It Starts With A Grape

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Rolling in from Spain at the rock bottom price of $8.99 is this scrumptious Monastrell. Its deep plum in color, and its spicy dark nose is bursting with currant, jammy fruit, and black tea. Even though there’s an abundance of charred oak on the palate it remains smooth in your mouth. The cassis from the nose carries over well, accompanied by blackberry preserves, and a touch of raisin. If I could use just two words to sum this one up they would be dark and mysterious. The oaky finish is fairly dry with a surprising re-emergence of the aforementioned black tea lingering about. It pairs surprisingly well with fresh strawberries (a completely accidental find), really bringing out the fruit in the wine. It would also work well with a grilled steak seasoned liberally with black pepper in a berry glaze, sprinkled lightly with crumbled gorgonzola.

Because many people are still not familiar with this varietal (Monastrell) here’s a little info:

Monastrell also goes by the names Mourverde and Mataro. If you have ever heard the term GSM when someone was describing a wine, well its blend, and the ‘M’ stands for Mourverde, (the G and S are Grenache and Syrah). When its not being used in this popular blend, it produces big, deep, and sometimes earthy reds on its own, its also a favorite among winemakers for roses.

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Straight from Central Tuscany comes this this rather yummy red blend of Sangiovese(%85) and Cabernet Sauvignon(%15). Its not super fragrant, but there are subtle, pleasant aromas of plum, fresh fig, and mild oak, with just a nuance of vanilla. Its medium in body, super easy going, and its soft oak lends structure without being overbearing. Not to mention its smooth as silk tannins, this is one wonderfully balanced wine. Though the fruit isn’t ‘in your face’ it is quite juicy with plenty of ripe red raspberry, and strawberry jam. This smooth Tuscan treat is perfect for pizza night. I enjoyed it with bacon and onion toppings, but could see it working with a sweet sausage topping as well.

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This super tasty summertime white out of South Africa has a bright tropical nose, namely pineapple and mango with hints of orange peel. Its pale straw in color and has fairly thick legs for a Sauv Blanc. I must say it is a refreshing break form the overbearingly grape-fruity Sauv Blanc that had recently dominated the market. Initially there’s a delicious burst of cracked white pepper on the palate, fallowed gracefully by pineapple and lemon zest. It has just enough citrus, and a super clean slate finish. For a most enjoyable drinking experience, pair it with grilled chicken breast topped with a basil, sauteed apple and roasted fig medley, sprinkled with crumbled goat cheese.  For a simple snack, goat cheese and a slice of apple on wheat crackers.

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Happy sipping everyone!

It Starts With a Grape