3 August 2013 2012 Ameztoi Rubentis Rose Getariako Txakolina

2012 Ameztoi Rubentis Rose Getariako Txakolina

August 3, 2013 By

AmeztoiI discovered this beautiful pale pink wine with the 2009 vintage and it’s been one of my go-to summer rosés.

This zippy Spanish wine is super dry with a great level of acidity. Strawberry, floral and slate nose. Light fizz on the front of the sip that dissipates into a dry finish. Bright, ripe strawberry flavors make this a great wine for summer sipping or to match up with foods that are a little fatty like salmon or event lamb chops.

Wine&Spirits – 90 points.

Style: Rosé

Grape Type(s): Hondarribi Zuri and Hondarribi Beltza

Region: Pais Vasco, Spain

Around $20

Filed Under: Hondarribi Beltza, Hondarribi Zuri, Rose, Blush Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , ,
23 July 2013 Sick of White Wine Yet?

Sick of White Wine Yet?

July 23, 2013 By

Wine SteakIt’s hot and muggy outside and for many, including me, the weather calls for light, refreshing white wines. While I’ve poured my share of Assyrtiko, Sauvignon Blanc and Albarino this summer, I’m now craving reds that pair well with burgers, ribs and steaks.

15 Red Wines to Uncork at Summer Barbecues:

Wines for Burgers:

  • 2007 Campo Viejo Reserva Rioja (Rioja, Spain) – $9.99
  • 2010 Alba Vineyards Old Mill Red (Musconetcong Valley, New Jersey, USA) – $11.99
  • 2011 Garnet Vineyards Pinot Noir (Monterey County, California, USA) – $14.99
  • 2009 Albert Bichot Pinot Noir Vielles Vignes (Burgundy, France) – $14.99
  • 2011 Hahn Pinot Noir (Monterey County, California, USA) – $15.99

Wines for Ribs:

  • 2010 Graffigna Centenario Malbec Reserve (San Juan, Argentina) – $10.99
  • 2009 Villa Puccini Toscana (Tuscany, Italy) – $10.99
  • 2010 Predator Old Vine Zinfandel (Central Valley, California, USA) – $11.99
  • 2010 Renwood Winery Premier Old Vine Zinfandel (Amador County, California, USA) – $19.99
  • 2011 Seghesio Sonoma County Zinfandel (Sonoma County, California, USA) – $23.99

Wines for Steaks:

  • 2008 Wyndham Estate BIN 555 Shiraz  (South Eastern, Australia) – $9.99
  • 2010 Montes Cabernet Sauvignon Carmenere (Colchagua Valley, Chile) – $10.99
  • 2010 Jacob’s Creek Reserve Barossa Shiraz (Barossa Valley, Australia) – $14.99
  • 2008 Allegrini Palazzo Della Torre (Valpolicella, Italy) – $16.99
  • 2009 Esporao Reserva Red (Alentejo, Portugal) – $18.99

What are some of your affordable reds?

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Argentina, Australia, Cabernet Sauvignon, France, Italy, Malbec, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Portugal, Red Wine, Rioja, Spain, Syrah / Shiraz, Tempranillo, United States, Wine Reviews, Zinfandel Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

2011 Burgans Albariño

July 21, 2013 By

2011 Burgans AlbarinoThis wine is offered by Bodega Martin Codax, one of my favorite Albariño-makers. It was recently given 90 points by Wine Enthusiast and I can see, and taste, why.

In the glass, this wine is golden with greenish hues – very pretty. The aromas are of lush, juicy peach and apricot. The flavors are of ripe tropical fruits with floral and citrusy notes that carry on a long finish. Crisp with a great food-friendly level of acidity.

Pairings: Light fish, grilled seafood, aperitif

Style: White Wine

Grape Type(s): Albariño

Region: Rias-Baixas, Spain

Price: $14.99

Filed Under: Albarino, White Wine Tagged With: , , , , ,
16 July 2013 WITS Virtual Wine Tasting 2013

WITS Virtual Wine Tasting 2013

July 16, 2013 By

I’ve detailed the concept of virtual wine tasting in previous posts and I try to participate in several of them each year. Last night was the Wine Industry Technology Symposium (WITS) and a virtual tasting of three California wines was hosted from my friends at WineTwits.

For those of you who are new to virtual wine tastings, this is what the concept entails:

  • Buy a bottle of the wine varietal or brand being featured.
  • Invite friends to come over to share the experience with you, or snuggle in your pajamas in front of the computer.
  • Sip and share your wine feedback with other tasters globally using the designated hashtag on Twitter and Facebook!

The virtual tasting was well-attended and the three wineries whose wines we sampled were very active with the virtual tasters. Cheers to Wente Vineyards, Garnet Vineyards and Renwood Winery for interacting with us to the extent they did. I’ll follow up and make tons of new wine friends today as a result of last night’s event.

Here are my tasting notes from the featured wines:

2012 Wente Morning Fog Chardonnay

LSK1042_MF CH 07 1upFor those of us who enjoy moderately-oaky Chardonnay, this is a nice option. 50% of this wine was barrel-fermented in French oak and the other 50% was fermented in stainless steel tanks creating a wine that’s not overly oaky/buttery and has some fruit freshness to it.

Aromas of Asian apple and lychee jump out of the glass. In the mouth, the 2012 Wente Morning Fog Chardonnay is medium-bodied with Meyer lemon and tropical fruit flavors. Finish lingers with some oaky notes and a nice level of acidity.

Pairings: Roast chicken, salmon, pasta in light creamy sauce

Style: White Wine

Grape Type(s): Chardonnay

Region: Livermore Valley, CA, USA

Price: $13

2011 Garnet Vineyards Pinot Noir

garnetGarnet pinot noirs have amassed rave reviews over the years and the 2011 Monterey County Pinot’s no exception. While it’s a bit more transparent in the glass than I would have suspected, it doesn’t lack in aroma and flavor. On the nose, it’s more jammy strawberry than the typical cherry one might expect. In the mouth, it’s velvety and the cherry is prominent with hints on vanilla and oak.

Pairings: Roasted duck, chicken or turkey, mushroom dishes

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): Pinot Noir

Region: Monterey County, CA, USA

Price: $14.99

2010 Renwood Winery Premier Old Vine Zinfandel

Renwood.Zin.OVAmador_catalogAt 15.5% alcohol, this is a big, beautiful baby. This style of Zin is right up my alley. It’s a huge mouthful of dark, ripe berries with mocha and pumpkin spices notes. This wine screams for a hot grill and meat…and my glass.

Pairings: Barbecue ribs, grilled beef or lamb

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): 92.5% Zinfandel, 5.8% Syrah, 1.7% Souzao

Region: Amador County, CA, USA

Price: $19.99

For those of you on Twitter, search for #WITS2013 and see all the fun conversations folks had during the virtual tasting. You’ll likely find interesting wine fans to connect with.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Chardonnay, Other Neat Things, Pinot Noir, Red Wine, United States, White Wine, Wine Reviews, Zinfandel Tagged With: , , , ,
10 July 2013 Dinner with Jacob’s Creek…at My Home

Dinner with Jacob’s Creek…at My Home

July 10, 2013 By

Jacob's CreekThis year, 4th of July was celebrated with beef and beefy red wines at my home. My guy grilled a whole beef tenderloin and I baked my Cabot Creamery Seriously Sharp Cheddar Mac N Cheese.

Since I had a nice lineup of Jacob’s Creek’s current release, I decided to focus the party around their wines. Here’s what we tasted:

  • 2010 Jacob’s Creek Reserve Barossa Shiraz ($14) – This wine smells and tastes the way it looks: blackberry, chocolate/mocha with a little black pepper. It was perfect for the beef and the pepper sauce I served with it. I just enjoy that big mouthful of dark jammy berries.
  • 2011 Jacob’s Creek Reserve Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon ($10) – Purplish red in the glass, this Cabernet Sauvignon offers ripe blackberry and red current aromas with some astringent notes. Nicely balanced, fresh with vanilla notes. Can’t beat it for the price.
  • 2012 Jacob’s Creek Reserve Adelaide Hills Pinot Noir ($13) – Nice berry aromas with a bit of pumpkin pie spice. Bright cherry flavors with a little oak on the finish. Baby tannins stood up to roasted s’mores nicely.
  • 2012 Jacob’s Creek Reserve Barossa Dry Riesling ($12) – Citrusy aromas with fresh, green apple flavors. Lovely crisp, wet stone finish. Perfect to cut through the richness of my mac and cheese and stood up to its spicy Panko topping.
  • 2012 Jacob’s Creek Reserve Adelaide Hills Chardonnay ($15) – For fans of Chardonnay without a ton of oak and butteryness, this is a good option. It offers a floral, citrusy noseful and nectarine aromas with a great level of acidity. This was poured around the time we enjoyed my Red, White and Blue Cake.

I know I should have poured American wines of this very American holiday, but I enjoyed the lineup very much and look forward to pairing up those heavier reds with my grilled meats this summer.

Cheers,

Veronique

These wines were provided to me for sampling and I’m adding to my repertoire as they’re truly enjoyable.

Filed Under: Australia, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Syrah / Shiraz, White Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
1 July 2013 5 Affordable Wines for 4th of July Barbecue

5 Affordable Wines for 4th of July Barbecue

July 1, 2013 By

Summer WineSummer’s here and we all know that means heat and humidity. What summer also means is fun-filled gatherings, including 4th of July barbecues.

Here are five wines to uncork during your 4th of July celebrations that won’t break the bank but are certain to please your guests:

  • 2011 Herdade do Esporão Monte Velho White ($10): fruity, juicy citrus aromas and ripe apricot and Meyer lemon flavors. Would be a nice option for grilled salmon or chicken.
  • 2011 Brancott Estate Marlborough Pinot Noir ($10): bright, light-bodied showing pleasantly tart raspberries with a slightly smoky finish. Pair this with a burger or hot dog.
  • La Marca Di Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco ($12): light and crisp sparkling wine that offers a dry, citrusy and fresh finish. Perfect to serve as an aperitif as your guests arrive.
  • 2011 Steelhead Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc ($12): tropical fruit aromas and lemony-fresh, slightly honeyed flavors. Uncork this for seafood, a white fish or most light appetizers.
  • 2011 Predator Old Vine Zinfandel ($12): smoky, big and jammy deliciousness perfect for pairing with lamb, beef or barbecued ribs.

Enjoy these summer wine and let me know if you try any of them!

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Other Neat Things, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,
25 June 2013 2011 Capiaux Chimera Pinot Noir

2011 Capiaux Chimera Pinot Noir

June 25, 2013 By

2011 Capiaux Chimera Pinot NoirBright ruby red in the glass with typical cherry and pumpkin spice aromas and a mouthful of ripe cherry flavors – love this style Pinot.

Pairings: Roasted duck, chicken or turkey, mushroom dishes

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): Pinot Noir

Region: Sonoma County, CA, USA

Price: $32

Filed Under: Pinot Noir, Red Wine, United States, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , ,
22 June 2013 2009 Jean Edwards Stagecoach Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

2009 Jean Edwards Stagecoach Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

June 22, 2013 By

2009 Jean Edwards Stagecoach Vineyard Cabernet SauvignonI had the California Cabernet Sauvignon at a recent wine pairing dinner and it was big and round and rich with stone fruit aromas and chocolate covered cherry flavors. It was paired with short ribs and côte de boeuf and it was simply decadent.

Pairings: Roasted or grilled meats, cheese course

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: Napa Valley, CA, USA

Price: $65

Filed Under: Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Wine, United States, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , ,

5 Rosé Wines to Celebrate the First Day of Summer

June 21, 2013 By

Banrock Pink MoscatoSummer’s finally here and what better way to celebrate than with a refreshing, light and crisp glass of rosé?

Here are 5 affordable rosé wines to kick start the summer with:

  • 2012 Banrock Station Pink Moscato ($8) – delicate pink in the glass with refreshing, lightly floral flavors.
  • Pierre Sparr Crémant D’Alsace Brut Rosé ($15) – fragrant strawberry aroma and flavor with a hint of citrus.
  • 2012 My Essential Rosé ($16) – palest of pinks in the glass, this rosé smells and tastes of wild strawberries with a crisp, dry finish.
  • Lucien Albrecht Crémant d’Alsace Brut Rosé NV ($25) – features rich strawberries-and-cream flavors.
  • Schramsberg Mirabelle Brut Rosé ($25) – juicy fruit flavors and a slightly spicy finish.

What are of your favorite rosé wines?

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Other Neat Things, Rose, Blush Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , , ,
20 June 2013 2011 Ravines Dry Riesling

2011 Ravines Dry Riesling

June 20, 2013 By

2011 Ravines Dry RieslingI’m certain that if you’ve read me regularly, that you know what a fan of Ravines Wine Cellars and Finger Lakes Riesling I am. The 2011 Ravines Dry Riesling I poured over the weekend reminded me of why I love the wines from Ravines so much.

On the nose, there are lovely aromas of Asian pear and Meyer lemon. In the mouth, the lemon turns to lime and the pear to crisp apple flavors. The finish offers the perfect level of acidity and crispness.

It was delicious with the rich lobster I served at my 4th Annual Food & Wine Chickie Lobsterfest.

WS 90 points.

Pairings: Shellfish, seafood, grilled fish, spicy Asian food

Style: White wine

Grape Type(s): Riesling

Region: Finger Lakes, NY, USA

Price: $17

Filed Under: Riesling, United States, White Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , ,
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