Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais has tones of raspberry and spice: Wine Buy of the Week

by Donald Rosenberg/Plain Dealer Reporter

Tuesday December 02, 2008, 1:54 PM

The bottle: Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais-Villages Nouveau 2008.

Price: $13.99.

Varietal: Gamay.

Where it's from: The Beaujolais region of France, where Georges Duboeuf is king of Beaujolais-Villages Nouveau, the young red wine released each November. The year's harvest in France was said to be one of the worst since 1975, though wines from Beaujolais are always worth consideration.

Where we found it: Heinen's in Shaker Heights. It is available widely.

Tasting notes: The medium-red wine has engaging aromas of raspberry and spice. Tannins dominate on the palate from the start. This lean version of nouveau doesn't quite make the grade, lacking a bit of the fun qualities of recent typical vintages. But it's fine with food.

Pairings: Lasagna, poultry dishes, light pastas and creamy cheeses.

Wine buys of the week for Thanksgiving dinner

by Donald Rosenberg/Plain Dealer Reporter

Tuesday November 25, 2008, 5:07 PM

The bird's thawing or brining. The yams are ready to be mashed.

Oh, my. You forgot to pick up wines for the Thanksgiving meal!

Don't panic. There are multitudes of choices to go with turkey and the trimmings. Depending on the seasonings, the meal can handle virtually any type of wine, except possibly the sweetest (save some of those for dessert).

Continue reading "Wine buys of the week for Thanksgiving dinner" »

Thanksgiving dinner wine buys of the week

by Donald Rosenberg/Plain Dealer Reporter

Tuesday November 18, 2008, 7:41 PM

The bottle: Grand River Cellars Austin's White. Price: $12.99. Varietal: 33 percent vidal blanc, 33 percent pinot gris, 34 percent chardonnay. Where it's from: Ohio's Lake County, on the border of Madison and Thompson. Grand River Cellars focuses on many varietals, with sales from several wines -- known as Austin's Red, Austin's White and Susanna's White -- donated to the Northeast Ohio Autism Group. Where we found it: It is available at the winery (440-298-9838) or through its Web site, www.grandrivercellars.com. Tasting notes: This medium-gold, semisweet wine has grapefruit and light floral aromas. Round, smooth fruit on the palate hints of pears, with a touch of sweetness sustained almost to the finish. Pairings: We teamed it with chicken tetrazzini, which was a nice complement. Also try it with subtly seasoned appetizers, including creamy cheeses. Continue reading "Thanksgiving dinner wine buys of the week" »

Austrian Huber Hugo veltliner is spicy and citrusy: Wine Buy of the Week

by Donald Rosenberg/Plain Dealer Reporter

Tuesday November 11, 2008, 11:55 PM

The bottle: Weingut Huber Hugo Gruner Veltliner 2006.

Price: $12.99.

Varietal: Veltliner.

Where it's from: The Traisental region of Lower Austria, west of Vienna. Weingut Markus Huber, in the village of Rechersdorf, focuses on whites, especially gruner veltliner (Austria's chief grape variety), riesling and sauvignon blanc.

Where we found it: Whole Foods Market in University Heights.

Tasting notes: White-gold in color, the wine has spicy, floral aromas. Flavors are fragrant, with citrus dominating the palate and hints of spice. It is delightfully fresh, exuberant and charming.

Pairings: We teamed it lusciously with roast ginger chicken, but try it also with fish, pasta and creamy cheeses. Or drink it solo.

Gnarly Head Old Vine Zinfandel 2006 offers lush, fruity flavor: Wine Buy of the Week

by Donald Rosenberg/Plain Dealer Reporter

Tuesday November 04, 2008, 1:07 PM

The bottle: Gnarly Head Old Vine Zinfandel 2006.

Price: $9.99.

Varietal: Zinfandel.

Where it's from: Lodi, Calif., in San Joaquin County, where Gnarly Head Cellars crafts zinfandel from grapes grown on vines that are 35 to 80 years old. The company also produces chardonnay, cabernet sauvignon and merlot.

Where we found it: Fresh Market in Shaker Heights.

Tasting notes: Medium-red, the wine has aromas of red berries and wood. Flavors are lush, with a bounty of round fruit, spice, oak and hint of tartness leading to a sustained finish. Be careful (or not): It is very easy to drink - and a terrific value. Pairings: Lasagna, beef, poultry dishes and assorted appetizers, as well as aged cheeses.

Morgan Syrah tops Wine Buy of the Week

by Donald Rosenberg/Plain Dealer Reporter

Tuesday October 28, 2008, 7:34 PM

The bottle: Morgan Syrah 2006.

Price: $12.99.

Varietal: Syrah.

Where it's from: California's Monterey County, where Dan and Donna Lee produce wine from grapes grown on their ranch, the Double L, which is short for Double Luck. They also concentrate on pinot noir and chardonnay.

Where we found it: Heinen's in Shaker Heights.

Tasting notes: This dark red wine has scents of sweet berries, spice and black pepper. The fruit is round, light and tart, though the wine goes firm and peppery in the middle, leading to a lightly tannic close. It goes best with a hearty meal.

Pairings: We teamed it (perfectly) with veal stew. Also try it with beef, pork, pastas and tangy cheeses.

Each week, Donald Rosenberg highlights a moderately priced wine well worth trying. Listed retail prices are based on the state of Ohio minimums; you might pay more.

Echelon 2006 Pinot Noir is our Wine Buy of the Week

by Donald Rosenberg

Tuesday October 21, 2008, 7:34 PM

The bottle: Echelon 2006 Pinot Noir Vin de Pays de L'Ile de Beaute.

Price: $10.49.

Varietal: Pinot noir.

Where it's from: Corsica, which is also known as L'Ile de Beaute, or island of beauty. The wine is imported, blended and bottled by Echelon Vineyards in Sonoma, Calif.

Where we found it: World Market in Mayfield Heights.

Tasting notes: Medium red, it is eminently fragrant, with scents of wood, earth, red berries and flowers. Spice dominates the flavors, which are nicely round and sustained, with an easy finish marked by light tannins and tartness.

Pairings: Beef, poultry, pork, pastas and creamy cheeses -- or drink it solo.

Each week, Donald Rosenberg highlights a moderately priced wine well worth trying. Listed retail prices are based on the state of Ohio minimums; you might pay more.

Wine Buys of the Week: Bottles to complement a fall clambake

by Donald Rosenberg/Plain Dealer Reporter

Tuesday October 14, 2008, 7:09 PM

A real nice clambake deserves real nice wines. Don't skimp on the varietal flavors to complement your feast of seafood, chicken, beef and side dishes.

But this can be tricky. How are you rustling up those clams? Will they need something sturdy in the wine department? Your lobster can be streamlined or luxurious, prompting different liquid accompaniments. Steak and hamburgers will go well with most full-bodied reds.

Here's a trio of possibilities, with a bit more attention to whites than reds. Yet they'll all be succulent additions to your extravagant repast.

The bottle: Belle Vallee Cellars Pinot Noir 2006.

Price: $23.99.

Varietal: Pinot noir.

Where it's from: Oregon's Willamette Valley, where Belle Vallee Cellars concentrates on pinot noir but also produces cabernet sauvignon, merlot, pinot gris, port, syrah and a red blend.

Where we found it: Western Reserve Wines in North Solon.

Tasting notes: This dark red wine has aromas of earth, berry and violets, reminiscent of a Burgundy nose. It reveals the same qualities on the palate, with elegant fruit that is full and round at the outset leading to firm tannins. Drink it now or store it in the cellar.

The bottle: Harpersfield Vineyard 2007 Pinot Gris St. Fiacre.

Price: $16.99.

Varietal: Pinot gris.

Where it's from: Ohio's Grand River Valley in Ashtabula County. Along with pinot gris, the winery focuses on many other varietals.

Where we found it: Pat O'Brien's Fine Wines in Pepper Pike.

Tasting notes: Pale straw in color, the wine has intense stone fruit, herbal and floral notes on the nose. The lovely, full fruit brings hints of roundness and then bursts into a long, tart middle and close. It's made in the generous Alsatian style, and an absolute delight.

The bottle: Ferrari-Carano Fume Blanc 2007.

Price: $16.99.

Varietal: Sauvignon blanc.

Where it's from: California's Sonoma Valley, where Ferrari-Carano makes some of the most luscious wines in the state.

Where we found it: Pat O'Brien's Fine Wines in Pepper Pike.

Tasting notes: The pale gold wine's scents of citrus, tropical fruit, grass and herbs are prelude to grapefruit flavors in a fairly lush style. It goes enchantingly tart.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:
drosenberg@plaind.com, 216-999-4269

Wine buy of the week: Aquinas Napa Valley Merlot

by Donald Rosenberg/Plain Dealer Reporter

Tuesday October 07, 2008, 7:44 PM

The bottle: Aquinas Napa Valley Merlot.

Price: $11.99.

Where it's from: California's Napa Valley. It is produced by Three Loose Screws, a division of Don Sebastiani and Sons.

Where we found it: Available at Heinen's, Giant Eagle, World Markets and Minotti's.

Tasting notes: Deep red and plummy, the wine has a spicy nose with hints of wood. Forward fruit emphasizes tart cherries, a bit of pepper and lively, controlled tannins. It's a merlot with personality.

Pairings: Beef, pork, red-sauced pastas and ripe cheeses.

Each week, Donald Rosenberg highlights a moderately priced wine well worth trying. Listed retail prices are based on state of Ohio minimums; you might pay more.

Wine Buy of the Week: 2004 Reininger Helix

by Donald Rosenberg

Tuesday September 30, 2008, 9:04 PM

The bottle: 2004 Reininger Helix.

Price: $19.99.

Varietal: 45 percent merlot, 28 percent cabernet sauvignon, 19 percent syrah, 10 percent cabernet franc.

Where it's from: The Walla Walla Valley in Washington State.

Where we found it: Pat O'Brien's Fine Wines in Pepper Pike.

Tasting notes: This medium-bodied red has forward scents of berry fruit, spice, green olive and earth. The bold fruit sustains nicely moderate tannins. Best with a meal.

Pairings: Hamburgers, other beef dishes, pastas, tangy cheeses.

Each week, Donald Rosenberg highlights a moderately priced wine well worth trying. Listed retail prices are based on state of Ohio minimums; you might pay more.

Wine Buy of the Week: Palacios Remondo 2006 La Vendimia Rioja

by Donald Rosenberg

Tuesday September 23, 2008, 9:05 PM

The bottle: Palacios Remondo 2006 La Vendimia Rioja.

Price: $14.99.

Varietal: Garnacha and tempranillo.

Where it's from: The Rioja region of northern Spain, where noted winemaker Alvaro Palacios creates fine reds and whites from grapes grown on a 250-acre vineyard.

Where we found it: World Market in Mayfield Heights. It is distributed by Heidelberg.

Tasting notes: This medium-bodied red has enticing berry, cherry, spice and smoky aromas. The round, tart cherry fruit is light, and the wine has a long, easy finish. It's an outstanding transitional red perfect for the change of seasons.

Pairings: It danced a luscious pas de deux with braised brisket. We'd also match it with a panoply of red meats, chicken and pork dishes or marinara-laced pasta. Also try it with an array of aged cheeses.

Each week, Donald Rosenberg highlights a moderately priced wine well worth trying. Listed retail prices are based on state of Ohio minimums; you might pay more.

Wine Buy of the Week: Seven Daughters Red Winemaker's Blend

by Merlene Santiagomsantiago@plaind.com

Tuesday September 16, 2008, 9:04 PM

The bottle: Seven Daughters Red Winemaker's Blend.

Price: $14.99.

Varietal: 50 percent merlot, 17 percent cabernet sauvignon, 17 percent cabernet franc, 11 percent zinfandel, 2 percent syrah, 2 percent carignane and 1 percent sangiovese.

Where it's from: California, where Seven Daughters hunts for the finest grapes "to create red and white blends that are sophisticated, flirtatious and undeniably fun -- just like you," as the company's Web site purrs. Each of the blends, as the name suggests, contains seven varietals.

Where we found it: It is available at Whole Foods and Target stores and distributed by Heidelberg.

Tasting notes: The nose of this light-red wine has subtle scents of red and black fruit and wood. Flavors initially are round, with a smooth middle and lightly tannic close. The fruit is smooth and redolent of the cherry/berry character of merlot, with added zing from the six remaining grape siblings. Best with food.

Pairings: It stood up nicely with barbecued pork ribs. Try it with hearty beef dishes, ripe cheeses and boldly seasoned appetizers.

Each week, Donald Rosenberg highlights a moderately priced wine well worth trying. Listed retail prices are based on state of Ohio minimums; you might pay more.

Wine Buy of the Week: Duck Pond 2006 pinot noir

by Don Rosenberg/Plain Dealer Reporter

Tuesday September 09, 2008, 6:18 PM

The bottle:

Duck Pond 2006 pinot noir.

Price: $19.99.

Varietal: Pinot noir.

Where it's from: Oregon's Willamette Valley, where pinot noir is one of the kings. Duck Pond Cellars has been producing an array of wines since 1993. Along with pinot noir, its red line includes cabernet sauvignon, merlot, sangiovese and syrah. The company's whites are chardonnay, gewurztraminer, pinot gris, riesling and a blend known as Clos d'Pond.

Where we found it: It is available widely and distributed by Private Reserve.

Tasting notes: This is a luscious example of Oregon pinot noir. The medium-red wine has numerous elements on the nose, including earth, tobacco, wood and black fruit. Contrasts arrive on the palate, where flavors of delicate berries go peppery and lean, with a long, light finish.

Pairings: It went beautifully with chicken tetrazzini but also would team nicely with a variety of poultry, fish, pork and pasta dishes.

Each week, Donald Rosenberg highlights a moderately priced wine well worth trying. Listed retail prices are based on state of Ohio minimums; you might pay more.

Wine Buy of the Week: Marquis Philips Roogle Riesling 2007

by Donald Rosenberg

Wednesday September 03, 2008, 12:00 AM

The bottle: Marquis Philips Roogle Riesling 2007

Price: $9.99.

Varietal: Riesling.

Where it's from: Western Australia, where winemaker Chris Ringland and wine marketer Dan Philips teamed to produce a line of inexpensive Roogle wines.

Where we found it:World Market in Mayfield Heights. It is distributed by the Lion Group.

Tasting notes: Pale yellow, the wine has flinty, lightly floral scents. The fruit is full and nicely round. The wine's middle has hints of sweet fruit, but it goes beautifully tart and crisp. A refreshing and stylish value.

Pairings: We teamed it with grilled chicken thighs. The wine also would go well with other poultry and fish dishes, pastas and an array of appetizers and soups.

Each week, Donald Rosenberg highlights a moderately priced wine well worth trying. Listed retail prices are based on state of Ohio minimums; you might pay more.

Wine Buy of the Week: Les Deux Rives Corbieres Rouge 2007

by Donald Rosenberg

Tuesday August 26, 2008, 6:53 PM

The bottle: Les Deux Rives Corbieres Rouge 2007.

Price: $8.99.

Varietal: 40 percent grenache, 30 percent syrah, 20 percent mourvedre, 10 percent carignan.

Where it's from: The Languedoc region of southern France. Les Deux Rives, or "the two banks," is a blend made by Les Vignerons du Val d'Orbieu, winegrowers based in Narbonne. Their red wine hails from Corbieres, one of the country's largest wine regions.

Where we found it: It is available at Heinen's and other area stores. The distributor is Vintage.

Tasting notes: The wine is dark red, with intense aromas of black fruit and spice. Flavors are sturdy and plummy, the berry flavors compact, dry and soft in tannins. It's a fine seasonal wine in a bistro style that can be served slightly chilled. A great value.

Pairings: We enjoyed it with cheese-stuffed meatloaf. It also would fare well with grilled chicken, lamb, pasta dishes and bold cheeses.

Each week, Donald Rosenberg highlights a moderately priced wine well worth trying. Listed retail prices are based on state of Ohio minimums; you might pay more.