The wines of Eric Solomon

Going into wine shops and restaurants we see bottles from all corners of the earth on shelves and wine lists. Everyone just figures the wine buyer chooses wines to stock. Of course that is true, but there are many levels to the supply chain. Distributors and their salespeople are on the front line to get these wines into all the establishments, the importers. Often times there are unsung heroes who find precious wine gems and bring them to the marketplace. They still go through the supply chain, but finding a great importer with a name and reputation you can trust is priceless. Eric Solomon is one of these importers and his company Eric Solomon Selections specializes in France’s Cotes-du- Rhone and Spain’s Priorat. His wines aren’t limited to those two areas, but at a recent tasting I focused on these wines. While many people associate these areas with red wines, white wines from both areas are exceptional when made by exceptional wine makers. The wine tasting of Eric Solomon Selections just happened to have many of these winemakers pouring their wines.
Domaine de Marcoux had winemaker Sophie Armenier on hand to pour and talk about her wines; she learned winemaking from her older brothers and oversees Marcoux, one of Chateauneuf-du-Pape’s best wine producers. Her Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc, 2012 was exceptional, 70% Roussane and 30% Bourboulenc, retails for around $68 and only about 2 cases actually come to Florida, so act fast.
Domaine de la Jenasse’s Cotes-du –Rhone Blanc 2012, 50% Grenache Blanc, 15% Clairette, 15% Bourboulenc, 10% Viongier and 10% Roussane gains lushness from aging 6 months on the lees, $22.
From another top Chateauneuf-du-Pape winery, Roger Sabon, their Renaissance 2012 is 40% roussanne, 20% Clairette, 20% Bourboulenc, 20% Grenache Blanc is aged seven months and undergoes weekly batonage, stirring the lees. Suggested price $52.
Xarel-lo, traditionally used making Cava in Penedes is made a still wine by Familia Nin in Penedes. Their Vinifera Nun Vinya,dels Taus 2010 ages Xarel-lo is aged eight months in Burgandy barrels and will make an interesting addition to any cellar, $70.
Terroir al Limet is also making great whites. They make dry version of Pedro Ximenez, the famous sweet fortified wine of Sherry. They also produce Pedra de Guix 2010, 80%Garnacha Blanc and 20% Riesling, aged 24 months in large oak barrels, it retails for $90.
Izadi from Segovia, Spain makes a dry, crisp, citrusy Verdejo, Flor de Vetus 2012 that makes a great aperitif for hot Miami afternoons.
Next up? The reds!