Last night was Wine Night. Each member brings a food item and a bottle of wine. My wine contribution to our group was the Augusta Winery Cuvee Prestige, which received a Bronze medal at the 2011 Missouri Wine Competition. A sip of this dry red wine offered an explosion of raspberry mingling with a softer blackberry flavor evolving into a dry, spicy finish. I heard many say, "Oh!"
Cuvee Prestige catches a person off-guard with its great flavors and complexity. Savor its impressively long finish and, although it has noticeable acidity, its great balanced. I kept going back for yet another taste. The bottle was empty too soon!
When I find myself in a discussion about the wineries in and around Augusta, Missouri, I frequently hear myself affirming that Augusta Winery has consistently produced quality wines over the years.
I went to Augusta Winery's website (www.augustawinery.com) this morning and found this statement:
At
Augusta Winery the managers and tasting staff are constantly trained on not
only the wines we produce, but the wines of the world. It is through this
training that they are able to educate and excite our customers about the
merits of our wines and how to enjoy them to their fullest...We take pride in our wines, which are vinted in small quantities so that
special care may be given to each lot.
That quote tells us a great deal about Tony Kooyumjian's passion for producing good wines and why he has such a great team at Augusta Winery. This, combined with the knowledge of viticulture and winemaking techniques Tony brings to Augusta, ensures that his customers will always have a selection of interesting wines like the Cuvee Prestige to enjoy.
Going to the Augusta area is a pleasant drive through the meandering Missouri countryside. If you haven't been to Augusta (and specifically to Augusta Winery) lately, treat yourself with a mini-vacation to the U. S.'s first AVA. You meet the nicest people over a glass of wine. Cheers!
