Virtual travel and tasting-Loire Valley, Anjou.

Centuries ago, Anjou-Saumur was considered to be the heartland of the Loire and the source of the
regions‘s most exciting wines. During the 13th and 14th centuries, Anjou was one of the most popular wines in England. And then in Holland and Belgium. 

Historically this region was famous for its white wines, made mostly of Chenin Blanc grapes.
Also grapes used are  Sauvignon, Chardonnay. 
And red grapes are Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grolleau.
 The Anjou appellation area includes  Anjou-Villages, Anjou Rouge, Savennieres, 
Sweet wine appellations Coteaux du Layon, Bonnezeaux and Quarts de Chaume.
 Cremant de la Loire are very famous for sparkling wines made mostly from Chenin Blanc.
Sweet wines are made from  botrytized grapes.

  The broad spectrum of wine styles is produced in Anjou.
Today Anjou is more and more known for its rose style wines and wines based on Cabernet Franc.


I have 

Les Vignoles Terroirs Et Lieu Dieu De Loire Saumur Champigny 2009, Ac, Cabernet Franc

 
Very stylish and elegant wine.
Garnet color in the glass.
Lovely aromas of raspberries, spices.
 Light tannins and smooth acidity.
 Medium bodied, medium finish with floral notes.


And I want to pair it with chicken and liver terrine with hazelnuts.

Mayu Reserva Carmenère 2011, Elqui Valley

Carmenre.
Chile.


In the glass dark red color.
On the nose dark fruit, tobacco, earth.
On the palate dry, firm tannins with balanced acidity, medium to full body. Chocolate flavour with hint of cedar and tobacco. Plum, ripe red fruit. Smooth, long finish with leather aromas.

Villa Mt. Eden Grand Reserve Chardonnay 2008, Bien Nacido Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley

Chardonnay

California

$19.95 at LCBO (393892) 

In the glass clean, healthy, light straw color.

On the nose floral, citrus.

On the palate dry, medium body, hazelnut, butterscotch, light oak. Balanced, medium finish with vanilla flavors.

Penfolds Thomas Hyland Shiraz 2011, Adelaide, South Australia

Shiraz

South Australia, Australia

$21.95 (611210) 

Dark purple red in the glass.

On the nose lovely aromas of  blackcurrants, dark berries, and hint of coffee.

On the palate dry, medium bodied. Soft tannins, rich flavours of dark red fruit, plum, spices, vanilla.

Soft tannins, vibrant acidity. Rounded finish with chocolate flavors.

Marchesi De' Frescobaldi Tenuta Di Castiglioni 2011, Igt Toscana

Tuscany, Italy

$21.95 at LCBO  (145920) 

 A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet franc, and Sangiovese.

Dark ruby red in the glass. Clean, healthy.

On the nose red fruit, cherries, baking spices, hazelnuts.

On the palate dry, medium body, strong tannins, supporting acidity. Flavors of cranberries, pomegranate, currant, plums.

Spicy hints of cinnamon and oak in the end. Nice finish.

Better to decant.

Very elegant wine!

André Blanck & Ses Fils Rosenbourg Pinot Blanc 2011, Ac Alsace

Pinot Blanc
Alsace, France
$14.95at LCBO (626606)

Great!
Easy drinking, fresh wine.
Fresh apple, pear flavors with floral  aromas.
Light to medium body, crisp acidity, light, fresh finish with touch of minerality.

Elephant Hill Pinot Noir 2011, Central Otago, South Island

Pinot Noir
Central Otago, New Zealand
$29.95at LCBO(309583)

Pinot Noir from new Zealand are my second favorite after Burgundy!:0) 

Rich ruby red and semi opaque in the glass.

On the nose red fruits, cherries, floral.

On the palate dry, fresh acidity,  easy to drink, strawberries.

medium finish with herb character.

Gisselbrecht Frankstein Riesling 2009, Ac Alsace Grand Cru

Riesling

Alsace, France

$20.95 at LCBO (341909) 

That was my favorite  Riesling ever!

Amazing floral nose with citrus and fruit nose.

On the palate medium bodied, crisp and dry with reach apple, honey and citrus flavors. Long finish with mineral and spice notes. 

Very balanced  fantastic wine!

Liberty School Syrah 2011, Paso Robles

Syrah
California, USA
$18.95 at LCBO (942383)

 Loved this wine!
Very pleasant, smoky, lots of black fruit and meaty aromas.
Medium to full bodied, soft tannins and subtle acidity.
Dark fruit and cherries on the palate with peppery taste on the finish.
Very nice with meat!

Chilensis Lazuli 2010, Estate Btld., Maule Valley

Maule Valley, Chile

Red blend

$17.95 at LCBO (348128) 

It was interesting find!

Original blend of  Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petit Verdot, Merlot, Syrah and Carmenére. 

In the glass deep garnet black color.
On the nose complex aromas of black fruit, cherries, black pepper and little bit of coffee.
On the palate dry, medium bodied, soft and balanced tannins and acidity. Very fruity, vanilla, leather. Medium finish with fruit character.