White Wines

• Old World Riesling

Rheinhessen is Germany’s largest wine region by area. The 2007 harvest was one of the healthiest in years and of good quantity, which was welcome news as 2005 and 2006 saw a reduction in yield due to weather. It has crisp citrus notes of grapefruit and gooseberry that stand out on the palate. The wine is vibrant and finishes very clean, somewhat reminiscent of Sauvignon Blanc. This Dry Riesling will pair well with seafood, sushi, and shellfish.

• New World Riesling

Australia's Barossa Valley has a long and enviable history of producing fine Riesling, regarded by many as the noblest white wine variety of all. It is not surprising then that many winemakers would nominate Riesling as the white wine dearest to their hearts. When young, it is fresh and crisp with aromatic citrus characters. The 2007 vintage has attractive pale yellow and green tint, with delightful citrus characters and notes of nectarine. The palate shows zesty lemon flavors and a taut, clean finish. Pairs excellently with today’s Salmon Canapés.

Red Wines

• New Word Grenache

Grenache is fat, ripe and rich, which makes the wines made from Grenache easy to love. This varietal is most famous in Southern Rhone areas such as Chateauneuf-du-Pape and Gigondas, where Grenache has long been an important component of those delicious blends. This red grape is widely planted throughout the western Mediterranean, with the largest concentration found in Spain, where it is known as Garnacha. Australia also has large plantings of Grenache, mainly in the southeastern areas. A top-notch offering for current consumption, this 2006 old vine Grenache from McLaren Vale boasts a complex bouquet of black cherries, cinnamon, clove, coffee, vanilla, herbal notes and hints of green peppercorns—it’s a wine you can sit and sniff almost endlessly. The flavors are more straightforward—black cherry and spice—while the texture is delicate, almost soft. Great with pizza!

• Old World Garnacha

The wine is produced at a cave co-op founded in 1965. It is located in the Ribota River Valley, some 20 miles north of the Spanish city of Calatayud. This area has a variety of landscapes (lush river valleys, mountainsides and semi-desert areas). The name Calatayud derives from a Moorish governor named Ayub who built a castle (qalat) at the confluence of the Jalon and Jiloca rivers (qalat Ayub.) There has been thriving population here as far back as Roman times when the old city of Bilbilis was used as an important staging post for the Roman legions on their way north to Gaul. This 2007 old vine Garnacha has remnants of a purple color with raspberry and light berry bouquet. It is lively in the mouth, with zesty fruit and sweet notes of tart raspberry and red berry and a touch of spice and white pepper on the finish. Excellent with a plate of tapas.

• Old World Primitivo

This 2005 vintage is produced in the Salento area of Puglia (the heel of the boot) and is made from 100% Primitivo grapes. (DNA evidence has confirmed that Primitivo of Puglia and California's Zinfandel are genetically identical.) It is ruby red in color, with purplish highlights and a dry, velvety and harmonious palate. We find it goes well with red meats, wild game and mature cheeses, and particularly well with stews, braised meats and pot roasts.

• New World Zinfandel

This 2005 vintage from California's Mendocino County is a big, chewy Zin, with a slightly rustic and complex set of berry/earthy flavors. It is made from 76% Zinfandel, 18% Carignane, and 6% Syrah. Excellent with roasted red meats like buffalo steaks or burgers.

 

Appetizer of the Week

Emerald Isle Dill Salmon Canapés - $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!