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I love Italy! It is a country filled with a long and rich history, captivating wines, mouth-watering food and awe-inspiring art. Indeed, there is something to satisfy all of one’s senses, no matter which of its 20 regions you might visit. No wonder one of Italy’s nicknames is Bel Paese, meaning “beautiful country”. Finding Italy on a map is quite easy, identifiable by its long boot-shaped peninsula.  Its diverse and breathtaking landscape starts with the eastern Dolomite Mountains, Carnic Alps and Venetian Pre-Alps on the northern border.  Northeastern Italy Photo credit: The Wineknitter The dramatic Apennine Mountain chain stretches along two-thirds of the length of Italy and is the source for almost all the rivers in this country. Situated on the Mediterranean Sea, Italy has a seemingly endless coastline and is surrounded by the Adriatic Sea to the east, the Ionian Sea to the south and the Ligurian and Tyrrhenian Seas to the west.  Puglia Photo credit: The Wineknitter Although wine vineyards can be found in each of Italy’s regions, thoughts usually turn to Tuscany, Veneto, Piemonte and Abruzzo when considering Italian wine. However, the region of Puglia (also known as Apulia) located in southern Italy bordering the Adriatic Sea, should be in your thoughts as well. If you like gentle tropical breezes, palm trees, beautiful beaches, historical charm, traditional cuisine, and of course wines that communicate the terroir, then Puglia is a region worth exploring.  Puglia Within the region of Puglia is the Salento Peninsula which is in the southernmost part of the boot called the heel. It is bordered by the Adriatic and Ionian Seas and is home to Salice Salentino, DOC. There are 25 DOCs in Puglia but the wines of Salice Salentino are world-renowned. Salice Salentino obtained DOC status in 1976 and the Salice Salentino Consortium was founded in 2003 by a group of producers whose mission it is to protect and promote the indigenous grapes throughout the territories in the province of Lecce and beyond. The Consortium represents approximately 80% of the entire Salice production chain. The grape vines here date back to the 6th century BC, but it wasn’t until the early 1930s that farmers started to experiment with the indigenous grapes Negroamaro and Malvasia Nera. The first Salice Salentino red wine produced was a blend of these two grapes. Today, there are a variety of wine styles produced from the indigenous grape varietals that grow here. The climate is dry with long hot summers and cool breezes emanating from the Mediterranean that balance the temperatures in the vineyard. Because the Apennine Mountain chain bypasses Puglia, the land here is relatively flat with diverse and fertile soils, mostly made up of clay and limestone. Due to the soils’ ability to retain groundwater reserves, especially important in dry years, the vines are able to provide high-quality wines. All of these attributes combined set the stage for making this the perfect agricultural area for producing and contributing to the complexity and uniqueness of the wine. In addition to grapes, this region is also noted for producing olive oil, artichokes and tomatoes. In fact, fifty percent of Italy’s olive oil is produced in Puglia! The principal red grape that defines Salice Salentino is Negroamaro.  Other red grape varietals such as Primitivo, Malvasia Nera, Aleatico and Susumaniello are also grown here. White grape varieties include Chardonnay, Fiano and Pinot Blanco. Negroamaro in Italian means, “black bitter”. It is usually produced as a single varietal, but can also be blended. The DOC regulations state that wines labeled Salice Salentino DOC must have a minimum of 80% Negroamaro grapes. Malvasia Nera grapes can make up the other 20%. The finest Negroamaro wine is made in the Salice Salentino DOC. The wine is extremely dark in color with typical dark berry flavors and is mildly aromatic. Negroamaro grapes are also used to make wines such as Negroamaro Rosato, sparkling rosé, dessert wine and Riserva. All wines labeled Riserva must be aged for a minimum of 24 months, including at least 6 months in oak barrels. Since we are in the heel of the boot, let’s explore a few wineries and taste some wine. Cantina San Donaci is located in the Salento countryside and is one of the oldest wineries here, established in 1933. What once was a small group of 12 farmers whose objective it was to expand and develop their land and products, is today a large group of 600 partners. Approximately 50 to 60 quintals of grapes are produced per year. The winery has 500 hectares of vineyards in prime areas of Salice Salentino with a variety of soils and microclimates. Grape vines grow on calcareous-argillaceous soils that are conducive to the hot and dry climate. Different types of planting systems and pruning techniques are used depending upon the varietal and irrigation needs. According to the winery, “the key is moderate growth and fewer buds to attain superior grape quality”.  Photo credit: Cantina San Donaci The most up to date modern technology is used in the winemaking process. “One of the most important features of our products is the irreplaceable aging in durmast barrels, which refine the taste and enhance the high quality”. Durmast is a European oak and is known for its dark, heavy and tough elastic wood.  Photo credit: Cantina San Donaci Cantina San Donaci uses only indigenous grapes from their vineyards. In addition to the traditional red grape varieties of Negroamaro, Primitivo and Malvasia Nera they also use Malvasia Bianco, Chardonnay, Bombino and Trebbiano.  Anticaia Salice Salentino Rosato DOP 2017 is made with 90% Negroamaro and 10% Malvasia Nera. The Malvasia Nera helps to soften the tannins and brings more aromatics to the blend. The wine is a striking coral color with pronounced aromas of roses, strawberry and cherry. The main flavors on the palate are strawberry, cherry and raspberry, with a hint of lemon zest on the finish. This is a dry and lively wine with a good balance between the acidity and alcohol. Pair this wine with white meats, seafood and mild cheese. Alcohol: 13.5% Candido Winery is just up the road from the town of Salice Salentino and is another very old winery, founded in 1929 by Franceso Candido. Franceso produced his first wine in 1929, setting the standard for the beginning of Salento-style winemaking. Alessandro Candido who is Managing Director and his brother Giacomo are the third generation in this family-owned business. The winery has 140 hectares of dryland farming vineyards on which organic red and white indigenous grapes are grown. According to Alessandro, “Negroamaro is the absolute king and the one on which Candido focuses its work the most”.  Alessandro Candido Photo credit: Candido Winery When it comes to winemaking, Candido combines tradition with state of the art equipment, producing wines that let the grapes and terroir speak.  Photo credit: Apulia Destinations La Carta Salice Salentino Riserva DOC 2015 is made with 95% Negroamaro and 5% Malvasia Nera. Since “Riserva” is on the label, we know that the wine aged for a minimum of 24 months with at least 6 months in oak barrels. The color is dark ruby with aromas of red berries and black berries, plum, spice and earth. The palate is layered with blackberry, black cherry, plum, pepper, vanilla and hints of chocolate. Pepper and cherry notes on the long finish had me craving for another sip. This is an easy wine to drink. It is full-bodied and beautifully balanced with richness and structure. Pair with meats, pasta, aged cheese, grilled veggies and even pizza! Alcohol: 13.5%  I recently asked Alessandro what goals in winemaking Candido is hoping to achieve. His reply was as follows and I believe he speaks for most wineries in Salento: “Tradition is what identifies a territory and its own wines. Today, the “New Wine World” – and I do refer to the one overseas - has made international grape varieties its own, reaching excellent quality at a very good price! The wines we produce and sell are unique and different thanks to our indigenous grapes which grow up here and nowhere else in the rest of the world and for this reason they represent our future! I know this might seem obvious, but it is the characteristics of a specific territory that give wines their inimitable character. And that’s what we are focusing on: quality and uniqueness, an excellent choice that has already shown great results to us”. Salice Salentino wines truly express the land that they come from with their exotic and exceptional aromas and flavors. And if the two samples of wine that I just tasted are any indication of what Salento has to offer, then I can’t wait to sample more! So, the next time you’re considering an Italian wine to drink, think beyond the known and try Salice Salentino wine. Pour yourself a glass and enjoy your visit to Salento one sip at a time!  Cheers!
Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com Spring is being quite obstinate in making an appearance. And, I am getting quite tired of the chilly temperatures and forecasts of impending snow showers. I’m ready to trade in my winter coat and gloves for a sundress and sandals! So, to liven things up a bit, I brought a bit of spring indoors and to my dining table. I opened a bottle of Rosé that I had just received from the Côtes-du-Rhône and served it with delicious smoked salmon pasta. The wine was Ferraton Père & Fils Samorëns Rosé 2017. I tasted and reviewed the 2016 vintage last year and I was not disappointed with the 2017 vintage!  The Côtes-du-Rhône vineyards, located in Southern France, extend from Vienne to Avignon and include 171 vineyards. The region enjoys a Mediterranean climate conducive to grape growing that also reflects in the characteristics of the wine. The grapes for this particular wine were grown on the right bank of the Rhône in limestone, sand, pebbles and clay soil.  Ferraton Père & Fils estate is located in Tain l’Hermitage and was founded in 1946 by Jean Orëns Ferraton. His son Michel, inheriting the same passion as his father, introduced the first Hermitage, Crozes-Hermitage and Saint-Joseph wines to the world. Michel Chapoutier, a highly regarded winemaker and close friend of the Ferratons’ introduced organic viticulture to the vineyards in 1998 and he eventually formed a partnership with the Ferratons. By 2000, all of the vineyards were converted to biodynamic farming and are now certified organic. What began in 1946 as a .3 hectare estate (some of these vines still produce fruit), Ferraton now has an annual production of about 350,000 bottles. Today, Ferraton is headed by oenologist Damien Brisset, who is supported by a young, dynamic team with an average age in the mid-thirties.  The Samorëns Rosé 2017 is a blend of 75% Grenache with Syrah and Cinsault. The color is rich coral with delicate aromas of fresh berries, soft floral, hints of citrus and melon. The palate offers red berries, peach, floral and a touch of vanilla on the finish. This is a dry, medium-bodied wine with good acidity and minerality. It’s perfect to serve as an aperitif or with light pasta dishes, seafood and even dessert! Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $15  The pasta dish is made with smoked salmon, roasted squash, peas, shallots, herbs and Parmesan cheese. I served it warm, but it is delicious as a cold entrée to present throughout the summer as well. And of course, the rosé was an ideal accompaniment to the meal.   I’m counting the days until I can finally sit outside, enjoy the sunset, grill food and sip some wine! I have lots of bubbly to share with you in the coming weeks. Until then…
Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com Winter is history and hopefully we’ve seen the last of nor’easters and snow. I’m looking forward to the trees budding and flowers blooming.  To help celebrate the onset of spring, I opened a bottle of Chenin Blanc from South Africa. As you know by now, I drink whites, rosés and reds all year round. However, it seemed fitting to start the spring season with something light and fresh!  Chenin Blanc is a native white grape of France, specifically associated with the Loire Valley and the grape is mentioned in Official French documents dating back 1300 years ago.  Chenin Blanc grapes Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons Over the years, Chenin Blanc has made its way to New World wine regions, including South Africa. In fact, Chenin Blanc is the most widely planted grape variety in South Africa and is now the largest grower and producer of this varietal. Chenin Blanc is also known as Steen in this wine region.  Aromas and flavors of Chenin Blanc can vary depending on which wine region of South Africa they are produced in and whether the grapes are grown in cool or warm climates. But overall, the Chenin Blanc wines tend to feature high acidity, an oily texture and tropical notes. Nederburg Wine Estate is located in Paarl in the Western Cape province of South Africa and is situated about 45 minutes from Cape Town. This is a warm climate region.  Here is a very condensed version of the estate’s history. Philippus Wolvaart bought the land in 1791 and together with his wife, they created the groundwork, setting the stage for Nederburg Wines. Once he cleared the land, Wolvaart planted a variety of vines. He also built a beautiful Manor House, which he completed in 1800 and is now a tourist attraction today. Wolvaart eventually sold his farm in 1810, which then repeatedly sold until 1937, when Johan Georg Graue purchased it. Graue pioneered new practices from wine growing to winemaking. In 1953, Günter Brözel became the winemaker and was the first person in South Africa to win the International Wine & Spirits Competition Winemaker of the Year Award for his “Edelkeur Wine”. In 2001, Razvan Macici, a Romanian born cellar master, took over the operation and he continues the tradition of creating quality wines.  Manor House Nederburg Winemasters Chenin Blanc 2016 is made with 100% Chenin Blanc. The Winemasters brand is their premium wine named in honor of the cellar’s long-standing tradition of winemaking excellence. The Chenin Blanc is a soft golden color with lovely aromas of floral, honey, stone fruit and minerality. The palate is rich with ripe tropical fruit, honeysuckle, pear, apricot and hints of vegetation and flint with a finale of tart granny smith apples. The texture is creamy, light and crisp. This a great wine to drink as an aperitif or with seafood, light pasta and cheese. Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $12.99  Have some fun and open a bottle of Chenin Blanc from Loire Valley and South Africa. Taste and compare, then let me know what you think!
Have a great weekend and enjoy the spring weather! Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com What does a French winemaker have in common with Havana, Cuba? And how did I end up at a Cuban restaurant tasting some extraordinary wines from the Languedoc-Roussillon region of France.  It seems that Stephane Kandler, owner of Château Tourril has a passion for wine, cigars, the sea and the mystique of Cuba. Having named a few of his wines honoring these passions, Havana Central Times Square Restaurant in NYC. was the perfect choice for Stephane along with Loubaton Imports and Sud de France to host a Havana-themed wine tasting and luncheon.  Stephane Kandler, owner of Château Tourril Château Tourril is located in the commune of Roubia on a 13-hectare family vineyard in the Languedoc-Roussillon region between the famous city of Carcassonne and the Canal du Midi, in the south of France. At the origin of the Château is an ancient gallo-roman signal tower that sits on top of the estate for which the Château is named. “Tower” in French is “tour”. The vineyard is enclosed in a clay-limestone corrie surrounded by garrigue (scrubland) that acts as a barrier, protecting the vines against winds and frost. See slide show below. Château Tourril only produces wine from the AOC Minervois appellation. The grapes are harvested from Syrah, Cinsault, 100-year-old Carignan, Grenache and Roussanne vines. The entire production process takes place at the Château using modern winemaking technology. After the 2016 harvest, they made the move to certified AB organic production. Their first full organic AOC Minervois Harvest was in 2017. This year Château Tourril will be celebrating its 20th anniversary. Stephane Kandler, owner and second generation, took control of the family business three years ago after spending twenty years as a professional sailor competing in the America’s Cup. In Stephane’s words “I was mainly on the sea with salt and water. Three years ago I decided to pack my bags and go back on land. I decided to take over the family business. We started 3 years ago with a goal to become a prominent Languedoc estate, increasing quality of wine and vineyards going organic. Good for nature, the land and soil.” We tasted four Tourril wines at the event; all of them were of good quality and quite expressive.  We started with the AOC Minervois Rosé 2016 Havana. The name “Havana” was given to the Rosé because it makes one think of parties, sun and warm weather. The blend is 70% Cinsault and 30% Grenache. Having reviewed the 2015 Havana Rosé on 8/13/16, I was looking forward to trying the 2016. I was not disappointed! The color is pale strawberry with aromas of fresh fruit and hints of citrus. The palate offers cherry, citrus and lots of freshness, balanced with a smooth and zesty finish. A “playful” rosé for sure! Alcohol: 12.5% SRP: $14  The AOC Minervois White Helios 2016 is 100% Roussanne. The color is pale yellow with wonderful aromas of fresh flowers, pears and herbs. The palate is rich and silky with layers of perfume, fruit, hints of peach and vanilla. Smooth, balanced and dry! Alcohol: 13% SRP: $20  The AOC Minervois Red Philippe 2011 is a lovely blend of 40% Carignan, 30% Grenache Noir and 30% Syrah. The color is royal ruby with heady aromas of dark fruit, cherry and spice. This is a full-bodied wine that layers the palate with blackberries, currants, plums and a hint of pepper. Smooth tannins and long finish give this wine richness. Alcohol: 13% SRP: $18  The AOC Minervois Red Panatella 2011 is a beautiful blend of 80% Syrah and 20% Grenache. And of course, the wine is named after the Cuban cigar! This was definitely one of my favorites. The color is dark purple with luscious aromas of dark berries, spice and herbs. This is a full-bodied wine with so much character! The palate is silky smooth with dark fruit, anise, spice, tobacco and a smokiness that lingers on the finish. Well done! Alcohol: 13.5% SRP $20  In January 2017 Château Tourril launched a program in support of local economy and disadvantaged people. KuB© is an eco-friendly rechargeable wooden box that contains a 3 liter Bag In Box. The wood is obtained from sustainably managed forests and the boxes are manufactured locally by a specialized institution that helps disabled people. The design is clever because the box can also be used as a birdhouse without any modification. Pretty awesome! And what would a Havana themed tasting be without hand rolled cigars!  Château Tourril wines are elegant and versatile for drinking as aperitifs or pairing with foods. Take a look at their website at: http://www.chateautourril.fr
Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com The heat and humidity were relentless this weekend and mercilessly attached itself to every fiber of my being. As the sun finally made its way slowly over the horizon on Saturday evening, my thoughts turned to opening a cool and refreshing bottle of wine. Thankfully, I always keep several bottles in the refrigerator and my choice on this sultry evening was easy. I opted for the ‘Nik Weis Selection’ Urban Riesling. Nik Weis, proprietor and winemaker, is the third generation to run Weingut St. Urbans-Hof, which was founded by his grandfather, Nicolaus Weis, in 1947. The estate is named after St. Urban, the patron saint of vineyard workers and winemakers. Located in the Mosel Valley, in an area called Leiwen, St. Urbans-Hof is considered one of Germany’s premier estates with 40 hectares of vineyards. Nik created ‘Urban’ a few years ago, using grapes sourced from nearby non-estate blue slate vineyards of excellent quality. The blue slate soil retains heat from the sun, protecting the vines in this cool climate region. And, the stony slate gives the Urban Rieslings a unique and delicate balance of acidity, minerality and juicy sweetness.  The 2016 Urban Riesling made me sit up and pay attention. This is a lively wine! It is the color of pale straw with inviting aromas of apple, lime, pear, pineapple and floral notes. The palate offers succulent flavors of peach, pear, lime and green apple with subtle hints of blue slate that blend beautifully, leaving a very pleasant and mid to long finish. The Urban Riesling is perfectly balanced, refreshing and graceful with just the right amount of sweetness. I served it as an aperitif, but needless to say, this wine is food friendly and can be paired with many types of cuisine. Alcohol: 10% SRP: $15   I need to stock up on more Urban Rieslings! Yummy!
Cheers! Penina It was a beautiful summer evening and I was off to a block party.  Guess what I was responsible for bringing? Wine, of course! Since I had recently received two 1.5L bottles of Frontera Chardonnay and Frontera Cabernet-Merlot, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to taste and share them with my friends and neighbors.  Frontera wines are made by Concha y Toro, world-renowned wine producers from Chile. Concha y Toro wines are no strangers to my blog and I have tasted and reviewed many of their brands. Their Frontera label is an entry–level line with a variety of wines that are nicely focused, easy to drink and have a definite appeal to the millennial crowd. However, the wines that I brought to the party were enjoyed by a wide range of generations! The Frontera 2016 Chardonnay is pale yellow with pleasant aromas of apple, pear and citrus. The palate offers apple, tropical fruit and hints of wood. It is light and refreshing.  Alcohol: 13% SRP: $12 for 1.5L bottle The Frontera 2016 Cabernet-Merlot has a color that borders on purple. This is not a complex wine and it leans toward the fruity side. The nose offers dark berries, plum and vanilla that segue onto the palate. Soft tannins and a medium finish make this an easy wine to pair with foods.  Alcohol: 12% SRP: $12 for 1.5L Check out this link for interesting cocktails and sangria to make with these wines. http://www.virtualcookingschool.com/tag/frontera/ Have a very Happy Wine Wednesday!
Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com  After tasting and enjoying so many wonderful Bordeaux wines the other day, I was at a loss as to what wine to open for my dinner guest that evening. I still had Bordeaux on my palate, but I needn’t have worried. My guest came bearing a gift of a most welcome bottle of wine. We opened a 2005 Nickel & Nickel “Ponzo Vineyard” Russian River Valley Zinfandel. The partners of Far Niente founded Nickel & Nickel winery in 1997. Their mission was to produce 100% varietal, single vineyard wines.  Ponzo Vineyard Photo courtesy of Nickel & Nickel The Ponzo Vineyard is located adjacent to the Russian River. The first vines were planted around 1920 on flat, sandy loam soil that produces more dramatic concentrated fruit. The cork was soft and crumbly so we decanted the wine through a strainer. I was happy to note that the color was dark ruby with fruit and spice aromas. Considering the wine’s age, it had a lot of depth and character. Layers of rich fruit, spice and pepper were more present than I anticipated. The wine was silky with lingering moments of cherry and spice on the finish. It drank beautifully! The wine paired nicely with the cheese spread, but we drank it all before dinner was served! I’ll tell you about what we drank with our meal in my next post! http://www.nickelandnickel.com  Have a peaceful Sunday!
Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com I seem to keep finding my way back to exploring Chilean wines and rightly so. The wines have become more focused with many producers concentrating on bio dynamic, organic and sustainable agriculture in addition to producing unique and delicious wines. Chilean wines have earned significant recognition among wine critics and connoisseurs. I recently received two bottles of wine from Concha y Toro’s flagship brand, Casillero del Diablo Devil’s collection.   With Halloween just a few weeks away, the story behind the collection is perfect for telling while serving up a glass! Don Melchor Concha y Tora founded the vineyard in 1883. Legend has it that more than 130 years ago a ship set sail from Bordeaux carrying a cargo of precious vines. The ship landed in Chile where the grapes were turned into a mysterious wine. The wines were locked up, but continually disappeared from the cellar. So in order to stop the theft of the wines, he spread a rumor that the devil lived in the cellar. Everyone became terrified and some people claimed to have seen the devil. No one was ever able to solve the mystery and Don Melchor Concha y Toro continued to enjoy his wines. To this day, it is known as the “devils cellar”. Casillero del Diablo means “devils locker” in Spanish. The cellar is located in Pirque, close to Santiago. Casillero del Diablo Reserva 2016 Sauvignon Blanc comes from the Casablanca Valley region. This 100% Sauvignon Blanc is a light bodied wine filled with aromas of fresh citrus and pear. The palate offers grapefruit, green apple and has a zesty mouth-feel. This a refreshing wine that is well balanced and would complement light fare such as seafood, light pasta dishes, cheese and fruit. Alcohol: 13% Price: Approximately $11  Casillero del Diablo Reserva 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon comes from Central Valley region. It is 91% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Syrah, 2% Malbec, 2% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot and 1% Petit Syrah. The color is dark ruby bordering on purple. Aromas of dark berries, plum, cherry and spice set the stage. Cherry and plum dominate the palate with a touch of berry and hints of oak and vanilla on the finish. This is a juicy wine that is nicely balanced with smooth tannins and will pair well with hearty stews and soup, pasta, game and meats. Alcohol: 13.5% Price: Approximately $11  The Casillero del Diablo wines are “best-value” wines that don’t disappoint the palate. Pick up a few bottles and enjoy these wines before they “mysteriously” disappear from the shelves!
Cheers! Penina  Monday was a rainy day. And, what better way to spend it than sampling wines of The House of Burgundy’s 2016 Grand Annual Tasting inside the ballroom of The Harmonie Club in NYC.  Many countries and producers were represented at the event. I began my tour tasting wines from countries that I had never tried before, such as Bulgaria, Turkey, Lebanon and Japan. I then explored wines from Argentina, France, Greece, Italy and the USA. In addition to the wines, I tried a wonderful spirit from Turkey called Efe Raki. I heard countless and fascinating stories about wineries steeped in history and I tasted some memorable wines that I would love to share with you. Since I am short on time today, I’ll tell you about a few wines/spirit and save the rest of my stories for future posts. I was quite impressed with Vini Wines from Bulgaria. Imported by Bulgarian Masters Vintners and produced specifically for them, Vini Wines is the best-selling Bulgarian wine brand in the U.S. The wines are produced in Bulgaria’s Southern Thracian Valley, an area that has a long history of wine production. The 2015 Vini Sauvignon Blanc (100%) was crisp with notes of citrus and peach. Nice acidity and a pleasing finish make this an easy wine to pair with many foods. The 2015 Vini Pinot Noir (100%) was full of dark fruit and spice with hints of cherry. The tannins were ripe. Spice and hints of vanilla lingered on the finish. All the Vini wines have an alcohol content that ranges from 12% to 13%. The price point is around $8.99 and worth exploring!  Heading over to Turkey, I was dazzled and intrigued by the Efe Raki display. Efe Raki is an unsweetened alcoholic drink made from dried or fresh grapes and flavored with anise seeds. It is similar in taste to Ouzo. Raki is also called Lions Milk due to the fact that the clear liquid turns milky when water is added. Served in typical Raki glasses, this is a drink that goes well with light appetizers or mixed in cocktails. I tasted the Efe Fresh Grapes Raki (Green bottle) The aroma of aniseed was quite strong and pleasantly intoxicating but was softer on the palate than ouzo or Pernod. Alcohol is 45% and the price range is $15 to $21 depending on which bottle you buy. Check out their website which has lots of interesting information about Raki history and tradition. http://www.eferaki.com  Have a happy Wednesday!
Cheers! Penina It was the perfect evening to sit out on the deck, watch the sunset, share stories and drink wine. There was a delightful breeze and NO humidity!  The empty bottles and the last few mouthfuls of some nice wine…  We started with Montes Spring Harvest 2016 Sauvignon Blanc from the cool coastal region of Leyda Valley, Chile. The grapes are handpicked one month early, making the wine available 2 months earlier than other wines of this variety. Aurelio Montes, the chief winemaker, says this wine is “ideal to celebrate the beginning of the spring season.” The color was light yellow with a green hue. Aromas of citrus, grapefruit, mango and a hint of herbs tickled the nose. The palate offered citrus, grapefruit, lemon zest and hints of pepper. A bitter edge followed at the finish, making this a most delightful experience. Full-bodied with racy acidity makes this wine a perfect accompaniment to most food. Alcohol: 12.5% Price range: $13 to $16 http://www.monteswines.com For our dinner, I made pan seared Halibut with charred corn, mint, scallions, cherry tomatoes and fresh lime juice. A side of pear, walnut and Gorgonzola stuffed ravioli drizzled with balsamic & fig dressing, and homemade country French bread completed the meal.   We chose a 2014 J. Lohr Riverstone Chardonnay from Arroyo Seco Monterey, Central Coast, CA to drink with our dinner. This is a “tried and true” chardonnay. I reviewed the 2014 vintage in November. The color was pale yellow with aromas of peach, strawberry, honeysuckle and nuts. The aromas carried over onto the palate with oak and a smooth buttery feel on the finish. Alcohol: 13.5% Price is approximately $14 It’s time for a swim.
Happy Thursday! Cheers! Penina |
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