White Wines

• This 2007 vintage comes from California. The grapes (75% Riesling and 25% Gewurztraminer) are sourced from Monterey County, Santa Barbara County, and Mendocino County’s Anderson Valley. Aromas of orange zest and ripe stone fruit leap from the glass and give way in the palate to flavors of peach, apricot and lychee nut all blending together on the bright fruit-filled finish. Excellent with hot, spicy foods!
  

• The grapes were picked early in the morning and arrived perfectly ripe and ice cold. The wine maker whole-cluster pressed the grapes using only the pure, clear free-run juice which went directly into neutral French oak barrels. The Marsanne and Roussanne were co-fermented while the Albarino and Viognier were kept separate. The wines were not allowed to go through malolactic fermentation to insure the fresh, crisp acidity was retained. This 2007 California blend begins with aromas of wildflowers and exotic tropical fruits which become more defined on the palate, with mango, banana, pineapple and lychee taking the lead. Some minerally acidity and stone qualities counterbalance the ripe fruit. This wine is excellent with a heavy cream based soup!

  
  Red Wines

• The keys to France's Languedoc region are its stellar appellations of Corbieres and Minervois. Here, Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre and Carignan find harmony and character. Corbieres alone possesses eleven identifiable terriors. This region currently provides some of the world’s best drinking values and promises a future of exciting, world-class wines. Try this '06 vintage with a lamb (or beef) osso bucco!
  

• This 2007 Mendoza Malbec presents a deep, dark violet color with blackish tones. The nose is full of ripe black fruits with floral tones and touches of leather, vanilla and spice. The mouthfeel is full yet supple, with juicy black raspberry, black cherry and black currant fruit layered with notes of violets, black pepper and anise. The finish is long and lingering, with soft, velvety tannins and bright, refreshing acidity. Start a fire in the fireplace and make some homemade pizza to share with this wine. Don’t forget to add lots of beef!

• This 2005 Tempranillo from La Mancha is filled with spicy flavors: wild mulberry preserve, notions of white chocolate, ground all spice and plum skin. The palate is round with rich berry fruit, fruitcake, dried cranberries and toasty notes on a lengthy finish. It needs a little time to open up, so pop the cork early or decant. Pair with an old fashioned rump roast in the crock-pot. Be sure to cook with all the veggies (and a little red wine) to make it even better!

Appetizer of the Week

Spicy Hot Meatballs with Sour Cream Salsa - $7

 

For more specific information on these great wines, or to taste for yourself, stop by the Tasting Room at Wines by Jennifer this week. We look forward to seeing you!