This red wine from Provenza is made with the same blend as the Chiaretto, their Rose. The grapes are Sangiovese, Barbera, Groppello, and Marzemino. Very distinct aromatics of exotic spice and cinnamon. It’s an easy drinking style.
A White Graves (Bordeaux) is a most distinct white with no other region coming close to this style and taste. From Bordeaux, this delicious white is made from approx. 70% Sauvignon, and 25% Semillon and 5% Muscadelle. Flowery, honey impressions define the aromatics, dry with slight honey and stony, mineral qualities best describe the taste. A perfect compliment to fish and seafood.
Outstanding Value for this Type of Wine
$12.99 at John’s Market, Portland, OR
This is one of the best Rioja’s I’ve tasted lately. It has all the earth and black cherry leather spice that makes this Rioja so good!
About the Winery Zuazo Gaston:
Located in the little village of Oyón (Alava), Bodegas Zuazo Gaston is a family winery managed by Prudencio Zuazo Gaston, where artisan quality wines are produced using family-owned vineyards and state-of-the-art facilities.
Their vineyards encompass 50 hectares of calcereous clay soil where they cultivate Tempranillo, Garnacha, Mazuelo and Graciano grape varieties. The vines are an average age of 30 years, and are located about 450 meters above sea level, taking advantage of a good orientation and long, sunny days. Yields are controoled to about 4,000 kilograms/hectare.
Zuazo Gaston only produces red wines. Their total production is limited to 200,000 bottles per year, thus allowing an optimal quality level for each wine produced.
At John’s Marketplace – $13.99
Michele Reverdito began commeercially bottling his family’s wine beginning with the 2000 vintage. Very motivated in the quality approach he makes. In addition to Barbera, 4 Barolos, Dolcetto, Nebbiolo, and 2 single vineyard Barberas.
This 2009 demonstrates the quality of the vintage. Lovely black cherry, berry nuances highlight the nose, the palate is soft, supple and generously flavored. At the asking price this is a screeming deal for Barbera of this quality. Best Deal in town
At John’s Marketplace – $11.99
The Cotes de Castillon appellation takes its name from the pretty town of Castillon-la Bataille, which lies on the north bank of the Dordognee at the eastern gateway to the Bordeaux region. Vineyards lie to the east of St. Emilion.
The 2009 Haut Montpezat is made predominantly from Merlot. Supple with good concentration of fruit, it is soft and very approachable for a young wine. Enjoy over the course of the next 2-3 years. Great Bordeaux for the price. Excellent Value!
At John’s Marketplace – $10.99
Montepulciano, Sangiovese blend.
This is a smooth and rich red wine. I was blown away by the quality/price ratio in this wine, it is very dense and long, with dark fruit flavors. It is organic to boot.
In stock at John’s Market – $10.99
Bodegas Monteabellon is located in the heart of Ribera del Duero. The inspiration behind this relatively new venture is Isaac Fernandez, nephew of the legendary Vega Sicillia ex-winemaker, Marino Garcia. Monteabellon is rich, approachable and has good weight and plenty of savory character. The lively black fruit has hints of licorice, and bay leaf spice.
In stock at John’s Marketplace – $9.99
“For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels name Lenore, nameless here forevermore.”
The Raven – Edgar Allen Poe “Lenore” Syrah has great spice, bright fruit, deep purple hues, and gorgeous texture and is really a steal for the quality it delivers. Pair this crowd pleasing wine with barbecued babyback ribs, a hearty lamb stew, your favorite burgers or just on it’s own. Lenore Syrah is made from 95% Syrah and 5% Grenache. The fruit comes from Erickson Vineyard, in the Columbia Valley, and Six Prong Vineyard, in the Horse Heaven Hills.
A pale silver wine with green tinges. A subtle nose of white flower, honey of acacia blossom, sweet spices with a touch of saffron, very fresh dry to the mouth with a deep final and rich texture.
One of the best value Viognier!
In stock at John’s Markeplace – $9.95
Winemaker’s notes: A blend of 85% Tempranillo and 15% Mazuelo. Intense red cherry color. Clean and bright. Complex aromas of stewed black berries with spicy touches of black pepper and mineral notes. Potent and fleshy, dominating its roundness in mouth which is due to its fine tannins provided by the ripe berries and its exceptional barrel-ageing. A long and very persistent finish. This wine is a great match with grilled and stewed meat. It also goes well with oven-baked fish or fish in sauce as well as cold meats and strong, dry cheeses. critical acclaim: “The 2004 Reserva is a blend of 90% Tempranillo and 10% Mazuelo aged for 18 months in French and American oak. Dark crimson-colored, it reveals an alluring nose of cedar, spice box, tobacco, black cherry, and blackberry. On the palate it displays considerable finesse along with plenty of ripe, spicy red and black fruit, a silky texture, and excellent balance. This lengthy effort will continue to evolve for another 2-3 years and offer prime drinking from 2011 to 2020.” 90 Points The Wine Advocate