21 March 2014 Venegazzu Montelvini Asolo Prosecco Extra Dry DOCG

Venegazzu Montelvini Asolo Prosecco Extra Dry DOCG

March 21, 2014 By

Venegazzu Montelvini Asolo ProseccoThe wine is intensely yellow in the glass with light floral and apple aromas. Tiny bubbles for a creamy mouthfeel. The wine is clean and fresh with the apple carrying on to the palate with just a bit of honey.

I served this as an aperitif initially but it held up nicely to Prosciutto and mango starter.   

Pairings: Fish, shellfish, sushi/sashimi.

Style: Sparkling Wine

Grape Type(s): Prosecco

Region: Veneto, Italy

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: Italy, Sparkling Wine, White Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , ,
23 October 2013 Famiglia Pasqua Wine Tasting

Famiglia Pasqua Wine Tasting

October 23, 2013 By

WinesI recently attended a wine pairing dinner at Millie’s Old World Meatballs & Pizza and had an opportunity to sample Famiglia Pasqua wines provided by recently opened Cambridge Wines of Morristown.

Here are my tasting notes:

  • Famiglia Pasqua Prosecco DOC ($10) – extra dry sparkler with lively fruity flavors.
  • 2012 Famiglia Pasqua Pinot Grigio ($10) – light, dry white with hints of floral and citrus notes.
  • 2012 Famiglia Pasqua Sangiovese ($8) – full-bodied with bright fruit from its young age.
  • 2010 Famiglia Pasqua Passimento ($13) – baby Amarone with fruit-forward, spiced nose and round, silky texture from 40% Merlot.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: By Country, Italy, Merlot, Pinot Grigio, Sangiovese, Sparkling Wine, White Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , ,
30 September 2013 2005 Podere Rocche dei Manzoni Barolo Vigna d’la Roul

2005 Podere Rocche dei Manzoni Barolo Vigna d’la Roul

September 30, 2013 By

2005 Podere Rocche dei Manzoni Barolo Vigna d’la RoulThis wine was aerated then decanted for an hour prior to tasting. In the glass, it’s deep garnet. Bouquet wasn’t as prominent as I’d expected. Light aromas of cherry cordial with earthy notes. In the mouth, it offers great fruit flavors with black licorice, leather and blackberry notes. Smokey finish with the tannins one would expect from such a young wine.

I’d like to try this wine with another 5 years of aging. 94 points Robert Parker.

Pairings: Game, beef, duck, pasta with mushroom or red sauce, cheese course

Style: Red wine

Grape Type(s): Nebbiolo

Region: Piedmont, Italy

Around $100

Filed Under: Italy, Nebbiolo, 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: , , , , , , , , ,
12 May 2013 2009 Villa Puccini Toscana

2009 Villa Puccini Toscana

May 12, 2013 By

2009 Villa Puccini Toscana$10 Sangiovese that’s actually good – yes, it’s possible. Medium-bodied Italian wine with a great plum nose. Fruit-forward, rich flavors. Super table wine.

Pairings: Pasta with red sauce, macaroni and cheese, roasts

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot

Region: Tuscany, Italy

Price: $10

Filed Under: Italy, Merlot, Red Wine, Sangiovese, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , ,
21 April 2013 2011 Zuani Vigne Collio Bianco

2011 Zuani Vigne Collio Bianco

April 21, 2013 By

2011 Zuani Vigne Collio BiancoI prepared a light vegetarian risotto and it was such a great match to this bright and fruity wine.

In the glass, this Italian white wine is vibrant yellow. A quick sniff offers fragrant fruity and wet stone aromas. The fruitiness continues on the palate with rich flavors of peach followed by a slightly honey-laced finish.

Pairings: Chicken, pork, light risotto

Style: White Wine

Grape Type(s): Friulano, Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Pinot Grigio

Region: Fiuli, Italy

Price: $24

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

Filed Under: Chardonnay, Italy, Pinot Grigio, White Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , ,
16 April 2013 2011 Kellerei Kaltern Caldaro Pinot Bianco Weissburgunder

2011 Kellerei Kaltern Caldaro Pinot Bianco Weissburgunder

April 16, 2013 By

2011 Kellerei Kaltern Caldaro Pinot Bianco WeissburgunderMedium yellow in the glass, this Alto Adige Pinot Blanc offers a big noseful of Asian pear. The bright, fresh fruity flavors are of apples, pears and Meyer lemons. Nice level of acidity on the finish.

Perfect to serve summer party guests as they munch on light appetizers.

Pairings: Fish or served as an aperitif

Style: White Wine

Grape Type(s): Pinot Blanc

Region: Alto Adige, Italy

Price: $16.99

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

Filed Under: Italy, Pinot Blanc, White Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , ,
22 January 2013 2007 Tolaini Al Passo Toscana

2007 Tolaini Al Passo Toscana

January 22, 2013 By

2007 Tolaini Al Passo ToscanaBrick red in the glass, this Italian red wine offers intense aromas of cherries, fresh dirt, leather and mocha. This full-bodied Super Tuscan tastes of ripe dark berries, anise and chocolate and offers a silky mouth feel. Long, spiced finish with light tannins.

Pairings: Grilled beef or lamb, sautéed mushrooms.

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): Super Tuscan Blend of 80% Sangiovese and 20% Merlot

Region: Tuscany, Italy

Price: $25

Filed Under: Italy, Merlot, Red Wine, Sangiovese, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,
21 January 2013 2010 Quintodecimo Giallo d’Arles

2010 Quintodecimo Giallo d’Arles

January 21, 2013 By

2010 Quintodecimo Giallo d'ArlesGolden straw color in the glass, this Italian white wine offers intense floral aromas and freshly-baked bread notes. This full-bodied Greco Bianco benefits from seeing some French oak and tastes of ripe peach and apricot. Long finish with nice balance and acidity.

The Sommelier at Marea suggested this wine to our party having both fish and meat and it was a great choice.

Pairings: Fish, seafood, poached chicken.

Style: White Wine

Grape Type(s): Greco Bianco

Region: Campania, Italy

Price: $40

Filed Under: Greco Bianco, Italy, White Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: ,
4 December 2012 2008 Allegrini Palazzo Della Torre

2008 Allegrini Palazzo Della Torre

December 4, 2012 By

In the glass, this affordable Italian wine is inky red. On the nose, it is bold with ripe cherries and dried cranberry aromas. Just hard to stop sniffing in order to take a sip.

In the mouth, it has blackberry and dried fig flavors with licorice and leathery notes. The 2008 Allegrini Palazzo Della Torre has great balance and nice level of acidity. Finish is long and spicy.

90 points Wine Spectator.

Pairings: Pasta with red sauce, deeply-roasted meats, cheese course.

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): Corvina Veronese, Rondinella and Sangiovese

Region: Valpolicella, Italy

Price: $17

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