Sunday, August 24, 2008

A Delicious Domaine

2006 Domaine de La Reynardiere Vin de Pays des Coteaux de Murviel
Simple. Straight-forward. Sip-able. This is the wine you'd expect if you found yourself enjoying a simple meal in a brasserie in southern France's Languedoc region. Having quiche? Have a glass of this!

Oy yeah, Oyster Bay!

2007 Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc
From New Zealand's acclaimed Marlborough region, this Sauvignon Blanc delivers. It's generally around $12, so a bit more than some of its counterparts (notably Monkey Bay), but if you're having, for instance, a pasta dish with shrimp and garlic, it's worth the extra couple of bucks.

Note: If you like a more tangy Sauvignon Blanc, try one from Australia.

Thursday, August 21, 2008

More Monastrell Please

2006 Ole Monastrell by Salvador Poveda
At $8.99 a bottle, this is a total steal. It's got a lot of berry and then, all of a sudden, it's nothin' but pepper. But in a good way. Try it with truffle infused cheese. You will not be disappointed.

Sunday, August 3, 2008

So, So Sangiovese

2006 Cavatappi Sangiovese
From Washington's Wahluke Slope, this is a wine made to sip while slurping spaghetti or munching on pizza. It needs to be decanted or at least opened for awhile as it's a bit tight when you first open it, but it really opens up and when it does, it's a treat. At 14.5% alcohol by volume one might want to pay attention to how many glasses one enjoys, but whatever glasses you do consume will be well enjoyed.

Cab + Carmenere = Yummy!

2004 Jardin Valle de Colchagua, Chile
90% cabarnet sauvignon and 10% carmenere, this is bold, bold, bold, without being annoying and in yer face. Chile is increasingly known for its Carmenere's and, although this isn't a classic example of the grape since there's only a little bit in there, it shows what it can do, even standing up to the noblest of grapes.

A+ with Asian

2007 Chateau St. Michelle Dry Reisling
If you're having Thai or Vietnamese, look no further than this tasty -- and oh so cheap! -- little number. It's got peach and mandarine, with a nice, clean finish. It's slight sweetness is the perfect counterpoint to the spiciness of Southeast Asian cuisine.