By:
Jeffrey Cohen, CMS, Wine Specialist
Happy Spring!
In this installment of Taste, I would like to personally invite all our members to Axis to taste a brand-new wine list. The opening list consists of wines by the glass from around the world. Our whites are meant for the spring and summer and will be perfect for a cocktail as well as the Axis menu. They will certainly quench the thirst of golfers or pickleballers coming off the course and courts. The reds are juicy and robust, and some earthy — the perfect blend of Old World and New World. You will find there is the perfect wine just for you.
The next phase will be to expand into a well-rounded list. Again, my intentions are to have something for all to enjoy and learn about. They will be well-knowns, minimally knowns, and some highly allocated selections as well.
As the excitement for Axis’ opening is spreading and we all get a chance to make our way over, I’m sure you will agree with me about how spectacular this outlet will be. We had the great opportunity to host Amalia and Jessica Palmaz on the Axis patio overlooking the gorgeous Hill Country sunset at the Palmaz Wine Dinner. The patio was full, and besides about 30 minutes of direct sun, it quickly turned into a very comfortable and enjoyable evening for the 43 attendees. Amalia herself called me over to tell me just how great the food was paired with their wonderful Napa wines.
Now I would like to highlight a couple of the wine selections:
The Villa Maria ‘EarthGarden’ Sauvignon Blanc is from Marlborough, New Zealand. It is organically grown with wildflower gardens planted among the vineyard rows and regenerative viticulture to keep New Zealand’s soils healthy and ecosystems thriving. EarthGarden is bursting with flavor as nature intended. It is a zesty fruit-driven Sauvignon Blanc with the complexity and character of the vineyards shining through in the glass through texture, palate weight and intensity. On the nose it has lifted aromas of citrus fruit, lime and grapefruit that jump right out of the glass. The flavors on the palate showcase fresh herbs, lemongrass and passionfruit. The intense fresh fruit concentration is balanced with acidity and is perfectly thirst-quenching for warm days as spring eases into summer. The wine pairs wonderfully with plant-based dishes, so try it with fresh summer salads featuring vibrant lemon zest and green herb accents.
The San Polo Rubio is primarily made up of the Sangiovese grape. It has a brilliant ruby red color, with purplish glints. The bouquet is intense and persistent with fresh aromas of red cherries, violets and black currants followed by subtly spicy notes. It is well-structured and balanced with satisfying tannins and aromatic persistence. The nuances of forest fruits and cherries, which are typical of sangio, make it easy to drink, yet still intense and elegant. Rubio expresses the vitality and immediacy of crisply fresh Sangiovese grapes from Montalcino. Due to its versatility, it is excellent by the glass and ideal for open air barbeques. It is delicious when paired with various cold cuts, salami, pasta dishes, sausages, grilled meats and medium-matured cheeses such as Pecorino.
Thank you all for your continuous support of the wine program! Please come in and give these selections a try.
Jeff
Jeffrey M. Cohen, CMS, is the Wine Specialist/Beverage Manager at The Clubs of Cordillera Ranch. He can be reached at jcohen@cordilleraranch.com and 210.677.9234.
