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Archive for January, 2010

Wine of the Day – Malvasia

Jan 31

Posted by greatWineSource in Greece, Italy, Reds, Whites, Wine of the Day | Comments off

Wine of the Day for January 31, 2010

Malvasia

Wine of the day has missed a day. Oh no!! We went to my sister’s cabin in Rib Lake and there is absolutely no reception out there, and I just was too busy to get it up before we left. So, here it is a day late. Enjoy it over a glass of wine.

Malvasia grape

Origin

Malvasia is found in Italy, Spain and France, but its roots are found in Greece. Wine shops in the Venetian Republic were called Malvasie in honor of this very popular grape.

Style

Malvasia is primarily a white-wine grape but has the remarkable feature in that it produces both red and white wines, including a red version called Malvasia Nera. Each of these wines, however, is very different in their characteristics. Malvasia Nera is used primarily as a blending grape in Italy, valued for the dark color and aromas it adds. The best known whites are Malvasia del Lazio, Malvasia delle Lipari, Malvasia di Candia, Malvasia di Sardegna, and Malvasia Istriana.

Characteristics

The more popular white grapes produce golden, aromatic, flavorful wines with hints of apricots, musk, and almonds. Malvasia is not a high-yielding vine and is being replaced by better-producing grapes such as Trebbiano from Italy and Viura from Spain.

Pairing

Pair the reds with calamari, rich seafood stews and game. Pair the whites with flaky pastry desserts.

It’s a bit of work researching and trying to find some of these wines. Oh, it would be so fantastic if this was my full-time job. What fun it would be to drink wine and just write about it all day. Perhaps in my next life. :D

Cheers to full glasses all around!

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Wine of the Day – Palomino

Jan 29

Posted by greatWineSource in Spain, Whites, Wine of the Day | Comments off

Wine of the Day for January 29, 2010

Palomino

This is the latest that I’ve posted a blog, BUT the day is not yet over, so it counts!! (smiles) I’ve had a busy couple of days with tastings back to back. Next week busier yet with 3 tastings back to back. Looking forward to all of them.

Palomino grapeToday’s grape is Palomino (isn’t that a horse?). Well, this topic is about the grape, not the horse.

Origin

Palomino origins date to Andalusia where it is rumored that King Alfonso X named the grape after one of his knights.

Style

This grape has long been the dominant grape in the production of Sherry, and is prone to oxidation in still wines, which is why you will be challenged to find a still wine produced with this grape today. It is also grown in Australia, South Africa and California and is used in those regions almost exclusively to make fortified wines.

Characteristics

Very dry as a still wine, is rich and sweet as a Sherry.

Pairing

Pairs with strong cheeses and broiled fish, or cold fruit salad. Sherry will be enjoyed after dinner.

Cheers to full glasses all around!

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Wine of the Day – Parellada

Jan 28

Posted by greatWineSource in Spain, Whites, Wine of the Day | Comments off

Wine of the Day for January 28, 2010

Parellada

Origin

Grown in the Catalonia region of Spain, this white grape is one of three traditional varieties used to make Cava. This grape has limited growth potential and grows better in poor soil.

Parellada grape

Style

Parellada produces very small, tight-bunched grapes of good structure and aroma, however, because it is not a wine that will age well, it is more frequently used in blends, as mentioned above to produce Cava, but also blended with heartier grapes Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc to produce wines that will withstand a bit of cellaring.

Characteristics

As a still wine, you will notice an abundance of acidity and floral aromas. It is considered a main grape in the following DOs: Conca de Barberá, Costers del Segre, Penedés, and Tarragona. You can read the Cava blog for a bit more information on how it changes that sparkler.

Pairings

Pair the still wines with lighter fare such as salmon and light salads.

This wine is also known in Catalonia as Montonec meaning “grape of the mountain”.

Cheers to full glasses all around!

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Wine of the Day – Verdejo

Jan 27

Posted by greatWineSource in Spain, Whites, Wine of the Day | Comments off

Wine of the Day for January 27, 2010

Verdejo

Verdejo grape

Origin

Verdejo is a native grape of Rueda in Northwest Spain and is debated to have originated in North Africa and spread to Rueda in the 11th century. This grape was relatively unknown for hundreds of years until it resurfaced and became more respected around 1970.

Style

This white grape has historically been used to make a dry Sherry wine, but in the 1980s, this wine was given the DO classification (Designation of Origin). Therefore, wines classified as Rueda must contain at least 50% Verdejo, and wines classified as Rueda Verdejo must contain at least 85% Verdejo.

Characteristics

Verdejo produces a wine that is soft, aromatic and full-bodied, reminiscent of Sauvignon Blanc. You will enjoy a crispness to this wine with hints of nuts and honey. It is considered very high quality and one of the best white varieties in Spain.

Pairing

This high quality and food friendly wine will pair well with grilled salmon, seared scallops, lemon chicken or a fresh summer salad.

Interesting little fact about this wine … it is generally harvested at night. This wine can oxidize easily and so harvesting at night means the grapes enter the cellar at a lower temperature and lower temperatures mean less oxidation or browning of the juice.

Cheers to full glasses all around!

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Wine of the Day – Grenache

Jan 26

Posted by greatWineSource in Reds, Spain, Wine of the Day | Comments off

Wine of the Day for January 26, 2010

Grenache

You know when you’re sick, wine really isn’t the first thing on your mind, but I made a commitment to get this updated daily, so come rain or shine, sickness or health, early or late, a new post will be added daily!

Grenache grape

Origin

Known as Garnacha or Garnacha Tina in Spain, Grenache is thought to have originated in Aragon in northeastern Spain (although some might argue that Grenache comes from the Italian Island of Sardinia, where it is called Cannonau). Grenache is the 2nd most planted grape globally as well as in Spain (Tempranillo is #1 in Spain), and is often blended with Syrah.

Style

Grenache is a red wine grape that is naturally high in sugar and low in tannins and is often blended with other varietals to add body and a sweet fruitiness, and is often used to create rosé. Grenache does well in hot climates and is the dominant grape in Châteauneuf-du-Pape, from the Southern Rhône region in France, as well as wines from Priorat in Catalonia, Spain.

Characteristics

Grenache produces wines with a rustic quality, with aromas and flavors of black currant, blackberry, oak, toast and when aged in lighter oak barrels, vanilla and sweet wood.

Pairing

It will pair well with barbecue ribs, smoked or dried meats, as well as salty smoked fish, and stews.

I hope my cold is only around for a very short time, and all you who read this are healthy.

Cheers to full glasses all around!

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