The Wine Guy
It seems to me that now might be a good time to take a break from a nomination that we’re all aware of and look at some other, less-controversial, nominations that are so delicious, I think people from both parties might finally have something that they can all agree on.
Borsao 2016 Garnacha, Campo de Borja, Spain, ($9.99). Both on the nose and palate, this Garnacha is mildly angular and pinching, with a sense of rawness brought on by hard tannins. Its foxy plum flavors are jumpy and nervy, finishing peppery and jagged. This estate is one of the oldest in Northern Spain and all of its wines feature a rugged structure, not soft, but full, like the geography of the region. If you’re having Tapas for dinner, be sure to have this one on hand; at this price, make it more than one!
Hay Maker, 2016 Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand, ($12.99), is light, bright and well-priced wine that offers high-toned notes of lemon, pear, pineapple and a hint of green bell pepper. The slightly oily texture is balanced by zippy acidity and a long, juicy finish. Try this one with salads, shellfish or Tuscan Chicken, as well as any kind of lighter cheese and keep it on hand year-round, as it crisp, tart body makes it one of the more flexible whites to have, especially at this price point.
Michele Chiarlo 2016 Le Orme,Barbera d’Asti, Piedmont, Italy, ($15.99),Chiarlo maintains high levels of quality and consistency in this red beauty, where fragrant purple flower, baking spice and black-skinned berry aromas mingle with an earthy whiff of forest floor. On the succulent palate, supple tannins and fresh acidity balance juicy Marasca cherry, crushed raspberry and licorice. It’s easy drinking and savory. With enough structure to put it down for a few years, it’s still delicious with red sauce dishes and game meats.
Château Mourgues du Grès 2017 Galets Dorés White, (Costières de Nîmes, Rhone Valley, France, ($15.99). Hints of nut, honeycomb and vanilla accent sunny yellow apple and tangerine fruit here. It’s a silky, luscious dry wine anchored by lemony acidity. The finish lingers long, with a bristling lime pith note. Rhone-style White Blends are a style of white wine composed of two or more traditional Rhône varieties, including but not limited to VioRhône-style White Blends are a style of white wine composed of two or more traditional Rhône varieties, including but not limited to Viognier, Marsanne, Roussanne, Clairette and Bourboulenc. This one really loves pungent cheese, herb chicken and lamb, as well as an array of seafoods.
Château le Peyrat 2015 Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux, France, ($15.99). This wine is finely balanced—an impressive mix of ripe fruit and rich tannins. A smoky character envelops its rich blackberry and plum flavors, all underlined with tannins. It needs to age and will be best from 2020.The phrase “Bordeaux-style red blend” may be used informally to describe red wines produced from a combination of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and to a lesser extent Carmenère and Malbec.
All the red wines of Bordeaux can naturally be described as such, though it is also an appropriate term for wines made outside of the region, including those from California, Washington, Argentina and beyond. Appellation d’Origine Protegée (AOP) laws and other protections of origin mean that only wine made in the Bordeaux area can, according to strict regulations, be officially labelled as Bordeaux. This style of wine is really flexible; have it with grilled or roasted meats, cheese, game or just friends!
Talk to The Wine Guy at jdris8888@gmail.com
