Vine-Out and Try Something New
There is nothing quite like the perfect food and wine pairing. A beautiful glass of champagne with raw oysters, a lovely chardonnay accompanying a butter-poached lobster, or the always classic California cabernet and New York Strip steak. That moment when the flavors and subtle nuances form the perfect dance on your palette is hard to beat. Although the classics will always remain, it is equally as exciting to learn about new wines that can match food in a new and expressive way you’ve never experienced before!
The European wine scene is referred to as the “Old World,” leaving the rest of the globe the title of the “New World.” Both of these worlds have very distinct and different characteristics and flavors; however, there is a hidden gem in Old World Spain giving New World bold red wines a run for their money: a region called Priorat. The region barely existed fifteen years ago, and even now is scarcely known outside of Spain, despite being the home to some of the country’s most award-winning and coveted red wines. One of these stellar and famous wines is Clos Erasmus.
In the late 1980’s a group of winemakers, including Clos Erasmus proprietor Daphne Glorian risked everything to reclaim the glorious Mediterranean wine region Priorat, which had long been ignored and overlooked. The investment paid off as the region and Clos Erasmus, (one of the area’s five original labels), continue to win global recognition in the wine industry. Along with its global cult following, Clos Erasmus, also has a tie to Charlotte, as Daphne Glorian is married to local legendary wine importer Eric Solomon.
Clos Erasmus, is a multifaceted wine, beginning on the nose with ripe dark cherries, dark plums, liquorice, and clove. The minerality is also important to note, as Priorat wines are known for this terroir nuance. On the palate of this full-bodied wine are supple tannins, complimented with concentrated fruit and high acidity. As with any show-stopping bold red, you’ll find the finish to have a lovely lingering complexity.
This emerging Spanish star would make the perfect companion to a lavish steak dinner, or even as the main attraction at cocktail hour with friends. Either way, this wine and its story are certain to impress, so sit back with a bottle and cheers!