The Great Women Of Wine
A while back - and I mean at least five or six years ago we started to introduce wine from South America to you - really way ahead of the curve when you stop to think about it.
We were so impressed by the quality and the remarkable value these wine offer that it was like finding treasure. It was also remarkable that some of the greatest wine was being produced by women. Consider that this is still an industry dominated by men - especially in South America - it was a very difficult road for these gals to navigate.
But they did - And they all but shattered the glass ceilings above them and in the case of our first winemaker - Susana Balbo - won Winemaker Of The Year in Argentina on three separate occasions.
 |
| Susana Balbo |
We love these wines - we stock them when ever we can - and if you have not had the opportunity to try them please join us on Friday - they will change your outlook on wine.
Our own Dave Anderson says this:
Crios Torrontes $14
Susana Balbo has been a winemaking powerhouse in Argentina since the early 1980's - we're a fan of all of her "Crios" table wines, but this Torrontes may be the most compelling. Sourced from 30-year old Torrontes vines situated at 5,800 feet elevation in Cafayate, Argentina, the wine is unoaked and meant to be enjoyed young. A remarkable floral and fruity nose, with citrus similar to Sauvignon Blanc, yet weightier and more aromatic.
Malbec Rose $12
Another gem from Susana Balbo - yes, a rose of Malbec, one of the darkest, dry blush wines we've come across. If you didn't chill it, you might even pretend it was a fruity Pinot Noir. But when you DO chill it, you'll want to collect all the grilled shrimp skewers and crab claws you can find.
 |
| Todd and "Frankie" Williams |
Some of you may have met our next winemaker here at the store. We have had the great pleasure of having her visit a couple of times over the years. AND she is a local gal - NL High School 1966.
Faced with the untimely death of her husband Todd - Francine "Frankie" Williams pursued the dream that the two of them had planned together. The wines of Toad Hollow have gained international recognition and racked up too many accolades to mention here. The Wall Street Journal includes her wines on their Top 10 List.
Join us this Friday at the tasting and see how a local girl made good.
Dave Anderson:
Toad Hollow Erik's the Red $14
Named for the famous Norseman-sailor-conqueror and, obviously, a man with a great palate-Erik the Red. This is a wonderful blend of EIGHTEEN - yes, count em' - different varietals of grapes from the beautiful Paso Robles area of the Central Coast of California. Toad Hollow - like Erik - is not afraid to hop into the fray and make a wine that is not only big and chewy, but still has a modicum of understated elegance. WOW! What a wine.
