Monthly Playlist for NOVEMBER
How many more days until Spring?? Since it can't come soon enough, this month's playlist is dedicated to dark and stormy with 5 flavorful reds and one zippy white.
Easy to order - just click on the link at the bottom...as always - all
selections are available separately or by the case, too
Classic but in a fine-tuned, clean and modern style. Delightful second project from top Rioja producer Conde de Hervias. ($15.00)
Where It's From: La Rioja, Spain.
Grape(s): 100% Tempranillo.
Aromas and Flavors: Strawberries, spice and eveything nice. Luscious, seamless and chock full of depth and character.
Food Choices: Smoked meats, chorizo or saffron-loaded paella.
Music Choices: Wicked Rain' from Los Lobos.
2012 STATTI LAMEZIA ROSSO
Oh shudder to think, the South has risen. No, not the one with stars and bars but the one that makes saporous wines with extroverted Italian personality. ($10.00)
Where It's From: Lamezia DOC of Calabria in Italy.
Grape(s): 40% Gaglioppo, 40% Greco Nero, 20% Nerello Cappuccio.
Aromas and Flavors: Well-balanced, well-crafted, tangy and palate covering with scents and flavors of plum, Italian herbs, dark chocolate and saline.
Food Choices: A proper meatball sandwich (good luck finding that in Portland), eggplant parmesan or sliced finnochiona salumi.
Music Choices: Tornadoes' from Drive-By Truckers.
2011 EDGEBASTION BERRY BOX RED
Instead of grappling with wines from South Africa we present one that falls into the category of recreationally satisfying and of course, scrumptious. ($14.00)
Where It's From: Stellenbosch, South Africa.
Grape(s): 23% Shiraz, 17% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Petit Verdot, 47% Merlot & 2% Cabernet Franc.
Aromas and Flavors: Chewy, broad and buxom. Lots of generosity with blueberry, black pepper and nutmeg tones.
Food Choices: Chicken slathered in a mole sauce.
Music Choices: Deep Purple's 'Stormbringer'.
READ MY LIPS, THIS IS NOT A SWEET WHITE WINE! Terroir-driven, unoaked and perfect for the holiday table ($13.00)
Where It's From: Alsace, France.
Grape(s): 100% Chasselas.
Aromas and Flavors: Explosively aromatic with orange, prominent mineral, spices and subtle rose. Explosively bursting, nervy and bone dry.
Food Choices: Seafood pasta, hard cheeses, turkey and certainly vegetarian dishes based around cabbage.
Music Choices: Andy Williams of course! - 'Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head'.
2013 CORTE GARDONI BARDOLINO 'LE FONTANE'
Quite the high-spirited red that proves the Venetians aren't blind! ($12.00)
Where It's From: Il Veneto, Italy
Grape(s): 60% Corvina, 30% Rondinella, 10% 'Other'.
Aromas and Flavors: Cherry pit and red flowers dominate. As the estate calls it: 'Very cheerful'. Lots of cool red fruits, nice lift and earth throughout.
Food Choices: Risi e Bisi. Look up the recipe, especially the Marcela Hazan version. Also delicious with mushroom-based, light first courses.
Music Choices: Who'll Stop The Rain' from Creedence Clearwater Revival.
2014 D. VENTURA RIBERA SACRA 'BURATO'
Play stump the jock with any friend who fancies themselves as some sort of expert with this underground red wine treasure. ($16.00)
Where It's From: Galicia, specifically Ribera Sacra in Western Spain.
Grape(s): 100% Mencia.
Aromas and Flavors: Mineral, black olive, graham, licorice, black plum and pepper. Lots of crunchy bright fruit but ample old vine depth and persistence.
Food Choices: It's all about the pig for this wine. Jamon Serrano, slow braised pork loin with saffron and/or fennel, bacon sandwiches.
Music Choices: A Hard Rain's a-Gonna Fall' - Bob Dylan .
Order the Playlist!
