Another Rueda, Spain Verdejo

Another Rueda, Spain Verdejo: Wine Reviewed
Bodegas Shaya Verdejo 2009, 13.5% alcohol Rueda Denominacion de Origen about $11. (That’s the web price, I paid more than half again.)

Let’s start by quoting the marketing materials. “Tasting Note: The Verdejo grapes for the 2009 Shaya are sourced from both estate vineyards and local growers with vine age ranging from 75-112 years. The wine was barrel-fermented and aged on its lees. Medium straw-colored, it offers up an alluring aroma of baking spices, spring flowers, and peach. On the palate it has a creamy texture, vibrant acidity, and intense flavors leading to a lengthy, fruit-filled finish. It is a great value in dry, aromatic white wine that over-delivers in a big way. Score - 91. (Jay Miller, at the Robert Parker website, April 2010).” And now for my review.

At the first sips this wine offered light acidity. It was creamy, yet metallic. The initial meal featured barbecued chicken. This Spaniard’s acidity cut the grease and tasted of white peaches and a bit of cotton. It was long. When it accompanied a medley of zucchini and Portabello mushrooms the libation’s acidity sharpened but was not overdone. I also noticed the presence of citron. The fresh pineapple dessert darkened the drink almost to the point of being burnt. It was so long.

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A Rueda, Spain Verdejo

A Rueda, Spain Verdejo:
Have you heard of this grape?...



OUR WINE REVIEW POLICY All wines that we taste and review are purchased at the full retail price.
Wine Reviewed
Bodegas Menade Verdejo 2010, 12.5% alcohol Rueda Denominacion de Origen about $8. (That’s the web price, I paid almost double.)

Let’s start by quoting the marketing materials. “Description: The history of wine is full of intriguing stories. One such is Verdejo. Over the centuries, it had become the signature white grape of Rueda. At one point during the Franco years (1936-1975), Rueda growers were forced to remove their Verdejo and replace it with more commercially viable Chardonnay. One grower refused. Angel Rodriguez's vines were, in some cases, over 200 years old, so, at the risk of his life, he said no. Because of his insubordination we have Verdejo in Rueda today. All other cuttings of the vine in Rueda, and the rest of the world, come from his holdings. This lively, floral, fresh and fruity version from Sitios de Bodega is a fine example. Enjoy with mildly spiced seafood dishes.” And now for my review.

At the first sips I felt this wine was semi-ethereal. I appreciated its light sweetness and its acidity. The initial meal featured barbecued chicken. This Spaniard presented refreshing acidity. It was somewhat floral and quite long. When paired with a medley of zucchini and Portabello mushrooms the libation was very long, providing a fine combo of acidity and sweetness. Fresh pineapple for dessert stepped up the drink’s acidity and took away the sweetness, leaving light caramel in its place.

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A Bordeaux, France Merlot

A Bordeaux, France Merlot: Wine Reviewed
Moueix Merlot 2008 12.3% alcohol about $15 (Much less on the Internet)

Let’s start by quoting the marketing materials. Description : No one knows Merlot better than Christian Moueix, owner of the world famous (and Merlot-based) Château Pétrus. Year after year, the Moueix Merlot defines the grape. It's medium-bodied with flavors of sour plum and blackberry, and notes of cedar and earth. The fruit is focused and firm, with bright acidity, and a medium-long finish. It's pure magic with veal medallions and sautéed mushrooms, or baked pasta. And now for my review.

At the first sips this wine was quite round. It had light tannins but was earthy. I first paired it with a Middle-Eastern specialty called kubbe (or kibbe), ground beef in crushed bulghar jackets in a tomato sauce accompanied by sliced potatoes. The wine was dark tasting but could use some more acidity. I got chocolate but the acidity was definitely missing.

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A Central Italy Sangiovese

A Central Italy Sangiovese: - Sent using Google Toolbar

OUR WINE REVIEW POLICY All wines that we taste and review are purchased at the full retail price.

Wine Reviewed
Farnese Sangiovese Daunia IGT 2008 13% alcohol about $7

Let’s start by quoting the marketing materials. Tasting Note : Deep ruby colour; leather, cherry, marzipan, tobacco and earth aromas; dry, medium-bodied, with velvety texture and ripe cherry flavors. Serving Suggestion : Antipasti and appetizers, veal parmigiana, pizza, tomato-based pasta, hard, aged cheese. And now for my review.

At the first sips the Sangiovese is wine showed a solid, nice acidity with a decent length. I first paired it with a Middle-Eastern specialty called kubbe (or kibbe), ground beef in crushed bulghar jackets in a tomato sauce accompanied by sliced potatoes. The wine tasted of tobacco and black cherries. It didn’t have much tannins but did have good acidity. This was a hearty wine for a hearty food.

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An Organic Northern California Syrah

An Organic Northern California Syrah: An Organic Northern California Syrah
Let's go organic...

OUR WINE REVIEW POLICY All wines that we taste and review are purchased at the full retail price.

Wine Reviewed The San Francisco Wine Press Syrah 2006 DOC 13.8% alcohol about $17

Let’s start by quoting the marketing materials. Description : This organically grown Syrah earned a Silver Medal at the 2009 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. Our Quality Assurance Laboratory has determined that this wine contains 13 mg/L of free sulphur. Tasting Note : We can highly recommend the 2006 Syrah, which had a gamey flavor and a depth that belied its price. (Blair Campbell, at the eastbayexpress website, April 15, 2009) And now for my review.
California certified organic farmers logo

At the first sips the wine was mouth filling, dark tasting, and yet there was some bubblegum. I first paired it with a commercial shepherd’s pie. This Syrah was very present and yet short. I tasted oak and light tannins. When I added a generous amount of cayenne pepper sauce the wine became darker and showed pleasant acidity.

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A Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

A Montepulciano d'Abruzzo:

Wine Reviewed
Umani Ronchi Montipagano Montepulciano d’Abruzzo 2007 DOC 13% alcohol about $10

Let’s start by quoting the marketing materials. Description : Our Quality Assurance Laboratory has determined that this organic product contains 6 mg/L of free sulphur. Tasting Note : (Translated from the French) A beautiful dark montepulciano with pretty flavors of crushed fruit and no overt wood. Displays chewy, fine fruit, full body and plenty of strength. (Marc André Gagnon, at the vinquebec website May 1, 2009) And now for my review.

At the first sips the wine was dark tasting with well-balanced acidity and light tannins. I started by pairing it with a commercial shepherd’s pie. The acidity picked up a bit and I tasted dark cherries. The Montepulciano was hearty but short. When I added a generous amount of cayenne pepper sauce the wine was only slightly affected. continues on my website.

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