A Taster’s Journey

There is nothing better on those hot summer days than a cold, refreshing beverage. Well this wine will certainly do the trick. It is a crisp white wine that explodes with fruit. I tasted apples, peaches, a hint of honey, with a clean citrus finish. I find this wine to be quite lush and round, but the citrus at the end makes it very well balanced. It is not sweet, but the amount of fruit certainly gives it a level of richness. I think this would be a great first bottle of wine to get your evening started. It would also pair well with grilled fish, pork with a barbeque glaze, or any spicy dishes. I am definitely going to drink some Colombelle this August, and for $6, I think you should at least try it!

Vinsobres is a tiny appellation in the southern Cotes du Rhone. This Vinsobres is composed of 65% Syrah and 35% Grenache, with 35% aged in French oak. This is a young, vibrant wine that is delicious for summer. It’s a reasonably simple wine with flavors of ripe blackberries and raspberries layered with spices, especially black pepper. It is made in an old world style, exhibiting a rustic earthiness. Les Cornuds is a well constructed wine with good balance, plenty of flavor, and an elegance that makes it a terrific value. I think it will be a perfect wine for the summer.

One of my favorite wines is the Brunello di Montalcino, however most Brunellos now cost over $50. Just a few miles from Montalcino is Montepulciano, which also grows a Sangiovese clone and its wine is Vino Nobile which is delicious and is a very cost effective alternative. Poliziano is a family producer that makes some lovely wine. This 2001 vintage has been aged in oak for two years adding complexity to this wine. It has an intense bouquet, is well structured, and has a long finish. This Vino Nobile has the flavor of lush dark berries, and is layered with notes of leather, raisin and plum. Characteristic of most wines made with the Sangiovese grape, this wine has an acidic component that gives it life, and nicely balances the fruit. I think this acidity makes the wine delicious for the warmer seasons, and it will pair well with most grilled dishes.

The wines of the Barossa Valley in Australia are big, full bodied wines with rich fruit, and Peter Lehmann produces a great wine reflecting that style. It is a dark red color with an aroma of red plums and ripe berries. This shiraz is a rich, textured wine with intensely concentrated fruit. Although full bodied and packed with flavor, the tannins are soft making the wine very approachable at this young age. I have been drinking the Peter Lehmann Shiraz for several years, and have found the quality consistently high, and from what I read the 2002 vintage will be another winner. Although this wine can be cellared for 5 years, I enjoy drinking it young. I think this Shiraz pairs well with steak, lamb burgers, pizza, and anything cooked on the grill. Enjoy!