December 21, 2010

What it’s called:  Crémant de Bourgogne, Moissenet-Bonnard - NV What it is: A dry sparking wine from Burgundy, France What it’s made from: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay A little info: Crémant refers to a sparkling wine made in the Champagne method (Méthode Champenoise), but cannot be called Champagne since it is not produced in Champagne, France. Why it’s good: Since the holidays are upon us, most people are dropping lots of cash on Champagne and other sparklers. Here’s a reasonably priced wine that pairs well with nearly any plate of food and is perfect for your midnight toast. How much?: About $20 bucks. Impress your friends: “The best pinot noir and chardonnay in the world comes from Burgundy. I figured, ‘how could this be bad?’ I’m glad I went with my gut.”

What it’s called:  Crémant de Bourgogne, Moissenet-Bonnard - NV

What it is: A dry sparking wine from Burgundy, France

What it’s made from: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay

A little info: Crémant refers to a sparkling wine made in the Champagne method (Méthode Champenoise), but cannot be called Champagne since it is not produced in Champagne, France.

Why it’s good: Since the holidays are upon us, most people are dropping lots of cash on Champagne and other sparklers. Here’s a reasonably priced wine that pairs well with nearly any plate of food and is perfect for your midnight toast.

How much?: About $20 bucks.

Impress your friends: “The best pinot noir and chardonnay in the world comes from Burgundy. I figured, ‘how could this be bad?’ I’m glad I went with my gut.”

sparkling wine white champagne pinot noir chardonnay

December 12, 2010

photo via ( Eri•chan) What it’s called:  Medici Ermete, Reggiano Solo, Lambrusco - 2009 What it is: A slightly sparking red wine from Emilia-Romagna, Italy What it’s made from: Lambrusco A little info: Lambrusco is a versatile, lightly sparkling red wine that has much smaller bubbles than Champagne. It fizzes a bit when poured, then settles. Some are dry. Some are slightly sweet. Why it’s good: This dry Lambrusco is just about the most perfect pizza pairing imaginable. It has just enough fizz and fruit to keep you coming back for another sip. Then another bite. Then another sip. Then another… How much?: About 12 bucks. Impress your friends: “Prosecco is fun for a cocktail party, but when I’m sitting down for a meal, Lambrusco is my go-to Italian sparkler.”  

photo via ( Eri•chan)

What it’s called:  Medici Ermete, Reggiano Solo, Lambrusco - 2009

What it is: A slightly sparking red wine from Emilia-Romagna, Italy

What it’s made from: Lambrusco

A little info: Lambrusco is a versatile, lightly sparkling red wine that has much smaller bubbles than Champagne. It fizzes a bit when poured, then settles. Some are dry. Some are slightly sweet.

Why it’s good: This dry Lambrusco is just about the most perfect pizza pairing imaginable. It has just enough fizz and fruit to keep you coming back for another sip. Then another bite. Then another sip. Then another…

How much?: About 12 bucks.

Impress your friends: “Prosecco is fun for a cocktail party, but when I’m sitting down for a meal, Lambrusco is my go-to Italian sparkler.”

 

Emilia-Romagna italy pizza red red sparkling lambrusco

December 10, 2010

What it’s called:  Les Vins Contes - Le P’tit Rouquin -2009 What it is: A red wine from Loire, France What it’s made from: Gamay A little info:  Gamay is the primary variety used in Beaujolais. It’s known for its ripe fruit flavors and light body. Why it’s good: This Gamay is produced organically in the Loire Valley by winemaker Olivier Lemasson. It boasts juicy strawberry and raspberry flavors along with a satisfying earthiness that makes this complex enough that you’ll think twice about gulping it down before your dinner is even on the table. How much?: About 14 bucks. Impress your friends: “The Loire is one of the only regions left in France where you can still get good bang for your buck.”  

What it’s called:  Les Vins Contes - Le P’tit Rouquin -2009

What it is: A red wine from Loire, France

What it’s made from: Gamay

A little info:  Gamay is the primary variety used in Beaujolais. It’s known for its ripe fruit flavors and light body.

Why it’s good: This Gamay is produced organically in the Loire Valley by winemaker Olivier Lemasson. It boasts juicy strawberry and raspberry flavors along with a satisfying earthiness that makes this complex enough that you’ll think twice about gulping it down before your dinner is even on the table.

How much?: About 14 bucks.

Impress your friends: “The Loire is one of the only regions left in France where you can still get good bang for your buck.”

 

wine gamay france loire red

Do you ever plan on rating these wines? On a number system or something like that?
Anonymous

No. Since this blog features only good wines, you can consider them all rated “good.” Thanks for reading!

wine

What it’s called: Hans Wirsching, Silvaner - 2008 What it is: A white wine from Franken, Germany What it’s made from: Silvaner (aka Sylvaner) A little info:  Silvaner is grown mostly in Germany and Alsace, France. Truth be told, it’s kind of a nondescript, potentially boring grape. That being said, it’s an excellent neutral canvas for the expression of Terroir. Why it’s good: This is a bone dry, mineral and acid driven wine that is as refreshing as it is food-friendly. It’s hardly fruity, but there are some nuances of lemon and peach. It has subtle aromatics and would be an excellent match for seafood.  How much?: About 18 bucks. Impress your friends: “This wine is not only delicious, it’s fun to drink since it comes in this cool Bocksbeutel, or ‘goat’s scrotum.’”  

What it’s called: Hans Wirsching, Silvaner - 2008

What it is: A white wine from Franken, Germany

What it’s made from: Silvaner (aka Sylvaner)

A little info:  Silvaner is grown mostly in Germany and Alsace, France. Truth be told, it’s kind of a nondescript, potentially boring grape. That being said, it’s an excellent neutral canvas for the expression of Terroir.

Why it’s good: This is a bone dry, mineral and acid driven wine that is as refreshing as it is food-friendly. It’s hardly fruity, but there are some nuances of lemon and peach. It has subtle aromatics and would be an excellent match for seafood. 

How much?: About 18 bucks.

Impress your friends: “This wine is not only delicious, it’s fun to drink since it comes in this cool Bocksbeutel, or ‘goat’s scrotum.’”

 

1 note
Silvaner germany scrotum sylvaner white wine

December 8, 2010

photo via (polakia) What it’s called:  Triennes Viognier, Ste. Fleur - 2008 What it is: A white wine from Provence, France. What it’s made from: Viognier A little info:  Viognier is a difficult grape to grow and it has to be harvested at its peak of maturity. It’s mostly grown in the Northern Rhone region of France. Why it’s good: This is an elegant, classy wine with an exceptionally floral nose and bright, rich fruit flavors like white peach, pear, and pineapple. It’s a subtle, and charmingly acidic wine that should be paired with light foods. How about some roast chicken or a salad with leafy greens and feta? Pesto would also be a good match. How much?: About 18 bucks. Impress your friends: “This is Viognier at it’s purest expression. California and Australia are both producing 100% Viognier wines, but they don’t have the climate to give the grape the respect it deserves.”  

photo via (polakia)

What it’s called:  Triennes Viognier, Ste. Fleur - 2008

What it is: A white wine from Provence, France.

What it’s made from: Viognier

A little info:  Viognier is a difficult grape to grow and it has to be harvested at its peak of maturity. It’s mostly grown in the Northern Rhone region of France.

Why it’s good: This is an elegant, classy wine with an exceptionally floral nose and bright, rich fruit flavors like white peach, pear, and pineapple. It’s a subtle, and charmingly acidic wine that should be paired with light foods. How about some roast chicken or a salad with leafy greens and feta? Pesto would also be a good match.

How much?: About 18 bucks.

Impress your friends: “This is Viognier at it’s purest expression. California and Australia are both producing 100% Viognier wines, but they don’t have the climate to give the grape the respect it deserves.”

 

12 notes
france provence rhone viognier white wine

What it’s called:  Château La Grave, Médoc - 2009 What it is: A red wine from Bordeaux, France. Specifically Médoc, which is a region on Bordeaux’s left bank. What it’s made from: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. A little info:  Most wines from the left bank are based on Cabernet Sauvignon (while wines on the right bank are more Merlot based). This wine is no exception. It’s 60% Cab Sauv. Why it’s good: This wine is a delicious, hearty, affordable Bordeaux that would pair with a wide variety of foods. It could stand up to a hearty meat dish, but easily be sipped alone or with your favorite cheese. It’s full of ripe, dark berry flavors and has a long finish. It has more depth and complexity than the majority of Cabernet based wines you’ll find at this price. A great “My First Bordeaux.” How much?: About 12 bucks. Impress your friends: “If this wine is any indication of what the 2009 vintage is going to be, then we’re really in for a treat.”  

What it’s called:  Château La Grave, Médoc - 2009

What it is: A red wine from Bordeaux, France. Specifically Médoc, which is a region on Bordeaux’s left bank.

What it’s made from: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot.

A little info:  Most wines from the left bank are based on Cabernet Sauvignon (while wines on the right bank are more Merlot based). This wine is no exception. It’s 60% Cab Sauv.

Why it’s good: This wine is a delicious, hearty, affordable Bordeaux that would pair with a wide variety of foods. It could stand up to a hearty meat dish, but easily be sipped alone or with your favorite cheese. It’s full of ripe, dark berry flavors and has a long finish. It has more depth and complexity than the majority of Cabernet based wines you’ll find at this price. A great “My First Bordeaux.”

How much?: About 12 bucks.

Impress your friends: “If this wine is any indication of what the 2009 vintage is going to be, then we’re really in for a treat.”

 

1 note
bordeaux cabernet franc cabernet sauvignon france merlot red wine