9 April 2012 2009 Domaine Frédéric Mochel Riesling Altenberg de Bergbieten Cuvee Henriette

2009 Domaine Frédéric Mochel Riesling Altenberg de Bergbieten Cuvee Henriette

April 9, 2012 By

I had the pleasure of sampling this outstanding Riesling from Alsace at a recent wine tasting.  The vines from which the grapes for this wine are gathered are over 50 years old and 100% hand-picked.

The nose is pungent with citrus and floral notes.  The bold flavors are of peach, pear and nectarine with a super combination of richness and freshness. The long finish offers hints of licorice and a little smokiness.

Just a very enjoyable wine that could benefit from some cellaring.

Pairings: Buttered lobster, bouillabaisse, blue cheese dishes, Thai food.

Style: White

Grape Type(s): Riesling

Region: Alsace, France

Around $40.

Filed Under: France, Riesling, White Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,
28 March 2012 2010 Boutari Santorini Assyrtiko

2010 Boutari Santorini Assyrtiko

March 28, 2012 By

I enjoy Greek wines and picked up this little number, which is easy to find, to pair with sashimi and rolls I was having from the local sushi restaurant this weekend.

In the glass, this Greek wine is a medium honey yellow – really pretty.  On the nose, the 2010 Boutari Santorini Assyrtiko is lemony and peachy.  In the mouth, it is rich, luscious, with lots of juicy apple notes yet there is a nice level of acidity and crispness on the finish.

This versatile wine would pair well with many things, especially grilled seafood, chicken or pork.

Pairings:  Raw oysters, clams or mussels. Grilled octopus or white-flesh fish.

Style: White

Grape Type(s): Assyrtiko

Region: Santorini, Greece

Around $19

 

Filed Under: Assyrtiko, Greece, White Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,
23 March 2012 Maple White Sangria

Maple White Sangria

March 23, 2012 By

In my spring quest for maple recipes, I was thrilled to get a cocktail recipe from my sister featuring the sweet sap as an ingredient.  What a great way to kick off the chilled cocktail season!

Ingredients:

  • 1 bottle of dry white wine
  • ½ cup pure maple syrup
  • 1 lemon, sliced
  • ½ honeydew melon either cubed or balled with a melon baller
  • 24 green seedless grapes
  • 2 kiwis, peeled and sliced
  • 1 cup Vodka
  • 2 cups soda water

Directions:

  1. In a large pitcher, combine all the ingredients.  Allow fruit to permeate the liquids for at least an hour.  Served in ice-filled glasses.

Yields 6 cocktails.

 

Filed Under: Cocktails, Fruits, Maple Syrup, White Wine Tagged With: , , ,
19 March 2012 ZED Moscato Rosé – Blushing Surprise

ZED Moscato Rosé – Blushing Surprise

March 19, 2012 By

If you read this blog, you’ll have figured out that I love rosé and sparkling wines.  I just find them perfect as an aperitif or with many foods and one can typically find a favorite at an affordable price.

The winemakers at Australia’s Jacob’s Creek have developed an easy-drinking, affordable sparkling rosé that is certain to please most palate.

In the glass, ZED Moscato Rosé is pale pink and simply festive in appearance.  On the nose, it offers maraschino cherry / strawberry aromas.  In the mouth, the wine is a little sweet with nice acidity and note of raspberry and Asian pear.

As I was enjoying a glass of ZED, I began thinking how nice it would be used in a cocktail.  Out comes the shaker with a shot of good quality Vodka, a slash of Triple Sec and a squeeze of lime – delicious!

Just a pretty wine that’s tasty on its own and delicious in a cocktail.

Style: Rosé

Grape Type(s): Moscato

Region: Australia

Around $15

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

 

Filed Under: Rose, Blush Wine, Sparkling Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , ,
6 March 2012 2007 Villa Maria Private Bin Riesling

2007 Villa Maria Private Bin Riesling

March 6, 2012 By

Textbook Riesling it is not, darn enjoyable it is.  Pale in the glass, this New Zealand Riesling has Meyer lemon and pear on the nose.  Perhaps even a little of the kerosene aromas that some Rieslings tend to display.  More lemon and juicy pear on the palate with hints of lime and a bit of fizz.  The finish is dry with nice acidity and minerality.

Pairings:  Spicy Thai, Indian or Mexican food.  Blackened chicken.

Style: White

Grape Type(s): Riesling

Region: Marlborough, New Zealand

Around $15

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

 

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

The Finger Lakes for Wine Lovers

March 1, 2012 By

Photo Credit: Heron Hill Winery

I’m a huge fan of the Finger Lakes and its outstanding wines.  Here is an article of mine on traveling to the Finger Lakes and which wineries to visit along the way published by Jersey Bites.

Cheers,

Veronique

 

Filed Under: Culinary Travel Tales, Dessert Wine, Red Wine, Sparkling Wine, White 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: , , , , ,
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: , , , ,
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