Page 171 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL FALL 2021 DISCOVERING SANTA FE

ost wine enthusiasts find it hard ture by local artisans along with vintage
to imagine that New Mexico ironwork, stone fireplaces, and icon
Mwith its arid climate could pro- paintings.
duce wines. Not only are grapes grown The tasting room manager seated us at
here, but the wines created from them a lovely reserved table on the shaded pa-
can be superb. One discovery, made on tio. The wine tasting menu is extensive.
our first visit to Santa Fe, was Gruet Gruet specializes in sparkling wines, but
sparkling wine. It was so tasty we bought they also produce an excellent selection
a bottle home. of still red, white, and rose wines. We se-
That was several years ago, so we lect a range of seven sparkling wines and
vowed to return to the Gruet tasting one still, a nice pinot noir. They ranged
room in downtown Santa Fe on this trip. from bone dry to semi-dry, all with a deli-
Located in the Hotel St. Francis, it’s cate balance of fruit and acidity.
worth visiting even if you’re not inter- One pleasant surprise with our tasting
ested in quaffing wine. The beautiful ho- was the selection of charcuterie,
tel is the oldest in the city. Its classic cheeses, assorted nuts, crackers, and a
décor features handcrafted wood furni- gourmet array of pickled vegetables. All

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