KRIS ROSSO 2009
ALTO-ADIGE
NORTHEAST ITALY
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!
WINE OF THE WEEK (MARCH 23)
CHARLES & CHARLES CABERNET SAUVIGNON/SYRAH 2012
COLUMBIA VALLEY, WASHINGTON
Those who have been following my Wine of the Week reviews are probably sick and tired of me singing the praises of red wines from Columbia Valley, Washington. Well, here goes another song. During the summer, Washington averages more than two hours more sunlight each day compared to California. That fact, undoubtedly, contributes to the lushness/richness of its red wines. This blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (58%) and Syrah (Shiraz, as it is known in Australia) is medium-bodied, with aromas and flavors of rose petal, dark berry, black cherry, plum, chocolate, and vanilla. It satisfies from the tip of the tongue to the long finish. Wine Spectator has given it 90 well-deserved points. Charles & Charles is a very good addition to our already fine selection of red blends.
WINE OF THE WEEK (MARCH 16)
Ed the Wine Guy's
WINE OF THE WEEK (MARCH 16)
STERLING VINTNER'S COLLECTION
MERITAGE 2011
CENTRAL COAST CALIFORNIA
The three top categories of wines for 2013 here at Harney's - and the trend continues into 2014 - were Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, box wines, and red blends. Red blends, I feel, are made to be immediately drinkable, without the need for decanting: removing sediment, or aeration: exposing a wine to air to release aromas and flavors. (As an aside, white wines never need to be aerated.) Sterling Meritage is a blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 7% Malbec, 3% Petit Verdot, a little-known grape varietal, which adds tannin, color, and flavor to the blend. This wine has aromas and flavors of cherries, plums, berries, chocolate, caramel, and vanilla, and is very satisfying from start to finish. A delicious and inexpensive everyday wine.
Wine of the Week, March 9, 2014
WINE
OF THE WEEK, March 9, 2014
RIOJA
GRAN FAMILIA 2010 SPAIN
Spain is the third largest wine producer in the world and has the most land dedicated to vineyards - over a million acres. Gran Familia is an excellent example and introduction to the wines of the Rioja region of north-east Spain. It is a blend of 90% Tempranillo (Tempranillo and Garnacha are Spain's two most important red grapes) and 10% Graciano, a grape which contributes aroma and longevity to the wine. It is an easy-drinking wine, well-balanced (fruit, tannin, acidity), medium-bodied, with aromas and flavors of blackberry, cedar, leather, and spice, with a long finish. Pairs well with meat dishes, especially with beef, including hamburgers.
Wine of the Week, March 2, 2014
CUSUMANO NERO D'AVOLA 2012
SICILY, ITALY
Nero d'Avola is the name of this grape, which is the most important and the most widely-planted red grape in Sicily. It is native to Sicily and thrives in the hot and arid climate, taking its name from a small town, Avola, in south-east Sicily. If you are unfamiliar with Nero d'Avola, it has been compared to Syrah. Until fairly recently it was used in blending, but is also now produced as a varietal on its own. It is fruit-forward, with firm but not harsh tannins, spicy, having aromas and flavors of berries, plum, and black pepper. It is complementary to tomato sauce dishes.
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