Some of us were able to gather together at the welcome back BBQ held on the front lawn of the Moorestown Community House on August 13, 2020.  Despite the rain, it was wonderful to see so many of you again.  I was charged with obtaining the wine and beer for the event, and the choices were well-received.

The 2019 Finca Nueva Rosado was the most popular wine of the night.  This rosé from Rioja, Spain is 60% Tempranillo and 40% Garnacha (Grenache).  On the nose, this light pink rose has aromas of strawberry, cherry, red currant, and raspberry, with the red berries following through on the palate.  Despite the higher alcohol for a Rosé (13.3% ABV) due to the warm climate, this wine isn’t flabby at all, but has lively acidity to balance out the heat from the alcohol. 

I’ve gotten emails from several people asking where they can find it.  Unfortunately, I got it through industry connections and it appears to be not that easy to find in local liquor stores.  An online search indicated that Benash Liquors in Cherry Hill carries it ($11), or you can order it online from Wine Chateau ($15).

The 2018 Abadia de San Campio Albariño from the Bodegas Terras Gauda in Rias Baixas in Northwest Spain was the white wine served. 100% Albariño, the wine is fermented in stainless steel vats. The fermented wine is then aged sur lees (on the dead yeast – sounds gross, but gives the wine a smoother, rounder mouth-feel) for three to four months before being filtered and bottled. 

On the nose, ripe apple and apricot with some pineapple from the sur lees process. On the palate, the wine is bright and lively, yet has a smooth, round mouth-feel.  This can be ordered online from Wine Chateau ($18) 12.5% ABV. I also saw that Central Wine Merchants in Flemington may carry it.

Quinta Sardonia is an organic, biodynamic winery located just outside the border of the D.O. Ribera del Duero, in Vino de la Tierra de Castillon y Leon. Their vineyards are at a high elevation, above the banks of the Duero River.  Their 2017 Sardòn is a red blend of 95% Tempranillo, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the remaining 2% a blend of Garnacha, Albillo, Syrah and Malbec. The wines are aged in a combination of aged French Oak, large oak tanks (foudres), and large concrete eggs, then blended and aged for a few more months in concrete tanks before bottling. On the nose, aromas of red berries, cherry, and some spice.  On the palate, the wine is fresh and fruity with smooth tannins and a mineral finish.  This is also available from Central Wine Merchants in Flemington ($18) or online from Wine Chateau ($18).  14.5% ABV.

The 2018 Terra d’Oro Moscato was also a big hit.  This off-dry white is 100% Muscat of Alexandria, from the Northern Sacramento Valley in California. After hand-picking, the grapes are crushed and left on their skins overnight, intensifying the flavor. After being pressed the next day, 70% of the wine is fermented, and the remaining 30% remains “grape juice”, which is then added back in before bottling. On the nose: aromas of honey, white peach, pineapple, and lemon. On the palate: lemon, pineapple, anise, and honey.  Available online from Wine Chateau ($15) or from Wine.com ($15). 9.5% ABV.

Finally, a huge thank you to Gary Woodend, Esq., who donated beer from the Double Nickel Brewery for the evening. The Key Lime IPA was the most popular, followed by the Award-winning Vienna Style Lager, the Belgian Golden Ale, and the Session India Pale Ale.

I hope you all stay healthy as you enjoy the end of the summer. Cheers!