Publix Wine #1: Vinecol Chardonnay Organic

A few weeks ago I had just discovered, and taken advantage of, the fact that at Publix you get a 10% discount if you purchase eight bottles of wine.  I selected eight different varieties I was interested in trying, so when my friends, Brian and Keri, very graciously hosted me in their new home by serving roasted chicken, grilled zucchini, and rice pilaf I chose what I hoped would be a good pairing from my tiny collection.

The 2008 Vinecol Chardonnay (Mendoza, Argentina) was splendid on its own, and it complimented the grilled chicken flavored with fresh rosemary quite nicely.

Brian and Keri not only served a delicious dinner, but they loaned me their copy of Wine for Dummies.  As I have time to read the book I will share my findings!  Thanks guys!

Italian Wine Tastings @ The High Museum of Art: Featuring Northern Italy

TASTING NOTES

November 12, 2009

WHITES

Candoni Prosecco Brut*:  This Italian sparkling wine is made using only the finest grapes grown on the hillsides in the Veneto region.  Serve well chilled as an aperitif.

Villa Sorono Pino Grigio:  Made 100% from the Pinot Grigio grape using cold fermentation, which gives it a light and fruity aroma that is well balanced.  This wine goes best with fish soup, grilled fish, and seafood pasta.  Best served at 45-50 degrees; from the Venezia region.

Saut'Antonio "Scaia" Bianca:  The word "Scaia," meaning crumbs, refers to the soil in area.  During vinification, the constant stirring of the lees adds complexity.  It is unoaked, resulting in a highly aromatic wine with hints of tropical fruit and mineral.  Best with salad courses and cold antipasti.

REDS

Villa Sorono Pinot Noir:  Made 100% from the Pinot Noir grape.  The juice is in contact with the skins at controlled temperature, which gives it its ruby red color.  Pinot Noir is the most flexible with food; good with grilled red meats, poultry, smoked cheeses.  Best served at room temperature.

Tenuta Sant'Antonio Valpolicella: From the northern Veneto, these grapes are grown at an avg. altitude of 1,000 ft.  They are (guyot) trained, meaning there are 7,000-8,000 vines per hectare, resulting in low yields and quality fruit with a bold cherry character.  Excellent with red pasta sauce and cheeses.

Piemonte Barbera:  From the northwest region of Italy, this wine is made from 100% Barbera grapes and aged for 12 months.  The up-front forest flavors lead to a savory finish.  Perfect for broiled red meats or grilled white meat.

*Note:  I was blessed with the opportunity to taste both this Prosecco as well as a Lambrusco Bianco by Ca' De' Medici which to date is my favorite sweet wine.  My friend, Julie, and I decided that it tastes so much like apple juice that we could easily down an entire bottle by ourselves, so be careful with this one... it does indeed have alcohol in it.  :)

It is only sold at one location in Atlanta, Quality Wines & Spirits

2279 DeFoor Hills Rd. NW
Atlanta, GA 30318

Phone: (404) 367-9463

To see a list of all retailers that carry this wine click here.

The Vision

While in college, I had planned to spend a summer studying photography and wine in Italy; however, a friend's request that I join her wedding party trumped that trip. Now that my friends are happily married and even have a beautiful child to care for, I'm going to re-visit my wine education.

Originally I was simply going to educate myself, but in talking with several friends about my make-shift Wine 101 course, I've discovered that many of you are interested in learning more as well.

So here we are! This blog will work nicely not only for me to post what I'm learning, but you can all add your comments and suggestions. I'll try to tag posts well so that we'll all be able to use this as a reference. And if you've got a wine (or cheese) that you'd like to share with the rest of us, just email me your post and I'll make sure it gets on the blog for everyone's benefit.

You in?