An Alsatian Chasselas

Wine Reviewed
Jean Geiler Réserve Particulière Chasselas 2011 12 % alcohol about $14.

Let’s start by quoting the marketing materials. “Description : It’s rare to see a single-variety Chasselas from Alsace where it is more commonly used in the region’s blended wines (known as Edelzwicker). An amazingly good value, it’s easy to see why this version from Jean Geiler was singled out. Look for lime, spring flowers, pear and mushroom aromas. Dry and soft-textured wine with a lively crisp finish. Perfect quaffing white or serve it with goat cheese appetizers.” And now for my review.

At the first sips this wine was elegant and oily, tasting of pears. Wasabi coated peanuts rounded and lengthened the liquid. In the presence of barbecued chicken breast the wine tasted metallic accompanied by light but pleasant acidity. A quinoa side dish gave our Alsatian friend a burnt taste and solid acidity. Steamed broccoli kept this acidity good and I tasted smoke in my glass. In response to fruit juice candy I noticed a few apricots but the libation was flat.

This review of a Chasselas from Alsace  continues on my web site at
http://theworldwidewine.com/Wine_reviews/Near_weekly_15_dollar_wine_reviews/Y2013/alsatian_chasselas.php

Revisiting A Chilean Viognier

Cono Sur Bicicleta Chilean Viognier

Several years ago we reviewed a Chilean Viognier. And now we are back. As you may know, Viognier is a relatively uncommon white grape that shines in the French Rhone Valley. The Vina Torornal winery was founded in 1993. They own 1800 hectares (4500 acres) in Chile. The Colchagua Valley is a zone in the Rappel Valley, itself part of the Central Valley wine region. This particular area was once devoted to bulk wine but is now producing better wines. The winery has made a major commitment to the environment as reflected in ISO certifications. The Bicicleta in the name refers to widely-used vineyard transportation. The companion wine is made from another relatively uncommon usually Swiss white grape, Chasselas, coming from Alsace, France and costs about half again as much.

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

Wine Reviewed
Cono Sur Bicicleta 2012 13.5 % alcohol about $10.

Let’s start by quoting the marketing materials. “Tasting Note : Pale gold colour; tropical fruit aromas with melon, peach and orange blossom notes; dry, medium bodied, with great acidity and flavours of grapefruit, peach, green apple and pineapple; good length on the finish. Serving Suggestion : Serve with stir-fry or wok sautéed white meats, vegetables and creamy poultry dishes.” And now for my review.

At the first sips this wine offered upbeat acidity, with a nice length and the taste of melon. Wasabi coated peanuts cut its acidity but added some smokiness to the liquid. In the presence of barbecued chicken breast the wine darkened. I tasted pears and some metal. A quinoa side dish rendered our Chilean friend more forceful. Steamed broccoli led to more of the same. This wine was long and provided lots of pears. In response to fruit juice candy the libation flattened but did offer some apricots.

This review of a Chilean Viognier continues on my web site at
http://theworldwidewine.com/Wine_reviews/Weekly_cheap_wine_reviews/Y2013/wine_lovers_bargain_review_racv.php
 

A Central Italian Pinot Noir

Wine Reviewed
Borgo Reale Selection Pinot Nero IGT Kosher 2011 12.5 % alcohol about $15.

Borgo Reale Pinot Noir

There were no marketing materials so let’s start by quoting the back label. “The Apulian vocated clayey soils and sea breezes make Pinot Noir one of the most intriguing wine among the wide range of the Borgo Reale selection. The colour is an intense red, but it is on the nose that the uniqueness of this wine comes out. You can feel sweet notes of berries and cassis, yet a warm sensation. The palate is elegant, harmonious and well structured. Essential for special occasions and to be enjoyed on its own.” And now for my review.

At the first sips this wine was subtle but excessively sweet and insufficiently acidic. When it encountered a commercial Shepherd’s pie this drink gained in length but was thin and the tannins were virtually absent. Japanese rice crackers made almost no change to my glass’s contents except that the sugar problem worsened. Then I doused the dish with a generous amount of Chinese chili sauce. In response Red lengthened and its acidity perked up. But it was still too sweet.

This review of a  Pinot Noir from Central Italy  continues on my web site at http://theworldwidewine.com/Wine_reviews/Near_weekly_15_dollar_wine_reviews/Y2013/central_italian_pinot_noir.php

Patriarche Pinot Noir

A Languedoc (France) Pinot Noir

Can you get a decent French Pinot Noir at this price?...

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

Wine Reviewed
Patriarche Pinot Noir VDP 2011 12.5 % alcohol about $10.

Let’s start by quoting the marketing materials. “Tasting Note : Pale ruby colour; light cherry and spice aromas; sweet fresh cherry flavour, soft finish. Serving Suggestion : Serve with cold roast beef.” And now for my review.

At the first sips this wine was too sweet. It was long and plummy. When it encountered a commercial Shepherd’s pie this drink offered balanced acidity and tannins but it was thin and too sweet. Japanese rice crackers strengthened and lengthened the contents of my glass. Then I doused the dish with a liberal amount of Chinese chili sauce. In response Red picked up some pepper.

This review of A Languedoc (France) Pinot Noir continues on my web site
at http://theworldwidewine.com/Wine_reviews/Weekly_cheap_wine_reviews/Y2013/wine_lovers_bargain_review_lfpn.php

An Upper Galilee Cabernet Sauvignon

Can we get a fine Kosher red wine at this price? ...

Upper Galilee Cabernet Sauvignon

If the Galilee region of Israel is good for wine, the Upper Galilee should be even better. The Segal family settled in Tel Aviv in 1925 where they set up the country’s first distillery. In the 1930s they ran distilleries in Beirut and Damascus. As of 1954 they concentrated on wine and have never looked back. Segal’s was purchased by Barkan Wines in 2001 but they retain their own installations and production process. The companion wine is a Chilean Kosher Merlot at about two-thirds the price.

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

Segal’s Cabernet Sauvignon Special Reserve 2007 13.5 % alcohol about $13 (I paid $19).

In the absence of marketing materials let’s start by quoting the back label. “Grapes grown in the unique climate of the Upper Galilee from the super premium Dishon Vineyard in the Kadesh Valley are harvested at ultimate ripeness. The wine undergoes a protracted post-fermentation maceration on the skins as well as fourteen months aging in a mixture of French and American oak in order to arrive at the optimum extraction and balance of fruit, tannin and oak. This rich, complex, balanced wine will continue to improve for many years.” And now for my review.

At the first sips this wine was powerful, mouth filling, and fruity. Japanese rice crackers featuring Wasabi and Edame along with peanuts and cashews made the libation’s plums come out. The initial meal centered on a packaged Eggplant Rolatini with Ricotta and Mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, and lots more that I slathered with grated Parmesan cheese. In response the Cab was mellow, fruity, and very pleasant. Fresh pineapple brought out the taste of copper and other metals.

This review of an Upper Galilee Cabernet Sauvignon continues on my web site at
http://theworldwidewine.com/Wine_reviews/Near_weekly_15_dollar_wine_reviews/Y2013/upper_galilee_cabernet_sauvignon.php

 

A Chilean Kosher Merlot

Alfasi Merlot

Over time we have done lots of Chilean wines, including several that fell into the inexpensive category. This is our third from the Alfasi (Kosher) winery. Winemaker Héctor Saldivia and his team work with over a thousand hectares (more than 2,500 acres) planted in international red grapes as well as Chardonnay. They have made a major commitment to the environment and fighting global warming. The companion wine is an Israeli Cabernet Sauvignon at about half again the price.

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

Wine Reviewed
Alfasi Merlot 2011 13 % alcohol about $9.

Let’s start by quoting the marketing materials. “Tasting Note : Medium Ruby; light cherry, green pepper aroma; light flavours, moderate tannins.” And now for my review.
At the first sips this wine was light, offering balanced acidity and tannins. Japanese rice crackers featuring Wasabi and Edame along with peanuts and cashews picked up the libation’s acidity. The initial meal centered on a packaged Eggplant Rolatini with Ricotta and Mozzarella cheese, tomatoes, and lots more that I slathered with grated Parmesan cheese. In response the Merlot was fruity and somewhat but not excessively sweet. I also noted a tinge of oak. Fresh pineapple had the hardly unexpected effect of muting the wine.

This review of a  Chilean Kosher Merlot continues on my web site at
http://theworldwidewine.com/Wine_reviews/Weekly_cheap_wine_reviews/Y2013/wine_lovers_bargain_review_ckme.php

Kabinett Rheingau Riesling

A Rheingau Kabinett Riesling

A wine writer said 91...

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

Wine Reviewed

Schloss Reinhartshausen Hattenheimer Wisselbrunner Riesling Kabinett 2009 10.5 % alcohol about $18.

Let’s start by quoting the marketing materials. “Tasting Note : A hedonistic sweet-edged riesling from a renowned producer who once tried to grow chardonnay in Germany. Tangerine, apple, jasmine, lime candy drops and a lemon tart delivery. Mouth-wateringly good. Score – 91. (Gordon Stimmell, The Toronto Star, Aug. 22, 2011)” And now for my review. 

At the first sips this wine was deliciously honeyed with good acidity. The first meal centered on home made chicken breast nuggets dusted with garlic powder and black pepper. In response the Riesling was quite long and I noted tangerines. The side Matbucha salad consisting of tomatoes, tomato puree, sweet pimentos, hot peppers, garlic rendered the libation quite long and somewhat syrupy. Dousing the meat with Jalapeno pepper mix sharpened our German friend’s acidity while retaining its balance with the sweetness. It deepened and was so long. Fresh raspberries imparted tangy acidity to my glass along with lots of tangerines. 

This review of a  Kabinett Rheingau Riesling continues on my web site at

http://theworldwidewine.com/Wine_articles/My_own_German_wine_articles/rheingau_kabinett_riesling.php