Fall 2008Dear International Wine Afficionados, Bet it’s not too often that you’ve been called an “afficionado” but that’s the kind of person we think you are. It takes a person of daring and imagination to step “outside the box” and serve such wines as a Chilean Carmenère or a Turkish wine crafted from those long term favorite wine grapes Emir, Narince, Semillon, and Sultaniye. A California Chardonnay may be okay, but a Grillo from Sicily is just so much more cool. You’re our kind of guy!
2006 La Joya Reserve Merlot, Chile Imagine the scene at the 2002 International Wine & Spirits Competition in London when it came time to present the award for The Best Merlot Worldwide. Odds favored those big, overpriced California entries, or maybe the traditional French. But, no, when the announcement was made it was Chateau La Joya Reserve from the Rapel region of Chile who came up to accept prize. It was no surprise to the Bisquertt family... over a 100 years ago an earlier generation planted the original vineyards in the heart of the Colchagua Valley, Chile’s most prestigious wine growing region. The valley follows the course of the Tinguiririca River as it flows down from the glacial peaks of the Andes to the to Pacific Ocean. Cool, frost-free nights are coupled with dry, sun drenched days that, together, create optimal growing conditions. The 2006 La Joya Reserve Merlot follows in the footsteps of that legendary vintage. It too has garnered numerous awards including an 89 score and a “Best Buy” designation from Wine Enthusiast magazine. Intensely aromatic and pleasantly scented with black and red fruit, the flavor lingers delightfully persistent in the mouth. The barrel prompts a bursting of sweet spices and toasty notes of cocoa and cinnamon. Enjoy with a saucy stroganoff, light meats or baked swordfish.
2007 Ruffino Libaio Chardonnay, Italy In 1877, Illario and Leopoldo Ruffino laid the foundations of their dream to make the most known and loved Italian wines in the world from the heart of Tuscany. At their winery in Pontassieve, just outside of Florence, they began producing wines according to a strict quality standard and a rigorous technical research. Soon, Ruffino became an international symbol of the Chianti region, and won numerous awards, including the prestigious gold medal at the Bordeaux Wine Fair in 1895, affirming the quality of its wine. In 1913, the Folonari family purchased Ruffino and brought new talent, energy and enthusiasm into the company. They started on a nearly century-long pursuit to develop a collection of estates in Tuscany, all of which matched the standard of quality and uniqueness which was the trademark of Ruffino wine. Libaio is a truly special Tuscan Chardonnay. It benefits from the extraordinary quality potential of the Siena territory as well as the elegant and refined nature of Chardonnay. This wine is produced primarily with grapes grown on the La Solatia Estate, located near the medieval town of Monteriggioni. The name of the wine has been inspired by a small creek found on the estate. drink. Libaio has received numerous international rewards, also because of its excellent quality/price relationship. For 6 years in a row this wine has been selected as "best buy" or "best value" by the Wine Spectator. The 2007 vintage is bright and fruity, with lemon and fresh apple aromas and flavors. It is medium-bodied, with good acidity and a medium finish. Always fresh and delicious.
The Beaujolais area, although part of greater Burgundy, is very distinct on many accounts. The villages have a different look : instead of slate, the houses have roofs made of red tiles reminiscent of Provence and the Mediterranean world. The soil, too, is pink granite (and not limestone as in Côte-d'Or). This is where the Gamay grape is king. The type of pruning used in Beaujolais is called "gobelet" : no wires between the vines ; each plant grows by itself, independently from the others. Maison Joseph DROUHIN has always been deeply involved with the Beaujolais region and was indeed a pioneer when, in the early fifties, they were the first to bottle and ship Beaujolais Nouveau, the non-aged quaffer which arrives on the third Thursday of November, Thanksgiving here in the US. Beaujolais Villages is a careful selection of various "terroirs" and micro-climates, all contributing to make a wine synonymous with charm and conviviality. It has a bright purple colour, a very intense nose, reminiscent of violets, peonies and red berries. On the palate, it has a silky smoothness, and its delicious fruit lingers for a long time. Beaujolais Villages is very versatile with all kinds of food, especially simple and flavourful dishes such as hors-d'oeuvre, charcuterie and white meats. The very best match for Beaujolais Villages is, of course, your Thanksgiving turkey! 2007 Tapena Verdejo, Spain The most oft-popped corks in the world say “Freixenet” and it all began with a wedding. Through the marriage of Dolores Sala Vivé of Casa Sala and Pedro Ferrer Bosch of La Freixeneda, two winemaking families merged to lay the groundwork for this famous cava house in the early twentieth century. Great-grandson Pedro, a fourth generation Ferrer, now runs the multi-national operation. Under his guidance, the Freixenet company continues to expand by purchasing wine estates in some of the world’s most prominent appellations. Their most recent label available in Florida is Tapeña. Tapeña (tah-PAY-nyah) is the ideal complement for an evening of food and conversation among close friends. In Spain, going for Tapas (TAH-paz) is the American equivalent of bar hopping with an epicurean twist. At every taberna, tapas (small plates) are served communal style—each person is armed with a glass of wine and a fork. Peña (PAY-nyah) is slang for a group of close friends. Verdejo (ver-DAY-ho) is the Spanish answer to Sauvignon Blanc with a hint more floral aromas. Verdejo is known to come from several regions across Spain ranging from Rueda to Tierra de Castilla. This varietal has been written about by wine writers from Robert Parker to Hugh Johnson as the next hot white that is known for good value for the money. From the wine-making region of Tierra de Castilla in the heart of Spain, this pale yellow hued wine has a vibrant nose with an array of aromas of tropical fruits over a backdrop of ripe peaches. The palate is full of bright stone fruit that is beautifully balanced and crisp, refreshing acidity and a lingering finish with a hint of minerality. Verdejo pairs well with many different dishes. Try it with grilled salmon, lemon chicken, creamy lighter cheeses such as goat cheese or a summer salad. 2007 Andean Vineyards Malbec, Argentina Malbec is now well known as the best wine Argentina has to offer. But Malbec did not always have such a fine reputation. The grape was first grown in France in the 18th century, but it was disparaged by French and English wine drinkers and given the pejorative name "mal bec"—French for "bad beak." Malbec was brought to Argentina by immigrants during the first half of the 19th century, and it found a home in Mendoza. For decades, a handful of Argentine families (such as the Rutini, Catena, and Lopez clans) have been developing new fermentation technologies to improve the quality of Malbec, and in recent years the wine has been winning blind taste competitions in Europe. Andean Vineyards is one of Argentina’s newer Malbec producers. Its vineyards are located high amongst the cloud cloaked Andean mountains...”4000 feet closer to heaven” in their words. At this high altitude the cooler air ensures a sweeter grape and a wine of angelic taste and character. The wine impressed the judges too...the 2007 Andean Malbec was rated number one Malbec in the 2008 Argentina Wine Awards. Deep ruby red in color, the wine exudes rich concentrated scents of plums and cherries with notes of vanilla and chocolate. On the palate, it is juicy with layers of ripe red fruit, coffee and toasted flavors. Tannins are velvety and sweet, ending with a long fruity aftertaste. 2007 Anterra Pinot Grigio, Italy In France it’s called Pinot Gris. In Germany it’s called Ruländer. In Hungary it’s known as Szürkebarát. In the United States it can be any of the above, but normally it’s called Pinot Grigio ‘cause that’s what it’s called in Italy and Italy is where the good stuff comes from. Back in the 80's when Judy and I still lived in Chicago, Santa Margarita Pinto Grigio became the most popular white wine in town. I would order it for Judy when it was six dollars a bottle, then seven, then ten...when it got to double digit wholesale, we quit ordering it. You still find Santa Margarita, but it’s now in the $20+ range but you should not be paying that much for a good Pinot Grigio. Pinot Grigio is the best know white clone of the Pinot Noir grape. It is also the “hot” white wine grape...between December 2004 and September 2007, Pinot Grigio sales grew 89% by volume and 87% by value in the USA. Our favorite Pinot Grigio comes from Italy and Anterra is one of our favorite brands. The grapes come from vineyards around Venice, one of our favorite Italian cities. The wine shows a pleasant and delicate bouquet. It is dry and crisp and delicious. Serve it with appetizers, poultry and seafood. Or do as I do...Anterra Pinot Grigio is the perfect white wine for sipping on the Lanai after a busy day at work or on the golf course. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |