Lent List

My wine lent list thus far:

Jeriko Estate Sangiovese 2003 ($16-$20) - I'm surprised at how often I enjoy Italians raised in California.  This Mendocino red, while powerful, offers some righteous complexity.  Red & black berry scents spiced with dried herbs and a hint of clove.  The tannins are a bit grippy, which makes it a great choice with something roasted.  Organic. Verdict: Recommended

Quinta dos Roques Garrafeira 2000 ($35) - An old world throwback.  Flavors of just-ripe red cherry mixed with hints of cedar and earth.  Jaggedy, slightly wild tannins that haven't yet softened with age.  Have you ever tried red wine from the Dao region of Portugal?  It may just inspire you to talk like a pirate.  Yar. 
Verdict: Recommended

Qupe Marsanne 2004 ($20) - What do you get when you pull Viognier out of a white Cali-Rhone blend?  Less honeysuckle and more fresh melon tang.  This Santa Ynez Valley white wine is the perfect California expression of two of the Rhone's unheralded whiteys (75% Marsanne & 25% Rousanne).  Slurp it with a little spicy Asian stir fry.  Verdict: Highly Recommended

Bonny Doon Erbaluce 2004 ($17) - This resurrected northern Italian varietal produces charming wine.  It's been known to save relationships.  Doon's Erbaluce exhibits a nifty combination of lemon zest, white pear and herbal scents.  On the tongue, the wine is deceptively rich and hearty - it'll stand up to spicy Indian curry.  Verdict: Highly Recommended

Thus far the grape varietal roster for wine lent reads:

• Sangiovese
• Touriga Nacional, Alfrocheiro, Tinta Roriz and Jaen (Portugese grapes)
• Marsanne & Rousanne
• Erbaluce

Do you have any exciting, lent-approved discoveries to add?

Technorati Tags: california wine, italian wine, portugal, red wine, wine, wine review

Comments

[Steve R.]

Tonight at an Alsatian restaurant in Atlanta (yes, we eat more than fried chicken down here), we split a half bottle of Cremant d'Alsace and a nice and simple Pinot Blanc. Not exotic by true Lent standards, but a refreshing change of pace nonetheless.

[Garry Clark]

Had a glass of one of my favourite wines the other night with my dinner. Pazo Senorans Albarino 2005 from Rias Baixas, Spain. Vibrant nose of white peaches and dried apricots with a touch of orange blossom water. On the palate it comes across as off-dry with a slightly salty tang about with works beautifully well with seafood. I had mine with my cobbled together interpretation of a paella with scallops, lango's and chicken.

[beau]

Steve - For me Cremant d'Alsace is quite exotic. I never see it in my neck of the woods. Sounds great - & I know you eat more than fried chicken in Atlanta. I used to live there. So how was the fried okra and collards!? :)

GC - I'm now craving paella for breakfast. I've sampled the Pazo S 2004 and really enjoyed it. Look forward to the '05

[Jameson]

Sangiovese is on the Lent List?!? I drank a 1999 Fontalloro and it was incredible. Super elegant 100% Sangiovese from Felsina. Stunning. And not crazy expensive.

How about Muscadet? Or, Melon de Bourgogne? I drank a Pepiere old vine single vineyard Muscadet 1.5L that wholesales for $18.50 (no shit). How fun are magumns? And I had oysters with it. Pefection.

[Ryan]

I also feel a little like cheating when listing a sangiovese. But the Coturri Founder's Series RED Sangiovese 2002 I split with my dad last night was fantastic.

For something a little more in the spirit of wine lent how about gagliopo? Ippolito Ciro Rosso Classico Superiore Riserva 2001, quite excellent with lots of mushrooms and grilled lamb

[beau]

I know, I know. Sangiovese aint terribly exotic. But, you've got to admit, it's a helluva lot rarer than the proscribed red varities on the Lent list:

Pinot Noir
Merlot
Cabernet Sauvignon
Zinfandel
Syrah