The rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain. This jumped into my mind when I read that the wines in this release focussed on Spain and South America. I’m not certain that the rain falls anywhere other than the hilly vineyards, but certainly the right amount gives these grapes a big powerful kick and what a selection.
This release proved difficult to choose and narrow down the wines since there were so many delicious choices. Some tastings are just problematic.
I did not consciously go to find four red wines with my $100 but since we are in the middle of winter many of us eat more stews, pasta and possibly more red meat. Nothing warms the soul or appetite more than a hearty red wine on a winter’s night, hunkered in front of the fireplace. I’m focussing on the positive since I’m really not a winter kind of girl. But this release definitely improved my morale and I hope you try at least one wine from sunny Spain or South America to warm your day. — Julie (from Savvy Company)
Middle-Earth Sauvignon Blanc 2012Nelson, South Island, New Zealand
$17.95 (Vintages # 391987) 14% alcohol
The massive success of the Lord of the Rings series clearly put New Zealand, not to mention “Middle-Earth”, on the map. Memories of lush green hills and valleys come to mind. New Zealand really does make the cleanest-tasting, freshest Sauvignon Blanc. This new-to-Vintages product, very pale in colour, is an aromatic and fresh white wine with aromas of citrus and minerality, I practically started to salivate before tasting this wine and it opens into a fruity citrus bowl on the palate. Tantalizing with acidity but light to medium bodied with a lingering crisp finish. It would make a great summer wine, but one of these in my refrigerator would not last long especially with creamed salmon on a pastry shell for ladies who lunch.
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The Invisible Man Tempranillo 2011MaRioja Alta, DOCa Rioja
Case Rojo, Spain
$18.95 (Vintages #392985) 13.5% alcohol
There is nothing invisible about the tastes in this new to Vintages product. The label states “unmask and interpret” which I did not find too difficult, except for the fact I wanted to savour and swirl. Lots of ripe berry flavours, plums and a little floral note in this red wine. On the palate and behind the ripe fruit were layers of toast and sweet spices. It is bone dry with soft tannins and a long finish of ripe fruit. With nice meaty pork chops and some roast potatoes to help the savoury elements would certainly make me happy. (skip the salad)
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Casablanca Valley, Chile
$22.95 (Vintages #995092) 14.5% alcohol
Dark, inky and sexy with aromas of black currants and leather. On the palate a luscious blackberry jam coated with dark plums flavours but the red wine is bone dry. It has good structure with an excellent balance between slight acidity and grippy tannins that don’t take away anything from the ripe berry flavours. A fabulously long finish that just sends you back for one more sip. It would make a handsome companion with beef tenderloin or a lamb stew.
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Mendoza, Argentina
$15.95 (Vintages #361212) 14.5% alcohol
Many winemakers use the Bonarda grape with the Malbec grape to create blends but this is a wonderful example of how it can shine on its own. Floral and ripe fruit permeates the aroma. This deep purple wine was barrel aged for 12 months so there’s a bit of pencil shaving or woodsiness that adds to the concentrated dried plum flavours. Medium to full bodied with grippy tannins, bone dry at an unbelievable price point. It is wonderful on its own or with some oven baked ribs.
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Domaine Galaman Fitou 2013AP Claude Gros, Midi, France
$16.95 (Vintages# 395467) 14% alcohol
Fitou is a large red wine appellation in the Langedoc region of France. This 2013 Fitou is a blend of Carignan, Grenache and Syrah and has a bowl of fruit flavours. On the nose it initially reminded me almost of a Pinot Noir since it was slightly woodsy and dusty but one sip later, the rich red fruit flavours just burst on the palate. With soft tannins it makes for an easy sipper and it would be out of this world with a dish heavily laden with mushrooms.
