This Week @Gnarly: Fade to Black; In the Pink!
Two thousand years of wine history can’t be wrong. The righteous reds of Bordeaux easily fetch our undivided attention — and, often, hefty dollars. But not today! Today is the day we drink well and leave cash in your wallet, right in time for your weekend grill-centric shenanigans. We’ll be pouring four red beauties that aren’t just palate-pleasing, they’re blissfully budget-friendly, too.
2009 Chateau Vieux Manoir Bordeaux – Bordeaux, France – $14
So you thought Bordeaux always meant beaucoup bucks? Mais non, cheri. This beautiful blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon may be a bit on the less complicated side of sipping, but its all the more satisfying with a weeknight pork chop on the grill with its girlish aromas of garden-patch strawberry that round out with summer blackberry and cassis on the tongue. Bright, clear fruit, a soft and silky mouthfeel, but with a respectable hat-tip of firm tannic structure.
2005 Chateaus Lucas – Cotes de Castillon, Bordeaux, France – $20
In an area famous for large estates with even bigger names, petit chateaux like this one tend to be under-appreciated. Don’t make that mistake. Next-door to the illustrious region of St. Emilion, the Cotes de Castillon has won a reputation for producing classic (and affordable) right-bank Bordeaux. This Merlot-based blend has ripe, juicy fruit, hints of cedar and spice, and firm tannins. Grilled burgers, anyone?
2005 Chateau Lassus Cru Bourgeois – Medoc, Bordeaux, France – $16
Classic! That’s what we thought when we first sipped this 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon. An elegant, well-structured ‘Petit Chateau’ Bordeaux with flavors of cassis flavors, granite minerality, and hints of cedar and spice. Momma wants a skirt steak.
2008 Chateau Gaby – Canon-Fransac, Bordeaux, France – $32
Canon-Fronsac is located just west of its big brother Saint-Emilion. This is a classic Merlot-based (85%) right-bank Bordeaux that’s absolutely ready to drink now. All grapes are hand harvested on the beautiful 40 acre estate. Bust out your cast-iron skillet and fry up that rib-eye!
Pinky’s in the House!
Friday, May 18th, 6-9pm
Start to finish — that’s the way we like to think of this tasting. Because when we think of wine, our grumbling, insatiable stomachs are often yearning for a meal. Here, we’ve got a gorgeous Italian Malvasia from Lazio, a duo of dreamy French roses, and a brambly, bright, bodaceous Barbera. And they’re all organic – and you know what the Fonz would say about that…
2010 Casale Mattia Frascati Superior – Lazio, Italy – $12
This is such a great wine for summertime starter of smoked bluefish with a little sour cream and horseradish. Oh, and did we mention that’s 100% organic, too? This taste good/feel good libation from Lazio is made from heady Malvasia, and is rife with notes of yellow apples and honey. Delish!
2011 Jas D’esclans Rose – Cotes de Provence, France – $17
Provencal with provenance! This organically farmed, rose-petal pink blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah, and Tibouren is hand-harvested and then, instead of left to flag in the southern France heat, cooled down quickly to hold onto to their gorgeously gariguette strawberry and just-peeled orange zest scent. Le sigh! Break out the chilled shrimp and have at it.
2010 Domaine de Veilloux Cheverny Rose – Loire Valley, France – $12
Pinky Tuscadero was a straight-shooter if there ever were one, and we think – well, were she real – she would love this biodynamic beauty of a blusher from the lovely Loire Valley. Half the blend is of giddy Gamay, with the rest a terrific Tours blend of Pinot Noir and Cabs Sauv and Franc (great names for twin boys, no?). Fresh red fruit and clean minerality make this oh-so sippable pink a perfect spring and summer sidekick.
2009 Fuso Barbera ‘Colli Tortonesi’ – Piedmont, Italy – $15
It’s alive!! But not in a monsterous kind of way.The fruit in this 100% organic Barbera is just the kind that grabs your attention from the get-go. Fresh but concentrated, juicy and bright, this is the kind of wine you want swish around in your mouth, with its plush, cheek-filling notes of black cherry and tingly eucalyptus.
