Six delicious wine selections and six melancholy/angst-driven music selections to bid adieu to summer
Easy to order - just click on the link at the bottom...as always - all
selections are available separately or by the case, too
2012 SOUTHARD COLUMBIA VALLEY RED
Dark as the nights will soon become. One of the rare under 15 wines from Washington that actually isn't a gimmick and delivers fine quality. ($14)
Where It's From: Washington and probably not far from a weed shop or casino.
Grape(s): 2% Grenache, 41% Syrah. 13% Zinfandel, 4% Mourvedre
Aromas and Flavors: Savory, luscious and very black fruit dominated. Plenty of depth and back notes of red berry and dustry earth
Food Choices: For the last barbecues before one closes down the grill for the season.
Music Choices: Birds of Film' - Sun Kil Moon
2014 CHAPUIS MACON-MANCEY
A most flavorful and fun red wine that somehow combines whimsy with bravado. ($14)
Where It's From: Northern portion of France's Macon region.
Grape(s): Unlike the majority of wines from Burgundy that are Pinot Noir, this is 100% Gamay.
Aromas and Flavors: Attacking spiciness. Cherry, plum and black peppercorn. Lively, vivid, sneaky volume. Vin de soif.
Food Choices: All about the roasted chicken/turkey and toss in a mushroom, too.
Music Choices: I Am A God' - Kanye West
2014 DOURAL DURIENSE TINTO
Portugal seems to be the new thrift store for under 10 buck dry reds with character - check out this new release from famed Port producer Kopke. ($9)
Where It's From: Portugal's Duriense which is located within the Douro.
Grape(s): Touriga Franca, Tinta Barroca, Tinta Roriz (aka Tempranillo), Tinta Amarela & Tinta Cao.
Aromas and Flavors: Juicy, jammy and quite boisterous. Lots of violet and blueberry; plenty of depth and dimension.
Food Choices: Salami, ham, pizza, oreos.
Music Choices: 'Alone In The Dark' - John Hiatt & The Goners.
2014 MUSTIGUILLO MESTIZAJE BLANCO
Not what one would expect from a white wine from this particular area. Boundless character and intrigue yet most importantly, ample pleasure. ($13)
Where It's From: Valencia, Spain.
Grape(s): 60% Merseguera, 35% Viognier, 5% Malvasia.
Aromas and Flavors: Apricot, starfruit, melon and underlying mineral. No oak so plenty of zip to go with the unique unctuous personality.
Food Choices: Paella, but if you're not willing to commit to making this dish, it will work with shrimp scampi or fish and chips.
Music Choices: Honey White' - Morphine
2013 GIORDANO LOMBARDO BARBERA 'SASSO ALTO'
Barbera off of Piedmont's normal beaten path that is made by a terrific white wine producer. ($14)
Where It's From: Piedmont but over near the Gavi area.
Grape(s): Tutte le uve Barbera.
Aromas and Flavors: Hearty, smooth with lots of burst. Aromatic raspberry, rose and vanilla aspects.
Food Choices: Substantial first courses, risotto with sausages, steak tartare.
Music Choices: 'Auld Lang Syne' - Guy Lombardo
2011 L'AMEILLAUD COTES-DU-RHONE VILLAGES CAIRANNE
They say that the blues had a baby and they named it rock and roll. A Scotsman and a Frenchwoman conceived something too - it turned out to be a wonderful Southern Rhone Domaine! ($15)
Where It's From: Cairanne, Rhone Valley, Provence, France.
Grape(s): 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 18% Carignan & 2% Mourvedre.
Aromas and Flavors: Magnetic scents. Strawberry, lavender, hot rock and fennel. Resolved, harmonious yet warm and full flavored with nice lift in back.
Food Choices: Roasted pork loin jacked with fennel and thyme or a lamb/beef stew with black olives.
Music Choices: "The Earth Is Not A Cold Dead Place' - Explosions In The Sky
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