|
Join The WineKnitter in exploring the world of Wine, Spirits, Food, Travel and much more! |
|
It was another bumpy ride this past year, with many of us feeling as though we were on an endless roller coaster ride. So as we usher in the New Year, let’s be optimistic and forge ahead by embracing new adventures, tackling our bucket lists, and celebrating one another! Be kind, be gentle, and step into the New Year with grace and dignity! To quote Rumi, “Raise your words, not voice. It is rain that grows flowers, not thunder.” I’m kicking off 2022 with six red wine recommendations and food pairings that are sure to please your palate and warm your heart and soul during the long winter months! Volver Tempranillo Single Vineyard 2018 Bodegas Volver was founded in 2004 by fourth generation viticulturist Rafael Cañizares. This 100% Tempranillo wine is sourced from a high-altitude (2000+ ft.) single vineyard called Finca Los Juncares, located in the eastern part of DO La Mancha, Spain. Fermentation takes place in new French oak barrels, and the wine is then aged for 15 months. Nose: Dark fruit, anise, and baking spice. Palate: Juicy blackberry, sour cherry, and plum with notes of mocha, kirsch, and toast lingering on a long finish. Alcohol: 15% SRP: $16 Pairings: Grilled meat, stews, tapas, or roasted lamb.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Riva Leone Barbaresco DOCG 2017 This delicious wine is 100% Nebbiolo, sourced from vineyards in the Piedmont region of Italy. It is aged for a minimum of two years in oak, of which one year is in French and American oak barrels. Nose: Red fruit, cherry, spice, a touch of rose petals, and earth. Palate: Tart black cherry, red plum, pomegranate, berries, spice, and fennel. It is beautifully balanced with soft tannins and a long finish. Alcohol: 14% SRP: $25 Pairings: Roasted meat, fowl, seared tuna, risotto, hearty stews, or aged cheese.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Wilson Winery Three Dog Zin 2019 Founded in 1992, Wilson Winery is located in Dry Creek Valley, Healdsburg, in Sonoma County, CA. This whimsical label features original art from local artist Mylette Lynch. A portion of proceeds from each bottle sold is donated to local animal shelters and non-profit rescues to support adoption services, medical care, and more. The wine is 100% Zinfandel aged for 22 months in French and American oak. Nose: Fresh red berries, spice, and floral. Palate: Lush notes of strawberry, pomegranate, baking spice, and fennel. Nicely balanced acidity and tannins with a long finish of spice and berries lingering on the palate. Alcohol: 15.7% SRP: $32 Pairings: Grilled meat, tuna, hearty stews, or pasta with prosciutto and fontina.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Borsao Tres Pico Garnacha 2019 Bodegas Borsao established the Cooperative of Borja in 1958, which is a group of winegrowers dedicated to preserving the quality and integrity of Garnacha. Located in DO Campo de Borja, Spain, the grapes for this 100% Garnacha were sourced from vineyards in the famous Moncayo mountain. This flagship wine was the first 100% Garnacha wine produced in Spain in 2000. The wine is aged five to six months in new bordelaise barrels of French oak. Nose: Beautiful aromas of floral, red fruit, and a touch of spice. Palate: Dark plum, blackberry, black raspberry, baking spice, and vanilla. It is a well-structured and rich wine with smooth tannins and a long finish. Alcohol: 15% SRP: $19 Pairings: Barbecue, grilled vegetables, rice and pasta-based dishes, cheese, and hearty stews.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Quatro Quarti Nero d’Avola Appassimento Sicilia DOC 2019 This wine is produced by Cantine Ermes, founded in 1998 in the heart of Belice Valley in Sicily. They have an impressive 10,592 hectares of vineyards spread across Sicily. Once harvested, Nero d’Avola grapes are slightly dried (appassimento) in a special room to go through the natural process of dehydration. After fermentation, the wine ages for four months in French oak barrels. Nose: Ripe berries, spice, and a touch of floral. Palate: Lush dark berries, dried fruit, a hint of vanilla, and silky tannins with spice and cocoa lingering on the finish. Alcohol: 14% SRP: $10-$15 Pairings: Pasta, Grilled meat, chicken, cheese, stews, or risotto.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Time Waits For No One Red 2020 Finca Bacara, founded in 2016, is a winery located in Jumilla, in southeast Spain. The vineyards are certified organic, and this wine is 100% Monastrell, a hardy grape capable of withstanding extreme heat and drought. I had the opportunity to taste this wine while visiting Jumilla in November. With the New Year upon us, I find this quote about the wine from Finca Bacara very timely. “How often do you talk about the concept of Time in a conversation? “Life is short and every time is limited.” “We should spend more time together.” “Live the moment to the fullness” … The name of this wine came to us in one of those random conversations. Then we elaborated the idea with more attention to detail and, of course, our time. So enjoy it your way and explore the meaning of time. It's as simple as that. Crafted with care for random conversations.” Nose: Intense ripe fruit, smokey, with a hint of herbs. Palate: Lush red fruit, spice, balsamic notes, with nicely balanced tannins and acidity. Alcohol: 14% SRP: $15 Pairings: Grilled meat, fowl, pasta, paella, or charcuterie and cheese board.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss I wish everyone a healthy, happy, and safe New Year!
Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com It’s time to board the plane and fasten your seatbelt. We are heading to Spain on my virtual private jet to explore Jumilla and the Monastrell grape.  Photo credit: Discover more Spain Vineyards-in-Spain Jumilla (pronounced who-ME-ah) is a small wine region located in southeastern Spain. “The area begins in Tobarra mountains, a natural crossroad located between Alicante, Albacete, and Murcia, around 50 miles inland from the Mediterranean Sea. The vines stretch out across more than 19,000 hectares of land, and over 2,000 viticulturists painstakingly care for each and every one. There are 45 registered wineries in the provinces of Murcia and Albacete, of which 40% are located in the town of Jumilla.” This quote is taken from Jumilla.com  Jumilla is the birthplace of Monastrell, a red grape variety (known as Mourvèdre in France). Jumilla also boasts being home to Europe’s single largest collection of 90-year-old ungrafted bush vines. Viticulture and winemaking have been a fundamental part of Jumilla for over 5000 years, and it is one of the oldest DOPs (denominación de origin Protegida) in Spain, established in 1966. Jumilla climate is considered Continental even though it is close to the Mediterranean Sea. It experiences over 3000 sunny hours a year, with frequent dry winds. This high altitude and arid area with scorching days in the vineyards benefit from the cool evenings due to the high elevation. The soil is mainly comprised of gravel and limestone with good soil depth and a high capacity to retain water, all of which are conducive to vine-growing.  Monastrell grapes Photo credit: Bodegas Xenysel The Monastrell grape is a late-ripening grape that thrives in this intense heat. It has adapted to these hot, arid conditions, making it a resilient variety and resistant to drought. Monastrell makes up approximately 70% of the Jumilla DOP vineyard surface. In addition, sustainable farming has been in practice for generations, with 70% of the surface area certified in organic viticulture.  Photo credit: Bodegas Xenysel The wines produced here tend to be bold with fruit-driven flavors and characterized by intense aromas, powerful tannins, and medium acidity. Here are three wines representing a range of expressions to delight the palate. All of these wines are made with 100% Monastrell and are hand-harvested.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Jumilla Rosado, DOP 2020 Bodegas Alceño, producer Grapes were harvested from 40-year-old vines in an organically farmed vineyard at 2690 feet altitude. This organic rosé presents lovely floral, strawberry, and raspberry notes on the nose. A palate of refreshing acidity and juicy berries continue to an impressively long finish. Drink as an aperitif or serve with seafood, grilled fish, light pasta, or sushi. Alcohol: 13% SRP: $10-12  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Jumilla Tinto Joven, DOP 2020 Bodegas Xenysel, producer The grapes for this wine were harvested from 25-year-old vines growing in sandy-clay and limestone gravel soils at 2,133 feet altitude. This wine is unoaked and certified organic. Aromas of violet, dark berries, and cherry segue onto the palate with blackberry, spice, and grippy tannins. It is balanced and structured with a lengthy finish. Pair with cheese and meat appetizers, grilled meat, or chicken. Alcohol: 14% SRP: $10-14  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Jumilla Tinto Crianza, DOP 2018 Bodegas Olivares, producer Grapes were harvested from vines of over 60-years-old. The vineyard is situated at approximately 2,706 feet altitude. This wine was aged 12 months in 300-litre French oak barrels and 10,000 litre oak vats before bottling. Succulent aromas of dark fruit, baking spice, and fig set the stage for this expressive wine. The palate offers blackberry, dark cherry, tobacco, balsamic, spice, and a hint of cocoa, ending with a long finish. Serve with hearty stews, grilled meat, game, aged cheese. or seared tuna. Alcohol: 14.5% SRP: $15-18  Photo credit: Penny Weiss These are excellent wines at incredible prices! I’m looking forward to exploring more styles from Jumilla.
Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com Cava and chocolate truffles, why not?  Photo credit: Penny Weiss There is no lack of wine samples and other goodies that arrive at my doorstep daily. But when I received a sampling of Cava Sparkling wines in very festive bottles, I just had to pair them with a sample box of chocolate truffles.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Vilarnau is a small, handcrafted cava house. It is located just outside of Barcelona in Spain’s Catalonia region, where high-quality cavas are produced. The Vilarnau family settled here in the 12th century, with their country home surrounded by grapevines. The first cava labeled Vilarnau was made in 1949 from grapes grown on the family’s estate. Today, the estate is part of González Byass, a family-owned collection of wineries founded in 1835. Cava sparkling wine is made using the Méthode Traditionnelle, the same method used in the Champagne district of France, where the second fermentation takes place in the bottle. The three main grapes used in cava production are Macabeu, Parellada, and Xarel.lo. Vilarnau Brut Reserva NV, DO Cava This cava is a blend of 50% Macabeo, 35% Parellada, and 15% Xarel.lo. Aging is over 15 months on the lees. Nose: Pronounced aromas of pear, apple, stone fruit, and lemon. Palate: Beautiful apple, stone fruit and pear notes continue with floral and long, persistent bubbles. It is creamy and rich, with a hint of lemon and biscuits lingering on the finish. Alcohol: 11.5% SRP: $14.99 Vilarnau Rosé Delicat Brut Reserva NV, DO Cava This cava is a blend of 85% Garnacha and 15% Pinot Noir. Aging is over 15 months on the lees. Nose: Vibrant aromas of floral, ripe red berries, and a hint of cherry. Palate: It has a fresh and creamy mouthfeel with fine bubbles and layers of strawberry, raspberry, citrus, and a touch of brioche. Alcohol: 12% SRP: $15.99 Delysia Chocolatier is an artisan chocolate company based in Austin, Texas. Chef-owner and Chocolatier Nicole Patel has been handcrafting chocolate truffles since the company was founded in 2008. Nicole was named 2020’s Best Chocolatier in the Americas. I received a box of the “Love You Mom” 16-piece limited edition chocolate truffle assortment. I admit I am a confessed chocoholic and quite critical of chocolate confections. And to put it mildly, my palate is still singing from tasting these handcrafted beauties! They are amazing!  The “Love You Mom” assortment includes: Lemon curd apricot chocolate truffles made with infused sweet wine, grated lemon, and apricot. Rose orange blossom chocolate truffles infused with orange blossom, a hint of rose, and caramel. Raspberry rose petal chocolate truffles made with English rosehips, hibiscus, and tart raspberry. Spiced lemon earl grey chocolate truffles made with citrus, baking spices, tea, and currents. Price: $55.95 To quote Delysia.com, “We use only the finest quality chocolate from sustainable sources and freshest ingredients to create something unique, something memorable, something remarkable.” Check out their website. Products are only available online. Whether you are celebrating Mother’s Day, springtime, graduations, or a “just because” moment, these bubbles and truffles are a festive way to go! Until next time... Cheers! Penina This story was originally published on Santé Magazine. To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com
It doesn’t matter what time of year it is when it comes to sipping rosé wines. But, a chilled glass of rosé in hand during the warmer months is quite divine! The spring and summer seasons always bring stunning blooms bursting with an array of colors and seductive fragrances. Not to be outdone by mother nature, rosé wines are made in various styles, enticing aroma and alluring shades of pink. And the bottles tend to be beautiful as well. With so many choices on the market, one might be inclined to start a rosé garden!  Photo credit: Penny Weiss In its simplest terms, wine gets its color from the skin of grapes, and there are several methods of achieving this with rosé wine. Limited Skin Maceration Rosé wine is produced from red grapes with limited skin contact during maceration. After harvest, the grapes are crushed, and the juice is allowed time on the skins, which could be just a few hours or up to a week. The less time spent on the skins, the lighter the color of the wine will be. The longer the maceration, the darker and more flavorful the rosé will tend to be. After maceration, the juice is drawn off, and fermentation of the wine begins. Direct Press With this method, the grapes are pressed to remove the skins (such as with white wines), and juice is immediately drawn off, only allowing the juice to contact the skins for a very short time. This process produces some of the lightest-hued rosés. Winemakers often use this method for darker-skinned grapes. Saignée Method This method is also referred to as the “bleeding” method. It was originally a method used to make concentrated red wines. With this technique, red wines are vinified using a standard process, but in the early stages of maceration, the winemaker will “bleed” some of the red wine juice from the tank and then vinify it separately as a rosé. Saignée rosés are richer, darker, and more flavorful. Some winemakers like to age their Saignée rosés in oak barrels. The variety of grapes used, the regions, production techniques, and harvest year all play a significant role in these wines’ style, color, and flavor. Rosé wines can range from delicate to rich, extra-dry to sweet, simple tank fermentation to barrel-fermented, and runs the spectrum of diverse flavors such as light citrus to deeper, fruitier wines. For many consumers, buying rosé wine is motivated by the “pink” wine in a pretty bottle that complements the care-free months of warm weather. For others, it is the country, region, style, and grape variety that influences their purchase. Here are a few pretty shades of pink in both still and sparkling style that I hope inspire you to start your rosé garden!  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Still Rosés  Photo credit: Penny Weiss France Château Puech-Haut Tête de Bélier Rosé AOP Languedoc 2019 The grape blend for this rosé is 99% Mourvédre and 1% Grenache, sourced from Languedoc-Saint Drezery vineyards. Aroma: Citrus, strawberry, floral, and a touch of minerality Palate: Lovely layers of fresh berries, notes of exotic fruit, citrus, and spice. A complex wine with a generous mouthfeel and long finish. Alcohol: 14.1% SRP: $34 Jean-Luc Colombo Cape Bleue Rosé 2020 This is a blend of 67% Syrah and 33% Mourvédre. Grapes are sourced from vineyards in the hills above the bay of Marseille, next to Provence. The saignée method is used, and then the wine juice is fermented in stainless steel tanks for three weeks. Aroma: Rose petals, raspberry, white stone fruit, and watermelon Palate: Crisp and refreshing with notes of raspberry, peach, minerality, and a touch of sour cherry. Alcohol: 12.5% SRP: $14.99 Côté Mas Aurore Rosé Pays d’Oc IGP 2020 Domaines Paul Mas is located in Languedoc, where 20% of the estate vineyards are farmed organically, with the rest farmed using sustainable practices. This rosé is a blend of 50% Grenache, 30% Cinsault 10% Syrah, and 10% Vermentino. The bottle is very eye-catching with its colorful label! Aroma: Floral, strawberry, cherry, and a hint of melon Palate: Ripe red fruit with lush berries and nice acidity with a mineral edge on the finish. Alcohol: 14.2% SRP: $13.99 Spain Inazio Urruzola Getariako Txakolina Rosé DO 2019 This estate is located in the heart of Basque country. The wine is a blend of two indigenous grapes, 50% Hondarr Abi Zuri and 50% Hondarr Abi Beltza. Aroma: Floral, fresh berries, and green apple Palate: Juicy fruit, berries, ruby grapefruit, Vibrant acidity balanced with minerality. Quite refreshing. Alcohol: 10.5% SRP: $20 Italy Bertani Bertarose IGT 2020 The historic Bertani winery is located in the Veneto region of Italy. This rosé is made with 75% Molinaro and 25% Merlot. Grapes are sourced from hillside vineyards above Lake Garda. Grapes are vinified separately, with only the Molinaro having skin contact. The blend is then aged in stainless steel tanks for about three months on the lees. Aroma: Floral, red and dark fruit, pomegranate, and grapefruit. Palate: White flowers, ruby grapefruit, strawberry, and a hint of cherry. Lovely balance between acidity and salinity. Alcohol: 12% SRP: $19.99 Planeta Sicilia DOC Rosé 2020 Planeta has vineyard locations in five territories spread throughout Sicily with six boutique wineries. The grapes for this rosé were sourced from Dispensa Estate in Menfi (western Sicily) and is a blend of 50% Nero d’Avola and 50% Syrah. Aroma: Floral, red berries, melon Palate: Berries, white stone fruit. A refreshing, dry wine with crisp acidity and hints of minerality and salinity. Alcohol: 12.5% SRP: $19.99 Austria Pratsch Niederösterreich Rosé 2020 This wine is made from 100% Zweigelt grapes sourced from organic vineyards in the Weinviertel region bordering Vienna. Aroma: Strawberry, hints of citrus Palate: A delicate and dry rosé with flavors of pear, strawberry, and juicy white stone fruit. Refreshing acidity and lemon zest on the finish Alcohol: 11.5% SRP: $13 Argentina Susana Balbo Signature Rosé 2020 Sourced from Valle de Uco in Mendoza, this rosé is a blend of 60% Malbec and 40% Pinot Noir. Grapes are fermented in stainless steel tanks for 20 days. Aroma: Ripe berries, cherry, citrus, and a hint of minerality Palate: Aromas continue onto the palate with notes of strawberry. Fresh, vibrant, and juicy. Alcohol: 13% SRP: $20 Sparkling Rosés Sparkling rosés are available in a variety of styles produced around the world. They are made in either the traditional method, where the second fermentation takes place in the bottle, or the tank (Charmat) method, where the second fermentation occurs in a steel tank. Sparkling wines go by different names depending on country/region/appellation of origin, such as: Champagne and Crémant – France Sekt – Germany Cava – Spain Prosecco – Italy  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Crémant De Bourgogne Rosé NV Brut AOC This wine is produced by Prosper Maufoux, located in the south of the Côte de Beaune in Burgundy, France. It is a blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Gamay, made in the Traditional Method. Aroma: Ripe red fruit, berries Palate: Crisp and light, soft citrus notes, strawberry, raspberry. Fine bubbles. Alcohol: 12% SRP: $19 Santa Julia Argentina Brut Rosé NV This wine is 100% Pinot Noir. Grapes are sourced from Tupungato vineyards in Mendoza. The direct press was used and wine produced using the Charmat method. Aroma: Nice strawberry and raspberry notes. Palate: Crisp and lively with light notes of fresh berries and pomegranate. Creamy, with a touch of yeast and nice acidity. Alcohol: 12.5% SRP: $13 Prosecco Rosé As of January 1, 2021, the Denomination di Origins Controllata (DOC) consortium gave its final stamp of approval for making Prosecco Rosé, setting these wines apart from other pink sparkling wines made in Italy. The grapes for Prosecco Rosé must be sourced from a specific geographic area that has passed the Italian Government’s quality requirements. Only Glera grapes (85 -90%) and Pinot Noir (10-15 %) are allowed. The DOC guidelines also require that Prosecco Rosé be fermented for at least 60 days in stainless steel tanks. Also, they must be vintage-dated and labeled Prosecco DOC. These sparkling wines range in style from very dry to slightly sweet. If you are a fan of Prosecco, then you will enjoy these sparkling rosé wines.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Gran Passione Prosecco DOC Rosé Millesimato 2019 Extra Dry
It is produced by Botter, located in the Veneto region. 85% Glera, 15% Pinot Noir Wine is made using the Charmat method. After bottling, it is cellared for two years. Aroma: Floral, red berries, and cherry Palate: Fresh and crisp, with notes of pear, citrus, honey crisp apples, and strawberry. Fine perlage. Alcohol: 11% SRP: $13 Il Fresco Prosecco DOC Rosé Millesimato 2020 Villa Sandi produces it. The grapes for this wine come from Treviso, the heart of Prosecco. Wine is made using the Charmat method. Aroma: Floral, berries, apple Palate: Fresh, light, and dry. Red berries, sweet apple, pomegranate, citrus, and a touch of floral. Creamy mouthfeel and fine bubbles. Alcohol: 11% SRP: $17 Riondo Prosecco Rosé DOC Millesimato 2020 Extra Dry This wine is produced by Collis-Riondo, located in the Veneto region. It is a blend of 90% Glera and 10% Pinot Noir. Aroma: Floral, cherry, fresh berries, and apple Palate: Dry and lively with juicy notes of raspberry, peach, cherry, and sweet apple. Creamy mouthfeel and fine bubbles. Alcohol: 11% SRP: $14.99 All of the above wines will drink beautifully as an aperitif or pair nicely with light appetizers, seafood, salads, grilled chicken, Asian and Mediterranean dishes, and desserts. A big thank you to Winesellers, LTD, Folio Fine Wine Partners, and Taub Family Selections for their generous contribution to my rosé garden. Until next time... Cheers! Penina This story was originally published on Santé Magazine. To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com My virtual airplane has landed in Rioja, Spain, just in time to sample a delicious glass of wine from this region.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Located in north-central Spain, Rioja consists of valleys that stretch along the Ebro River. It is divided into three sub-regions: Rioja Oriental, Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa  https://www.cellartours.com/spain/spanish-wine-maps/la-rioja Bodegas Beronia was founded in 1973 by Gonźalez Byass, a group of friends and businessmen with a shared passion for good food and high-quality wines. The winery is located in the heart of the Rioja Alta sub-region, in a village called Ollauri.  Photo courtesy of Bodegas Beronia The area of Beronia was named by the Berones who inhabited the region of Rioja in the third century BC. They were warrior people of Celtic origin, dedicated to agriculture, livestock, pottery, and metallurgy. Bodegas Beronia’s name pays homage to the primitive inhabitants of this land. The winery is surrounded by 900 hectares of vineyards, small, individual parcels owned by growers. The average age of vines is 30 years, with 50 hectares dedicated to old vines of more than 60 years of age. The winery and growers have a long-standing relationship, guaranteeing that the best quality fruit is produced and supplied to the winery.  Photo is courtesy of Bodegas Beronia Matias Calleja, Beronia’s winemaker, personally supervises the vineyards and selects only the best vineyard plots for his wines. Over 85% of Beronia’s vineyards are planted with Tempranillo, the traditional grape of Rioja. Graciano, Mazuelo, Garnacha and Viura make up the other 15%. Sustainable farming techniques are practiced, and “environmentally friendly” methods are applied during the vinification process. 95% of the wines produced are red, with particular attention and dedication to long aging in French oak, American oak, and mixed barrels. Matias Calleja designed and created the mixed barrels that are made of American staves and French tops.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Beronia Crianza DOCa Rioja 2017 Crianza is a Spanish wine classification indicating the wine is aged for a minimum of one year in oak barrels and a few months in bottle. This wine is made with 94% Tempranillo 5% Garnacha and 1% Mazuelo. It is aged for 12 months in mixed oak barrels with American staves and French tops to create “the Beronia” style. The wine rests in the bottle for three months before release.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss A vibrant and deep red color leads to aromas of cherry, raspberry, herbs, and baking spice. The palate offers a rich blend of lush fruit, dark cherry, berries, spice, and vanilla. Smooth tannins and a long finish with lingering notes of cherry and vanilla beg for another sip. Serve with grilled meats, hearty stews, soups, seared tuna, and assorted cheese.
Alcohol: 14.5% SRP: 750 ml/$14.99 350 ml/ $7.99 I love the 375ml bottle. It is perfect for a single serve, especially for our online, social distancing cocktail hours! Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com Blame it on the snow and frigid temperatures, but I’ve been popping the cork on many delicious red wine wines of late. As you may know from past posts, I enjoy white, rosé, and sparkling wine all year round. However, this winter, I’ve been indulging my palate with some very expressive red wines.  Photo credit: Max Tutak Unsplash Here are eight reviews of red wines that will surely have your palate singing! Australia McGuigan Wines, ‘The Plan’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 McGuigan Wines is a major wine producer in Australia. Their family roots date back to 1880 in Hunter Valley with Perc McGuigan, who set the standard for future generations. Grapes for this 100% Cabernet are sourced from top-quality vineyards in South Eastern Australia, including McLaren Vale, Langhorne Creek, and Barossa Valley. The fruit is harvested at night, and after fermentation, it is matured in stainless steel tanks and oak before final blending.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Aromas of blackberry, cherry, chocolate, and hints of baking spice segue onto the palate with a hint of cranberry and herbs. This fruit-driven wine has refreshing acidity and firm tannins with hints of warm toasted oak. It is a steal at this price! Serve with roasts, grilled tuna, and dark chocolate desserts. Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $10.99 Italy Bertani Valpolicella DOC 2018 Bertani has been producing wine for over 150 years and has an impressive 200 hectares of vineyards in the most ideal areas of Verona province in the Veneto region, which is famous worldwide for wines such as Valpolicella, Soave, and Amarone. This wine is a blend of 80% Corvina Veronese and 20% Rondinella. Grapes are harvested from the heart of the Valpolicella Classico area and the Valpantena vineyards near the municipality of Grezzana. The wine is aged for eight months in concrete vats covered with glass bricks to allow slow and gradual aging. It is then further aged for a minimum of three months in the bottle.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Aromas of plum, sour cherry, red berries, pepper, and baking spice continue onto the palate. This wine has nice acidity and a good balance between juicy fruity and savory. Sour cherry and raspberry linger on the finish. Pair with hearty stews, braised meat, pasta, and semi-aged cheese. Alcohol: 12% SRP: $16.49 Spain Bela, Ribera del Duero DO 2017 One of Rioja’s most iconic wine producers, CVNE (pronounced coo-nay), is an acronym for Compania Vinicola del Norte des Espana. CVNE has expanded its territory to include a 182-acre estate in Ribera del Duero in northern Spain with the focus of bringing their Rioja elegance to the rugged Ribera del Duero region. Grapes for this 100% Tempranillo are sourced from Ribera del Duero region. The climate here leans toward continental with a complexity of soils throughout the region. This wine is aged for six months in American and French, new and one-year-old oak barrels.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Intense aromas of dark fruit, floral, baking spice, and a touch of earth set the stage for this terroir-driven wine. The palate is layered with dark berries, dark cherry, plum, spice, anise, and a hint of minerality. Vanilla and pepper linger on a long finish. This is a graceful wine with soft tannins and brimming with character. It is an easy wine to pair with a wide range of cuisine. Alcohol: 14% SRP: $19 Portugal Esporão Reserva Red 2016 Alentejo wine region is situated in the southern half of Portugal and covers one-third of the country. It is one of Portugal’s largest wine production areas. Herdade Do Esporão, whose history dates back over 750 years ago, first introduced this wine in 1985. It is a blend of Aragonez, Trincadeira, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Alicante Bouschet. Grapes are sourced from vineyards with soil of granite/schist origin and clay/loam structure. This wine is aged for 12 months in American oak (60%) and French oak (40%) barrels, and then an additional six months in the bottle.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss It begins with a rich bouquet of cherry, raspberry, blackberry, plum, and baking spice. The palate is entertained with lush dark fruit jam, spice, and a hint of plum. Smooth tannins and a long berry finish add to the richness of this wine. Pair with grilled or braised meat and game, stews, tapas, and codfish. Alcohol: 14.5% SRP: $24 Sicily Donnafugata Sherazade Sicilia DOC 2018 The Rallo family owns the iconic Donnafugata, and their family history of winemaking dates back to 1851. They have several wineries and over 405 hectares of vineyards located throughout Sicily, including historic aging cellars at their Marsala winery. Nero d’Avola is an indigenous grape that is considered Sicily’s most important red wine grape. Sherazade is 100% Nero d’Avola and the grapes are sourced from Donnafugata’s Contessa Entellina Estate and nearby vineyards, which are located in the southwestern part of Sicily. The wine is aged for about four months in tanks and then a minimum of three months in the bottle.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Delectable aromas of violets, red fruit, and spice open to a lovely palate of cherry, plum, berries, and spice. Well-balanced tannins and acid add to the character of this fresh and lively wine, along with a touch of pepper and tartness on a long finish. Serve with mature cheese, pasta and red sauce, seared tuna, and calamari. Alcohol: 13% SRP: $25 California Au Contraire Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast 2019 Sonoma County’s Au Contraire winery was inspired by Taub Family vineyards company founder, David S. Taub. The grapes for this Pinot Noir are sourced from top Sonoma Coast vineyards, from Sebastopol to the Fort Ross Seaview AVA. Although these are warmer vineyard sites, they sit above the fog line generating a cool-climate style Pinot Noir with highly concentrated fruit flavors. The wine is aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, 35% new.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Juicy aromas of cherry, red berries, plum, and a hint of floral segue onto the palate with strawberry and cherry leading the parade of flavors. This is a silky wine with lots of ripe fruit and bright acidity. Serve with roasted meat, fowl, spicy Asian cuisine, and soft cheese. Alcohol: 14.2% SRP: $26.99 Argentina Bodegas Salentein Numina Gran Corte 2016 Bodegas Salentein is located in the Uco Valley of Mendoza, Argentina. Many of their vineyards are situated at some of the highest elevations in the world. This privately-owned estate was established in the late 1990s and boasts almost 5000 acres, of which 1,124 acres are planted to vine. The Numina Gran Corte is a blend of 61% Malbec, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot, and 3% Cabernet Franc. Grapes are hand-harvested from small selected plots. Fermentation takes place in 7000-liter oak casks and then aged for 16 months in French oak barrels.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss This wine opens with subtle violet aromas, plum, dark berries, spice, and a trace of vanilla. The palate offers a fresh and elegant layering of blackberry, raspberry, plum, baking spice, and a touch of earth. This is a beautifully integrated blend with a silky mouthfeel and a long finish. Pair with grilled meat, seared tuna, hearty stews, and casseroles. Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $40.99 France Jean-Luc Colombo Cornas “Terres Brûlées” 2018 Jean-Luc Colombo winery is located in the northern appellation of Cornas in the Rhône Valley, France. Cornas is the smallest appellation in the Rhône Valley, consisting of approximately 325 acres, and is dedicated to producing only red wine from the Syrah grape. The Mediterranean climate and decomposed granite soils contribute to the richness and character of these wines. Terres Brûlées means “burnt earth”, which refers to the long hot days here that are balanced by the cool nights. Grapes are hand-harvested from 30+ -year-old vines. The wine is aged for 21 months in oak barrels (10% new, 90% one-to-five-year old barrels).  Photo credit: Penny Weiss This 100% Syrah wine has enticing aromas of dark cherry, dark berries, dark plum, spice, and hints of baking spice. The palate is rich with blackberry, plum, and black cherry, reminiscent of exotic jam. Notes of vanilla, cocoa, spice, and a trace of minerality linger on a long finish. A truly noteworthy wine! Pair with white meat, game, seared tuna, and hearty stews.
Alcohol: 14.5% SRP: $63.99 No matter what time of year,, these wines will pair beautifully with any season! Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com In my home, one doesn’t need a special occasion or excuse to pop open a bottle of sparkling wine. And these days, the gentle sound of a cork being coaxed from a bottle of bubbly, is music to my ears! With the holidays upon us, having a few bottles of sparkling wine on hand will most certainly add a little sparkle to the festivities! And I highly endorse those occasional “just because” moments as well!  Here are a few suggestions of sparkling wines from around the world ranging in price from $11 to $54.99  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Casas del Mar Blanc de Blancs NV Cava Brut This Cava is produced by Casas del Mar estate located in Catalonia, Spain. It is a blend of 40% Xarello (from 70-year-old vines, 30% Macabeu and 30% Parallada. Grapes are harvested from the Penedès appellation in the Catalonia region. It is made using the Méthode Traditionnelle, the same method used in the Champagne district of France, where the second fermentation takes place in the bottle. This Cava is aged on the lees between 18 & 24 months before disgorgement.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Apples, citrus and pleasant yeast aromas Palate: White stone fruit, melon, floral, and a touch of spice Alcohol: 12% SRP: $11 Roscato Rosso Dolce IGT This is a delicately sweet and refreshing wine from the Lombardy region in northern Italy and is produced in the Moscato d’Asti style. It is a blend of three indigenous grapes, Croatina, Teroldego and Lagrein, in addition to a few international grapes. Each variety is vinified separately before blending. It has a screw cap, no cork to pop, but it is still a festive wine to pour!  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Dark berries, cherry, red raspberry Palate: This wine is frizzante (gently sparkling wine) with notes of berries and has a nice balance between sweetness and acidity. Not only will it complement desserts, but this wine will also pair beautifully with spicy cuisine! Serve chilled. Alcohol: 7% SRP: $12.99 Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Rosé Brut NV The grapes for this rosé are harvested from vineyards in Tupungato, Alto Gualtallary in Argentina at the foothills of the Andes at 4000 ft. altitude. It is a blend of (organic) 75% Pinot Noir and 25% Chardonnay and made using the Charmat Method.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Cherry, red berries, citrus, a touch of floral Palate: Strawberry, ruby grapefruit, red berries, delicate bubbles. Alcohol: 12.5% SRP: $13 Paul Cheneau Lady of Spain Cava Brut NV Giró Ribot is the producer of this wine located in the heart of the Penedès appellation in Catalonia, Spain. They own 247 acres of vineyards of the indigenous Macabeo, Xarel·lo and Parellada grapes, with which Cavas are produced. This wine is made using the Méthode Traditionnelle and is a blend of 45% Macabeo, 40% Xarel·lo and 15% Parellada. It is bottle aged for 12-15 months.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Citrus, light peach, brioche Palate: Dry, fine and persistent bubbles, fresh fruit, stone fruit. Nicely balanced between acidity and alcohol with a long finish. This is an eye-catching bottle that doesn’t disappoint when opened. Alcohol: 12% SRP: $14.99 Côté Mas Crémant de Limoux Brut NV This sparkling wine is produced by Domaines Paul Mas located in the southern French region of Languedoc. The grapes for this wine are sourced from Crémant de Limoux appellation. It is a blend of 60% Chardonnay, 20% Chenin Blanc, 10% Pinot Noir, and 10% Mauzac. It is produced using the Méthode Traditionnelle. After primary fermentation, the “Liqueur de Tirage,” a blend of sugar and yeast, is added to the juice a few hours before bottling. After one year of aging, the lees are expelled and the “Liqueur de Dosage” is added and aged an additional twelve months.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Apples, peaches, melon, honeysuckle Palate: Citrus, candied lemon, tart apple and crisp acidity with a touch of citrus zest on the finish. Alcohol: 12% SRP: $’’19.99 Bottega Gold Prosecco DOC NV This wine is produced by Bottega SpA, headquartered in Treviso in the Veneto region of northern Italy. 100% Glera grapes are hand-harvested from manually maintained and sustainable vineyards in Treviso Plains. It is produced using the Martinotti (Charmat, tank) method. “The gilded bottle also protects the wine from light, preserving the wine's clean and refreshing aromas.”  Image courtesy of Bottega SpA Nose: Floral, apples and citrus Palate: Pear, apple, pink grapefruit, floral. Creamy mouthfeel, fine and persistent perlage with apples and a touch of honey lingering on the finish. Alcohol: 11% SRP: $32.99 Champagne Boizel Brut Réserve NV This Brut Réserve is produced by the Boizel House, established in 1834 and located in Épernay, in the heart of Champagne. The grapes for this cuvée is a blend of 55% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay and 15% Pinot Meunier. “The still wines (vins clairs) from the year are blended with 30% of reserve wines kept from the previous two harvests, ensuring consistency. By using reserve wines within two vintages only, Boizel is able to preserve freshness in their wines, a signature trait of their winemaking style. “ The wine is aged for three years on its lees, in the bottle.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Floral, white stone fruit, citrus and pastry Palate: Peach, apricot, toast, citrus notes, minerality, nice acidity and persistent mousse. Alcohol: 12% SRP: $49.99 Champagne Vollereaux Rosé de Saignée Brut NV Champagne Vollereaux produces this 100% Pinot Noir rosé. They are a sixth generation family winery located in Pierry, France. “Vollereaux is one of the very few champagne wineries to use the traditional saigne method of maceration for its Rosé Champagne, which involves bleeding off a portion of pink juice during red wine production (as opposed to blending red and white wine together). This process occurs after a short contact with the grape skins and seeds.” The juice spends three years on lees, more than twice the time required by appellation rules.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Strawberry and juicy red berries, vanilla and bread dough.
Palate: Strawberry, kirsch and citrus mingle with berries and cream. It is dry with fine bubbles, vibrant acidity and a hint of brioche and minerality that linger on a long finish. Alcohol: 12% SRP: $54.99 Pair the above wines with your favorite cheese, desserts, and holiday meals, or enjoy as an aperitif. And if you are stuck on what to give the 21+ drinkers on your “holiday/birthday/just because” list, these wines make beautiful gifts! If you would like more information on the regions and wine production methods, please visit the menu on the right and click on the category of interest. Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com The weather has been gloriously warm and inviting the past few days. And I, for one, am enjoying this brief throwback to summer. It was made even better by the perfect timing of a few samples of Albariño wine that arrived on my doorstep.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss These wines hail from DO Rías Baixas, which is located in the northwestern corner of Spain in the Galicia region. The Miño River separates it from Portugal to the south.  Map courtesy of DO Rías Baixas Rías Baixas is divided into five growing areas (sub-zones) running from north to south. More than 99% of wines produced here are white, with Albariño, an indigenous grape, representing 96% of all plantings. The Atlantic Ocean is a key influence on the climate in Rías Baixas, with each sub-zone differing in grape varieties, terroir, microclimates and winemaking techniques. However, one main theme is the granite soils that are dominant throughout the region. The wines all share a common thread with characteristics of a soft yellow color, floral aromatics, vibrant acidity, fresh and dry, with mineral overtones. Bodegas La Val Albariño DO 2019 The vineyards for this wine are located in the sub-zone of O Rosal, located at the river Miño. O Rosal enjoys warm weather with granite bedrock and alluvial topsoil. Terraced hillside vineyards stretch along the sides of the Miño. This 100% Albariño is a blend of two of the winery’s estate vineyards.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss A lovely bouquet of floral blends with white stone fruit and citrus that continues onto the palate. Notes of peach, apricot, pear, citrus and a touch of herbs linger on the finish. This is a fresh and lively wine. Pair with seafood, roasted chicken, appetizers and light pasta. Or enjoy it as an aperitif! Alcohol: 13% SRP: $16.99 Condes De Albarei Albariño DO 2019 The vineyards for this wine are located in the sub-zone of Val do Salnés. It is considered the birthplace of the Albariño grape and it is the original and oldest sub-zone of Rías Baixas. It has the most area grape plantings and is home to the largest cluster of wineries than any of the other sub-zones. Vineyards are planted on both slopes and flat valley floors. It is the coolest and wettest sub-zone with soils that are granitic, rocky and alluvial. For this wine, only vines that are older than 23 years are used and are hand-selected.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Vibrant aromas of floral, pineapple, white stone fruit and citrus segue onto the palate. Melon, hints of orange and a touch of minerality linger on the finish. It is well balanced with crisp acidity. Enjoy as an aperitif or serve with seafood, salads and grilled veggies. Alcohol: 13% SRP: $18 Señorío De Rubiós Robaliño Albariño DO 2019 The vineyards for this wine are located in the sub-zone of Condado do Tea. It is named after the river Tea, a tributary of the Miño River. This is the second-largest sub-region of the Rías Baixas. It is a relatively mountainous area along the Miño, with a warmer and drier area more inland. The average temperature here is 59 degrees but can reach 104 degrees during the summer. Soils contain granite and slate.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss The nose is met with enticing aromas of floral, peach, apricot and notes of minerality. This is a rich and silky wine with notes of grapefruit, peach and apricot on the palate. Good structure and vibrant acidity follow through to the finish with white stone fruit, grapefruit and a hint of herb lingering. Enjoy as an aperitif or serve with seafood, appetizers, white meat and cheese.
Alcohol: 12.5% SRP: $19 All of these wines can be enjoyed year-round, but I’m taking advantage of the warm weather to drink them now! Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com Halloween was always a favorite holiday of mine growing up. I loved making my own costumes and strategically planning the Trick or Treat route with my friends. When I was deemed “too old” to participate in trick or treating, we turned to rock and roll costume parties and haunted hayrides. Having children of my own gave me a window of opportunity to once again make costumes, dress up and go trick or treating with them. It was fun while it lasted until it wasn’t cool anymore to be seen with “mom” on Halloween.  For those of you who still yearn to go trick or treating, why not arrange a few house stops with your 21+ age friends? Dress up; grab a trick or treat bag and exchange wine and spirits along with candy and make it a grownup version of Halloween! I’ll be handing out bottles of sherry and special chocolate treats to pair with it.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Sherry is a fortified wine produced in Andalucía, located in the southwest area of Spain. With over 40,000 hectares of vineyards in Andalucía, more than half of the wine produced here is in DO (denomination de origin) areas. Sherry can only be made from Palomino, Muscatel and Pedro Ximénez white grapes.  To learn about the terroir of Andalucía, how sherry is made and all the sherry styles available, please click on the link below that will take you to a story on my website. http://thewineknitter.com/1/post/2017/10/day-606-sherry-fest.html Harveys Bristol Cream DO Jerez Xérés Cream Sherry is usually a blend of Oloroso, PX (Pedro Ximénez), or Moscatel styles, but can be made in a variety of styles. It is a semi-sweet wine that is aromatic, dark in color with classic notes of nuts and caramel. This cream sherry is a blend of 80% Palomino and 20% Pedro Ximénez grapes. It is a unique combination of Fino, Amontillado, Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez styles of sherry that have been aged separately in the solera system, averaging seven years of aging. Harveys Bristol Cream is the only sherry made up of a blend of four different styles that exist.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss This sherry is dark amber with intoxicating aromas of dried fruit, raisins, nuts and toffee. The palate is layered with raisins, caramel, fig, toasted almonds and a creamy mouthfeel. This is a nice sherry to drink as an aperitif or serve with desserts, cheese and fruit. Pour it over ice cream or serve with ice and a twist of orange. It also goes well with pumpkin muffins! Serve well chilled. Alcohol: 17.5% SRP: $20  Photo credit: Penny Weiss González Byass Alfonso Oloroso DO Jerez Xérés Oloroso (‘scented’ in Spanish) intentionally never develops flor (yeast). Aging through oxidation of up to 40+ years produces a full-bodied, aromatic, dark and rich wine. Oloroso contains the most amount of alcohol in sherry, with levels of 18% to 20%. This dry sherry is 100% Palomino Fino. The wine is fortified to 18% alcohol and then is aged for an average of eight years in American oak casks following the traditional solera system.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Mahogany in color, this dry sherry exudes aromas of nuts and toffee. The palate offers dried figs, salted nuts, especially peanuts and traces of toffee and vanilla on the finish. Serve chilled. It will pair well with meats, stews, mild cheese and dark chocolate laden with nuts. Add a splash while cooking soup or sautéing seafood. Alcohol: 18% SRP: $25 González Byass Nectar Dulce Pedro Ximénez DO Jerez Xérés Pedro Ximénez (PX) is an intensely sweet wine and is the sweetest of the sherry styles. The grapes are dried in the sun allowing the juices to concentrate before pressing. This is a rich wine that oozes raisins, nuts and fig. This sherry is 100% Pedro Ximénez. The wine is fortified to 15% alcohol and then enters the Nectar solera. It is followed by an average of eight years of aging in American oak casks.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss This dark brown colored sherry emanates intoxicating aromas of raisins, prune, fig and honey. The palate is rich and unctuous, with raisins, baking spice and toasted notes of caramel, toffee and espresso. A long finish is accompanied by a hint of nuts. Enjoy it chilled as a dessert wine on its own or poured over ice cream or berries. Heavenly! Alcohol: 15% SRP: $25 The Red Chocolate bars are sinfully delicious, with up to 50% fewer calories and 30% to 40% less fat. They are made with cocoa from the Ivory Coast of Africa and no added sugar. I tried the chocolate with all three styles of sherry, and my palate was quite happy!  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Wishing you a safe, socially distanced and Happy Halloween!  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Until next time…
Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com This story was supposed to be about my adventures in Montsant DO wine region in Catalonia, Spain. I was invited to visit Montsant this past April, but due to the pandemic, the press trip was canceled.  Photo is courtesy of Montsant Wine Region We are tentatively rescheduled to visit Montsant in late October but I am not optimistic that we will be back to a “normal” traveling pattern by then. So, in the meantime, my wine glass and I will continue to virtually explore different wine regions. I recently received two bottles of Montsant DO wine to whet my palate in anticipation of a future trip there. So, in addition to reviewing these wines, I’ve decided to include a very brief overview of Montsant with the hope of piquing your interest. Montsant DO is located in northern Spain at the southern end of Catalonia. The region is shaped in the form of a semi-circle that almost completely surrounds the renowned Priorat region. Montsant is made up of mountainous terrain with high altitude vineyards situated between 50 to 700 meters above sea level. Seventeen sub-regions are located within this semi-circle.  Montsant was always considered an unexceptional sub-zone of the Tarragona region until growers petitioned to have their sub-region status changed. In 2001, Montsant finally extricated itself from Tarragona’s shadow and was officially recognized as a DO (Designation of Origin). With this new status, growers were motivated to increase vineyard plantings, combine centuries-old tradition with modern technology in wine production and actively promote their wines. There are presently 61 wineries ranging from large cooperatives to small family businesses. Approximately 2000 hectares are under vine, with the majority (94%) being red grape varieties. Montsant climate is Mediterranean with continental attributes that are also influenced by the mountainous terrain. Soils throughout the sub-zones are diverse and tend to be high in granite, slate, calcareous and/or limestone-based. The high diurnal range in temperature combined with the soil components contributes to the development of aromas and complexity in the grapes. The two major red grape varieties are Garnaxta Negra (Red Grenache) and Carinyena (Carignan). Garnatxa Blanca (White Grenache) and Macabeu (Viura) are the most widely grown white grape varieties. Both samples of wine are an expression of what Montsant DO has to offer and they are a nice introduction to this region.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss COFAMA was founded in 2002 and represents different wineries as well as their own brands. Clos de Nit is a Catalan phrase that means “vineyard of the night”. Clos De Nit Crianza DO Montsant 2016 This wine is a lovely blend of 40% Garnaxta Negra, 40% Carinyena and 20% Syrah and is aged for six months in oak. The color is dark ruby with aromas of dark plum, black cherry, berries, spice and a hint of clove. It is well structured with mild tannins and dark cherry, berries, cranberry, toast, spice, pepper and anise on the palate. The finish is long with a touch of minerality. Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $13  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Clos De Nit Tinto DO Montsant 2017 This wine is a blend of 40% Garnaxta Negra, 25% Carinyena, 20% Merlot, 10% Tempranillo and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. Aromas of lush red fruit, floral and blueberry make their way onto the palate with plum, red and black berries, red cherry and a hint of herbs and fennel. Smooth tannins and a long finish are quite satisfying. Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $13  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Montsant is putting itself on the map with its excellent, concentrated and expressive red wines. And, they are giving value competition to their famous neighbor, the Priorat region. I look forward to traveling to Montsant someday soon to explore more of these delicious wines. And I promise that my next story about Montsant DO will cover winery visits, food, culture and a much more in-depth view of this fascinating wine region.
Until next time, Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com |
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed