Ok, so her name isn’t Rosa but she is from Argentina. If a wine could be “female,” I think this cute blush wine (complete with fun, girly label) would be all-woman. I’m not a fan of blush wines. I’m not looking to return to the 90s and White Zin. However, this yummy unoaked Malbec from Argentina has made me sing a different Argentinian tune. A Malbec that’s pink? Hmmmm. Cute rosy color but I wasn’t sure about tasting this fruity-looking summer wine.

Mmmmmmmm! I was pleasantly surprised. Belasco de Baquedano knows what they’re doing when it comes to its tasty rose of the Malbec kind.  It hints of cherries and berries but just a tad. I love the finish–crisp and oh so delish!

http://www.belascomalbec.com/rosa_argentina_malbec.htm

It finally feels like spring here in northern California. With the warmer temperatures, I’m starting to feel like breaking open the Viognier and Chardonnay these days. However, warmer temperatures don’t necessarily mean you have to grab that bottle of sweet Riesling.

Here are some of my Spring favorites:

D’Agostini, California Merlot (Sonoma)

2006 Razor’s Edge, Shiraz-Grenache (McLaren Vale, South Australia)

If warmer temps persuade you to break open the lighter fare (translation: white wine), opt for a yummy Torrontes (Argentina’s signature white grape – dry, crisp and full-bodied). Another top choice is Albarino (this is Spain’s signature white wine – light, fresh and high in acid and pairs well with seafood).

So either grab a bottle of red or white – there aren’t any spring time wine drinking rules (well, not in my drinking world).

Hailing from Tuscany in Montepulciano, I had one of the most delicious Montepulciano reds at my favorite Sonoma restaurant, Della Santina’s, last weekend. For those who have never been to Della Santina’s, I highly recommend it and if you want to sample some fabulous wine check out Sonoma (as opposed to Napa). Sonoma produces some of my top favorite wines such as Ravenswood.  Montepulciano,a lovely Sangiovese-based wine, hails from…you guessed it, Montepulciano (an ancient hilltop town nestled in the Tuscan region.

With a Sicilian heritage, it makes sense that I would be drawn to these yummy Sangiovese-based wines (I’m a huge fan of Sangiovese). I’m not Miss Wine Tasting Expert, but I loved how the Montepulciano slid on my tongue – it was crisp and bold at the same time and without getting too fancy-shmancy, it was perfection coupled with my amazing lasagna (which was well worth the 20 minute wait) The homemade ricotta cheese and gooey cheese (along with the Montepulciano) left me feeling like I had just entered the Northern Italian’s version of heaven (not to mention, I was a very FULL foodie). Our server recommended their house Montepulciano D’Abruzzo (and he definitely knew his vino).

With all the wine floating around the Wine Country, I highly recommend Della Santina’s (Northern Italian cuisine) and their house Montepulciano. If you are going to spend a cloudy winter day in the Wine Country, I would check out Sonoma.

http://www.dellasantinas.com/

My wine recommendation: 200 House Red, Montepulciano D’Abruzzo, Citra

My wine sources have recently told me that due to the bush fires in Australia, the United States will see a shortage of Australian wine next year. Not only am I sad that millions of acres and lives have been lost as a result of these tragic fires, I fear for Australia’s wine industry.

Unfortunately, the United States will see higher Australian wine prices next year (due to decreased wine production in Australia). Not all wine regions in Australia will be affected (Western Australia has been saved) so it’s not entirely a hopeless cause.

Personally, I’m a huge fan of Australian Shiraz and I have a feeling next year I will have to decrease my Australian wine intake (I’d better stock up now).  Also, I live in California and I may be facing a huge wine tax within the next year. I really think I need to start building my wine cellar and start filling it fast!  Drink that Australian wine while you can, fellow wine guzzlers!

Due to popular demand from fellow wine drinkers (Toby, this one is for you), I am dedicating this month’s post to boxed wine. However, the boxed Chablis of the 80s is a thing of the past. Boxed wine has made a come back during the past year and has become a hip, new fad amongst wine drinkers. Actually, boxed wine is a good choice if you want to help save the environment. The boxes used are usually recycled (if not,they should be!) and reduce gashouse emissions (and saves money).

Boxed wine will make a great addition to your Super Bowl parties this weekend, so there is no need to bring that jug of Gallo that your grandparents gave you last year for Christmas. The fancy term that the Australians use is “cask” of wine (I guess box sounds too cheap, perhaps?) Boxed wine is slowly losing its “hey, this would make great wine for cheap homemade wine coolers” reputation. I actually sampled some of this new hip boxed wine at a party and I was amazingly surprised.  You can find great deals at BevMo or discounted club stores. If you are feeling adventurous this weekend and want to impress your friends, bring  boxed wine (and leave the jugs at home).

Here are some top brands you might want to sample:

• Henry’s Drive Pillar Box Red Padthaway 2006 (Australia) – Under $10
• Peter Vella Cabernet Sauvignon – Under $12
• Black Box Chardonnay – Under $25

]]> http://vinogirl.wordpress.com/2009/01/26/box-o-wine1987-called-and-they-want-their-wine-back/feed/ 0 vinogirl http://vinogirl.wordpress.com/2008/08/07/the-ultimate-wine-experience-the-salt-tasting-room-vancouver-bc/ http://vinogirl.wordpress.com/2008/08/07/the-ultimate-wine-experience-the-salt-tasting-room-vancouver-bc/#comments Fri, 08 Aug 2008 04:05:04 +0000 vinogirl http://vinogirl.wordpress.com/?p=18 ]]>

When I was on vacation last month, I experienced the ultimate vino experience at the Salt Tasting Room in Vancouver, BC (Canada). This chic, non-descript tasting room was nestled in a back alley of the Gastown District. Although, there wasn’t anything “back alley” about this amazing wine experience.

I realized I need to trust the wine experts when she threw out the word “rose” (yes, I cringed). However, I was very impressed by the flight of wine that our served perfectly paired with my gourmet cheeses, meats and condiments that I chose. I told my friends that I could die a happy woman after my Salt Tasting Room experience. I was surprised that my favorite wine was a local British Columbia rose called Vie. It tasted like a non-fizzy dry French champagne. It was incredible. My tastebuds were also tantalized with a delicious Australian Pinot Noir and Shiraz. My red wine palate was definitely in vino heaven.

If you ever get the chance to visit Vancouver, BC, add The Salt Tasting Room to your itinerary. It’s an amazing wine experience and for $15 the flights of wine are more than just “samples.” The wait staff definitely know their food and wine pairings

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It’s that time for summer wine. When I think of summer wine, I have fond memories of Michael David’s Viognier (one of my all-time favorite wines).

You have your Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Fume Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Viognier, Riesling and all the other white wines that say: “Summer is here!” (so let’s start drinking).

Also, check out Lagaria’s Pinot Grigio or Bastianich Rosato (Italian) wines. The French make some excellent white wine such as Domaine de Saint Peyre Picpoul-de-Pinet.

Spain, Chile, Australia and South Africa produce some very excellent white wines so don’t overlook their bounty of white wines. Australia isn’t only famous for its Shiraz.

Happy Summer Wine Drinking and think of me as you sip your Viognier this season!

April 14, 2008

I attend a monthly wine tasting at one of the best coffee houses in Auburn (Courthouse Coffee). Pescatore Winery, a northern California Foothills winery located in Newcastle, CA, is on the top of my list for a great Barbera. I’m lucky to live in the Foothills so I’ve been able to taste some delicious local samples (ok, I’ve drunk a lot of the local wine).

Barbera, Italy’s most common red grape grown in the Piedmont Region, boasts a light, crisp fruity taste. The color resembles a shade lighter than a Merlot. Barbera is a sexy red that is perfect for the warmer spring weather. The grape is highly acidic and it grows well in hot climates. Because of the warmer climates in California, Barbera wines are making a favorable appearance here in California.

Barbera has been touted as a “fad” wine, but there is nothing trendy about this wine. It’s a timeless classic red that is a bit lighter and more fruity than more fuller-bodied Italian red wines.

Here are some other local northern California wineries that produce a comparable Barbera: Sobon Family Vineyards (Amador County) 2004 ReZerve Barbera and Renwood (Amador County) 1997 Barbera.

You don’t have to travel to Italy to enjoy a delicious Barbera. Just look to the hills of northern California for a true Barbera tasting experience.

Happy Tasting!

March 25, 2008

I apologize for my long absence in Blog Land. However, I’m back with a vino vengeance and in my absence, I’ve discovered some amazing wines.

You actually don’t have to be a wine elitist to enjoy boutique wines, but you will have to pay to play with these sumptuous wines. Over the holiday weekend, I had an incredible Malbec from a small winery out of the Lodi area, Pasos. Lodi produces some of the best grapes in northern California. This was, by far, one of the best Malbecs I’ve sipped (ok, I sipped half the bottle). Pasos doesn’t sell their wine commercially but it can be found at their winery and also offers a wine club you can join. That’s the drill with these boutique wines that don’t sell in your local markets. They usually offer wine club membership (pay a pretty penny but you get every penny’s worth of wine shipped to you monthly or every few months).

Back to this marvelous Malbec…first, the bottle is gorgeous (Chris, that dig was for you!) and according to the description: “New French and Hungarian oak barrels were used for the best possible flavor profiles of vanilla and exotic spices to enhance the overall wine-tasting experience. Malbec is one of the six red Bordeaux grape varieties that also do very well in the Lodi region. Try with grilled red meats.” This tasted fabulous with lamb and I cannot sing this Malbec’s praises enough. It was smooth with just enough spice and bite to it. It was a true marriage–one that I will be committed to eternally (when I get my hands on another bottle). For more information on their prices and wine selection, check out www.pasoswines.com (they are located in Lockeford, CA).

I’m not a big fan of white wine, but Tangent Winery out of Paso Robles produces a tasty Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier and Pinot Gris. These are my top white wine picks. I had the privilege of writing the wine list for my friend’s coffeehouse (Courthouse Coffee located in historic downtown Auburn, CA). She is carrying Tangent and a myriad of incredible boutique wines including Farnese (Italian) Sangiovese, Lagaria (Italian) Pinot Grigio and Justin Wines’ Obtuse (a dessert wine made entirely from Cabernet Sauvignon). Steel Wine’s Shooting Star Chardonnay is very representative of the fabulous wine produced out of Santa Barbara County. Wine tasting in Santa Barbara County is on my vino to-do list!

Fortunately, I was “forced” to taste the wine in order to create the coffeehouse’s wine list. It was a tough job but a true wine-o needed to be called in to handle such a wine tasting feat. One of the wines that I declared (after a few glasses) I could drink daily was a French sparkling white wine, Bailly-Lapierre Brut Reserv Blanc (Cremant de Bourgogne). It tasted better than some of the more expensive champagnes I’ve sampled. It has a subtle blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Aligote: “It’s an exemplary sparkling wine with intense fruit and a long finish.” Coupled with a bowl of strawberries and a veranda overlooking the French Riviera, this wine showcases all things French in this juicy sparkling wine.

Since boutique wines produce smaller quantities of wines (thus, why they are called boutique wines), their prices are a bit more expensive but worth the higher cost. You are getting exceptional quality over mass-produced every day wines. It’s definitely worth the $20-50 price range (per bottle) and these wines will definitely taste better with age.

Paired with exceptional food and quality wine drinking partners, you will quickly learn to love and appreciate boutique wines. Boutique wines are as snobby and elitist as I’ll get when drinking “fine wine.”I still love my $6 bottles of Shiraz but I definitely won’t pass up a boutique winery now.

Cheers!

The Australians really hold the magical secret when it comes to all wines bubbly:  the tantalizing and mesmerizing Sparkling Shiraz.  After perusing my “top secret Australian contacts,” I was informed there’s a new player out there:  Hungerford Hills.  This award-winning Australian (NSW) winery just launched its Sparkling Rose (not the rose of the boxed wine variety) but a sparkling bubbly that hints strawberry and blackcurrant and boasts a Pinor Noir base.  Hungerford Hills also touts three other luscious sparkling wines: Dalliance, Cardinal and Cuvee.   Dalliance Pinot Noir Chardonnay won “Sparkling Wine of the Year” at the NSW Wine Awards.  Yes, wines do actually win awards, especially in coveted  Wine-Land (aka Australia).

 If anyone asked me where I would want to go on my dream vacation, I would have to respond with vino zeal–Australia, of course (so I can sample all the fabulous Shiraz and its twin-sister bubblies!)

 Other top Sparkling Shiraz recommendations (I come from the Land Down Under…yes, the Australians win my top pick AGAIN!):

1. Banrock Station Sparkling Shiraz (Silver Medal, International Wine Challenge 2007)

2. Dorrien Estate Lockwood Smith Sparkling Shiraz (hails from the Barossa Valley that produces some of the most fabulous Australian wine)

3. Paringa 2004 Invidual Vineyard South Australia Sparkling Shiraz (for the low, low price of $10.99 and great fun to sip by itself!)

I know I’m obsessed with the Australian Shiraz.  Maybe I should just write a blog solely dedicated to all wine that is Sparkling Shiraz.

 Happy Fizzy Drinking!