It's all about the Goat Cheese.. Loire Valley Whites

BARRAMUNDAYS WINE & VINYL

Quel fromage!

Sancerre vs Vouvray

It all started with the Saracens. In the 8th century, these Arab descendants were expelled from the Loire Valley, (and from France). They left their goats. Lucky us!

As a result, we have a lovely pairing tonight. Goat cheese and Loire Valley white wine: Sancerre and Vouvray to be exact. Sauvignon Blanc (Sancerre) is the penultimate pairing with funky, creamy goat cheese. However, French Chenin Blanc (Vouvray) has the full bodied flavors and aromas to stand up to this powerful cheese as well.

Tonight, it's about the pairing: that celestial, perfect combination of wine and cheese.

Saxelby's in the Essex Market: Tomme de Lay (raw goat's milk), from Lazy Lady Farm, Vt.

We will pair these wines with the vinyl stylings of DJ Ilmo, as well. All night long.

Tonight!
at Barramundi
67 Clinton St.
NYC

Sauvignon Blanc: New Zealand vs South Africa

BARRAMUNDAYS WINE & VINYL

Southern Hemisphere Stand Off

New Zealand made its mark on the Wine Scene in the 1980's, offering Sauvignon Blanc in the form of a fruit bomb with highly aromatic notes of gooseberry, tropical fruit, and of course, that leafy green-ness that is characteristic of the varietal.  Love it or hate it, these powerful white wines made a huge impact on the wine industry, one that is still keenly felt today.

Perhaps as a reaction to the intense flavors (and hype) of these New Zealand wines, South Africa steered their Sauv Blancs halfway towards the Loire Valley, with the intention of bringing in some old world elegance to balance out all that powerful fruit. 

Do these two different regions' wines have more in common? Or are they defined more by the differences between them? Want to find out? For free?

Free tasting, and ALL price points only $8 a glass.
With DJ Ilmo spinning eclectic lounge as only he can. Cheese by Saxelby's. (Goat, of course!)

Tonight
at Barramundi
67 Clinton St.
NYC

"They Make That in White"? Spain vs France

BARRAMUNDAYS WINE &  VINYL

White Rioja, White Bordeaux

Most people have tasted or at least heard of Bordeaux- famously complex French wine, compelling and seemingly priced out of reach, and Rioja- earthy, dry, Spanish and sexy, with an ever-expanding fan-base. There's no need to describe the color of these two wines, they are usually synonymous with Red.

The Odds-on Favorite: White Bordeaux
Tonight we present a European Battle: Spain vs. France. White Bordeaux would seem to have the edge in this fight. After all, our French Contender is from the Graves appellation of Bordeaux, which is famous for its white wines.  White wines from Bordeaux are blended- Sauvignon Blanc & Semillon in varying percentages. These wines are generally speaking, fresh, crisp and fruity, with some floral notes, with more oak comes ageability, richness and depth.

The Underdog: White Rioja
On the other hand, White Rioja accounts for less than 10% of  all Rioja wines, (it shares that percentage with Rose). This wine is usually made from the crisp Viura grape, (sometimes with the addition of Malvasia and White Garnacha, or other non-Spanish varietals of late) but this main varietal is not exactly trendy or well known. One thing this wine has in common with White Bordeaux is the use of oak: in this case oak aging produces some nutty, caramelly flavors which, when done well, form a great counterpoint to the grape's natural fresh and fruity character. I happen to really like this wine, and think it deserves a bigger audience.

Taste them both for free, and vote for your favorite!

With sublime vinyl by DJ Ilmo. Saxelby's brings the cheese!

Tonight
at Barramundi
67 Clinton St
NYC

Lovely Loire Valley Whites

Barramundays Wine & Vinyl
The Garden of France..

White Wines of the Loire Valley, France
MUSCADET vs SANCERRE vs VOUVRAY

The Loire Valley wine region comprises 310 square miles, starting just West of the Atlantic Ocean, and stretching along the banks of the Loire River. A great abundance of crops are grown within its boundaries, including cherries, asparagus, and artichokes, as well as grapes, of course! An area full of gorgeous chateaux, cathedrals, and ancient villages, part of the central Loire River Valley has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Within this verdant region, a huge variety of wines are produced, 75% of them white. The reds are pretty great as well, but tonight we will taste three of the main white varieties, all very different from each other, but all with certain similarities as well: a crisp fruitiness and great balance.

Muscadet:
100% Melon de Bourgogne, grown in vineyards not far from the Atlantic Ocean, this wine is bone dry and refreshing, occasionally with a touch of salinity and minerality to complement the apple and citrus aromas. Often aged "on its lees" to enhance flavor and mouthfeel. (Lees are the solid particles left after fermentation). Perfectly paired with fruits de mer.

Sancerre:
Wines have been made in this part of France since at least the 6th century. This Sauvignon Blanc has more restrained fruit than its New World counterparts. What sets these vineyards apart is arguable the soil: whether chalk, gravel & limestone, or flint, it has a big influence on a Sancerre's aromas, and creates a counterpoint to the typical citrus and especially grapefruit flavors. Delicious with goat cheese.

Vouvray:
This versatile grape (Chenin Blanc) is capable of making very dry still and sparkling wines, as well as excellent off dry or sweet desert wines, the latter incorporating "noble rot", in the style of Sauternes. The most remarkable characteristic of this wine lies in the balance between residual sugar and its natural high acidity. These two factors result in "percieved" sweetness: a sweeter Vouvray may not seem so, due to the highly acidic counterpoint of the wine. This makes for a fascinating, if a tad confusing, tasting experience. In addition, this high acidity can create wines that are extremely age-worthy- although Vouvray is often bottled early and aged in the bottle, hardly ever oaked. Pair with rich dishes and flavorful sauces. Common aromas of apple, fig, ginger and flowers.

Free tasting, and truly a steal at only $8 a glass. With the eclectic vinyl stylings of DJ Ilmo. Cheese pairing by Saxelby's in the Essex Market.

Tonight
at Barramundi
67 Clinton St
NYC