There is something that I must admit: I have conversations with wine. We talk about history, cooking, culture, weather and the list goes on. Sometimes it is a one way conversation - I the student being lectured by my wine, learning from my wine - other times I find the conversation boring and put it to a quick end. Okay, so at this point you think I might be crazy, I understand, so let me explain. Recently in my monthly search for wines for the Fearrington House Wine Club, I purchased a bottle of the Chateau de Caladroy, Cote de Roussillon Rouge, 2005. Being a big fan of the wines of French Catalan, I was excited to try this wine; a blend of Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre, and Carignan. After pouring the wine in the glass and bringing the glass to my nose, I knew that this was a one way conversation. This wine reminded me of why I chose wine as my career. It had everything I look for - character, guts, class, and history. The nose jumped out at me with aromas of sun-drenched rosemary and lavender, baked plums, smoke, and the freshness of sea air working its way up the foothills. This wine took me to the Pyranees, back to childhood trips driving from Carcassonne to Andora. It took me to a place where rusticity and the good life go hand in hand, where life is simple, nature enamors, and your senses are piqued by beauty. This little 750 ML bottle on my table in my kitchen spoke to me, it inspired me, it enriched my life, if only for that day. I urge your to try this wine - we will have it available at The Belted Goat starting in mid-February.
Max Kast