The Wineslinger Chronicles: Exploring a New Wine Shop & Coming Up With a Winner – Domaine Arsac 2023 Viognier
Coming from Houston, the “Land of Spec’s Wine, Spirits & Finer Foods”, I lived for 25 years in the shadow of what we often referred to as “The Mothership” Spec’s store on Smith Street. I was a little concerned about what I’d find in Decatur, Georgia. But, after my recent visit to Wahoo Wine and Provision around the corner from my new home, my worst fears have been ablated.
What I found in this much smaller but well stocked wine shop was a wine that carried many wine made from my favorite wine grape varieties: Tannat, Syrah, Viognier, Roussanne, and more. The first bottle of wine I opened came with a colorful and somewhat abstract label.
What I found was Domaine Arsac Les Amandiers 2023 Viognier. From my earliest days covering the wine industry in Texas some 30 years ago, I’ve been a fan of Viognier from both new and old world, usually both with their own distinct characteristics.
Domaine Arsac Les Amandiers 2023 Viognier
This wine was a pleasurable find, offered both old and new world characteristics. It shows a fragrant bouquet of white flowered honeysuckle, with up front peach and apricot aromas and flavors signaling a new world flair. It also offers a clean, crisp, minerally and near dry old world style on the palate.
Domaine Arsac Les Amandier 2023 Viognier originated from a family owned 14-hectare estate vineyard located in the Ardèche region of France and situated between the prestigious St. Joseph and Châteauneuf-du-Pape appellations. The vineyard’s diverse soil composition includes basaltic volcanic soil and clay-limestone areas. These Viognier vines are well placed on the calcareous vineyard soils.
This vineyard and winery at Domaine Arsac was founded by Gaston, the grandfather of Arsac brothers Sébastien and Dimitri in 1946. He planted the first vines after returning from WWII. In 2008, Sébastien and Dimitri, the fourth generation to take over the estate, transitioned it to first organic and now biodynamic farming.
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I will be updating you on other notable finds from Wahoo Wine and Provisions at 1036 West College Drive, Decatur, GA 30030 . More details on this establishment can be found at: https://www.wahoowine.com/
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