WINES OF THE WEEK FOR SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2007
'Workhorse' Wines:
To start the new season off, I have decided to recommend wines that are not only reliable, but also able to tough it out with different types of foods. In my opinion, we need more 'workhorse' wines, ones that do not always have to be paired with a specific dish in order to exact the greatest amount of enjoyment!
To start the new season off, I have decided to recommend wines that are not only reliable, but also able to tough it out with different types of foods. In my opinion, we need more 'workhorse' wines, ones that do not always have to be paired with a specific dish in order to exact the greatest amount of enjoyment!
RED WINES
(1) Antinori ('Villa Antinori')-Toscana [IGT], Italy
-Vintage doesn't matter
(Drink Now or Hold)
-L.C.B.O. PRICE: $24.10
-L.C.B.O. # 53876
(available at all L.C.B.O. outlets)
-8.25/10
COMMENT: From
one of the most highly-regarded estates in all of Italy, Antinori can
trace its roots over two-dozen generations! Put simply, they know how
to make wines of quality. The 'Villa Antinori' is a blend of 60% Sangiovese, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, and 5% Syrah. My past notes on this wine have always
included such comments as 'ripe fruit,' 'soft texture,' and 'fine
structure.' On a more personal side, seeing as how I will be traveling
to Florence in October, I will be sure to visit the Piazza Antinori and go to
their restaurant, where 'Tignanello' is sold by the glass at a nice
price!
PAIRING SUGGESTION: Any pasta or 'medium-meat' dish; also goes well with heavier poultry --- enjoy!
(2) Cathedral Cellar-Coastal Region, South Africa
-Cabernet Sauvignon
-Vintage doesn't matter
(Drink now or Hold)
-L.C.B.O. PRICE: $16.95
-L.C.B.O. # 328567
(a Vintages 'Essentials' item)
-8/10
COMMENT:
Several years ago, I opened up a bottle of the 1995 vintage; though
merely an 'entry range' wine, it still boasted lots of fruit, and had
developed a beautiful texture. Since then, I have come to expect a very
high standard from this particular label, and it never fails to
disappoint vintage after vintage. Always a bit rustic at first, this
wine is best noted for its 'smoky' fruit. For its type, it is a 'large'
wine, but still pairs well with many types of dishes (though I wouldn't
serve it with mussels). Note: the Shiraz is also as consistently good.
PAIRING SUGGESTION: Any 'free range' meat or 'goofy' birds --- enjoy!
WHITE WINES
(1) Villa Maria ('Private Bin')-Marlborough, New Zealand
-Sauvignon Blanc
-Vintage doesn't matter
(Drink Now)
-L.C.B.O. PRICE: $16.15
-L.C.B.O. # 426601
(available at all L.C.B.O. outlets)
-8.25/10
COMMENT: Consistently praised by critics, this NZ Sauvignon Blanc
can deservedly be called a 'workhorse' wine, both for its reliability
and for the options it brings towards enjoyment. Carrying great citric
notes and lovely, breezy fruit, it can easily be drunk on its own or
with all sorts of seafood, pasta, and poultry dishes (though I would
keep an eye on the sweetness of the sauce). This particular wine sells
extremely well at the L.C.B.O., so if you need to buy more than a case,
you'd best check the L.C.B.O.'s online inventory.
PAIRING SUGGESTION: Almost anything that isn't too sweet; I have also found it pairs great with pork --- enjoy!
(2) Beringer ('Founders' Estate')-California, U.S.A.
-Chardonnay
-Vintage doesn't matter
(Drink Now)
-L.C.B.O. PRICE: $18.95
(available at all L.C.B.O. outlets)
-L.C.B.O. # 534230
-8/10
COMMENT: No sense in denying it, the world craves California-style Chardonnay,
and this is not necessarily a bad thing, as it allows different
wineries to create ones that are unique if they wish to distance
themselves from the competition. However, there are times when the
reverse is even more preferable, in that there exists brands that are
consistently the same year after year. For my part, I would have to state that Beringer
admirably fits the latter category. Neither too buttery nor too oaky,
the Founders' Estate is a big-though-well-balanced item, and can go
well with all sorts of 'bigger' dishes.
PAIRING SUGGESTION: Heavy meats and pasta sauces --- enjoy!
ANY QUESTIONS?
Email me at julianhitner@hitnerwine.com
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