Capuchon Fifille 2014
Dec 19, 2015 | WINES TO LEARN |
Full-Bodied White Wine
2014
USA (California, Central Coast, Santa Inez Valley)
Grenache Blanc
15% alc.
Serve at 48-53ºF (9-12ºC)
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To keep in mind
- You can learn about white wines. For some beginners, the fact that a white wine can be full-bodied may be surprising. This is because of the most common way our taste for wine evolves. First we prefer whites, then, as our palate accustoms to more tannins and higher levels of alcohol, we start to appreciate reds. It happens in a similar way with beer… Usually we do not like the bitter taste at the beginning… And then, we love the hoppy taste more and more. Thus, this wine is a second step in white wine comprehension. This wine is not especially fruity, nor is it very fresh (or acidic) and it has high alcohol content… So, an unexpected special wine for beginners (and not-so-novice).
- The mouthfeel is of a full-bodied wine and you can learn about minerality, as the fruitiness is not overwhelming. This is more like a European-style wine (aka Old World Style). The alcohol also provides a rich and smooth feeling: even after swallowing you still notice the warmth. If you want to “see” the alcohol, pay attention to the “tears” that will appear in the glass after swirling it.
- The main aromas are grapefruit, melon, sweet lime, honey and slate.
- This wine can be a “total meal”. I’m a great fan of drinking wine by itself without any accompaniment, or at least jut taking a couple of sips to concentrate on its flavors. It is not the typical white wine for fish and you can try it with something with more texture such as vegetable stews, legumes, pasta salad or Chinese rice. Have you heard that rule about red wine & cheese? Break it!! Try this wine with your favorite soft melted cheese over a crunchy ciabatta.
- You can keep this wine until the end of 2016. As a rule, do not keep white wines long unless you know you can. In general, for a proper aging you need high acidity levels, not too high alcohol content and moderate tannins. It does not look like this wine is a good candidate for a good aging, so… Enjoy it right now!