2 May 2014 2012 Banrock Station Chardonnay

2012 Banrock Station Chardonnay

May 2, 2014 By

2012 Banrock Station ChardonnayThe wine is straw yellow is like summer in a glass. The bright aromas of peach and tropical fruit carry over to the creamy palate which has just a hint of oak and a nice, bright, finish.

This is a food-friendly wine that is also nice as a summer sipper on a warm afternoon on the patio. For the price point, it would be affordable to grab a case and serve it all summer long.

Pairings: Seafood, chicken, bagels and lox brunch.

Style: White Wine

Grape Type(s): Chardonnay

Region: Riverland, South Australia

Price: $7

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

Filed Under: Australia, Chardonnay, White Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , ,
21 April 2014 Easter with Frank Family Vineyards

Easter with Frank Family Vineyards

April 21, 2014 By

It’s rare that I don’t host Easter but this year, we joined some friends for brunch at a local BYOB restaurant. I’d seen the menu ahead of time so knew scallop Benedict, steak and eggs and fried chicken would be entrees we’d order, so opted to bring two wine samples I thought would fit the bill perfectly – Frank Family Chardonnay and Zinfandel. Here are my tasting notes:  

2012 Frank Family Vineyards Napa Chardonnay

Frank Family 2012 ChardonnayI’m not typically a huge fan of oaky Cali Chardonnay, but the nice level of acidity of this wine changed my mind. Ripe, juicy peach and sweet citrus with a kiss of toasty, oaky notes. I served it close to room temperature and it’s likely the way to go. Super wine that could only improve with cellar time.  

Classic Napa Valley Chardonnay at a very reasonable price-point.

Pairings: Seafood, roasted poultry.

Style: White Wine

Grape Type(s): Chardonnay

Region: Napa Valley, California, USA

Price: $35

2011 Frank Family Vineyards Napa Zinfandel

Frank Family 2011 ZinfandelDarkest red in the glass, this big boy isn’t a summer patio sipper, and I mean that in the best possible way. Not overly jammy like some California Zins can be with a noseful of dried herbs and dark berry. On the palate, it’s classic blackberry with some stone fruit. Finish is medium in length and welcomingly smooth with a hint of oak.       

Pairings: Grilled meats, especially lamb, hearty burgers, game.

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): 89% Zinfandel and 11% Petite Sirah

Region: Napa Valley, California, USA

Price: $30

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Chardonnay, Petite Syrah, United States, Wine Reviews, Zinfandel Tagged With: , , ,
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: , , ,
5 March 2014 2013 Tendu Red Wine

2013 Tendu Red Wine

March 5, 2014 By

2013 Tendu Red WineWinemaker Steve Matthiasson, of Tendu White Wine fame, now produces a red wine perfect for weeknight or pizza night. Bottled in a clear, 1 liter bottle with a crown cap, this sulfur-free red wine is ready to drink even with its 2013 label.

The wine is bright ruby in the clear bottle and big with fruity, red berry flavors. Matthiasson was named San Francisco Chronicle’s Winemaker of the Year for good reasons. Bold Italian grapes crafted into a fresh and youthfully delectable wine…who would have thunk it’d be possible?

Pairings: Pizza, red sauced dishes, burgers.

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): 46% Aglianico, 43% Montepulciano, and 11% Barbera

Region: Napa Valley, California, USA

Price: $20

Filed Under: Barbera, Red Wine, United States, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , ,
8 February 2014 2012 Les Vignobles Gueissard Bandol Rosé

2012 Les Vignobles Gueissard Bandol Rosé

February 8, 2014 By

2012 Les Vignobles Gueissard Bandol RoséI’m always excited when I find a Bandol rosé on a by the glass at a restaurant. This affordable wine is full-bodied yet delicate with a beautiful light salmon color. The aromas of fresh fruit laced with a little citrus are intoxicating and it took me a bit to pull my nose out of the glass for a first sip. The beautiful fruit continues on the palate with hints of white flowers. Nice balance and acidity.

I need to buy a case of this for the summer as it’s perfect for sipping before dinner and is also very food-friendly.

Pairings: Chicken, fish, light pork dishes and served as an aperitif.

Style: Rosé Wine

Grape Type(s): 35% Mourvedre, 40% Cinsault, 20% Grenache, 5% Carignan

Region: Bandol, Provence, France

Price: $18

Filed Under: France, Mourvedre, Rose, Blush Wine, 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: , , , , , , , ,
29 January 2014 2012 Brancott Estate Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

2012 Brancott Estate Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

January 29, 2014 By

2012 Brancott Estate Marlborough Sauvignon BlancI’ve enjoyed Brancott Estate Sauvignon Blanc on lots of occasions as it’s such an easy-drinking, food-friendly white that most people like. It’s a perfect wine to have on hand for dinner parties as the price point is just right at around $13 and it pairs well with many lighter dishes or as an aperitif.

The aromas that pop out of the glass scream “Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc” – ripe tropical fruit with zesty citrus. I served this wine with slightly spicy crawfish etoufee and the Asian pear, Meyer lemon and grassy flavors came through with a bit of sweetness to cut through the spice.

Pairings: Seafood, fish and served as an aperitif.

Style: White Wine

Grape Type(s): Sauvignon Blanc

Region: Marlborough, New Zealand

Price: $13

 

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

Filed Under: New Zealand, Sauvignon Blanc, White Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,
13 January 2014 2010 Miguel Torres Salmos

2010 Miguel Torres Salmos

January 13, 2014 By

2010 Salmos TorresDeep inky red in the glass, the 2010 Salmos Torres isn’t for the faint of palate. There are big chocolaty, dark fruit and pumpkin pie spice aromas that had me clamoring for the first sip. The wine is rich, smooth with light tannins. The dark fruit with light vanilla is present and endures through the long finish.

Pairings: Grilled or roasted meats, aged cheeses.

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): 50% Cariñena, 30% Red Grenache and 20% Syrah

Region: Catalunya, Spain

Price: $35

Filed Under: Carinena, Grenache, Red Wine, Spain, Syrah / Shiraz, Wine Reviews 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: , , ,
6 January 2014 2012 Jacob’s Creek Red Blend

2012 Jacob’s Creek Red Blend

January 6, 2014 By

 

2012 Jacob’s Creek Red BlendThe 2012 Jacob’s Creek Red Blend is deep garnet in the glass and offers dark berry, cherry, chocolate flavors with a little oak and smokiness. Not heavily tannic which makes it a good option to enjoy at any time and for no special occasion at all. We poured this bottle with our Sunday gravy and it held up nicely…especially at under $10.

Pairings: Grilled meat, tomato sauce-based dishes, pizza.

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): 66% Shiraz, 18% Cabernet, 12% Grenache and 4% Petit Verdot

Region: South Eastern, Australia

Price: $6

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

Filed Under: Australia, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Petit Verdot, Red Wine, Syrah / Shiraz, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , ,
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