5 slurpable reds plus one banging dry Rose for May to make you sing along with tyhe rest of the class...Sone folks mentioned that April's playlist was killer and we're doing it even better for May.
Easy to order - just click on the link at the bottom...as always - all
selections are available separately or by the case, too
2013 PESQUIE VENTOUX ROUGE
Put on your Provence hat, wear it proudly and drink this well-honed red from one of the area's fabulous and unheralded producers. ($15)
Where It's From: Slopes below Mont Ventoux in the Southern Rhone.
Grape(s): 60% Grenache, 40% Syrah.
Aromas and Flavors: Prominent smoke, red berries, rosemary and black pepper. Smooth fruit backed up by nice spice and roasted earth.
Food Choices: Lamb or chicken kebabs or you can do them sans skewer if you wish.
Music Choices: One Jug of Wine, Two Vessels'. A collaboration between Bright Eyes and Neva Dinova. Laid back yet with ample meat on its bones.
2012 BERGEVIN LANE 'CALICO RED'
Dreamy Red blend from one of Walla Walla's fine yet whimsical producers who do quite a range of wines that please on all levels. ($14)
Where It's From: Columbia Valley Washington.
Grape(s): 35% Syrah, 27% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot, 13% Malbec, 6% Petit Verdot.
Aromas and Flavors: Juicy, succulent and jammed with satisying plum, coriander, cocoa and allspice aspects. A bit more serious than one might expect.
Food Choices: Slow-braised short ribs in a tangy, slightly spicy sauce.
Music Choices: The Association's "Windy'. Or was it The Wrecking Crew? To quote a friend, 'This has the 3 principles of a great song: Hook, Dynamics, Recorder Solo'.
2012 SCALA CIRO ROSSO CLASSICO
Elusive, mysterious but very pleasuable Southern Italian red from right where the arch and foot of the boot comes together. ($12)
Where It's From: Calabria, home of the 'Ndrangheta.
Grape(s): 100% Gaglioppo.
Aromas and Flavors: Bold, very genuine and relentless with strawberry and seasmoke aspects. Savory and dry; very food friendly.
Food Choices: Spicy meatballs, slow roasted lamb or pork jacked with lots of garlic or Penne Arrabiata.
Music Choices: From the sunshine pop of Windy to something more challenging. drink while listening to 'Mingus Ah Um' by Charles Mingus
Up the Catalan secessionist rebels with mouth-wateringly piquant dry pink wine. One that will make you want to join the cause! ($12)
Where It's From: Catalonia's Emporda region.
Grape(s): 100% Garnacha.
Aromas and Flavors: Zippy and zesty red fruits with glimses of mineral and herbs. Spry and high-spirited with jaunting texture and freshness.
Food Choices: Greek Salad, grilled veggies like zucchini or something laced with anchovies.
Music Choices: 'Oh My God' from Ida Maria. Fiercely energetic tune with a video that is equally frenetic.
2013 MAURO MOLINO BARBERA D'ALBA
If you were to look up the definition of Barbera from this Piemontese area, the definition would read, 'see this wine'...or should we say 'drink this wine'. ($14)
Where It's From: The Barolo village of La Morra in Piedmont.
Grape(s): All Barbera Dammit!.
Aromas and Flavors: Superbly fragrant with spice, anisette, porcini and cherry pit action stirred in nicely. Plenty of elevation, depth and instant charm.
Food Choices: Light rice or pasta dishes as well as good salami and cheese on good crusty bread.
Music Choices: Parliament's 'Mothership Connection'. Textbook barbera deserves textbook funk.
2010 RIVAL-BELLEVUE BORDEAUX SUPERIEUR
Bordeaux continues to bring us winning, very tasteful wines on many levels that aren't Classified Growth which are consumables versus commodites. ($12)
Where It's From: Bordeaux, France.
Grape(s): 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Cabernet Franc.
Aromas and Flavors: Cuddly and candid with blueberry, vanilla, turned earth and sneaky red berries underneath. Plush, smoothed-out, dry and having no shortage of Bordeaux moxie.
Food Choices: Steak-frites, smoked poultry or a simple coarse country pate.
Music Choices: Both 'Dreams' and 'Rules' from The Whitest Boy Alive. Someone turned me on to this coolness like I'm turning youze all on to this Bordeaux
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