping fresh acidity and opulent fruit backed with a stony-grassy Languedoc-meets-Loire finish. Dry, light, and a fantastic value @ $US13. You could have easily tricked me into thinking this was as much more expensive full-bodied white wine. A great case study in how the pink stuff can be a serious wine.