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wine review |
By April Schlanger, Owner, Sip…a wine store
Holiday Spirits Splurge or Save? Isn’t that always the question? You are invited to Thanksgiving or a holiday party and you need to bring a gift. Wine is the easy answer, but how much should you spend? Should it be red or white? Sparking or still? Carry this article around with you for a quick list of perfect party ideas. Cheers and Happy Holidays!
Splurge: NV Bugey-Cerdon, “La Cueille”, Sparkling, France: Sustainable Farming | $22.75 This is an unusual, but wonderfully delightful sparkling from the Savoie region in eastern France. A blend of 80% Gamay with 20% Poulsard, this deep rose wine tastes like wild strawberries. A delightful aperitif with only 8% alcohol. Perfect with strawberry desserts, smoked salmon and soft, ripe cheese.
Splurge: 2008 Alois Lageder, “Beta Delta”, Chardonnay/Pinot Grigio, Alto Adige, Italy: Biodynamic | $20.99 A beautiful wine with lovely perfume aromas with mineral undertones. Impressive throughout with white cherry and pineapple notes. A perfect wine for herb roasted turkey, poached salmon and pork.
Steal: NV Sarao, Cava, Brut, Spain: Sustainable Farming | $12.99 Lovely bubbles with nicely delineated notes of fresh bread dough, apricot, Granny Smith apples and wet stone. This is the case you should stash in your house for last-minute gifts and guests.
Steal: 2008 Kuentz Bas, Alsace Blanc, Alsace, France: Biodynamic | $11.25 Silvaner, Chasseur, Pinot Blanc, Muscat. A lovely white with floral, dry pear, passion fruit and lime blossom aromas. A balanced wine with great depth. Lively pear notes and mineral tones. Perfect with chilled seafood appetizers and Thanksgiving dinner.
Splurge: 2008 L’Aventure, “Optimus”, Cabernet/Syrah/Petite Sirah, Paso Robles, California: Dry Farmed and Sustainable | $55.50 The Optimus is simply luscious. Integrated aromas of fir, graphite and acacia make an excellent nose. A focused attack of crushed flowers, geranium oil, cherries and plums wash over the palate, and finish with orange peel and toast. Velvety wine that will make any hostess ooh and ahh.
Splurge: 2008 Radio-Coteau, “La Neblina”, Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, California: Biodynamic | $52.50 Spanish for “fog”, la neblina rolls in from the Pacific Ocean, blanketing these coastal vines. This garnet-hued gem is generous with its aromatics, cherry, brown spice and forest notes. Youthful and well-structured, a dream bottle for every Pinot Noir fan. Lovely with turkey, lamb and salmon.
Steal: 2007 Three Saints, “Steak House Red”, Cabernet/Syrah/ Merlot, Santa Barbara County, California | $16.50 Lush and lively, this is a Cabernet blend that can really pull a meal together. Aromas of currant, cassis, cherries and spice. Rich and warm on the palate with divine tannins and great toasty notes. A perfect pairing with steak and grilled meats.
Steal: 2009 Ken Forrester, “Petit”, Pinotage, South Africa: Certified Sustainable | $8.99 A grafted variety Pinotage is a wonderful and often inexpensive substitute for Pinot Noir. Aromas of mulberries, plum pudding and cherries, supported by a smoky bacon nuance. Juicy and accessible, this wine will make turkey, pulled pork, smoked brisket and roasted salmon celebrate.
caryliving.com | 21
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10/25/10 2:46:43 PM