Metro Wines Blog - Metro Wines Asheville
Eric Asimov, Ameztoi Txakolina and MetroWines
From Da Maison Selections in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, we have had Ameztoi Txakolina since we opened!
Welcome aboard Eric!
Ameztoi produces classic Txakolina, the delicious, bright, slightly fizzy, low alcohol wines that are consumed like water in Spanish Euskadi (Basque Country). Vineyards are very close to the ocean, full of verdant, green cover throughout the year. Mostly Hondarribi Zuri, with 10% Hondarribi Beltza from 20-25 year-old vines, fermented in stainless. Briny and bright, Ameztoi refreshes with juicy lime fruit and Txakolina's characteristic spritz.
"If you like Picpoul, you like Txakolina!"
2020 is $21@MetroWines
Eric Asimov is paying $22 in NYC!
Yellow with reflections of gray green. On the nose, expressive with a predominance of white fruits including peach supported by notes of fresh almonds and flowers of accacia. On the palate, tender and long with flavors of cooked butter and toasted hazelnuts. Chenin Blanc.
Copain Has its Day in the Sun
Admit it, you have been walking past this gorgeous bottle of Rosé. Some of you may think that 2018 is "old" for Rosé.
Au contraire. Ask the French! Some wines, some rosé are meant to age. This is one of them.
This Rosé is made from 100% Copain Pinot Noir and guess what:
The 2018 Copain Pinot Noir just scored 91 Points from Wine&Spirits and costs on average $65. THAT is what is in this bottle for $16.99!
Brett says: "In a just world, this bottle should be $30! Copain Rosé presents a range of red fruit flavors. Tangy berry flavors of wild strawberry and sour cherries wrapped in delicacy. Not an easy balance to achieve."
The Wine: Alois Lageder Pinot Grigio, Alto Adige, Italy, 2019
What we Tasted: Pineapple, peach, “pink Starburst Candy,” Grapefruit, Lychee, pear, cantaloupe, ginger, Jasmine, Lilly, “Circus Peanut Candy,” “touch of dried apple,” “Wet rocks”
What we Guessed: French Chenin Blanc, Italian Pinot Grigio, Australian Riesling
What Andy Guessed: Andy guessed Southern French Viognier. He has never correctly guessed Pinot Grigio though.
What we Thought: Overall, this one was a hit with our crew. “It’s very balanced” was one comment. “I like it for a white wine” was another. One taster said they would “order it again” if they had it in a restaurant.
Nick Demos is an Advanced Sommelier and the Brand Manager around these parts for Kermit Lynch. But, mostly, Nick is known for being an all around nice guy. As one restaurant manager I know said: "He does not make you feel totally inadequate while you are learning about wine." Nick tasted and talked four wines on Zoom on December 17th hosted by Tryon Distribution and MetroWines in Asheville.