27 May 2015 2013 Domaine Barons de Rothschild Aruma Malbec

2013 Domaine Barons de Rothschild Aruma Malbec

May 27, 2015 By

2013 Aruma MalbecAruma means “night” in the language of the Quechua, the native Indian population of the Mendoza region. The name is appropriate for this deep purple/red wine from Mendoza. Big floral and red fruit aromas. In the mouth, this medium-bodied Malbec is velvety with licorice and dried cherry flavors and peppery notes. Long finish with firm tannins.

Nice, drinkable-now Malbec for a great price.

Pairings: Barbecued ribs and chicken. Red pasta sauce. Burgers or pizza.

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): Malbec

Region: Mendoza, Argentina

Price: $15

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

Filed Under: Argentina, Malbec, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , ,
6 February 2014 Virtual Tasting – Southern Hemisphere Wines

Virtual Tasting – Southern Hemisphere Wines

February 6, 2014 By

South Hemisphere WinesLast night, I participated in a #WineChat event on Twitter. The featured wines were from the southern hemisphere, specifically New Zealand, Australia and Argentina. The three white wines were described as “Summer Sippers”.

I’ve explained the idea of virtual wine tastings in previous posts but for those of you who are new to virtual wine tastings, this is what the story is:

  • Get a bottle of the wine varietal or brand being featured.
  • Invite friends to share the wine and experience with you (or snuggle in your pajamas in front of the computer if you prefer).
  • Sip and share your thoughts about the wine(s) with other tasters around the world using the designated hashtag on Twitter and/or Facebook!

Here are my tasting notes from the three featured wines – Brancott Estate Flight Song Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, Graffigna Pinot Grigio from Argentina and Jacob’s Creek Reserve Riesling from Australia:

2012 Graffigna Centenario Pinot Grigio

Light in color with a hint of green. This is a light, easy drinking, sipping wine with a floral nose and a bright, fresh citrus palate. As the wine warmed up a bit, it developed tropical fruit flavors that I enjoyed.

Pairings: Delicate fish, seafood, served as an aperitif

Grape Type(s): Pinot Grigio

Region: Tulum Valley, Argentina

Price: $11

2013 Brancott Estate Flight Song Sauvignon Blanc

For fans of cool label marketing, this is a winner. The bottle is just so pretty. This is the ultimate light wine, nearly clear in color in the bottle. There are light lemony and grassy aromas and ripe Meyer lemon flavors that finish on a zippy, zesty citrus note. At 88 calories per pour at 9% alcohol – bridal shower-ready wine.

Pairings: Serve as an aperitif or with a light salad

Grape Type(s): Sauvignon blanc

Region: Marlborough, New Zealand

Price: $15

2012 Jacob’s Creek Reserve Adelaide Hills Chardonnay

Pale greenish in the glass with a citrusy, light caramel nose. Big fruit, little jammy plum, nice minerality with a little oak. This isn’t your buttery oak bomb. I tend to like this lightly oaked style. Could be interesting with some cellaring.

Pairings: Spicy dishes (Thai, Indian, Mexican), pork  

Grape Type(s): Chardonnay

Region: Adelaide Hills, Australia

Price: $15

These three bottles were sent to me as samples and are being added to my repertoire.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Argentina, Australia, Chardonnay, Food & Wine Events, New Zealand, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, White Wine Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,
9 January 2014 2012 Graffigna Centenario Elevation Red Blend

2012 Graffigna Centenario Elevation Red Blend

January 9, 2014 By

2012 Graffigna Centenario Elevation Red BlendYes, this is a $10 wine. No, it shouldn’t be disregarded based on cost as it drinks well beyond its price.

In the glass, it’s inky and really handsome. The grapes in this blend complement each other so well with jammy stone fruit flavors mixing with dark berry and cherry ones. This wine screams for food and I served it with a pork crown roast which was a great pairing. Slightly tannic on the finish with ripe, dark fruit that lingers on the palate.

Pairings: Grilled meat, tomato sauce-based dishes, roast pork or poultry.

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): 20% Bonarda, 20% Cabernet Saugivnon, 20% Malbec, 20% Syrah, 20% Tannat

Region: Tulum Valley, Argentina

Price: $10

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

Filed Under: Argentina, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Red Wine, Syrah / Shiraz, Tannat, 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: , , , , , , , , ,
25 April 2012 2010 Graffigna Centenario Malbec Reserve

2010 Graffigna Centenario Malbec Reserve

April 25, 2012 By

Nearly black in the glass, this Argentine wine is fragrant with dark berries on the nose.  On the palate, this medium to full-bodied wine offers aromas of ripe raspberries, dates and notes of pumpkin pie spices.  The finish is medium in length and showcases oaky and peppery notes.

I poured half the bottle through my Vinturi wine aerator and had the rest straight out of the bottle.  Aerating or decanting would be optimal for this young wine.

Pairings:  Grilled rack of lamb or Thai food.

Style: Red

Grape Type(s): Malbec

Region: San Juan, Argentina

Around $10.

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

 

Filed Under: Argentina, Malbec, Red Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,
28 February 2012 2008 Luigi Bosca Reserva Malbec

2008 Luigi Bosca Reserva Malbec

February 28, 2012 By

Dark Bing cherry-colored wine in the glass.  On the nose, it offers a slightly spiced, juicy berry aroma.  On the palate, it features mocha notes, ripe cherry flavors that linger on a long, dry finish.

Malbec is such a versatile, food-friendly varietal and at this affordable price point, it should be on your must-buy list.

Pairings: Rare duck, stinky cheeses, grilled beef tenderloin.

Style: Red

Grape Type(s): Malbec

Region: Mendoza, Argentina

Around $12

 

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