Monthly Playlist for JUNE
Longest days of the year mean more time to drink wine! Take advantage of this month's Playlist which features an array of both quick-witted wines and music.
Easy to order - just click on the link at the bottom...as always - all
selections are available separately or by the case, too
2013 MOULIN DE GASSAC PAYS L'HERAULT ROUGE
Excellent value red wine from a legendary Southern French producer who is known for producing the 'Lafite of Languedoc' with his iconic top-level wine. ($13.00)
Where It's From: Pays L'Herault of Languedoc, specifically north of Montpelier.
Grape(s): 40% Syrah, 30% Carignan & 30% Grenache
Aromas and Flavors: Cool, clean and harmonious with wind-swept, lively red fruits. Peppery and charming flavors that have the warmth of Languedoc's sunshine yet aren't one bit heavy.
Food Choices: Tapenade, melon and prosciutto or smoked sausages.
Music Choices: David Bowie's 'Station to Station'.
Sultry and mouthfilling offering from South Africa's seemingly spiritual red grape. ($10.00)
Where It's From: South Africa's Swartland region on the Western Cape.
Grape(s): 100% Pinotage, a hybrid of Pinot Noir and Cinsault and is nothing like either.
Aromas and Flavors: Hearty, crunchy and direct with nuances of black raspberry, vanilla and roasted coffee.
Food Choices: Barbecued ribs or chicken with a tangy, slightly spicy sauce.
Music Choices: The Completion Backward Principle' by The Tubes.
2013 LA POSTA MALBEC 'PAULUCCI'
Actual Malbec from Argentina that is defined, civilized and most importantly non-manipulated and dry-textured. ($14.00)
Where It's From: Mendoza's Lujan de Cuyo sub-region.
Grape(s): 100% Malbec.
Aromas and Flavors: Raspberry, tar, sandalwood and rose petal scents flow into a velvety texture with plenty of oomph yet is quite fresh.
Food Choices: Marinated flank steak preferably with a chimichurri sauce that isn't too spicy.
Music Choices: Guadalcanal Diary's single, 'Cattle Prod'.
2014 TRINQUEVEDEL TAVEL ROSE
One wine and one wine only can be legally called Tavel and it just so happens to be one of France's most important Rose wines. ($16.00)
Where It's From: avel in the Southern Rhone Valley.
Grape(s): 57% Grenache, 11% Cinsault, 11% Syrah, 5% Mourvedre, 15% Clairette & 1% Bourboulenc.
Aromas and Flavors: Typical full flavor and full color. Deep cherry-pit, provencal herbs, cut flowers and citrus. Plenty of material with illuminating briskness.
Food Choices: Une rose pour une repas. Not a porch sipper, have this with monkfish or halibut, perhaps over some risotto darned with asparagus and/or peas.
Music Choices: Take Off', EP from FKJ otheriwse known as French Kiwi Juice.
2012 COL DORCIA ROSSO DI SPEZIERI
Dreamy vino rosso from one of Tuscany and Brunello di Montalcino's most magical producers and all for a mere 11 bucks. ($11.00)
Where It's From: Southern Tuscany.
Grape(s): Mostly Sangiovese and Ciliegiolo with a bacio of Cabernet & Merlot
Aromas and Flavors: Fruit driven with berry and sage notes. Dignified, dexterous and dashingly delicious.
Food Choices: Pizza or a tomato-based vegetarian pasta dish.
Music Choices: Little Steven & The Disciples of Soul 'Inside of Me' from the vastly underrated 1981 release 'Men Without Women'.
2013 VENDRELL-RIVED MONTSANT 'SERE'
Another winning effort from a Catalan region that seemingly has a roster of superstars, one of which is the ultra-talented Josep Maria Vendrell-Rived. ($17.00)
Where It's From: Montsant, located in Catalonia, Spain and surrounding Priorat like a horseshoe.
Grape(s): 80% Grenache, 20% Samso (Catalan Carignan)PES
Aromas and Flavors: Prominent exotic spices, plum-pepper, licorice and minerally stony character. Full-textured along with an airy structure that allows for pairing with boisterous dishes.
Food Choices: Grilled pork chops slathered with fennel or spiked with frresh garlic. Catalans really, really like garlic! Also will work with steak tartare.
Music Choices: The Magic Whip' from Blur, great comeback release!
Order the Playlist!
