/
THESE ARE THE WINE SELECTIONS POURED AT THE PLEASANTDALE CHATEAU AT THE PRAVATO & GOSIN WEDDING RECEPTION:
1.Pierre Boniface, APREMONT, 2009, Savoie, France $14.99
2.Pazo Senorans, Albarino, 2009, Rias Baixas, Spain $24.99
3.Fattoria La Parrina,Parrina Rosso, 2008, Italy $16.99
4.Torbreck, Cuvee Juveniles, 2009, Australia $21.99
/
BISCI, Verdicchio di Matelica, 2009, Le Marche, Italy
Verdicchio,as well as the other fabulous wines (Rosso Conero and Rosso Piceno) of the Le Marche region of Italy, have continuously flown right under the wine-appreciation radar. This is really quite unfortunate, as they represent penultimate quality and are an absolute joy to sip. And let me not forget to mention that they are very food-friendly (anything seafood!)
Verdicchio is the name of the grape, and this producer Bisci is one of my perennial faves.
Crisp and full of apple, mineral-laden fruit on the palate, the wine's complexity is really quite simple to understand, as it translates into absolute pleasure in every sip.
Average retail price: $14.99
A Marc De Grazia Selection
Distributed by Michael Skurnik Wines, Syosset, NY
ADAMI, Garbel Prosecco, Veneto, Italy
Adami Garbel Prosecco is a lovely, rich yet refreshing Italian spumante (sparkling wine.)
It is a bit more complex on the palate than many of the other Prosecco wines, which are out and about in the marketplace.
Full-throttled with pear and Macintosh apple filling the palate, its fine bubbles keep it fresh and playful.
This Prosecco wine works really well as an aperitif with various cheeses and also with antipasti. It is a great wine to sip out of doors when grilling, and is bold enough to serve with lighter meat dishes like a grilled pork tenderloin served with thyme-herbed peaches.
Average retail price:$15.99
Distributed by Martin Scott Wines, NY
/
WHITES
Paumanok Vineyards, Sauvignon Blanc, 2009 North Fork.
Founded in 1983.
THE WINES AND THE MASSOUD FAMILY HAD ME AT HELLO when I by chance stopped in at the winery in the late 1980's.
Great to take a road trip to visit. Great local produce. Try with Peconic Bay oysters fresh out of the water PALATE NIRVANA!
Bogle Sauvignon Blanc, 2009, California Average retail price $10.99! GREAT VALUE
ROSE
Bonny Doon Vineyard, Vin Gris de Cigare. Randall Grahm's take on Province Rose. Gorgeous!
BEAUJOLAIS
Potel- Aviron cru Beaujolais wines..Morgon Moulin-a Vent, Fleurie. Each has its own personality based on where the vineyards are located. Mid $20 price range.
Domaine Lapierre Morgon..spectacular
Michel Tete Julienas
PINOT NOIR
Ramsay and Pedroncelli from California. Great wines and priced at less than $20.00
PROSECCO AND CAVA SPARKLING WINES
Bisol and Mionetto Prosecco wines from Veneto Italy..fab!!
Raventos i Blanc and Codorniu Cava sparklers from Spain. Great bubbly and great values!
/
Paumanok Vineyards, Sauvignon Blanc, 2009, Aquebogue, NY (Long Island)
The quintessential summertime wine. Juicy and refined with a nice touch of mineral and citrus dancing through.
Perfect with Peconic Bay oysters fresh out of the water!! Palate Nirvana!
Average retail price: $24.99
www.paumanok.com
Alba Vineyards, Blueberry Wine, Milford (Finesville,)NJ
Liquid dessert made from one of New Jerseys best bounties...blueberries!!
Average retail price:$11.99
/
Here are my Wine Buys which I will be featuring on the show:
Hugel, Gentil, 2008, Alsace, France
This is a fragrant blend of five noble grapes: Gewurztraminer, Muscat, Pinot Gris, Riesling adn Sylvaner.
Harmonious and floral this wine screams SUMMERTIME and pairs fabuloulsy with lobster, scallops and anything else "Summer"
A terrific little value, produced by this wondeful producer.
Quady, Elysium, 2008, California
You can help but to take time to smell the roses with this wine.
This delicious elixer made from the Black Muscat grape is laden with gardens of roses aromas.
It is wonderfully balanced and delicate right through its long finish. This is a great pairing with fruit sorbettos with vanilla ice cream together in a bowl, believe me I've been there! Also fab with blue cheeses..Maytag Blue a great choice.
It's sister Essensia, Orange muscat is another beauty. Served it this weekend in my class paired with pineapple ice cream sandwiches topped with a bittersweet chocolate sauce(prepared by Mary Kravec.)
/
El COTO, Rioja Blanco, 2009, Spain
A wonderful little quaff which is like drinking a breath of fresh air! Springtime in a bottle. Made from the Viura grape it is a great "on its own sipper" and also works beautifully with seafood tapas. El Coto Blanco and crab cakes are a "spot on" pairing.
Average retail pricing: $9.99
Distributed by Frederick Wildman and Sons.
Qupe, Syrah, Central Coast, 2008, Santa Barbara, California
Well, this is the "real deal" in Rhone Ranger wines. It has always been. Juicy and elegant with just the right amount of luring spice, the syrah grape loves this area and this area loves the grape. The grapes in this bottling come from the Central Coast, but their other gorgeous Syrah and red blends come from Santa Barbara, which is a Rhone varietal hot spot. Glasses raised to winemaker Bob Lindquist for keeping it REAL!
Average retail pricing: $18.99
Distributed by Lauber Selections
/
These are the wines which I am featuring today on "Living Today" with Mario Bosquez, Martha Stewart Living Radio, Sirius112/XM157:
BOGLE, SAUVIGNON BLANC, 2008, CALIFORNIA
This is one on my favorite Sauvignon Blanc values.
Vintage to vintage, it has never let me down and this 2008 is no exception.
Crisp and clean, it is the quintessential spring and summer quaff.
This multi-generation owned and operated winery really 'gets' the grape! By this I mean that their wines are varietally correct..the Sauvignon Blanc tastes like Sauvignon Blanc, and not some pumped up version trying to be something it is not! The grapes which go into this wine are sourced from Monterey and the Russian River, two great regions for growing Sauvignon Blanc.
Bogle SB is truly delicious. It pairs well with seafood and spicy dishes, and at less than ten bucks a bottle, you cannot find a better SB!
Average retail pricing: $9.99
Distributed by Winebow
CHATEAU DE TRINQUEVEDEL, TAVEL ROSE, 2008,FRANCE
I love this wine. Period. When I think of "pink wine" this is one of the first, which comes to mind. Produced in the stony Southern Rhone Valley appellation of Tavel, this is a blend of seven grapes but made mostly of Grenache Noir. The average age of the vines from which these grapes come is 31 years. This translates into ultra- concentration and glorious flavor. It is juicy and alive, with bursts of strawberries and raspberries all over the palate. A great wine to serve with grilled shrimp or salmon, it can also handle anything Asian. This wine is a STEAL at it's price point!
Average retail price: $17.99
Imported by Kermit Lynch, California
Distributed by Winebow
/
Cheers,
These are the wines, which I'll be featuring this Wednesday February 24Th on Martha Stewart Living Radio's "Living Today" Sirius112/XM157. Tune in at 3:30 PM and join us. Taste with us if you can. I'm sure your bosses won't mind!!
Potel-Aviron, Beaujolais Villages, 2008, France
This is a great representation of Beaujo Villages.
Focused and clean with cherry bursting its bling all over the palate.
Really bright and juicy with a delightful minerality streaming through. Delish!
A definite standout in its category, and at the average retail price of $12.99, you can't go wrong.
Imported by Frederick Wildman & Sons, Ltd. Summit, NJ
Michel Freres, Cremant de Bourgogne, Cuvee Brut Rose, France, 2008
One of my perennial favorites. This sparkling Pinot Noir delivers more bliss for the buck than you can imagine!
Loaded with cherry, berries and subtle hints of pepper, this mouth-filling sparkler is always a crowd-pleaser. And I might add,that it is very food friendly. Great as an aperitif with pates and cheeses like Morbier. Also terrific with salads, which feature chevre (soft goat)cheeses, or mild blues plated with fruits like oranges or peaches and plums in the summer. Make sure to nix the vinaigrette and use the juices of the fruits in your dressing!
Average retail price: $18.99
Imported by Wine Markets International, Inc., Plainview, NY
/
These are the two wines which I'll be featuring on Martha Stewart Living Radio's "Living Today," SIRIUS/XM at 3:30PM:
PAZO SENORANS, ALBARINO, 2008, SPAIN
One of the best in the biz! Perfectly balanced between it's white peach,citrus fruit and pristine acidity. Pazo has a slightly salty minerality, which brings it all home on the palate.
The Albarino grape holds similarities to the Riesling grape, but this wine is a lot more rough and tumble than most Riesling wines, especially those from the Mosel.
Perfect with seafood, especially raw oysters.
Average retail price: $23.99
THE CHOOK, SPARKLING SHIRAZ, NV, SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Rich and flavorful and most of all fun to drink.
Made in the Methode Champenoise with it's second fermentation occurring in the bottle, its playful bubbles carry its juicy and spicy red fruit into a long pleasing finish!
Average retail price:$16.99
If you shop well, you can purchase these wines for less than the above prices!
/
We'll be tasting two great Italian wines:
Cantina del Taburno, Falanghina, 2008 Benevento, Italy
A crisp and mineral-laced quaff with loads of citrus, peach and melon playing perfect harmony on the palate. This is a great wine to serve with the Italian Feast of the Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve.
And for the rest of us, fabulous with seafood dishes or light pea and roasted red pepper-laden pasta dishes!
Average retail pricing:$13.99
Elio Perrone Bigaro 2008,Piednont, Italy
This Moscato & Brachetto blend is like a delicate breath of fresh, fruit-scented air on the palate! Off dry and delicately frizzante, it is perfect as an aperitif; great with prosciutto and melon or with light desserts like lavender scented creme brulee or a ricotta cheese cake.
Average retail price: $22.99
/
Today I am featuring two wines which will be perfectly at the Thanksgiving table. While I still cannot believe that Thanksgiving is right around the corner, I do believe that these will work their magic with this wonderful harvest feast at hand.
Daniel Gehrs, Chenin Blanc, 2008, Monterey, California
This is a lovely wine and one, which really screams Thanksgiving!Well, I actually didn't hear it say this, but its floral aromatics with pear and honeysuckle dancing through on the palate certainly did! Laced with delicate minerals, it finishes long and clean.
Average retail pricing: $15.99
Distributed by American Estates Wines, Summit, NJ
Bonny Doon Vineyard, VIN GRIS DE CIGARE, Santa Cruz,
California, 2008
This is one of the wine produced by my favorite winemaker Randall Grahm, who is in my opinion, a wine wizard. His wines are both as playful and serious as he is.
This beautiful rose is a blend of Grenache, with Cinsault, Syrah, Mourvedre, Grenache Blanc and Rousanne. The wine is a reflection of this Rhone Ranger's vision and purity in production from vineyard to bottle. You will not find a better Cali rose, or for that matter, it would be difficult to find a better or more "down to earth" rose anywhere!
Average Retail price: $16.99
Distributed by Michael Skurnik Wines, Syosset, NY
/
Clos la Coutale, 2007, Cahors, France
This wine comes from the appellation of Cahors, which is located in the southwest of France. It is made from a blend of 70% Malbec,15% Merlot and 15% Tannat which is a local grape, used mostly in blending.
The grapes used by Clos la Coutale come from vines which are an average age of 25 years.
This is a superbly balanced wine. Smooth and supple into a wonderfully long finish.
Average retail price $14.99 (a steal!)
Distributed by WINEBOW
Les Restanques de Pibarnon, 2006, Bandol, France
A fabulous wine made primarily from the Mourvedre grape. One of Provence's finest producers, Pibarbnon never fails to deliver. This is kind of like its "baby Bandol" and a tremendously delicious wine full of dark black fruit, spice and an aromatic hint of new leather jacket! This IS a good thing.
A tremendous value at $23.99.
Distributed by Michael Skurnik Wines
/
Weingut Hiedler, Gruner Veltliner, Loess, 2008, Kamptal, Austria
This wine is so pure and essential that it is almost beyond words. Beautifully focused with a burst of nectarine and mineral that stays with you forever..well almost!
Floral and alive this wine is a foodies dream. Try with pan seared scallops with a beurre blanc kissed with fresh lime and experience nirvana on the palate!
Average retail price $14.99
Fontaleoni, Vernaccia di San Gimignano, 2008, Tuscany Italy
This is a wine to which I perennially keep coming back. It is medium bodied and full of lively juice and impeccably balanced. Lots of mineral and great acidity keep it playing into a long finish.
Great with antipasti including hams and salumi with any number of cheeses. Also great with tomato and mozzarella, fresh basil drizzled with Tuscan olive oil,lemon juice salt and pepper.
Average retail price: $13.99
/
These are the terrific wines which we will be tasting and talking about on today's show:
Clos Saint-Denis, Pomme de Glace, Ice Cider, Canada
Average retail price $25.00 (375 ml)
Selaks Ice Wine, 2006 New Zealand
Average retail price $17.99
Hey, what can I say. They ain't cheap but they ARE good, and a little of these beautiful wines goes a long way.
Both are impeccably balanced on the palate, and have the perfect amount of acidity to finish dry and delicate.
They are the perfect example of this oxymoron: powerful delicacy!
Tasting is believing.
The Pomme de Glace is perfect when paired with blue cheeses like Roquefort or Cabrales.
Selaks which is a blend of Riesling and Gewurztraminer, works well with blue cheeses as well as summer peach desserts!Try with a warm peach pie!
Both would be superb with a blue cheese souflee as an appetizer.
/
CA' DEL SOLO ESTATE VINEYARD, MUSCAT, 2008, CALIFORNIA
A fab and well defined wine. It's got beautifully perfumed aromatics with lively hints of melon, honeysuckle and mango. Its' mineral-laced palate is wonderfully balanced, harmonious and full of tropical fruits. It finishes long and off-dry. Great with anything Asian or as an aperitif with goat cheeses.
Average retail price $18.99
AMBRA, DI CARMIGNANO ROSATO, 2008, TUSCANY, ITALY
This little "red wine wannabe" really sings! Its "pink" color is really a darker, translucent cherry red. Made primarily from sangiovese, it has aromas of fresh strawberries, cherries and spice. The palate is off-dry, fresh and finely balanced, and dances with lingering tart cherry. Quite food-friendly and versatile, it is great for grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, salmon with an herbed mayonnaise or seared tuna.
Average retail price $12.00
/
These are today's featured wines:
Ella Valley Vineyards, Sauvignon Blanc 2007, Israel
Great Kosher wine is no longer an oxymoron, and this one is the perfect example. Fresh, clean and perfectly balanced. Lot's of delish citrus and beautiful minerality lacing through. Really terrific!
Average retail price: $21.99
Imported by Victor Kosher Wines, Inc. Distirbuted by Monsieur Touton
Nicolas Potel, Bourgogne, Pinot Noir, Cuvee Gerard Potel, 2006, France
A dynamite little pinot noir, or not so little, I should say. Bursting with cherry bling on the palate, loaded with lively fruit, and a subtle earthiness finishing long adn satisfying. Keeps drawing you in for yet another sip..and another!
Average retail price: $19.99
Imported and distributed by Frederick Wildman and Sons
/
Today, May 6Th on "Living Today" Sirius/XM RADIO CHANNEL 112, I featured and tasted the following wines with Mario Bosquez, Naomi and Chris:
Raventos i Blanc, L'Hereu Reserva Brut, 2005
The best I've ever tasted,and I've been drinking Spanish Cava wines
for twenty years! This is the perfect Mother's Day brunch wine and fab with fresh seafood. Average retail price: $17.99
Imported by Michael Skurnik Wines, Syosset, NY
Marenco, Brachetto d'Acqui, 2006, Piedmont, Italy
If you want a joy ride on your palate, this is it.
The visual on this wine alone is amazing! It is a cherry red to almost crimson colored frothy elixir. Strawberry and raspberry red fruits explode in every sip. Great with fruits and fruit tart desserts! Average retail price : $17.99
Imported by Vias Imports, NY
/
So happy that I'll be back on "Living Today" with Mario Bosquez. Mario, Naomi, Chris and I will tasting these great bubbles for Valentine's Day:
Pierre Peters, Cuvee de Reserve, Champagne France,
Average retail price $48.99
Banfi, Rosa Regale, Brachetto d'Acqui, Piedmont Italy
Average retail price $24.99
Taza Chocolate, Somerville, Massachusetts
www.tazachocolate.com
/
Today at 3:30 PM I will be tasting and talking about these wines with Mario and the crew on his show "Living Today,"
Martha Stewart Living Radio, Channel 112,Sirius/XM RADIO!
To listen on-line for free, just go to the Sirius site and click on MEDIA PLAYER at the top of the page. Fill in the info and you've got three days of great listening ahead of you!
This listed pricing is based on average retail prices:
Librandi, Ciro Rosso Classico, 2006, Calabria, Italy $11.99
Distributed by Winebow nationally
Domaine Andezon, Cotes du Rhone, 2007, France $13.99
Distrbuted by Polaner Selections, NY&NJ
Importer: European Cellars, LLC Charlotte, NC www.europeancellars.com
/
For all of you who may be driving and listening, these are the wines which I'm featuring on today's Thanksgiving Wine Segment.
Happy Thanksgiving and remember to SAVOR EVERY SIP!
Hugel, Gewurztraminer, 2006, Alsace, France
Average retail Price:$23.99
Pedroncelli, Pinot Noir, 2006, Sonoma, California
Average retail Price:$20.00
Lopez de Heredia,Vina Cubillo, 2002, Rioja, Spain
Average retail Price: $30.00
Emilio Lustau, Capataz Andres, Deluxe Cream Sherry, Spain
Average retail Price:$20.00
/
MIONETTO, SERGIO, SPUMANTE, EXTRA DRY, VENETO, ITALY
Mionetto, Sergio is a rich and luxiurious sparkling wine from this terrific producer of Prosecco. It is a blend of three grapes: 70% Prosecco di Valdobbiadene, and 30% of Verdiso, Bianchetta and Chardonnay. Sergio has a complex, medium-bodied creaminess on the palate, with delightful hints of fresh peaches and apples. Balanced by a lively acidity which brings it all together, the wine finishes clean and dry. Spumante is the Italian word for softly-bubbled sparkling wines. Please don't confuse this with the sweeter Moscato wines of Piedmont's Asti (Spumante). FYI, the term "extra dry" actually means that the wine has a bit more residual sugar than a Brut bottling. This translates into a touch more sweetness on the palate, although finishing dry as does Sergio.
Quite the versatile food wine, Sergio is the perfect bubbly to serve with hors d’oeuvres before your feast!
Average retail price: $26.99 Distributed by Fedway
/
Chateau de Trinquevedel, Tavel Rose, 2007, Rhone, France
This salmon-pink colored wine is always a winner. Made mostly from the Grenache grape, it is brimming with fresh strawberry and raspberry fruit, laced with balanced acidity keeping it really fresh. A nice hint of mineral and stoniness mingle on the palate leading into a terrific off-dry finish.
Perfect with anything traditionally Thanksgiving at table. Simply fabulous!
Average retail pricing: $17.99 Distributed by Winebow
/
HUGEL, CUVEE LES AMOURS, PINOT BLANC, 2006, ALSACE, FRANCE
Hugel has always produced lovely wines. From their entry levels on up to their Jubilee (Grand Cru) wines, the Hugel style of elegance has always been first and foremost.
This Pinot Blanc is beautiful. The nose exhibits delicate aromas of pears and apples. On the palate, there is ample fruit laced with subtle minerality and bright acidity, which makes for a juicy and delicate finish. If you've never tried an Alsacian aromatic white wine, this is the perfect place to start! Serve with pan seared sea scallops. Also a good choice for Thanksgiving dinner. Average retail price: $18.99
Distributed by Frederick Wildman and Sons, NY/NJ.
/
DESCENDIENTES DE JOSE PALACIOS, PETALOS, 2006, BIERZO, SPAIN
Bierzo is a newly emerging region located in northwestern Spain. However, the buzz about its greatness hasn't yet quite gotten out and about! Take one sip of this wine, made from the rare Mencia grape, and you'll be hooked. Mencia is said to be related to Cabernet Franc, and this little gem is earthy and loaded with blueberry and black cherry fruit, with soft tannins gently holding it all together. Petalos is produced by Spain's young superstar Alvaro Palacios, who is always willing to take a chance in exploring new possibilities, and whose hunches are thankfully right! Try it with grilled or roasted herbed lamb dishes.
Average retail price: $23.99 Distributed by Polaner Selections
/
EMILIO LUSTAU, FINO JARANA, SHERRY, ANDALUCIA, SPAIN
Sherry is one of the most misunderstood wines in our marketplace. It is definitely not a typical "go to wine," especially in the Fino, or dry category, which Jarana happens to be. This is a pristine wine, made from the Palomino grape. It is clean and nutty with a mild yeastiness, and really sings on the palate, in perfect Spanish of course! Lustau is one of the finest producers in the region. From their driest to their full-blown dessert PX and Moscatel wines, these are really classy quaffs from first sip to finish. Jarana makes a wonderful aperitif served chilled with green olives, Serrano ham and other assorted tapas.
Average retail price: $15.99 Distributed by Michael Skurnik Wines
/
OZZIE-BA-RU, SHIRAZ, 2003, AUSTRALIA
This is a wonderful Shiraz from the Hunter Valley. It is loaded with bright blackberry fruit and subtle spiciness which the syrah grape dictates when well produced. I was amazed that this wine has seen oak barrel, as it is so fresh and delicate that I barely sensed it, which to me is a very good thing! Ozzie also has a wonderful tartness on the palate which really brings it all together!
Ozzie-Ba-Ru which translated from Aboriginal dialect means "a golden land far away" has elegant power and is beautifully balanced. This wine is more than impressive!
Great paired with barbequed baby back ribs!
Average retail price $29.99
Distributed by Allied Beverage Group
/
DOMINIO DEL PLATA WINERY
CRIOS DE SUSANA BALBO, TORRONTES, 2007, ARGENTINA
This is a superb representation of the lovely Torrontes grape. Crios, which means "offspring" has delightful aromatics slightly reminiscent of Muscat. As floral and intriguing as it is on the nose, when it hits the palate it bursts with a fresh fruitiness intertwined with delicate minerality. Crios, Torrontes finishes dry and perfectly balanced,and is a truly superb wine.
Crios is produced by one of Argentina's great winemakers, Susana Balbo.
Average retail price $15.99. Distributed by Polaner Selections
/
Shortly, I'll be posting some new and exciting wines which I've been busy tasting. Please check back soon for my finds!
/
Anytime we sip champagne with friends and family makes for a wonderfully festive time, and in this upcoming new year let's all resolve to do it a little bit more!
With this in mind, I thought that I'd share with you some of my favorite Champagnes, all of which are listed at average retail
pricing.
In the boutique producer category, Pierre Peters, Blanc de Blancs, is a sublimely terrific Grand Cru champagne, selling for $42.00. Also try the champagnes of Gaston Chicquet, which are really gorgeous.
One of my favorite, widely available quaffs is the beautifully produced, Champagne Charles Heidsieck, Brut, which is deliciously elegant, and at $47.00 a great deal!
Champagne Gosset, Grand Reserve Rose is rich, refined and quite simply, heavenly. At $78.00, it is well worth the price.
I wish all of you a serene and peaceful New Year ahead, and again as always, I remind you to savor every sip!
/
Domaine Coteau, Pinot Noir, Eola-Amity Hills, 2006, Oregon
Well, it's now coming on Christmas and when it comes to the wine recipients on your gift list, Pinot Noir is a great way to say Happy Holidays.
When Pinot Noir is produced well, it can be down right stunning, and this weeks "Wine Buy" Domaine Coteau, Pinot Noir from Oregon is just that.
The 2006 vintage of Domaine Coteau's, Eola-Amity Hills bottling is pristine, from its beautiful perfumed aromas and on through its finish of great clarity and length.
For the wine collectors on your list, the 2006, Eola-Amity Hills is still very young and will definitely benefit from a few years of cellaring.
The average retail price of Domaine Coteau, Eola, is $29.99
HAVE A GREAT HOLIDAY SEASON AND
REMEMBER TO SAVOR EVERY SIP!
/
Le Volte, 2005, Tuscany, Italy
'Tis the season to be giving, and wine makes the perfect gift for those who really love it.
But, there's no need to break the bank when purchasing, as there are many wines which sell for less than fifty dollars whose quality far surpasses their price tags.
This weeks "Wine Buy," Le Volte, 2005 from Tuscany, Italy is a fabulous wine from the famed producer, Ornellaia.
Located close to the sea in the area know as the Maremma, this maritime climate has a wonderful influence on the grapes Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, which make up this particular blend.
Le Volte, 2005 is a classy wine with intriguing aromas of cherry, cassis and earthy tobacco.
It finishes rich, lush and long on the palate.
Average retail price of Le Volte is $25.99
Distributed by American B.D. NJ/NY
/
Alamos, Malbec,2006, Mendoza, Argentina
For many years, Argentina has been a hot bed for wines which are considered both great quality and value. The wines of the Mendoza region continue to prove themselves to be world-class.
This week's Wine Buy, Alamos, Malbec, 2006, is the entry level wine from the wonderful producer Catena. In this case, entry level doesn't mean lacking in care or quality, as these grapes are hand harvested from the younger vineyards which supply their flagship label Catena.
Alamos Malbec is a little work horse of a quaff, with spicy cassis, toast and berry aromatics on the nose, and a harmonious richness on the palate.
This is an all around great wine to serve at your up-coming holiday parties. Average retail price of Alamos, Malbec, 2006 is $11.99
Until next week, remember to Savor Every Sip!
Distributed by WINEBOW, NJ/NY
/
November 29, 2007
PASCAL JOLIVET, SANCERRE, 2005
One of the best places in the world for great wines made from the Sauvignon Blanc grape is France's, Loire Valley.
This is the region where the wines Sancerre, Pouilly Fume, and Cheverny, all named for their appellations are produced.
This weeks Wine Buy is Pascal Jolivet, Sancerre Blanc, 2005.
This stylish wine is amazingly focused, delicate, and yet, at the same time, powerful. Juicy and herb-tinged, it finishes long and clean as a whistle sounds.
Jolivet, Sancere, 2005 is a great wine to serve with raw oysters, as well as seafood dishes prepared with fresh dill and butter.
The average retail price of this wine is $22.99.
Be sure to check out the 2006 vintage as well, as year to year Jolivet's wines are consistently great!
Distributed by Frederick Wildman & Sons, NY NJ
/
Let's talk Prosecco. No, it's not the name of a dance step; it's the name of a sparkling wine from Italy's Northeastern Veneto region.
I've been featuring Prosecco for many years as it really is "the every day bubbly," pleasing both the palate and the pocketbook.
Bisol, Prosecco, Crede, is a medium-bodied, flavorful and refined sparkling wine, named for the primary grape from which it's made and with reference to Crede which is where this bottling is from.
Produced, in many styles, from very dry to fruity, it's quite versatile.
Bisol, Prosecco, Crede is a great sparkling wine to serve as a Sunday brunch quaff, and will also be a great for Thanksgiving entertaining. The average retail price of Bisol Prosecco Crede is $16.99
Distributed by Vias Imports, NY,NY
/
Michel Freres, Rose, Cremant de Bourgogne, 2005,
This week's Wine Buy is a wonderful sparkling wine known as a Cremant de Bourgogne, from France's Burgundy region.
Quite the sophisticated quaff, Michel Freres, Rose, 2005 is a radiantly pink, Pinot Noir-based sparkler. With its pretty aromas of cherry and yeast, along with a bright, juicy, mineral-tinged palate it finishes laced with fine and playful bubbles.
The sparkling wines of Cremant de Bourgogne, are a great alternative to Champagne, and are produced in the same method. And the good news here, is that they sell for a fraction of the price!
The average retail price of Michel Freres, Rose is $18.99
This wine will make the perfect pour for Thanksgiving.
Distributed by Wine Market International, NY
/
Beaujolais is a wine produced in the southern part of the Burgundy region in France. Made from the Gamay grape,
it unfortunately gets a bad rap because of its Nouveau in November incarnation, where it is sometimes lack-luster.
This weeks Wine Buy, Chateau de Pizay, Morgon, 2005 is a
Cru Beaujolais from one of the ten Crus or towns in the region, and named for its place of origin. They are the most age-able and complex of all the Beaujolais wines.
Chateau de Pizay, Morgon, is a really lively and well defined wine. Highly scented and full flavored, it bursts with cherry and plum notes, dancing across the palate like Fred and Ginger and finishing into a well deserved bow and curtsey. Try it with garlic and herb roasted chicken.
Average retail price of Chateau de Pizay is $12.99.
Distributed by Martin Scott Wines, NY
/
Feudi di San Gregorio, Falanghina, 2006
This week's stunningly focused and pristine white wine is the 2006 vintage of Feudi di San Gregorio, Falanghina, from Campania in Southern Italy.
This is one of my perennial favorites and it has yet to fail me.
Falanghina is the name of this ancient grape, which produces an intriguing banana scented wine, finishing dry and laced with earthy mineral. The wonderful balance between its fruit and lively acidity make it a really food-friendly quaff.
Serve with pasta tossed with crisp pancetta, roasted red peppers and artichokes. Hit it with a bit of lemon zest and don’t forget the grated cheese.
Average retail price of Feudi di San Gregorio, Falanghina is
$17.99
Imported by Palm Bay International, Boca Raton, Florida
/
My CLASS IN A GLASS WINE BUY OF THE WEEK will begin airing today on "Food Talk" Radio710WOR, and www.wor710.com.
Each Thursday, my segment will feature a wine selection and food pairing. I hope that you'll tune in. ENJOY!
This weeks Wine Buy is the 2006 vintage of Burgans, Albarino, which comes from the northwestern Spanish region of Rias Baixas. This region is highly influenced by the sea, and is known for its brilliant white wines, made from the Albarino grape.
I tasted my first Albarino in the late 1980's at a Tapas Bar in NYC, and it was truly an eye opener for me. My eyes are still wide open to this marvelous wine which is produced in many intriguing styles.
Albarino is both the name of the grape and of this crisp, aromatic white wine. It is mouth-wateringly juicy, with hints of peach and a slight salty minerality, which really plays nicely with its fruit.
I like serving it with steamed mussels with garlic and parsley. (And don’t for get to use it in the broth!)
The average retail price of Burgans, Albarino, 2006 is $13.99
Distributed by Polaner Selections, Mt. Kisco, NY
/
I don't know about you, but in the heat of the summer months, I tend to shy away from red wine. They tend to be too big, tannic and higher in alcohol than I can handle comfortably. So I quaffed many great rose wines and lots of lovely crisp whites. But now that it has gotten a bit cooler, I am again venturing back into red land.
Here are a few "gems" which I have been enjoying. I hope that you will get the chance to enjoy them as well.
Cave La Romaine, Cotes du Rhone Terre Antique, 2005, France
Well, this wine is certainly a block buster or maybe just a all out buster! In my first few sips, I felt that it was drinking like a northern Rhone wine like a Crozes-Hermitage which is based heavier on the syrah grape, as opposed to a southern Rhone grenache-based wine which this is. It is a blend of grenache and syrah, with actually 60% grenache in it. While a lot of Cotes du Rhone wines can be a bit wimpy, this one is handsome and rich, much as you'd like someone whom you are dating! Well balanced and silky, not only can you enjoy it now, but it can handle a few years in the cellar, and for under twenty dollars, you might want to grab a couple of cases, as it is a steal! I'd like to drink it with a short rib dish prepared with carrots and onions. The pairing will surely sing.
Average retail price $15.99
Distributed by Maximum Wines, NY/NJ
MORE TO COME
/
July 27, 2007
Dry Creek Heritage Zinfandel, 2005 from Sonoma, California, is a robustly flavorful, yet silky and smooth wine. When you put your nose in the glass, which is always a good practice, so as not to miss a wine's aromas, you'll find here an incense-like spiciness, plus red and blackberry fruit wafting up at you. On the sip, you'll find lots of raspberry and mellow tannins, playing with perky acidity(that tingle thing.)
Because of its wonderful balance, Dry Creek, Heritage Zinfandel pairs well with barbecue sauces which have a hint of sweetness.
Average retail price $17.99
Distributed by Fedway Associates,Inc. NJ.
/
July 20, 2007
Villa Maria, Sauvignon Blanc, Private Bin, 2006, New Zealand
This wine is consistently solid vintage to vintage. It is a clean, fruit-laden wine which is perfect for hot summertime sipping.
Vila Maria, Sauvignon Blanc is fresh, zingy and well defined. It has an herbaceous quality which keeps you coming back for more and more!
Try it with steamed mussels, with garlic, parsley and use it in the broth!
Average retail price $15.99
Distributed by Allied Beverage, Carlstadt, NJ
/
Ceretto, Arneis is a lively white wine with a bit of spritz (fine fizz) which hits the glass right after it is poured. This makes it even more refreshing and appealing in the heat and humidity of the Summer. Floral and dry, with hints of peach, it pairs really well with barbecued chicken, marinated in olive oil, lemon and thyme. Average retail price, $18.99
Disrtibuted by Allied Beverage, Carlstadt,NJ
/
Francois Cazin, Cheverny, "Le Petite Chambord," 2006, Loire Valley, France
This little gem is a juicy, yet refined Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay blend. It is from the appellation of Cheverny, which is the lesser known sibling AOC of Sancerre and Pouilly Fume. It is great for warm weather sipping and pairs especially well with chevre(goat cheese.)
Distributed by Polaner Selections, Mount Kisco, NY
Domaine Chandon, Blanc de Noirs, California
Domaine Chandon has been producing consistently wonderful sparklers for many, many years. This Blanc de Noirs is a slightly salmon in color, blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. It is full of refined, tart cherry flavor on the palate playing with an integral yeastiness. This is the kind of quality which you find in many of the finest French champagnes.
A great bubbly to pour at wedding receptions as it won't break the bank at approximately $16.99 average retail pricing.
Distributed by Allied Beverage Group, R&R Marketing and Fedway Associates, NJ
Mas de Gourgonnier, Rose, 2006, Les Baux, Provence, France
If you've every heard the rumblings about rose wines from Provence France, which they are famous for, this one in my opinion always wins the prize. Pretty in pink, it is a blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault and Cabernet Sauvignon (is that all?)
Very flavorful and pleasing, it finishes DRY.
Serve with grilled garlic and thyme chicken, or anything with a Mediterranean spin. Approximate retail, $13.99
Distributed by Michael Skurnik Wines, Syosset, NY
/
Cheers,
I am very pleased to announce the debut of my new Radio/Internet segment, Carol Berman's "Class in a Glass Wine Minute". It will air every Friday morning beginning this Friday, June 15, 2007 at 11:40AM, on Greenstone Radio's Lisa Birnbach Show.
Each week I will be sharing with you bits of user-friendly wine information, plus my "Wine Buy of the Week" which I did for many years on WOR Radio's "Food Talk" with Arthur Schwartz.
I'll be posting my "Wine Buys" right here on my site for your easy access.
Greenstone Radio is the smart and savvy media creation of Jane Fonda and Gloria Steinem and can be heard at www.greenstoneradio.com
I'll have a direct link to Lisa Birnbach's page, lisabradio.com, on my "Classes and Events" page, so that you can just click on to her page and listen under podcasts. No downloading required!
The segment will also be available for podcasting.
I hope that you'll tune in and listen, as well as write to me with any topics or wine questions which you'd like to have addressed in the segment.
Until then,
PEACE AND WINE
/
I just returned from a glorious wine and cooking tour of the Maremma in Western Tuscany. I am slowly adjusting back into my routine here in the real world, really trying to keep all of the flavors and colors very close to me.
Shortly, on this page I will gladly share some of my highlights with you!
"Everyone had a TERRIFIC time at the wine tasting! Loved the concept, Loved the event, loved the wine, and loved the fact that you picked such affordable wines!" GR, Princeton, NJ
