Woman on wine

By Amy Reiley

Love is in the air

According to Australian research, the scent of certain wines emulates that of human pheromones. Reds with aromas of leather, tobacco and other earthy, woodsy scents are not unlike male pheromones in their makeup. Most wines of Bordeaux would fit the bill and with the new 2004 vintage on the loose, now is the perfect time to crack open a bottle of romance. Here are some samples of these Barry Whites of wine.  
 
Chateau Brane-Cantenac
A medium-bodied wine, its complex and intense aromas of rose petals, tart cherries, dried herbs and currants are its outstanding attribute. Well-balanced and elegant, it is a pretty drink for ladies, but substantial enough for the manliest of men.
 
Chateau Canon-la-Gaffeliere
Easy-drinking but still so sexy, this wine is brimming over with aromas and flavors of dark chocolate and dried cherries.
 
Chateau Figeac
Perhaps it’s the pursuasion of the name, but this wine is brimming with aromas of mission figs. A heavy oak influence gives it a slight eucaliptus aroma but the wine is still tight. Its fruit characteristics will probably eventually overtake the flavors of oak, but only time will tell.
 
Chateau Larcis Ducasse
Textbook Bordeaux, the wine has a beautiful structure and a lengthy finish. Aromas are complex and resemble a woodland floor. Flavors are dominated by black plums and currants.
 
Chateau Lynch-Bages
A ruby red wine with distinctive tobacco aromas and just a hint of cocoa and stewed plums, this vintage of Lynch-Bages shows just why the chateau is considered among collectors’ favorite Bordeaux.
 
Chateau Rauzan-Segla
A personal favorite of mine for its sexy style, this wine is super juicy and none too serious. Aromas are of brambles and blackberries and the flavor in the mouth is almost pure blackberry juice. Yum!
 
Chateau Siran
An elegant wine with almost perfect structure and restraint, it is a beautiful example of the demure side of Bordeaux. Black fruits dominate in flavor with a hint of caramel coloring the long finish.

Sweet Supplement
With Valentine sentiments in the air, it is the perfect time to talk of things sweet. Here’s a look at the new releases from Sauternes, home to France’s sexiest wine style.

Chateau de Fargues
If you must buy only one late harvest wine this year, make this it. This is a wine with weight, substance and a sustained finish. Break out the brie and watch this silky nectar disappear.
 
Chateau de Malle
Honeyed aromas lead the way to a beautiful, citrusy flavor. Perhaps a little too sweet for the acidity, but nobody’s perfect.
 
Chateau La Tour Blanche
Surprisingly fresh for Sauternes syrupy style, this little sticky offers fresh grapefruit aromas and a citrus tartness on the palate. Think of it as liquid dessert.
 
Chateau Lafaurie-Peyraguey
Hints of petrol on the nose add complexity to what otherwise would be something overly sweet. With a consistency like honey, this wine makes me want to pour it all over something or someone.

Read more of Amy’s recommendations and other sexy food stuff at http://www.eatsomethingsexy.com.

Back to TravelLady Magazine