23 February 2012 2010 Arnaldo Caprai Grecante Grechetto Colli Martani

2010 Arnaldo Caprai Grecante Grechetto Colli Martani

February 23, 2012 By

I had the pleasure of sipping this wine last week, first, paired with oysters on the half shell, then, with seared halibut atop risotto.  This grape was new to me and I loved it both as an aperitif and as a food-friendly wine.  Think – unoaked Chardonnay meets Sauvignon Blanc.

In the glass, it is golden yellow and just very pretty.  On the nose, it offers bright floral, fruity notes.  On the palate, there are layers of ripe honeydew melon, peach and papaya matched with a nice level of acidity.  The finish is long and dry.

At this price point, it is a great white that everyone will enjoy.

Pairings:  Sauteed halibut or cod. Raw oysters, clams or mussels.

Style: White

Grape Type(s): Grechetto

Region: Umbria, Italy

Around $20

This wine was provided to me for sampling and I am adding to my repertoire as it is truly enjoyable.

 

Filed Under: Grechetto, Italy, White Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , ,
16 February 2012 Chocolate Shop – Chocolate Red Wine

Chocolate Shop – Chocolate Red Wine

February 16, 2012 By

Last night, I had the pleasure of joining a group of wine writers for an online tasting of Chocolate Red Wine by Chocolate Shop.  I admit I was a bit pessimistic about yet another flavored wine, but this one surprised me.

The wine is a blend of multiple grapes (Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, etc…) that’s flavored with premium chocolate prior to bottling.  The wine is best enjoyed within 12 months of bottling – each bottle is lasered with the bottling date.

In the glass, this wine is a deep ruby with bold cherry cordial aromas.  On the palate, it’s less sweet/sugary than one might expect with the bold flavors of the fruity wine coming through.  On the finish, it’s smooth with a hint of sweet cocoa from the 7% residual sugar.

This wine would pair beautifully with rare duck or other game.  It might also work drizzled over premium vanilla ice cream.

The price point on this wine is $15 and it can be found at major liquor stores, grocery stores or via the winemaker’s website.

Cheers,

Veronique

 

 

Filed Under: Dessert Wine, Red Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , ,
13 February 2012 2008 Maison Faiveley Bourgogne Blanc

2008 Maison Faiveley Bourgogne Blanc

February 13, 2012 By

The pale yellow color of this French Burgundy is deceiving.  On the nose, it shows bright lemony and freshly cut grass aromas.  In the mouth, it’s bright and crisp with Meyer lemon and Asian pear flavors.

Pairings:  Salmon tartare, sauteed white-flesh fish, white pizza.

Style: White

Grape Type(s): Chardonnay

Region: Burgundy, France

Around $19

 

Filed Under: Chardonnay, France, White Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,
11 February 2012 2009 Blufeld Riesling Medium Sweet

2009 Blufeld Riesling Medium Sweet

February 11, 2012 By

Did I have high expectations from a wine from an ornate bright blue bottle?  Not really.  Was I pleasantly surprised when I got a taste?  Yes.

This inexpensive German Riesling offers juicy ripe apple and floral notes on the nose that got me excited to take a first sip.  In the mouth, it’s moderately sweet with a mouthful of peach and a pleasant level of acidy to balance out the sweetness.

Pairings: Tuna sashimi, raw oysters, blackened shrimp or chicken.

Style: White

Grape Type(s): Riesling

Region: Mosel, Germany

Around $10

 

 

Filed Under: Germany, Riesling, White Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,
11 February 2012 2010 Laurent Miquel Nord Sud Viognier

2010 Laurent Miquel Nord Sud Viognier

February 11, 2012 By

Laurent Miquel produces Viognier exclusively and from sipping this affordable little number, I’d say he knows what he’s doing.

On the nose, it’s hugely fragrant with lots of intense floral notes jumping out of the glass.  In the mouth, it continues on the floral path with ripe pear and peach flavors.

Pairings:  Raw oysters or clams.  Bouillabaisse.  Pork chops.

Style: White

Grape Type(s): Viognier

Region: Languedoc-Roussillon, France

Around $12

 

Filed Under: France, Viognier, White Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , ,

5 Valentine’s Day Sparkling Wines under $25

February 10, 2012 By

Are you planning a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner at home or need a sparkling wine to bring to a local BYO?  Here are five sparkling wines under $25 to toast Valentine’s Day with:

Cheers,

Veronique

 

 

Filed Under: Other Neat Things, Sparkling Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , ,
8 February 2012 2008 Cliff Lede Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District

2008 Cliff Lede Cabernet Sauvignon Stags Leap District

February 8, 2012 By

Beautifully-made Napa Cabernet.  Deep purple in the glass, this wine displays a deep berry, very fragrant nose in the glass.  In the mouth, it’s rich and well-balanced with plummy qualities and traces of coffee and cocoa.

Wish I could put a couple cases in my cellar to drink in 10 years.

Pairings:  Grilled beef. Cheese course.

Style: Red

Grape Type(s): Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: Napa Valley, California

Around $60

 

 

Filed Under: Cabernet Sauvignon, Red Wine, United States, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,
7 February 2012 2005 Quinta da Gaivosa Lordelo Tinto Douro

2005 Quinta da Gaivosa Lordelo Tinto Douro

February 7, 2012 By

One super wine.  It’s big and bold yet refined.  Made from 100 year-old vines, this wine tastes of jammy sweet red fruit with deep earthy flavors and fine tannins.

If you ever have the chance to sample this Portuguese wine from the Douro region, jump at it.

Pairings:  Grilled beef or lamb.  Pasta with red sauce.  Macaroni and cheese.

Style: Red

Grape Type(s): Touriga Nacional, Tinta Amarela, Sousao

Region: Douro, Portugal

Around $80

 

 

Filed Under: Portugal, Red Wine, Sousao, Tinta Amarela, Touriga Nacional, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , ,
3 February 2012 2009 Pascal Cotat Sancerre Les Monts Damnes

2009 Pascal Cotat Sancerre Les Monts Damnes

February 3, 2012 By

Domaine Pascal Cotat

The pale green color of this wine in the glass is a little deceiving to what this rich wine tastes like.  On the nose, it’s an explosion of tropical fruit.  In the mouth, it’s opulent with juicy grapefruit, lime and papaya. Nice mineral levels that complement the lushness of this Sancerre. This wine has a 14.5% alcohol level and can improve with some cellaring.

Style: White

Grape Type(s): Sauvignon Blanc

Region: Loire Valley, France

Around $50

 

 

Filed Under: Dessert Wine, France, Sauvignon Blanc, White Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , ,
2 February 2012 2006 Wild Oak by St Francis Merlot

2006 Wild Oak by St Francis Merlot

February 2, 2012 By

Dark ruby in the glass, this Merlot offers a ripe cherry nose with some earthy notes.  In the mouth, it’s a combination of dark berries with some chocolate undertones.  The finish is uber dry and lovely.

This wine could really use some breathing time and decanting for a good 30 minutes to help open it up.

Nice Merlot, especially at this price point.

Style: Red

Grape Type(s): Merlot

Region: Sonoma, California

Around $20

 

 

Filed Under: Red Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,
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