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Archive for category Wine of the Day

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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Wine of the Day – Viura

Jan 25

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Wine of the Day for January 25, 2010

Viura

Viura grape

Origin

This grape grows well in hot climates, and because of that is believed to have originated in the Middle East. However, since others also believe it originated in Aragon, Spain, it is included in Spanish week.

Style

This white grape prefers to be grown in dry, warm climates (hmm, I wonder if it would do well in Arizona), and in southern France is often made into a fortified wine (similar to Port). Viura itself as a wine should be drunk young.

Characteristics

Viura produces a light, dry and easy wine with floral bouquet and light straw color. Isn’t this image of the grape amazing? It is a beautiful picture all on its own!

Pairing

Whether you find a Viura varietal or a blend of white Rioja, enjoy this
Wine with yogurt, garlic dip, tapas and grilled fish.

Cheers to full glasses all around!

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Wine of the Day – Albariño

Jan 24

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

Wine of the Day for January 24, 2010

Albariño

Starting out in a new week of grapes, I think I’ll focus on the Spanish originating grapes. Why? No special reason, other than I can live vicariously through my blogs since I haven’t had the opportunity to travel to these regions myself … yet!

Albarino

Origin

Albariño is called “wine of the sea” because it originates in northwest Spain in the Rías Baixas region, along the Atlantic coast of Spain. It is also grown extensively in the Monção region in northwest Portugal.

Style

Albariño is a white wine grape that thrives in the cool climate of the northern region of Spain and Portugal. This small green grape is thought to be related to Riesling.

Unlike many other European wines which are labeled after the region in which they are grown, Albariño is labeled as the grape (e.g. tempranillo grape creates Rioja wine and is labeled in Europe as Rioja).

Characteristics

This grape produces a golden color wine, with aromas of peach, apricot, and honeysuckle similar to Viognier and Gewürztraminer, along with strong floral notes and a crisp acidity.

Pairing

Enjoy this wine with fried chicken, seafood pastas (lighter sauces) and tilapia.

Bunco party

As I mentioned in the post yesterday, I had a Bunco game at my house last night: lots of food (yummy sushi from Koreanas in Appleton), beverages and of course, we did play Bunco. I opened a Pinot Grigio, Muscat and Cabernet Sauvignon instead of the Misti Bianco, so I’ll have to let you know at a later date (after 1/28) more about the Misti Bianco.

If you have not yet had the opportunity to play Bunco, find a game. It is great fun and gives you a chance to win a little money too!

Cheers to full glasses all around!

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Wine of the Day – Friulano

Jan 23

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

Wine of the Day for January 23, 2010

Tocai Friulano

In my wine club this month, I received a wine called Misti Bianco, a blend of Tocai Friulano, Pinot Grigio and Arneis, all white grapes from northern Italy. So, in the spirit of Italian week, I thought I’d continue the theme with a bit of information about Tocai Friulano.

Tocai Friulano grape

Origin

Tocai Friulano, originates in the Friuli region of Italy and is now called simply Friulano inside the European Union. To avoid confusion with the Hungarian dessert wine, Tokaji, Italian exports must now remove the Tocai from its labels. This grape is also known as Sauvignon Vert out of Chile.

Style

Tocai Friulano is a white grape producing wines similar to Sauvignon Blanc and has been confused with Sauvignon Blanc because of similar leaves and clusters of the vines and its susceptibleness to noble rot. However, where is more aromatic with strong herbal notes, Tocai Friulano is softer, with more floral flavors.

Characteristics

You will find this wine with the color of straw, aromas an flavors of almond, apples, nuts, sweet herbs. It has soft acidity with medium body and balanced flavors.

Pairing

Enjoy with lighter foods such as braised vegetables, fish, antipasto, brie or havarti cheese.

I have a Bunco game at my house tonight and will be sharing the Misti Bianco. I’ll let you know tomorrow how it goes.

Cheers to full glasses all around!

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