The “Obsession” Wine

Recently, an online wine forum asked people to write about their “epiphany” wine- the wine that converted them to full oenophilia- the wine that sparked their interest in the whole wine world. I thought about that for awhile, but, honestly, I can’t pinpoint that wine. Maybe because I was really fortunate to be exposed to many different wines as I grew up. However, I do think I have had a few “obsession” wines. This is the wine you have that you just can’t wait to try again… Some, in the past, have been expensive- Spottswoode Cabernet, Flowers Camp Meeting Ridge Pinot Noir, Domaine Tempier Rosé- and some quite affordable- Rafael Palacios Louro Godello, Michel Gassier Cercius Blanc, and Lioco Indica. The latter is a delicious red blend based on old vine Carignane. My love of that particular wine led to another recent obsession. A few weeks ago, the kids had their first sleepover at Nama and Pa’s. It was a Saturday night, and I didn’t have to get home to be with them. I decided I wanted to go somewhere with a decent wine list, light appetizers, and a guarantee that I wouldn’t run into anyone so that I could happily read my book (The Help- I know, I am decidedly behind the times.) A couple of my customers suggested Seasons 52. Although I do try to eat locally as much as I can, it seemed like the right fit that night. It was quite busy, but I found a table in the bar. While perusing the wine list, one wine caught my eye. Lioco Indica ROSÉ? Had I died and gone to heaven? One of my favorite wines was available in one of my favorite formats? I promptly ordered a glass, and I promptly fell in love. The next day I called my wine representative to order the Lioco into the store. Unfortunately, I was informed that Seasons 52 took the entire (albeit small) production of the wine for the whole country, and no one could buy it. I was incredibly disappointed. I kept thinking about the wine, even trying to book my birthday there (with a 3 and 5 year old…) But, as time passes, you begin to think to yourself “Was it the situation? Was it really that good? Maybe it was just that I had a Saturday on my own.” Tonight, I put that to the test. I returned to try the Lioco again, this time with tasting notebook on hand. And, it didn’t disappoint. Their notes: Aroma: rhubarb, tangerine, red peppercorn. [not sure what this is- I have heard of pink peppercorn.] Flavor: red currant, blood orange, peach pit. Food Pairings: fish tacos, pressed sandwiches, vegetable frittatas. My notes: There are scents of maraschino cherries, spice, light floral notes and white raspberry on the nose. It has surprising weight on the palate with plum, cherry, rhubarb, fresh blueberry, light spice and a dry finish without the acidity you typically expect from a rosé. This is a beautiful food wine that paired just as well with my tuna as it did with my husband’s steak. I agree with the aroma and taste notes from the winery but not with the food pairings. This is a hearty rosé with much of the structure of a red wine- it would be great with hearty and spicy dishes, a full flavored fish dish such as salmon, or even a great pork tenderloin. I would recommend stopping in at Seasons 52 to try the Licoco Rosé, but I also recommend finding, and pursuing, your own “obsession” wine.

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