2015 L’Union Square “Belle du Nuit” Gewürztraminer $20

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Winery Tasting Notes:  “As disorientating as falling through a weakened wall and landing in a Gatsby-esque Prohibition speakeasy at the Sazerac Bar in the Roosevelt of New Orleans: braised strawberry compote, private-eye cigars, muddled sassafras branch, cherry candle wax, rose hips, blueberry beignets, foie gras and ginger snaps. All swaddled in the comfort of low light and true crushed velvet seats.”

Blend: 100% Gewürztraminer
Alcohol Level: 14.2%
Cases Produced: 200
Winemaker Name: Xavier Arnaudin
Maturity: Drink Now – 2020

Pairings:  Cured Meats, Poached or Steamed Lobster/Shellfish, Hot & Spicy Asian Cuisine

Staff Review:  DREW MOFFAT – Gewürztraminer?!?  You know what…it’s really, really good juice and perfect for these warm summer months.  I have always been a fan of Gewürztraminer/Riesling but more specifically semi-sweet/dry wines.  Typically, I find myself drinking these earlier in the evening or as a substitute for a sparkling wine or beer.  Domestically, we have come a long way these varieties and it isn’t just for the sweet tooth or when white zin isn’t available.  A perfect example is that from Union Sacre (or Sacred Union).

Union Sacre, a partnership formed (by friends’) Xavier Arnaudin and Philip Muzzy began during the harvest of October 2012.  Both men were up-and-coming stars in the So Cal wine scene with Xavier as an assistant winemaker for Sans Liege and whom also worked with other outstanding producers such as; Barrel 27, Herman Story and Arcadian.  Philip, a marketing expert, helped design labels for most if not all of those wineries so their paths obviously crossed over the years.  Their goal for a wine label was simple: “why not create something to share at dinner with the winemakers, friends and family from whom we’ve learned so much?”  That night, Union Sacre was born.

The thing I love the most about these two yutes (My Cousin Vinny reference) was that both their skill sets are manifested in Union Sacre.  The wines are phenomenal and the packaging is some of the most unique on the market!  Also they live by the principle of: “We are not autres, adventurers or advocates, we are simply two friends throwing all our weight into making wine worthy of our friends’ and families’ tables. Union Sacre is the bread we break together.”  So true!

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