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Indaba Pinotage
2002
Region: South Africa
Varietal: Pinotage
Price: about $8
Cold weather has one definite good
side, makes me crave a glass of rich, satisfying red. This fruity, rich
and flavorful bottling from Cape Classics Importers is easy sipping and
great value for the money.
Meatloaf smothered in onions and
mushrooms, smashed potatoes, red wine sauce and a big glass of this.
Cold? Is it cold outside?
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Don Conde CAVA Brut
NV 1/12/2003
Region: Spain
Varietal: Macabeo and Paralleda
Price: about $7
Still a terrific starting sparkler
for your holiday meal. A favorite for years now, this CAVA (when
properly made such as this in the traditional method Champenoise )makes
a great accompaniment for appetizers (remember those Spaniards do like
their appetizers). Why settle for mediocre fake Champagne when you
can have good, inexpensive bubbly? Plus, with it's notes of
almonds, orange zest and fresh cream can take the edge off the Monday
blues like nobody's business. |
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Quady Vineyards
Red Electra
Region: California
Varietal: Orange Muscat
Price: about $10
When it's cold, you want things that
remind you of summer. This charming, uncomplicated but incredibly
delicious red dessert wine is perfect with a warm berry pie, complete
with whipped cream or crème anglaise.
Also pairs surprisingly well with
medium firm cheeses.
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Allan Scott
Sauvignon Blanc 2002
Region: Marlborough, New Zealand
Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc
Price: about $12
Did you know New Zealand has one of
the most topographically diverse structures in the world? You can surf
at one end and ski at the other. They also make rocking Sauvignon Blanc
when they put their mind to it like this fruity, well balanced, rich
offering. Gooseberry, star fruit, and a bit 'o sweet make for a softer
finish than most mouth puckering SB's in this price range. Very nice.
Pasta with shrimp. Or serve this
before dinner with medium cheddar and good bread (hold the Vegemite).
YUM! |
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JeanMaire Brut
Rose Champagne
Region: France
Varietal: 70% Pinot Noir 30%
Chardonnay
Price: about $22
Nothing can turn the Monday blues
around like Pink bubbles. Made in the traditional method to make rose
(as opposed to the quickie version favored by some less quality
concerned producers) this busts the myth that Champagne is over priced
and inaccessible. Notes of cherry and a woodsy complexity make it
perfect for drinking with dinner (but not obligatory to do so) Salmon
cakes and great winter greens tossed with mild garlic and great olive
oil. Perfect.
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Graham Beck
Premium Brut Sparkling
Region: Western Cape, South Africa
Varietal: Chardonnay/ Pinot Noir
Price: about $12
Beautifully well balanced bubbly for
the price. Blind tastes often confuse people and have them thinking this
is French Champagne. Bright, yeasty and creamy finish on the palate.
Perfect with appetizers. Great with spinach, crab and cheese dips.
Buy by the case, the perfect last
minute gift!
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Quady
Essencia California Orange Muscat
Region:California
Varietal: 100% Orange Muscat
Price: about $20
Dessert wine is a wonderful,
often overlooked indulgence. This sweet, medium bodied offering has just
the right amount of sweetness to accompany dessert, or be dessert
itself.
Andy Quady explains "The
Orange Muscat grape variety is little known. It was once grown in France
and there are some small plantings in Italy and Australia. I started
using it years ago and think it makes a great wine." Imagine if you
could have the flavors of just right summer fruit like peaches, apricots
and nectarines, in a glass. That's Essencia. Perfect served with
cranberry biscotti for dipping. Another great holiday gift as it comes
in 750 ml as well as 375ml form and is easily available.
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