The new hotspot in Decatur is Leon’s Full Service, which hails to be a “community restaurant and bar.” Along with a wonderful cocktail and beer list that seems to keep the crowds flocking in, they have an intriguing wine list that makes an oenophile smile. One of the most interesting finds on the short but adventurous wine list was a neat find from Virginia: the 2007 Kluge Estate, Albemarle Bordeaux Blend, Rose from Carters Mountain, Virginia.
The Virginian Rose is a vivid strawberry color and it has bright red fruit and floral notes on the nose. On the palate the rose is light and elegant with peach, strawberry, raspberry and a creamy finish. It is a pleasing complement to Leon’s fried calamari or one of their meat and cheese platters.
Although it is rare to find a wine from Virginia, winemaking is not new to the state. One of the first people to attempt to make wine there was Thomas Jefferson: President and oenophile. Jefferson kept some of the best wines in the world at the White House including, Margaux, Hermitage and Chambertin. He hoped America would become a wine drinking country, and that his home state of Virginia would produce wines just as fine as the Grand Crus of Burgundy and the First Growths of Bordeaux. He planted vines at Monticello, but he never had much success. The American vine varieties he tried to grow did not appeal to European tastes, and the vines brought over from Europe were hard to grow in the humid climate of the eastern seaboard. In fact, Jefferson never made a wine from his Monticello vineyards.
Today, with better matching of site selection with grape varieties, and modern viticulture techniques, winemakers, such as Kluge Estate, are succeeding where Jefferson failed. Try the 2007 Kluge Estate, Albemarle Bordeaux Blend, Rose at Leon’s on a lovely summer evening or ask your local wine store to order it for you from their local distributor.
For more info: Leon’s Full Service, Kluge Estate
Comments
I've been meaning to check Leon's Full Service out, and now I know what wine to order. I saw that you recommend it with some starters, but does it pair well with any of the restaurant's entrees?
Jennifer,
I did not try any of their entrees but the good thing about a rose is it will pair well with a myriad of foods. Try their veggie sandwich or any of their fish or chicken dishes! Good luck and give Leon's a try!
Julia, I am trying to find your email address so that I can invite you to a Kluge event in Atlanta on Weds. No luck so far. Julia and any who are interested, email me at kmoses@klugeestate.com and I will get you the details!
Kristin,
I would love to come to the event, I will e-mail you today! By the way, my e-mail is julia@convinumwines.com
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!