Month: August 2015

The man of LaMancha, Don Quixote tilting at windmills.  Why is it that as I get older I find fewer people, even my own age who do not understand the reference?

I have a LOVE of Spanish wines.  The past decade has seen the quality of these wines take ginormous leaps forward.

This great little Tempranillo is spectacular.  Tempranillo is the most widely used grape in this region, and then more so over in Portugal.

The nose on this is just wonderful.  Fruit aromas and floral notes abound.  The ruby red color glows like a gem in a crown.

Pouring the wine into my mouth I am automatically hit with the richness that goes with that crown.  Currant, blackberry, spices that linger for an eternity.  The quivering in my tastebuds excites me, my mouth is begging for more.  The taste explosions remind me of the popper candies from when I was a kid.  Oh the joyride.  The sweet succulent tannins that come at the end are a result of 14 months in French oak.

This Don Quixote needs no Sancho to back it, go after all the windmills you want this one wins.

Enjoy

Smooth, rich, elegant.and a pretty bottle too
Smooth, rich, elegant.and a pretty bottle too

What a wonderful surprise.  This little bottle packs a wallup.  This is what happens when an Italian family migrates to Argentina and starts producing wine.  You get the best of old and new. A single vineyard located in Cruz de Piedra Mendoza, that shines.  The winemaker is Rod “Opi” Sadler, a legend in Argentina and the wotld.  Here he has used the best grapes to produce this extraordinary wine. 
Once you open the bottle oh the aromas penetrate the room.  Floral bouquets, ripe cherries and plum are offered up. 
The beautiful color in the glass invites you to partake of its bounties.  Almost hesitant, I do not want to upend this experience, I lift the glass to my mouth and begin to slowly pour the contents.  Oh , oh ,oh.  My palate is dancing with excitement.   The many flavors burst in my mouth.  The wine is aged 12 months in American and French oak.  This adds another beautiful flavor to this complex wine.  First you are hit with flavors of raspberry jam, dark cherry follows along with hints of plum behind it.  Cinnamon and spice linger on the tongue, soft elegant tannins follow, your body is begging for more.  You literally have drunk the bottle before realizing (at least I did ).  I look  forward  to trying more of the wines from Mascota vineyards.

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Oh what a beautiful night

Enjoy

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On our monthly night out in the city we chose La Viola Ovest.  Highly recommended by several friends and very much worth it.  On this night we met a couple of friends for dinner too.  The quaint restaurant sits across the street from its sister La Viola.  The night was great, EXCELLENT food, great wine, and conversation with good friends.  We started talking and enjoying ourselves I forgot to get pictures of the food and wine.  We ordered appetizers for the table and then we each had our own entrees.  Calamari, antipasto and mozzerella with roasted peppers I paired them with a wonderful white from Langhe .DELICIOUS.  The entrees were all shared, various forms of pasta, shrimp, ham and spinach, but the winner that night was by far the pork chop.  Grilled to perfection, seasoned mouthwatering goodness.  Oh my lovely.

I brought two reds to go with the entrees.  The Villa Lanata Langhe Baccanera and the Accordini Valpolicella Ripasso.  Both excellent wines and both went down very well.  The Baccanera, full bodied fruit forward and bold.  A blend of cabernet and barbera.  Dark fruit, plum, ripe dark cherry, Solid tannins that paired with the meats made the wine luscious.  Just luscious.

The second was Accordini Valpolicella Ripasso.  As soon as the bottle was opened everyone around the table let out a  perfect oohh.  The aromas of the fruit balanced with the floral fragrance was so inviting.  The taste hit my buds and almost brought tears to my eyes.  Cherry, pepper, and a chocolate note bounced around my mouth delighting me.  The wine was almost dense in texture, full, rich, fruity perfection.

Enjoy

The Baccanera, horrid picture but excellent wine.
The Baccanera, horrid picture but excellent wine.
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cute and quaint, excellent food

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Accordini Valpolicella, the winner of the night

my pictures are horrid tonight, but granted it was a very good night.

Rocca Felice Barbera d’Alba Superior, sounds like a great Italian action movie doesn’t it.  I am on an Italian wine kick.  Remembrances of my visit last year.  Italian wines are the up and coming thing.  You like Bordeaux, you like California cabs, how about Pinot Noir.  Italy has it all and more.  You must try some of Italy’s best.

Back to the wine of the night.  This Barberad’Alba has a rich ruby color.  Not a dark ruby like in a gold setting, but the ruby color you get when you hold a raw stone to the light. ( yes I worked with gems  in a previous career).

Felice Rocca Barbera d'Alba
Felice Rocca Barbera d’Alba

The fruit hits your tongue and instantly your mouth begins to shudder.  The rich barbera grape attacks your sensitivity and you are in a place of bliss.  So much red fruit flavors, cherry, raspberry.  Hints of plum, vanilla and cinnamon follow right along behind.  A medium finish that lingers around long enough to give you desire for more.

Enjoy

Friday night is pizza night, add a Barbera and make it great.
Friday night is pizza night, add a Barbera and make it great.