Drinking wine is what we do. Cheers!

28.7.10

Sylvain Pataille Burgundy, 2007


Seems like gnocchi is the official pasta of the summer 2010! This time prepared with baked prosciutto and fava beans, accompanied by a bottle of 2007 Sylvain Pataille Burgundy. I have nothing negative to say about this gentle, wild strawberry infused Pinot noir... Simple mature apple nose with a touch of eucalyptus.. Plum marmalade, strawberry, healthy amount of tannin to remind u this is no Gamay. The wine is at it's prime, no signs of yellowing, nicely developed glycerin.
23$ @ Union Square Wines, 83 points

27.7.10

Summer reds

Let me start by saying that I haven't posted for a long time but I am proud that this blog is a year old and the project has not been abandoned. I will also state for the record that I did not drink these four bottles by myself but rather with a group of friends while cooking and eating a meal. We ate potato gnocchi with shitake mushrooms, asparagus and fresh tomato.

Joseph Faireley Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2007

The Faireley family are in the business of buying plots of land in Burgundy that will produce optimal grapes. This wine comes from reserved plots located in the Côte de Nuits, Côte de Beaune and Côte Chalonnaise. Its a light ruby color with red fruit aromas and very well rounded taste. Its a perfect summer wine that can accompany any meal. It retails for around 20 dollars in the US.

Alba Rossa Salice Salentino Rosso 2008

This wine comes from Salento in the Puglia region located in the boot of Italy. It has a big flavor of fruits and at the same time it retains a very earthy background. This wine is 80% Negroamaro and 20% Malvasia Nera. The cost is around 12 dollars in the US.

Trinchero Barbera D'Asti Superiore 2003

The grapes for the production of this wine come from 20-year-old vineyards. The grapes are fermented in cement vat and then held in old wooden barrels for 12 months before being bottled. The taste is very fresh and fruity, and at the same time slightly sour. The cost of this wine is about 20 dollars.

Nibio Terre Rosse Monferrato Dolcetto 2006

This wine had a taste of mango which was a very cool surprise. It is a full bodied tannic wine with a fine bouquet and a velvety finish. It should be noted that its a biodynamic wine with no sulfites added. The makers say it is very well suited for aging. This particular variety has been grown in this region for more than 1000 years and it is referred to in the annals of the Republic of Genoa. The cost around 13 dollars in US, an excellent value wine.

13.7.10

Bodega Renacer- Enamore 2007




Bodega Renacer- Enamore 2007
Malbec
Mendoza, Argentina


Blending fruit from 3 different Mendoza regions this great malbec has hints of figs, chocolate, liquorice and coffee and packs a toasty finish.

Its a boutique wine and production is limited, if in the mood for a more adventerous malbec this would be a good place to start.

Price U$ 25

De Martino Alto de Piedras - Carmenere Single Vineyard 2007




De Martino
Alto de Piedras
Carmenere Single Vineyard 2007
Isla de Maipo- Chile

Soft and fresh with a taste of black fruits and a smokey fiinish. Very complex and a great value for its price.

La Gioia Riecine 2004 Tuscany, Italy




La Gioia Riecine 2004
Tuscany, Italy


A hard to get wine, nevertheless, a great smooth blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Merlot.

This limited production made in both french and italian oak is rich and ripe in flavour and recommend if one can get a hold of it.

Its a bit pricey so its one to be saved for a special night.

Price U$ 75

Girard 2008 Chardonnay




Girard- 2008 Chardonnay
Russian River, California

The French oak aging of this 2008 Russian River Chardonnay, offers up wonderful aromas of vanilla and crème brûlée; blending in with these warm aromas are bright scents of citrus fruits. Creamy texture and on the palate one can discover: lemon, peach and melon.

Its a great summer wine perfect for a hot summer day.

Price U$ 20

8.7.10

La Bettola Barbera d'Alba, 2007


A mention worthy bottle of organic barbera from Piemonte, tasted (and then purchased) at a La Bettola horizontal tasting at Wine Garage in Krakow. This was far from your typical "house wine" barbera: pretty full body, chewy, particulate and garnet red... Tar, gravel and a touch of boiled bean on the nose; cherry and surprisingly long prune flavors on the mouth, with a great tart-lemony accent. This bottle was quite unique and much better than Barolo and Dolcetto from the same producer.

73 PZL (23 $), 87 points