Boise Coop Wine Shop

Highlighting Three Continents

• June 12, 2008

2006 Luna Vineyards Freakout White, $14.99

An exotic blend of Pinot Grigio, Ribolla Gialla, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. The secret of Freakout is in the innovative winemaking. Each varietal is treated individually, and then married together two months before bottling to create the ultimate blend. To promote the aromatics of the wine, the Chardonnay begins fermentation in tanks before moving to French oak barrels. Meanwhile, a small portion of the Sauvignon Blanc is fermented on the skins like a red wine, and punched down twice a day until fermentation is completed. The Pinot Grigio is fermented in stainless steel for a crisp, lively finish. The distinctive Ribolla Gialla is fermented in small oak barrels and provides weight, texture and minerality. Treating each varietal separately creates a complex wine with multiple layers of exotic fruit, soft citrus, honey and spice. Intense aromas of tropical fruit and orange peel combine with rich flavors of dried apricot, spice and toasted nuts to create a lush texture and brisk mouthwatering finish.

2005 Pikes, The Red Mullet, $15.59

Englishman Henry Pike immigrated to South Australia in 1878 aboard the HMS Oakland. He settled in the small town of Oakbank in the Adelaide Hills and in 1886 established the family brewing business called H. Pike & Co. This name became well known throughout South Australia for its quality beer, soft drink and tonic ale, and the company used the English Pike fish on the label, which remains to this day - a symbol of Pikes’ long heritage. The sale of H. Pike & Co. in 1972 did not end the family tradition. Henry Pike’s great grandson Edgar was well established in the wine industry as a private vigneron and as a vineyard manager for a large proprietary wine company. His sons, Andrew and Neil, have both followed in their father’s footsteps. The Winery (renovated from an old stone shearing shed) is situated in the historic and picturesque Polish Hill River sub region on the eastern side of the Clare Valley. The climate in this area is considerably cooler and the soils are also quite unique to the rest of the region. These attributes impart distinctive flavors and aromas to the wines from the Polish Hill River area. The Red Mullet is a blend of Shiraz, Mouvedre, Tempranillo and Grenache with ripe, red berry fruits, a supple texture, soft tannins, a hint of chocolate and just the right hit of acidity.

2007 Quinta do Carmo, Dom Martinho Rosé, $12.99

Quinta do Carmo is located in the heart of the Iberian Peninsula, in the beautiful Portuguese region of Alentejo. It lies some 125 miles to the east of Lisbon and is less than 25 miles from the Spanish border. The Romans created the extensive agricultural estates (latifundia) and introduced wheat, barley, olive trees, and grapevines. While grain was planted in the most fertile soils, vines were grown on (preferably sunny) hillsides and gradually overtook the olive tree groves and cork oak woods. Quinta do Carmo is part of the Alentejan tradition, with a vineyard of 375 acres and a total area of more than 2500 acres that still includes olive trees, cork oak trees and forests. This rosé pours a bright rhubarb shade of pink that serves as a nice precursor to the floral rose petal and strawberry rhubarb aromas that follow. Crisp and refreshing red fruit flavors dominate the palate in this elegantly styled charmer.