I love drinking, learning about and sharing wine and have had the good fortune to hang around with dear friends over the years that had tremendous patience, deep pockets and great palates but, sadly, those days are increasingly few and far between! So, faced with a palate spoiled by great wines with lofty prices I spend my time searching, researching and exploring the world of wines to find the best values out there! You may not always agree with me and you may have some opinions of your own–so please share!
For the week of June 22 I have a couple of personal favorites
from Alsace, France that I hope you enjoy:
Pinot Gris Schlossberg Alsace Grand Cru 2011
White
Anne de K Pinot Gris Schlossberg Alsace Grand Cru 2011
Retail: $24.99
Rated? Yes–Wine Enthusiast: 90
Pinot Gris from Alsace is the sexy, sultry, off dry (or oh so slightly honeyed) stepsister of the often insipid Italian Pinot Grigio. A rich, elegant, full bodied and fruity white wine to pair with foie gras or scallops or to stash–last minute–in a picnic cooler beside a selection of smoked meats, pate’, simple salad and a french baguette! Sophisticated but country simple picnic-blanket fare to share while on the bank of a favorite lake, dune or while lounging on a deck chair!
Long Live “The King” Pinot Grigio 2015
Retail:
Rated:
King Valley Wine of Australia. Twist top. Back Label: The King Valley is one of Australia’s leading wine regions. Devastated by Phylloxera several years ago, it was thought winemaking in the King Valley might not survive, but a few conscientious winemakers stayed loyal to the The King and have gone on to make some of Australia’s greatest wines. In 2015 we harvested grapes from a number of outstanding vineyards in the King Valley regionto make this fine Pinot Grigio. The seamless palate encompasses flavors of fresh green apple and ripe pear with a sour edge lifted by King Valley’s typical cool climate elegance. A wine to enjoy with a fresh seafood platter or spicy Asian dishes. Long live The King! Bill Calabria, Winemaker.
Chateau De Mercue’s Malbec 2009
Red
Chateau De Mercuès Malbec 2009
Retail: $19.99
Rated? Yes–Wine Enthusiast 91
Deep, dark cherry with plum, leather and spice/black pepper! I’ve long been a fan of several of the Malbecs out of Argentina but this French Malbec is truly swoon-worthy. Elegant, velvet tannins with a sophisticated and sultry finish! I pair with a medium rare pan seared duck breast and a still-warm chunk of crusty bread drizzled with the best olive oil I can find. Perfect for a candlelight dinner poolside, on the deck or on the beach!
Catena Alta Historic Rows Malbec 2011 Bodega Catena Zapata
Retail: $42.99
Rated? Yes–Wine Spectator 90
Founded in 1902. Catena Alta Malbec is sourced from select rows in the Catena Zapata family’s Adean Vineyards. Angélica vineyard (10%, La Pirámide vineyard (6%), Nicosia vineyard (30%) and Andrianna vineyard (54%). The blend of these historic rows, like the marriage of sounds that create a symphony, yields an exuberant wine that speaks for the earth and the vines that have been tended by the Catnas for four generations. The Catena Zapata Family, since 1902; Argentina’s Malbec Pioneer. (Product of Argentina)
Rose’
Chateau De Fabregues Costières de Nimes Grenache-Syrah 2015
73% Grenache 27% Syrah
Back Label: Chateau de Fabreques is a prestigious estate located in Nimes, in the south of the Rhône Valley. This elegant rosé wine offers a great freshness and delicate notes of red fruits.
Fontanyl 2015 Côtes De Provence Rosé
Retail:
Rated?
