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TreeHouse Tasting No.23: 18 Reasons Edition

» posted by Rich on 2010-01-25 16:34:12

18 Reasons, Jura Brut, Domaine Massiac, Tre Monti, Ferrando, Lioco, Poderia

Went to 18 Reasons wine tasting in SF, a community art and event space hosted by the folks at Bi Rite market in the Mission. It was a rainy, cold night in SF and I really just wanted to stay home. But Lady Jess convinced me that I was not, in fact, made of brown sugar, and that I would not melt in the rain. Who knew?

We were glad we went. 18 Reasons were featuring some of the new wines that Bi Right will be stocking for 2010. They poured six wines, including a great red , 2007 Lioco "Indica" Carignane Blend, (carignan-78%, petite sirah-10%, mourvedre-9%, and grenache-3%). The nose is a bit hot, but very nice on the palate. Leathery raw hide, and dark cherry flavors with a nice finish.

We also liked the ruby color and Pinot Noir-like palate of the 2008 Ferrando Canavese Rosso from Italy. In fact, I scribbled a vague star next to one of the last two reds, and I'm starting the think I meant to say that this was our favorite, a slight lead over the Lioco "Indica"... but suffice to say that they were both pretty darn good.

Our favorite white was a 2008 Domaine Massiac Sauvignon Blanc from the South of France. Earthy, and light, this Sauvignon Blanc is what I love about this varietal. Fresh and clean, with hints of green apple candy. Delicious.

Also tasted:

Non-vintage Labet Cremant du Jura Brut Rose, a French sparkler with very strong flavors, tart, with a strong finish. Maybe a bit too much for our palate.

2008 Tre Monti Albana di Romagna Secco was good, with hints of Fruity Pebbles cereal on the nose. The Albana grape, from Northern Italy, is sometimes hard to figure out. Each time I've had it I couldn't find anything wrong with it, but didn't exactly love it, either.

2007 Poderi San Lazzaro "Podere 72" Rosso from Central Italy. This blend of Montepulciano 50%, Sangiovese 50% is a big, bitter red with lots of young tannins. I'd like to try this one in a few years.

A big thank you to 18 Reasons for the great tasting. It's a small store front gallery just around the corner from Bi Rite Market, and the folks there are cool and unpretentious. We encourage anyone in SF to become a member of 18 Reasons to be a part of weekly food and wine events. (And check their calendar for upcoming events that are open to the general public).

And, never forget to stop in to the Bi Rite Market itself. They have a great selection of wine and cheese, for sure, and a great gourmet deli counter. Hover around the wine section for more than a minute and there is almost always somebody there to help you make a good choice. They know their stuff.

*editor's apology for the crappy quality of the phone camera photos.