December 2002

Renwood 2000 Barbera Region: Sierra Foothills, CA Varietal: Barbera Price: about $12 Lush, red and cherry bright fruit. Warm red wine that makes the perfect end to a hard day in the cold. Pair with cheese fondue, crusty bread and who says Mondays are horrible?	Murphy Goode Fume Blanc 2001 Region: Sonoma, CA Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc Price: about $14 Robert Mondavi coined the name "Fume Blanc" which one could best describe as America’s take on French Sauvignon type wines the likes of Pouilly Fume, not to be mistaken for Pouilly Fuisse – a horse of a different color (and grape). Crisp, light, the perfect accompaniment to Caesar salad and warm asparagus soup. Two notoriously difficult things to match with wine.
Bodega Norton Malbac 2000 Region: Mendoza, Argentina Varietal: Malbec Price: about $9 Malbec, wonderful winter grape. Robust, earthy buts with softer tannins than say Cab Sauvignon or Syrah. Wonderful, warm you all over wine. Great with beef stew, nice loaf of sourdough and a cozy fire.	Don Conde CAVA Brut NV Region: Spain Varietal: Macabeo and Paralleda Price: about $7 A holiday favorite and consistent value. CAVA is a wine done in the traditional method Champenoise and makes a great accompaniment for appetizers (remember those Spaniards do like their appetizers). fresh cream, toasted almonds, eucalyptus and faintly reminds one of Toron’s (Spanish sweet)caramelized quality. Perfect for when you need lots of inexpensive, yet festive bubbles.
Vigne Regali Brachetto Region: Piedmont, Italy Varietal: Brachetto D'Acqui Cost: about $20 It's the New Year for a while as far as I'm concerned, and one must celebrate throughout the rest of the week. All the better to prepare to face a brilliant 2003! Brachetto, is an Italian marvel. Not only for it's ruby color and vibrant bubbles but for it's most delicious nose of dried cranberries, milk chocolate and toasted nuts. Perfect for dunking leftover Christmas cookies in.	Cline Viogner 2001 Region: Sonoma, CA Varietal: Viognier Cost: about $14 Viognier, a quandry of a grape to many. I like to equate this white varietal, which can be made to shine by a good winemaker, with the actress Rita Hayworth and her voluptuous, captivating, and funny (yes, she was funny) often misunderstood self. So you don't know who Rita Hayworth is? No matter, just trust me and try the grape. Notes of citrus zest, rich cream and flowers with figs and almonds on the finish. Surprisingly good with Lemon chicken from your favorite Asian takeout.
Domaine de Couron Cotes du Rhone Region: Rhone, France Varietal: Blend of Syrah, Mourvedre, Carigniane and Grenache Cost: about $10 Can't beat a Rhone for smooth, easy drinking in the winter months. Focused, velvet fruit with a beautiful texture that brings to mind crimson velvet. Very pleasing on it's own or with a cheddar cheese fondue (you heard me right - can't always find premium aged Gruyere). Don't knock it 'til you try it.	Sauvion Vouvray 2001 Region: Loire, France Varietal: Chenin Blanc Cost: about $12 Bright notes of granny smith, spring flowers all the while, brisk and nutty on the palate. Easy white sipping wine. Nothing fancy, perfect with an omelet or simple fare such as a winter salad of chicory, toasted nuts and artichoke hearts.