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Easy Summer Sippers from Tariquet
Posted by Wine Reviews | Posted on 07-31-2012
| Posted inThe hot humid days of August demand healthy pours of summer whites. At a recent dinner at sd26 in NYC, I had the opportunity to taste a few refreshing wines that fit the bill — at a refreshing price, too.
The dinner and tasting celebrated the 100th anniversary of Domaine du Tariquet, an estate in Gascony, Southwest France led by fifth generation and soft-spoken winemaker, Armin Grassa. Armin explained, Tariquet’s wines are all about “freshness and fruitness.” Tariquet makes all white and rosé wines (no reds), in addition to Armagnac. Three wines* stood out as affordable and quenching favorites I’d be happy to drink again.
The first was 2011 Domaine du Tariquet Sauvignon, which was a pure, bright expression of Sauvignon Blanc and had simple grapefruit, lemon, and mineral nuances. Easy and straightforward. (SRP: $10.99)
I also enjoyed the 2011 Domainue du Tariquet Chardonnay. The Chardonnay undergoes 1/3 of its maturation in oak barrels, which lends mellow buttery characteristics. The dominant flavor profile is spicy and tropical. Again, a simple summer back porch-sipping wine. (SRP: $11.99)
Finally, the 2011 Domaine du Tariquet Rosé de Pressee, a deep pink wine bursting with ripe strawberry on the nose and some white pepper spice on the palate. Juicy at first, then a short finish. (SRP: $10.99) As regular readers might remember, David White reviewed the Tariquet Rosé last month.
*Tariquet also makes some funkier/more innovative white wines, including a Chenin-Chardonnay and a Chardonnay-Sauvignon Blanc blend.