Francois Montand Chardonnay blend Blanc de Blanc Brut Sparkling Wine Vins Mousseux France NV
Sparkling wines are by far the most versatile wines regarding pairings. No need to spend much $$$ on French Champagne as this sparkler delivers much regarding taste and value. Frothy bubbles + defined, crisp acidity + bright citrus fruit flavors of green apple, fresh lemon, and a hint of pineapple = a wine that is meant for the start of a holiday meal. Do not let the term brut cause alarm … simply means “not sweet” … also, blanc de blanc is a labeling term to indicate the wine is produced only from the use of white grape varietals. If you are a “foodie”, the above is the “house” sparkling wine for restaurant Bouchon in Las Vegas which is owned by Thomas Keller of the French Laundry ($16).suggested pairing: great as a “start” to the festivities and will greatly compliment the meal as a whole
Guy Saget 100% Sauvignon Blanc “La Petite Perriere” Loire Valley France 2008
The Saget family has been cultivating the vine in the Loire Valley since 1790. With an outstanding pedigree regarding production, the wines are of classic archetypal nature and express the varietal character of the grape. Sauvignon Blanc is referred to as a “universal” pairing wine given the grapes high acid level. The style of the above wine is defined by rich fruit flavors of pineapple, grapefruit, and tart gooseberry, with a “laser beam” of acidity and minerality ($15).suggested pairing: due to the defined acid, will easily “stand up” to the traditional rich dishes of Thanksgiving
Weingut St. Urbans-Hof 100% Riesling Mosel Germany 2010
Riesling, like sparkling wine, is extremely versatile in the realm of food and wine pairings. While there is a “hint of sweet” in most German Riesling, there is also the balance of acid. Acid is “Mother Nature’s” gift to cuisine … acid tapers sweet, “cools” heat from spice, and “cuts” through rich sauces. Even the name of the wine pays “homage” to quality. St. Urbans = the patron saint of German wine makers, Hof = estate in German … the Weis family has owned vineyards for centuries in Germany. The above is simply amazing with crisp green/yellow apple, fresh lime, and ripe peach, plus crisp acidity backed by defined slate minerality ($18).suggested pairing: will compliment the salty “bite” of ham, the moist texture of a beautifully cooked turkey, and all the trimmings!
Les Celliers de Ramatuelle L’ Opale dry rosé of Grenache Côtes de Provence AOP France 2010
Rosé is “sunshine trapped in a bottle”, however, is truly a misunderstood wine as the color of pink leads one to think sweet. For the L’ Opale, no need for “sweet pink panic” as the above is dry, crisp, fruit forward, and yes, has defined acidity. We take you to Provence with this wine where 85% percent of all production is dry rosé based on varying blends of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, and even Cabernet Sauvignon. Great color … fresh “berry” fruit … bright acid … great wine ($14)!suggested pairing: a great wine before “seconds” as the structure will recharge the palate
Henry Fessy 100% Gamay Château des Reyssiers Vineyard Régnié Cru Beaujolais AOP France 2009
The Gamay grape varietal has the perfume and bouquet of Pinot Noir, the rich plum, berry fruit of Merlot, and the aroma of fresh cut flowers. As an added plus, 2009 is a fantastic vintage for Beaujolais producing wines of great depth, concentration, and balance. With a wine history dating to 1888, the Fessy family is known for the production of fine quality Cru Beaujolais. Names such as St. Amour, Julienas, Brouilly, and with the above, Régnié. A great wine from a great vintage ($17)!suggested pairing: honey baked or smoked ham, savory turkey, pork tenderloin, brisket, or beef tenderloin
Luccarelli 100% Primitivo Puglia IGT Apuglia region Italy 2010
Primitivo is the “cousin over the water” to our red Zinfandel. Defined by rich flavors of dark plum, raspberry, boysenberry, and blackberry, plus a hint of spice and earth, Primitivo delivers much in terms of flavor and texture. The Luccarelli is produced from 80 year old vines, with fruit that is hand picked, and void of any oak regarding fermentation and aging. This wine truly delivers regarding value… the “taste” of Italy in a glass ($15).suggested pairing: same as for the Henry Fessy … is great with any type of protein!
Bogle Petite Sirah Port Quick Ranch Clarksburg AVA California 2007
This is truly a hidden gem … a wine that is completely “off the radar”. I have been using this wine for several years as a dessert pairing or after dinner “sipper” due to the reasonable cost, great packaging, and outstanding taste. Given the small production of only 3,000 cases, plus the limited availability, you would be remiss to pass on the opportunity to try this amazing California Port. The defined flavors and elevated alcohol is the product of the process known as fortification (addition of pure grape spirit to a fermenting liquid = stopped fermentation + the retention of natural grape sugar). Yes, this wine is concentrated, however, has a balance of flavor that tastes of fresh red and black fruits dipped in milk chocolate ($20).suggested pairing: any empty wine glass or as a liquid dessert
For this project, we tasted over 136 wines before selecting the above. Only 5% made the cut! Rest easy that you will not find better wines at a better price. You can purchase all seven wines, “pick & choose”, or replenish your cellar. We will gladly offer a 10% discount on a case purchase (yes, a mixed case is fine!). Also, keep in mind that each wine drinks and tastes at a level far above the stated cost, what we refer to as “$-Taste-Value-Per-Dollar$”. Please allow us to assist you regarding your wine needs for the upcoming holidays. As well, these wines will be on display starting 11/01/11 and available to taste, for free, on each Friday during the month of November at GOOD2GO from 4:45 – 8:00 pm. If Friday does not work, simply stop in and we will be happy to let you taste.
Always, good wine tastes good, but good food paired with good wine tastes great!
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