Gary's Wine Club August 2009 Vintner Selection: 2007 Ocaso Malbec

2007 Ocaso Malbec

Grape variety: Malbec
Region: Mendoza, Argentina
Food pairing: Gorgonzola-topped filet mignon
Chosen By: Kathy Brindle, Wine Associate, Wayne

In Spanish, Ocaso means sunset. In ancient mythology, Ocaso meant the goddess who would sing to the sun as it set behind the mountains each evening, giving thanks for the "fruits of nature." In our stores, Ocaso means good affordable Argentine Malbec. And as Kathy Brindle discovered one night when she took a bottle home, it's all about versatility. "What really impressed me about the Ocaso Malbec was how food-friendly it was," Kathy says. "It stood up to a gorgonzola-topped grilled filet mignon, but it didn't overpower a side dish of angel hair pasta and summer veggies. And I could imagine how the ripe blackberry fruit flavors and long smooth finish would also make it a great match for BBQ chicken." It seems that the challenge may be in finding a number of dishes that don't pair well with this soft and pleasant red wine. Of course, it should be no surprise. It hails from the good-food-lovin' country of Argentina. And there is a goddess involved. That never hurts.

For more info: http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/argentina/06160.html

Gary's Wine Club August 2009 Vintner Selection: 2007 Hugel et Fils Gentil

2007 Hugel et Fils Gentil

Grape variety: Riesling, Sylvaner, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer, Muscat
Region: Alsace, France
Food pairing: Charcuterie, sauerkraut, heavy cheese
Chosen By: Chad Watkins, Wine Associate, Wayne

It seems that our resident lover-of-all-things-Alsatian, Chad Watkins, has rarely met a wine from Alsace that he didn't like. "They were the first wines I really enjoyed." he remembers. "Their Rieslings, Gewurztraminers and blended white wines seem to have the best balance for me; they're

almost always elegant and refreshing." Such is the case with Hugel's "Gentil" bottling: a traditional Alsatian blend of the "noble grapes." Fresh aromatics of spring flowers, pear and white peaches make it an ideal food pairing to balance spicy Asian food or to complement traditional Alsatian dishes like sauerkraut, charcuterie, and heavy cheese. A bit of nostalgia admittedly plays a role in Chad's selection. "Since I spent some time studying in Alsace, and it was a very good period in my life, drinking an Alsatian wine always reminds of this time and how much fun I had and how much I learned." Cheers to that.

For more info: http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/france/61154.html

Gary's Wine Club July 2009 Vintner Selection: 2007 Cricklewood Pinot Noir

2007 Cricklewood Pinot Noir
Grape Variety: Pinot Noir
Region: Sonoma County, California
Food pairing: Grilled Maple-Glazed Salmon

From the moment the grapes started rolling in to the winemaking facilities, those in the industry knew that the 2007 vintage was going to be a good one in Sonoma County. Yields were down, but quality was definitively up, so while less wine may be available, what we can get our hands on is exceptionally good. "The good news," said one winery's General Manager, "is that we are extremely pleased with the quality of the 2007 harvest. Berry size was small, smaller than we have seen in more than 10 years, and the fruit developed intense varietal flavors with rich, mouth-filling tannins." It shows in bottlings like this one, the 2007 Cricklewood Pinot Noir. Perfectly ripe cherry-like fruit and a nice balance of acidity and tannins make this a quality Pinot Noir rarely found under $20.

More info: http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/california/08908.html

Gary's Wine Club July 2009 Vintner Selection: 2007 Ten Lakes Chardonnay

2007 Ten Lakes Chardonnay
Grape variety: Chardonnay
Region: Sonoma County, California
Food pairing: New England Lobster Roll

For this month's Vintner Club, it's all about Sonoma: and for good reason. While the 2007 vintage has been touted for Cabernet in Napa Valley and for Syrah and Grenache in the Rhone Valley, we're also discovering that the 2007 vintage has been phenominally kind to Sonoma County, particularly where their two leading varietals, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, are concerned.

Ten Lakes Chardonnay has become a go-to wine for us, and has proven itself with repeat customers who love its food-friendly and easy-drinking flavors of crisp apple, peach, and subtle vanilla oak, Lightly chill a bottle to serve along-side New England lobster rolls for a positively All-American picnic.

More info: http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/california/04116.html

Gary's Wine Club June 2009 selection: 2007 Renegades Clare Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

2007 Renegades Clare Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
Grape variety: Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Clare Valley, Australia
Food pairing: Burgers on foccacia with spinach, tomatoes, rocket and onions

Justin Ardill is an MD Cardiologist, winemaker, and proprietor of Reilly's wines in the Clare Valley, Australia. (So if anyone's invested in the benefits of red wine for the heart, it's this guy.) When he's not jumpstarting ventricles or making Shiraz and Cab for his own label, he's crafting this easy-drinking bottle under the renegades brand.

What we like about it is that the higher altitude and cool nights in Reilly's vineyards allow for classic Cabernet structure...not an Aussie Cabernet that's trying to be Shiraz. Just the right interplay between ripe, dark berry fruit and tannins makes this Cabernet Sauvignon just right for everyday steak and burger fare.




http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/australia/08227.html

Gary's Wine Club June 2009 selection: 2008 Arona Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc

2008 Arona Sauvignon Blanc
Grape variety: Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Marlborough, New Zealand
Food pairing: Red snapper with Thai green curry


After a rather long and drab winter, we're due for a summer full of color, don't you think? Fittingly, Arona is a Maori girl's name meaning "colorful." Not a bad start. Crack that bottle open, and you'll find just as much vibrant character within.

Bright, approachable, exuberant, and clean, this wine has been said to mirror its origin, the unspoiled South Island of New Zealand.

Never been there myself, but if the whole place happens to smell like passion fruit, nectarine, pineapple and just a little fresh cut grass, I'm willing to board the plane tomorrow.


http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/new_zealand/09433.html

2007 Jasci Trebbiano d'Abruzzo

2007 Jasci Trebbiano d'Abruzzo
Grape variety: Trebbiano
Region: Abruzzo, Italy
Food pairing: Almond-crusted wild cod

Some of the best farming on Earth is conducted by families. Perhaps there's more investment in the quality of your crop when you've spent hours bickering and laughing with your siblings over the best pruning style. The Jasci family of Abruzzo personally participates in every step of their viticulture, making this a true "family crafted" wine as well as an eco-conscious one.

Since 1980, the Jasci grapes have been certified organic by the Soil and Health Association, which guarantees both the organic production of their grapes as well as all of the winemaking processes in their modern "organic architecture" winery facility. All of these measures, the family feels, preserve the genuineness of the fruits and ensure that future generations of Jascis will be able to bicker among those vines. Look for fresh and "springy" flavors of white flowers, fresh white stone fruits, and hints of salted almonds.

2007 Argiolas Perdera Isola Nuraghi

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2007 Argiolas Perdera Isola Nuraghi
Grape variety: Monica, Carignano, Bovale Sardo
Region: Sardinia, Italy
Food pairing: Organic eggplant stuffed with tomato, garlic and Pecorino cheese
Off the western coast of Italy lies the island of Sardinia, where grape varietals indigenous to the island and unique winemaking practices have been (thankfully) preserved. And at the southern end of this island lies the Argiolas estate winery, where oenologist Giacomo Tachis crafts what Robert Parker called "a reference point" for Sardinian wines. "Simply put," Parker said, "I was blown away by the quality of the value-priced wines I tasted from Argiolas and I can't recommend them enough, particularly for readers who haven't yet discovered the uniqueness of the island's wines."

The star grape of this bottling is the indigenous and organically farmed Monica grape, which carries a vibrant ruby color along with flavors and aromas of ripe berry fruits, licorice, flowers and black pepper. A small amount of Carignano and Bovale Sardo round out the blend before it's fermented in glass-lined cement tanks and aged in French oak for six months for elegance and structure.

http://www.garyswine.com/fine_wine/italy/70013.html