Wine of The Week, June 30, 2013

2011 KRIS PINOT GRIGIO ITALY $11.99

The Pinot Grigio (also Gris, it's the same) grape lends itself to different styles of wine, varying greatly, depending on region. The plant grows best in cool climates. The Oregon/Alsace, France style/version is medium to full-bodied and has pronounced fruity flavors. The Italian style/version (and California), to which this Kris belongs, is dry, light-bodied, light in color, with a slight spritzy component that adds to its crisp acidity. The Italian style tends to be bland, but this Kris has hints of citus, tangerine, apricots, almonds, and honeysuckle. It pairs well with risotto-like rice dishes, tossed salads, try it with quiche, fish, and seafood, especially with deep-fried calamari..

Wine of the Week, June 23, 2013

RAVENSWOOD VINTNERS BLEND CABERNET SAUVIGNON                                               2010 CALIFORNIA $7.99 

Look at that price! An inexpensive wine doesn't mean that it is an inferior wine, just as an expensive wine doesn't guarantee that it is a superior wine. Ravenswood is to be congratulated for producing year after year, in its Vintners Blend series,  very satisfying wines: Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, at very affordable prices. The Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 is packed with aromas and flavors of blackberry, black currant, toasted oak, and vanilla. It is a mouthful, a bold and assertive wine, with a firm backbone of agreeable tannins and acidity. It pairs well with all beef products and hearty mushroom dishes.

WINE OF THE WEEK, June 16, 2013

A TO Z RIESLING 2012 OREGON $14.99

The Riesling grape came from Old World Germany to the New World. It is not a recent implant. Oregon has been planting Riesling vines since the 1960s. As a side note, I was recently corrected by a native Oregonian on the pronunciation of his State: I pronounced it Oregone; apparently it should be Oregun. I stand corrected. Oregon is already famous for its succulent Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. Add Riesling to that list. There is a depth of aromas and flavors in this Riesling which is not achieved by other wines, whether white or red. There are aromas and flavors of lime, lemon, honeysuckle, a hint of grapefruit, and mineral/slate characteristics. The alcohol content (12%) is higher than most Rieslings, the acidity level is refreshing, with low residual sugars. Pairing: a perfect complement to spicy foods. The beautiful floral design on the bottle alone is worth the price.

Wine of the Week, June 09, 2013

  PIGGY BANK 2010 SYRAH
CHILE $10.99        

Another silly name, but, oh, what a wonderful wine! When I think about Chilean wines I think Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere, Sauvignon Blanc, but now I add Syrah to that list. As a side note, Syrah and Shiraz are the same grape, just as Pinot Grigio and Pinot Gris are the same grape. The difference between Piggy Bank Syrah and a typical Shiraz produced in Australia, for example, is a matter of style and taste: this Syrah is earthy, smoky, with hints of, yes, cured meat; an Australian Shiraz, in most cases, is fruit-forward, with aromas and flavors of black cherry, blackberry, plum, licorice, and chocolate. It's hard to believe that such a wide range of aromas and flavors can be produced from the same grape. Because of its smoky aroma and flavor, Piggy Bank Syrah is a perfect complement to grilled meats and grilled marinated Portabella crowns. I will be here at Harney's throughout the summer and beyond - for as long as the wine god Bacchus allows - from Wednesday through Saturday 4:00 to 7:00. Please drop in to wine-chat or just to chat.

Wine of the Week, June 2, 2013

 MONTE ANTICO 2009 TOSCANA ITALY $10.99

Ah, Tuscany! Why did I ever leave you? I should have stayed! Monte Antico is a blend of Sangiovese (85%), Cabernet Sauvignon (10%), and Merlot (5%), the three grapes typical of a Chianti, but it doesn't qualify as a Chianti, because it doesn't have the right/legal percentage of each grape/wine. Blends are the result of either an initial mixture of different grapes before the first crush or a mixture of different wines that have already been fully fermented. I don't know the merits of either approach. Monte Antico tastes of Italy; no other country could have produced it. It is medium- to full-bodied, earthy, a balance of fruit and acidity, with flavors of black cherries, liquorice, and plums. A perfect complement to pizza and tomato-based pasta sauces, beef, and - surprise! - chocolate. Vintage after vintage, Monte Antico is predictably good.