We’re just two weeks away from the kick off of Charleston Wine + Food! We can’t wait to share some of our favorite wines with you at the Bottles Wine Retail Shop in Marion Square during the festival. In the meantime, our wine buyer Mike van Beyrer shares some of his top picks from emerging hot wine regions around the world. This week, we’re focusing on our picks from the United States.
CENTRAL COAST, CALIFORNIA
The weather on California’s Central Coast makes for excellent diversity in wine. Grapes here are among the oldest in the state — Santa Cruz, Monterey, Carmel, Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara are all towns populated with stunning vineyards and wineries.
Our Pick: Adelaida, The Keeper Red Blend ($20.99)
Aromas of macerated wild strawberries, spices, roasting meat, espresso beans and campfire smoke are all present in this wine. On the palate, you’ll taste notes of red berries, dried rosemary and more in this unique blend of Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah, Counoise, Cinsaut and Carignane.
WILLIAMETTE VALLEY, OREGON
Over the last four decades, Oregon’s wine industry has grown from a few tiny wineries to the present 130, many less than an hour from Portland. Recently there has been a string of great vintages from the region in combination with an infusion of new talent pushing quality to greater heights.
Our Pick: Omero, Pinot Noir Willamette Valley ($23.99)
This sublime Oregon Pinot comes from a tiny family owned winery in Carlton, Oregon, where everything is organic, hand harvested and hand crafted. Cinnamon, vanilla and sandalwood compliment the opulent cherry fruit along with notes of rhubarb and sassafras.