Aragon Wine Market + Wine Bar
By Magi Thomley Williams / Photos by Jackson Williams
Who doesn’t love a girls’ night out with great friends and great wine? Recently the Bella team took time to unwind and catch up. Between sips of superb wine and shared tasting notes, we chatted about recent life events, travel, family updates, even politics. No prep work or cleanup — it doesn’t get any better! Each Thursday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Aragon Wine Market + Wine Bar, for just $10, the wine-curious enjoy tastes of a curated wine lineup, palate-cleansing nibbles and $6 toward the purchase of a bottle of wine — all served up in a secluded, verdant courtyard. Set in downtown Pensacola, the lush AWM courtyard is the perfect locale for a wine event or any intimate gathering.
Charles “Pepper” Dowdy, the manager and buyer for AWM, has earned the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines certificate. He is an engaging host; eager to share his wine enthusiasm as well as the inviting courtyard.
Pepper’s Picks
Favorites in the tasting series
Veuve de Vernay Brut Rose Sparkling (France): A French rosé sparkling of Grenache, Cinsault, and Syrah, aged in bottle for 9 months. On the nose, raspberry and red berries; on the palate, strawberry and apple with a touch of citrus.
2023 Grand Silex Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc (Loire Valley, France): This 100% Sauvignon Blanc is aromatic and lively, with citrus aromas and notes of apple and passion fruit. The palate is savory, and the finish is expressive and well-balanced.
2023 Lincourt “Steel” Chardonnay (Santa Rita Hills, CA): Made from 100% Chardonnay grapes sourced from select vineyard sites, this wine undergoes fermentation and aging in stainless steel tanks, eschewing oak influence to showcase the pure expression of the fruit. Citrus notes of lemon and green apple take center stage, accompanied by hints of tropical fruit and a subtle minerality that adds complexity.
2022 McManis Family Lodi Pinot Noir (Lodi, CA): Light purple in color, bursting with aroma and flavor, leading with ripe red cherry, strawberry cream and raspberry notes. The wine is silky on the palate with red fruit and vanilla undertones, culminating in a clean, lasting finish.
2022 McManis Family Lodi Merlot (Lodi, CA): The wine opens with notes of blackberry, vanilla cream and baking spices and leads into a mid-palate dominated by black fruit, closing with a pleasing, toasty finish. Harvested between September 30 and October 2. After 6-9 days of fermentation on the skins, the resulting wine is pressed and finished fermentation in stainless steel tanks. The wine is then aged in French and American oak for six months.
2022 Borsao “Monte Oton” Garnacha (Aragon, SP): The vineyards for Monte Oton are situated high on the windswept slopes of the Moncayo. The sun-drenched, arid location is ideal for harvesting perfectly matured, fully ripened Garnacha grapes. Cherry red, intense fruit; has a ripe fruit nose, is full-bodied and elegantly textured; exhibits a long complex finish.
Want to go?
What: Thursday Night Wine Tastings
When: Thursday evenings from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Where: Aragon Wine Market + Wine Bar, 27 S. Ninth Ave., Pensacola
Info: 850-433-9463; PensacolaWines@gmail.com
