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MARK WEST PINOT NOIR BLACK 2014 MONTEREY COUNTY, CALIFORNIA


By:  Ed “The Wine Guy”


The thin-skinned Pinot Noir grape is a difficult grape both to grow and to be turned into a noteworthy wine, demanding great skill and sensitivity - just as thin-skinned people do. The majority of growers and vintners (wine makers) avoid it. Mark West Winery has accepted the challenge, and produces good Pinot Noirs. Many of you are already familiar with the entry-level Mark West Pinot Noir; it is our best-selling California Pinot Noir. A step up from that is the BLACK version, darker, richer, and more intense. It is medium- to full-bodied, with aromas and

flavors of dark cherries, plums, mocha, vanilla, and caramel; the tannins are soft, and it finishes long and lush. It pairs well with foods from the barbecue, and with dark chocolate for a decadent dessert.

WINE OF THE WEEK CHLOE PINOT GRIGIO 2014


By:   Ed “The Wine Guy”


Now that we're approaching the warmer weather, it is time to start thinking about chilled, crisp, refreshing white wines. Not too long ago, Chardonnay and Merlot were the favorite white and red wines in the country; now it is Pinot Grigio (Sauvignon Blanc a close second) and Pinot Noir. New to Harney's is Chloe Pinot Grigio from the northeast of Italy where many fine Pinot Grigios are produced, including Santa Margherita and Kris, two of our best-selling wines. This medium-bodied, non-oaked, fruity wine exhibits aromas and flavors of peach, apple, honeysuckle, and lemon, with a hint of herbs. It is a perfect complement to the lighter foods of the season: salads, chicken, fish, and seafood.




WINES OF THE WEEK, CANTINA ZAGGAGNINI MONTEPULCIANO d'ABRUZZO and PINOT GRIGIO

 By: Ed "The Wine Guy"

The following two wines have long been favorites here at Harney's. We are featuring them in case you may not have tried them yet or you are new to the store. Both wines have a tralcetto: a grape vine, around their neck:
CANTINA ZAGGAGNINI MONTEPULCIANO d'ABRUZZO
Montepulciano d'Abruzzo is a red grape variety grown extensively in the region of Abruzzo, Central Italy. The wine is medium- to full-bodied, earthy, exhibiting aromas and flavors of plum, blackberry, leather, black pepper, vanilla, with a herbal component.
CANTINA ZAGGAGNINI PINOT GRIGIO
Typical of an Italian Pinot Grigio, this wine is fresh, light, dry (not sweet), clean, crisp, well-balanced, with pleasant aromas and flavors of citrus, with a mineral component. It is an excellent complement to fish, seafood, chicken, cheese and cracker appetizers.