Monthly Playlist for FEBRUARY (MONTH)
The Big Love February version of our monthly 6 bottle playlist! The person who orders the 13th version will win March's version...tell your friends!
Easy to order - just click on the link at the bottom...as always - all
selections are available separately or by the case, too
2011 D'ANGELO AGLIANICO DEL VULTURE
Subliminal sensuality from Southern Italy. Bold and brazen in personality, this red does more than just give a kiss on the cheek. ($14)
Where It's From: Basilicata, Italy
Grape(s): Tutti Aglianico
Aromas and Flavors: Licorice, tea leaf, touches of violet and red earth. Generous with eloquence and attitude
Food Choices: Lamb, eggplant parmesan or pork chops alla Napoli (tomatoes, garlic, rosemary & green olives)
Music Choices: D'Angelo's 'Sugah Daddy' to start and then go and listen to the entirety of 'Black Messiah'
2012 DOMAINE DU CAMBIS ST-CHINIAN "CAUDOMATO"
Unassuming cleverness and substance from Southern France. Charm and character make for a drop that is good for mid-week and beyond. ($12)
Where It's From: St-Chinan region of Languedoc, France
Grape(s): 50% Old Vine Carignan, 30% Grenache, 20% Syrah
Aromas and Flavors: Pulsating plum along with black olives, pepper and lavender scents follow into a chewy, savory, dark, yet debonair texture
Food Choices: Cassoulet, burgers or anything smoked except for a pack of Kools
Music Choices: 'Synchronicity' from The Police. The whole album is classic but the well-known track 'Every Breath You Take' is about stalking and that's the essence of this wine; it sneaks up on you
2013 THREE WINE COMPANY ZINFANDEL
An exciting California Zin made by long-time California wine veteran Matt Cline. If the name seems familiar, Matt was winemaker at famed Sonoma estate, Cline Cellars. ($13)
Where It's From: Contra Costa, California
Grape(s): A whole hell, of a lot of Zinfandel with spikes of Petite Sirah, Carignan, Alicante Bouschet & Mataro
Aromas and Flavors: Penetrating black cherry, cinnamon, briar and white pepper. Builds power, depth and structure with energetic backbone and concentration
Food Choices: Barbecued beef ribs or grilled cheese dunked in tomato soup
Music Choices: Barry White's 'Your Sweetness is My Weakness' or Spinal Tap's 'Big Bottom'. It's Zin, you figure it out!
2012 ANDRE KIENTZLER SYLVANER
Somehow Alsace and Sylvaner have become neglected children. Being your guides to many things good, we rectify this with something bone-dry and full of vibrancy. ($13)
Where It's From: Ribeauville, Alsace, France
Grape(s): Sylvaner
Aromas and Flavors: Deft and fragrant white with noticeable nervosity and generosity along with a pleasantly delicate, clean, fresh finish with pronounced lemon and spices
Food Choices: Sushi is best but a piping hot bowl of steamed clams will also do
Music Choices: Madonna's 'Like A Virgin' because this will be the first time that many of you have ever touched Sylvaner
2007 GRAN RECOSIND EMPORDA CRIANZA
Even though it's not from Rioja, think of this old-school, traditionally-formed red as being inspired by Spain's most famous region. ($15)
Where It's From: Catalonia, Spain. Specifically Emporda; a mere free kick away from the French border
Grape(s): Based on Garnacha with Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon & Carignan in the mix
Aromas and Flavors: Very red; an abundance of strawberry, cocoa and vanilla throughout. Smooth and very focused yet with a sense that this may have been done in a different place in a different century
Food Choices: Slow roasted leg of lamb or stir-fried mushroom and veggies with Asian inspiration
Music Choices: 'Love Trap' from Rufus Thomas just to let something soulful and real woo you or your partner
Always impressive, above the norm red from the leader of the rising Roero region. A wine that surely throws itself at you with its many cerebral qualities. ($17)
Where It's From: Roero region of Piedmont, Italy
Grape(s): 100% Nebbiolo
Aromas and Flavors: Sandy soils bring forth bountiful perfume. Red plum, rose, smoke and subtle mint scents roll over to a velvety texture with voluminous spine and zest
Food Choices: Beef braised in Nebbiolo, hard cheeses or porcini risotto
Music Choices: 'Roxanne, Roxanne' by UTFO. Even though this Nebbiolo may seem promiscuous, she may or may not respond to your advances
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