The Wine RackBy Suzanne and Parks Hall
Drinking wine is fun. But many people make it too complicated. That’s why for more than 10 years, we’ve tried hundreds of wines and shared what we’ve discovered with newspaper, magazine and now Travellady.com readers. Our approach to wine tasting may not be scientific. But it is down-to-earth. Since we believe wine and food are a natural combination, we consider that when trying wines and make pairing suggestions for every wine we recommend. You may not agree with all our choices. But you can be assured that the wines we recommend, whether priced at $10 or $40, represent good value. And speaking of prices, please remember that they can vary from city to city and that some wines may not be available everywhere. TOP PICK
2000 Merlots remain extremely popular, especially with wine drinkers who like full flavor but don’t like harsh or strong tannins. This Rutherford variety should suit those people to a T. This is an exceptionally drinkable wine at a fair price. The molasses, spice and dry fruit-laden nose leads the way to the intense flavors of black cherries, plums and boysenberries, enhanced by undertones or vanilla and nutmeg. The velvety texture provides a nice feeling on the palate. Smooth tannins add body and structure. Merlots are extremely versatile when it comes to food pairing. Try this one with classy dishes like lamb, steak au poivre and veal or pork pate. Or, match it with homey food like calves liver and onions, cheeseburgers or stuffed peppers. If you just want to sip it with something simple, it’s a good match for most Cheddar and other fine cheeses. OTHER GOOD BETS THIS MONTH
1999 Although Gloria Ferrer is best known for sparkling wines, the California winery alsomakes still wines, like this Chardonnay. Its color is deep gold, almost like beer. The nose is quite mild, but the flavors are rich and strong. We found peaches, pears and citrus in this slightly acidic and relatively dry Chardonnay. Sip it on a warm evening before dinner or pair it with herb-seasoned and grilled shrimp or scallops or buttery seafood and pasta dishes.
2000 We weren’t familiar with Pepperwood Grove and decided to try this Cabernet because of its bargain price. This is a chewy, slightly earthy red with plum and spice flavors. Moderately dry with soft tannins, it’s no blockbuster. But it is a very drinkable wine and pairs well with casual foods like grilled strip steaks and a great burger topped with mild Cheddar cheese. Image by S. Parks Halls Back to the Wine Rack index page |
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