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Wine, Beer & Spirits -
Wine Picks
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Written by Joann Actis-Grande
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| Wine Suggestions from the American Fine Wine Competition |
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 Not only is spring the perfect season to reorganize your closets, renew your gardens, and enjoy the first fabulous flowers, it is also an excellent time to replenish your wine cabinet. This project can be fun, especially if you know where to begin. I suggest starting with wines produced in the United States because of their diversity, enormous selection, and oftenexcellent quality. While some American wines are costly, you can find many bargains today because of a global wine glut. The following recommended wines come from producers that won gold or double gold medals in the 2011 American Fine Wine Competition, a contest held each January in southern Florida. You can find these wines in New England or order them from the wineries. They represent good value for their high quality.
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Chamisal Vineyards Estate Chardonnay 2008
This fine Chardonnay comes from Edna Valley near beautiful San Luis Obispo on the Central Coast of California. The wine is rich with citrus and peach aromas, leading to flavors of lemon, pineapple and butterscotch, finishing with hints of toasted brioche, crème brûlée and candied citrus. Enjoy with swordfish, halibut, chicken dishes and creamy pasta sauces. |
Mumm Napa DVX 2001
From Napa Valley, a very delicate and creamy sparkling wine with aromas of vanilla, butterscotch and oak spice followed by green apple, peach and fresh raspberry flavors. A long refreshing aftertaste with endless bubbles. Serve with appetizers or on its own. |
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Darioush Signature Chardonnay 2008
A lovely,well structured white wine from Napa Valley with aromas of citrus and honey leading to flavors of apple, peach, pear and touches of mango. An elegant finish with hints of vanilla and toasted nuts. Pair with chicken, Cornish hen and Alfredo sauce.
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Talisman Pinot Noir Hawk Hill Vineyard 2007
A fantastic Pinot from the Russian River Valley. There are aromas of dark plum, blackberry, licorice, mineral, and subtle violets, with flavors of blueberry, blackberry, and currant. An intense wine that is juicy and lively. Pairs well with veal and duck.
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Acorn Winery/ Alegría Vineyards Sangiovese 2008
Produced in Sonoma, California, this red wine has earthy aromas including toasty oak and black tea with flavors of blueberry, cherry, and mocha. A luscious wine with along lingering finish. A perfect match for pasta and veal.
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Blackbird Vineyards Arise 2008
A radiant red wine from Napa Valley. There are earthy aromas and flavors of dark cherry, pepper and spice. Enjoy with pork and grilled meats.
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McKeon Phillips Cabernet Franc 2006
This wine received the “Best of Show” award, and comes from Santa Barbara County, California. The wine has a gorgeous garnet color with aromas and flavors of raspberry and black currant. It has just enough tannin to create a smooth slowfinish.Savor with your favorite steak.
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Michael David Earthquake Syrah 2006
Located in Lodi, California, the Michael David winery produces this very affordable wine that offers aromas of cherry with delicious spicy flavors along with black cherry, ripe berries, and pepper. Serve with all barbequed and braisedmeats.
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Dr.Konstantin Frank Late Harvest Riesling 2008
Produced in the Finger Lakes in New York— an area where riesling excels- this dessert wine has aromas of dried apricot and caramel followed by superb tastes of honey and fruit. Try this in place of dessert, or serve with butter cookies.
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Ravenswood Belloni Vineyard Zinfandel 2008
This rich deep dark wine from Sonoma County boasts an abundance of aromas and flavors of boy senberry, blackberry, cherry and tobacco.Heavenly served with chocolate. |
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Wine, Beer & Spirits
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Written by JoAnn Actis-Grande
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 I'd like to share tasting notes from Napa Valley, where I enjoyed great Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine Napa is famous for. The list could easily go on and on, but here's a few to get you on your way. Cheers!
Raymond R Collection Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
A lush wine with aromas of rhubarb and plum that lead to flavors of walnuts, with a slight toasty oak finish.
Continuum Cabernet Sauvignon 2008
Very refined with subtle tannins, aromas of plum and coffee, with flavors of ripe berries and hints of chocolate.
HALL Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Full-bodied cab, exudes soft tannins in the glass with scents of cherry, chocolate, and spice along with flavors of blueberry, cassis, anise, and chocolate.
Terra Valentine Spring Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
A great value cab with a smooth and lovely texture, suggesting aromas of chocolate, mint, and eucalyptus that open up to tastes of caramel and dark fruit.
Whitehall Lane Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Delicate aromas of black cherry, vanilla, and oak, with tastes of plum and blackberry ending with fresh clean finish.
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Wine, Beer & Spirits
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Written by JoAnn Actis-Grande
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 Italians are very passionate and affectionate people who live for romance – no wonder Saint Valentine is linked to Roman history! With their love of beauty, Italians produce exquisite art, clothing, furnishings, food, and especially wine. Here are some of my favorite Italian wines that will add pleasure for your special Valentine celebration. Salute!
Banfi Rosa Regale
Produced in the Piedmont region of Italy, a region known for fabulous wine and chocolate. This sparkling wine has a lovely garnet color with rose petal aromas and flavors of fresh strawberries and raspberries. It’s a truly seductive wine that will enhance your special Valentine. Savor alone or with chocolate.
Ceretto Barolo Zonchera
This wine is produced by one of the best wineries in Piedmont. A delicious Barolo that is very affordable with elegant aromas of red berries, leather, tobacco, and sensations of oak. Barolo is known as “the king of wine” and “wine for kings.” An excellent choice to accompany your romantic dinner.
Poggio al Tesoro, Sondraia
A Super Tuscan showing an intense ruby red color. This wine offers exotic, spicy aromas of ripe cherry and blackberry combined with notes of chocolate and mocha that linger softly on the palate. Full-bodied and supple, yet refined, it has soft tannins framing a juicy texture. Highly recommended paired with barbecued or roasted meats, fillet mignon, steak tartare, and pasta or risotto with rich meat sauces.
Donnafuguta Nero d’Avola Sedaro
From the seductive island of Sicily, this wine has a beautiful red color with intense aromas and flavors of dark berries and cherry. A well-balanced wine that leads to a long, luscious finish. Enjoy with seafood and pasta, and all meat dishes.
Marchesi De’ Frescobaldi, Nipozzano Riserva
A Tuscan wine produced mostly from Sangiovese grapes. Its aromatics show great finesse and complexity, with flavors of dark fruits and black currant, followed by traces of cinnamon and clove. Pairs well with stews and aged cheeses.
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Wine, Beer & Spirits
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Written by JoAnn Actis-Grande, Taste Wine Editor
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Now that the new year is here, it’s a great time savor wines that will keep you warm during the cold winter months. All the wines I’ve recommended are by producers who have scheduled wine dinners during the Winter Wine Festival at Wentworth by the Sea. You can buy them at your favorite wine retailer or sample them while attending a local wine festival. Cheers!
 J. Lohr Estates South Ridge Syrah 2008 (Paso Robles, California)
J. Lohr Red Winemaker Steve Peck describes this wine, which is featured on the wine list at Wentworth by the Sea, as having “aromas of blueberry and black tea, framed with a bouquet of chestnut, and bolstered by flavors of blackberry and boysenberry…. The finish is soft with just enough fruit acidity to activate the palate for pairings.”
Merriam Vineyards Windacre Russian River Valley Merlot 2005 (Sonoma, California)
A well balanced wine beginning with earthy aromas that give way to flavors of cherry cola and blueberry, with a long steady finish. Pair with flavorful meat dishes such as lamb or duck.
Peter Paul Wines Cabernet Sauvignon 2008 (Sonoma, California)
Produced from a single vineyard, this well-structured wine has ripe, bold tannins, with flavors of dark berries, a hint of licorice, and bittersweet chocolate – extremely concentrated, yet smooth and strong. Serve with all your favorite winter menus.
Joseph Carr Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (Napa Valley, California)
Lovely aromas of black currant with hints of leather and smoke. Flavors include
dark cherry and ripe plum with touches of vanilla and cocoa; well balanced and a nice solid finish. An ideal choice for veal chops and steak.
Bogle Vineyards Phantom 2007 (Clarksburg, California)
High in demand, this full-bodied wine is produced using three unique varietals: Petite Sirah, Zinfandel and Mourvèdre. Bursting with aromas of dark berries and spices. Best served with heartier dishes.
Rombauer Vineyards Zinfandel 2008 (Napa Valley, California)
This red is ripe and luscious with vivid aromas of boysenberry, backed with layers of dark berries. A rich fruit explosion in the mouth, with hints of oak and spice that come through the finish. A great wine with pork belly, red meat, and it shines with chocolate.
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Wine, Beer & Spirits
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Written by JoAnn Actis-Grande
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Bring on the Bubbly…
Effervescent wines are made in many countries, but such beverages may only be called Champagne if they’re made in France—and only the Champagne region of France. Elsewhere, they’re simply “sparkling wines,” but there’s nothing simple about these wonderful offerings, with their complex layering of flavors amidst the fizz. Branch out and toast the season with one of the following celebratory bubblies. Cheers and happy holidays!
FRANCE
Champagne Bollinger Special Cuvee
Wondering how James Bond might toast the New Year? This true Champagne has depth and balance, with rich and toasty aromas of green apples and pears—an elegant taste, with a luxurious finish.
ITALY
Bisol Prosecco Jeio Valdobbiandene Brut
A sparkling Italian white wine with hints of apples, peaches, and pears, with strong scents of wildflowers. A perfect holiday wine; serve with appetizers, salads, light dishes, and fruity desserts.
Ca’ del Bosco Franciacorta Brut Cuvee Prestige NV
An absolutely perfect sparkling wine for any occasion! Well balanced, fresh, and very appealing.
SPAIN
Segura Viudas Brut Reserva
This fine cuvee is fairly crisp with an interesting floral note and mouth-pleasing sensation
of creaminess. An incredible value!
Freixenet Elyssia Pinot Noir Brut
Rediscover this all time favorite producer. This wine has berry elements with a soft, sweet finish.
UNITED STATES
Gloria Ferrer, Blanc de Noirs
This sparkling wine, made in Sonoma, California, has aromas of fresh strawberries and sweet cherries with hints of vanilla, lemon, and cola. The layering of flavors offers a lingering finish.
Westport Rivers Vineyard RJR Brut 2005
This highly acclaimed sparkling wine produced in southeastern Massachusetts offers aromas of apple blossom and burnished yeast. A delicious soft creamy finish.
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Winter/Spring 2012 on Newsstands Now!
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