I would like to depart from my usual format, and suggest
a few of my favorite wines for your pleasure during the upcoming holidays. In
some cases the wine may be a little higher in price than what I usually
recommend, but I feel that the holidays invite us to "kick it up a
notch."
WHITE
Big Fire Pinot Gris (Grigio), Oregon. I feel
that Oregon, on the whole, produces the best - at least to my taste - Pinot Gris
in the country right now. It is fuller-bodied, with more fruity flavor, than the
standard Pinot, as exhibited in Italy and California. $13.99.
La Crema
Chardonnay, California. Medium-bodied, buttery and creamy, with a hint of
pineapple. A very satisfying mouthful. $16.99.
Hugel "Gentil," Alsace,
France. Perhaps my favorite white wine at Harneys. The white wines from Alsace
are extraordinary. Hugel, made from, mainly, the Pinot Blanc grape, is elegant,
balanced, smooth, dry, with a hint of - is it? - honey.
$14.99.
RED
Louis Jadot Beaujolais-Villages, France.
You may be familiar with Beaujolais and Beaujolais Nouveau, but the
Village version is a step above, having a more intense color and taste.
Light and fruity. 100% Gamay grape. $9.99.
Big Fire Pinot Noir, Oregon.
Tasters have suggested the aromas and flavors of wild rose, tea leaf, violets,
pomegranate, berries, chocolate, plum, tarragon, and cranberries. It is
certainly soft, ripe, warm, vibrant, but, can there be so many aromas and
flavors in one wine? Taste and see. $15.99.
Cameron Hughes Merlot, Chalk
Hill, California. Luscious. Succulent. Very satisfying. If you like Merlot,
you'll love this Merlot, which exhibits deep aromas and flavors of dark fruit
and mocha. $18.99.
I will be continuing with wine terms in the
upcoming (April) monthly newsletter, exploring further the differences between
dry and sweet, and between fruity and sweet. And in
May, I will explore the role that geography plays in the production of
wine.
Think all wines taste the same? Well, that’s not true at all. Pairing good food with good wine is important, but sometimes difficult. Enter the “perfect pair” authorities at Harney’s Wine & Liquors. At Harney’s, we specialize in helping you find the perfect wine every time. Enjoy the following blog of "Ed The Wine Guy." Ed gives his personal take on wines that we carry. You just may find your new favorite!