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young with a slight frizzante, a refreshing mouthfeel. In the glass, these crisp, acidic whites feature bright aromas of wildflowers, pear and apple followed by flavors of tangy grapefruit, lemon and green melon. Pair it with tapas, sushi and shellfish. Buy it at: Martin Wine Cellar, Swirl Wines, W.I.N.O. and Bacchanal. Drink it at: Galvez Restaurant, Rene Bistrot and W.I.N.O.
2011 Fabre Montmayou Rose MENDOZA, ARGENTINA RETAIL $13-$14
A French negociant who saw the potential for Argentine winemaking, particularly with Malbec, founded the Fabre Montmayou estate in the early 1990s. With vineyards at 3,800 feet and all hand-harvested, estate-grown fruit, the winery produces this malbec-merlot blend in Argentina’s southernmost winegrowing area. In the glass, the wine exudes aromas of cherry, peach, strawberry, floral notes and a bit of earth. On the palate, the wine presents a creamy fruit character with strong flavors of berry, stone fruit, orange zest and good acidity. Drink it with grilled tuna, shrimp, chicken, salads, vegetarian dishes and soft cheeses. Buy it at: Swirl Wines and Bacchanal.
2010 Barone Fini Pinot Grigio VAL D’ADIGE, ITALY RETAIL $10-$12
Domaine Plouzeau Sauvignon Blanc 2010 TOURAINE, LOIRE, FRANCE RETAIL $11-$15
The Loire Valley offers a distinct sauvignon blanc character. The vineyards around the city of Tours in the Touraine, along the River Cher, yield wines of understated elegance with aromas of fresh-cut grass and white peach, citrus flavors and stone fruit qualities. The acids are pronounced and long finishes are typical. Domaine Plouzeau takes advantage of the mineral-laden soils and brings the purity of organic winemaking to the fore. Drink it with fish, shellfish, oysters, fresh vegetables and lemony sauces like hollandaise and bearnaise. Buy it at: The Wine Seller and Bacchanal. Drink it at: Luke, Bayona, Commander’s Palace, Ste. Marie and Ignatius.
NV Huber Hugo Rose Sparkling TRAISENTAL, AUSTRIA RETAIL $15
For 10 generations, the Huber family has delighted Austrian wine lovers with excellent blends made from grapes in the Traisental region, just west of Vienna. Markus Huber, a former professional soccer player, now carries the tradition. This combination of zweigelt, the most widely grown grape in Austria, and boldly acidic pinot noir, is converted into a sparkling wine of excellent structure. The red grapes arrive on the palate as equal partners, bearing flavors of ruby grapefruit, rose petals, fresh cherry, spices, forest berries and citrus. Drink it with pate, chicken, turkey and seafood dishes. Buy it at: Swirl Wines and Bacchanal. Drink it at: Mike’s on the Avenue and Toups’ Meatery.
swizzle: the wine edition 2012 > bestofneworleans.com
Situated between the Dolomites and Alps, the valley of Val d’Adige is an excellent home for the pinot grigio grape, which loves the sunshine and the winds from the south at sunrise and the cool northern breeze at sunset. Pinot grigio has excellent natural citrus flavors, and fruit sugars are enhanced through careful vinification. It also has a strong minerality. Drink it with shellfish, bruschetta, pasta dishes and other light fare. Buy it at: Cork & Bottle, Vieux Carre Wine & Spirits, Dorignac’s, Whole Foods Market in Metairie and Albertson’s in Mandeville. Drink it at: Marigny Brasserie, Jacques-Imo’s, Meauxbar Bistro and Ristorante del Porto.
Any questions? Email Brenda Maitland at winediva1@bellsouth.net.
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