Boise Coop Wine Shop

A Refreshing Trio

• August 21, 2008

Last fall we fell in love with a number of new Austrian wines. Not only were they priced right, but they were absolutely delicious. Two of our favorites came E & M Berger, a small estate producing just over 5,000 cases. This family run winery in the Kremstal region is headed by Erich Berger and his wife Michaela. It is a modern operation in every sense of the word. Cultured yeasts picked for slow fermentation work their magic in temperature controled stainless steel fermentors. The result is racy wines with a purity of fruit and admirable persistence. Our two picks for this weekend’s tasting are the 2007 Gruner Veltliner and the 2007 Blauer Zweigelt. Both are packaged in a one liter bottle with a practical (if not fashionable) crown cap to preserve freshness, and both are Terry Theise selections, an assurance of quality when it comes to wines from Austria or Germany. Theise considers the Berger to be the best of the ‘07 Gruner liters, with the most density, fruit and substance. An interesting and delightful wine well above its class. He describes the Zweigelt as hyper fragrant, what Dolcetto used to be until it got “ideas.” It offers a straight line of spicy fruit. While it is less opulent than the ‘06, it’s still full of character and imprinted with cherry fruit. We think you will be impressed with what twelve bucks will buy in the way of Austrian wine.

And of course, since it’s summer we are also featuring a rosé from the south of France, this time from Domaine de Saint Antoine. It’s a 50 acre property located in the heart of Costières de Nîmes, on the western edge of the Rhône River. Owned and operated by Jean-Louis Emmanuel and his wife Marlène, this estate has become one of the rising stars in the appellation. Saint Antoine is situated in a very warm micro-climate, allowing the grapes to achieve outstanding ripeness. Syrah dominates the blend in this intensely flavored rosé. Red fruit aromas highlight the nose and carry through on the rich round palate. Notes of mineral and chalk add interest to this crisp and refreshing wine that’s a perfect match for the dwindling days of summer.

Drop by this Friday, August 22 from 4:30 to 6:30 pm, or Saturday, August 23 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm for a free taste of these three wines.