White Wines

• Torrontes is the most distinctive of all Argentine wines, including both white and red, because Argentina is the only country to produce it. Recent genetic testing indicates that Torrontes is a hybrid of Muscat of Alexandria and Criolla Chica. The winery started producing Torrontes in its own state-of-the-art facilities with the 2001 harvest from grapes planted in their vineyards of Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria. Seafood, Chinese and Asian fusion foods are its best food matches for this 2008 vintage from Mendoza.
  
  
• The 2006 vintage in Oregon was characterized by a steadily warm and dry growing season with very little rainfall and relatively little disease pressure. This resulted in a harvest with a rare combination of robust yields and great quality, leading to wines with flavors of exceptional depth. Lively and tangy, this Pinot Gris bursts with bright acidity that contributes to an almost frizzante texture while refreshing the palate. More body than one would expect, with strong mid flavors of peach and pear, along with green apple, melon and tropical flavors.
  

Red Wines

• The winery was the first in the Great Southern wine growing region of Western Australia and is now one of the most well respected Western Australian wineries, consistently producing quality wines for nearly 40 years. This 2007 Pinot Noir shows deep, vibrant crimson hues. Cherry, raspberry, with distinctive Pinot spice and subtle undertones of oak-derived vanilla. Supple and smooth on the palate, with sweet fruit, finely polished tannins and balanced acidity that provides a finely poised backbone for the fruit flavors and varietal spice notes that provide the great length and focus. Youthful vibrancy but should keep happily for at least six years.

• This historic winery in southwestern France, close to Bordeaux, has produced a fine example of a Cahors wine (most of which, like this one, are Malbec), famous for their dark color, intensity and depth. Dark crimson in color. Aromas of blackcurrant, notes of coffee, leather and spices (cloves). Very fruity and tannic, this oak-aged 2007 vintage is best paired with braised chicken, turkey, duck and most roasted game dishes.
  
  
• This 2007 Northern Rhone blend (Shiraz/Viognier) from South Australia shows vibrant crimson colors with purple hues. The nose is very expressive of its grape origins, displaying aromas of violets, blueberries and Turkish delight, with hints of ground spices. Medium-bodied with lots of red berry fruits, the supple tannins and generous fruit flavors are typical of this contemporary red wine blend.

Sparkling Wine

• The district of Emilia-Romagna includes two distinct areas with Bologna, the region's capital, marking more or less the dividing line. Emilia, with its prosperous provinces lined along its ancient Roman-built Via Emilia, occupies the western sector, while Romagna lies to the east of Bologna and stretches all the way to the Adriatic Sea. The strongly individual characteristics of Emilia-Romagna wines make them northern Italy's most eccentric. This winery is located on the slopes of Scandiano, in the heart of the most prestigious wine production area in Emilia. It owns its own vineyards, which produce excellent grapes for DOC and table wines such as this non-vintage sweet sparkling red.

 

Appetizer of the Week

Warm Layered Raspberry Salsa Dip with Crackers - $8

 

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!