Pizzeria and Wine Bar located in Canyon Village of North Scottsdale. We were seated at the wine bar and ordered a couple of glasses of Italian wine from the cheerful and attentive bartender, Tommy. I decided to order something a little different so I ordered a glass of Grignolino from Castello di Neive. Grignolino is a red grape variety that can be found in the Piedmont area of Northern Italy. This grape makes wines with a very light red color, fresh fruit aromas, piercing acidity and strong tannins. The name Grignolino derives from the word grignole which means "many seeds” in the local Piedmontese dialect of the Asti region. The abundance of seeds, contribute to the strong, bitter tannins associated with the wine. The Castello di Neive Grignolino has a light, translucent ruby color with a orange hue. On the nose there is fresh strawberry, raspberry and apple with a hint of cut grass. This is a medium/light bodied wine with fresh fruit flavors of strawberry, pear and tart red cherry. There is bold acidity and a cloak of smooth tannins that make this wine quite unique. The is no evidence of earth or oak and the finish is long and persistent. The pizza we shared was called “Complimenti alla Mamma!” and it was Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella, Ricotta, Ham, Salame and Parmigiano Reggiano. This light, crisp red wine was a good match for this excellent pizza.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Castello di Neive Grignolino, 2009
Last night we stopped in at Grazie 
Pizzeria and Wine Bar located in Canyon Village of North Scottsdale. We were seated at the wine bar and ordered a couple of glasses of Italian wine from the cheerful and attentive bartender, Tommy. I decided to order something a little different so I ordered a glass of Grignolino from Castello di Neive. Grignolino is a red grape variety that can be found in the Piedmont area of Northern Italy. This grape makes wines with a very light red color, fresh fruit aromas, piercing acidity and strong tannins. The name Grignolino derives from the word grignole which means "many seeds” in the local Piedmontese dialect of the Asti region. The abundance of seeds, contribute to the strong, bitter tannins associated with the wine. The Castello di Neive Grignolino has a light, translucent ruby color with a orange hue. On the nose there is fresh strawberry, raspberry and apple with a hint of cut grass. This is a medium/light bodied wine with fresh fruit flavors of strawberry, pear and tart red cherry. There is bold acidity and a cloak of smooth tannins that make this wine quite unique. The is no evidence of earth or oak and the finish is long and persistent. The pizza we shared was called “Complimenti alla Mamma!” and it was Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella, Ricotta, Ham, Salame and Parmigiano Reggiano. This light, crisp red wine was a good match for this excellent pizza.
Pizzeria and Wine Bar located in Canyon Village of North Scottsdale. We were seated at the wine bar and ordered a couple of glasses of Italian wine from the cheerful and attentive bartender, Tommy. I decided to order something a little different so I ordered a glass of Grignolino from Castello di Neive. Grignolino is a red grape variety that can be found in the Piedmont area of Northern Italy. This grape makes wines with a very light red color, fresh fruit aromas, piercing acidity and strong tannins. The name Grignolino derives from the word grignole which means "many seeds” in the local Piedmontese dialect of the Asti region. The abundance of seeds, contribute to the strong, bitter tannins associated with the wine. The Castello di Neive Grignolino has a light, translucent ruby color with a orange hue. On the nose there is fresh strawberry, raspberry and apple with a hint of cut grass. This is a medium/light bodied wine with fresh fruit flavors of strawberry, pear and tart red cherry. There is bold acidity and a cloak of smooth tannins that make this wine quite unique. The is no evidence of earth or oak and the finish is long and persistent. The pizza we shared was called “Complimenti alla Mamma!” and it was Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella, Ricotta, Ham, Salame and Parmigiano Reggiano. This light, crisp red wine was a good match for this excellent pizza.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Pico Maccario Barbera d'Asti Lavignone, 2007
Barbera is one of the classic grapes of 
Italy's Piedmont region and is popular throughout much of Northwest Italy. Barbera has gained a following in California and Washington State where this grape does well. Searing acidity has been a trait of Barbera and has helped to give these wines a reputation as being "good food wines”. This Lavignone Barbera has a deep ruby color with a filtered appearance. There is a beautiful bouquet of red fruit, currents and a hint of perfumed violets and some musty cellar floor. This is a medium bodied wine with a winning flavor combination of dark berry, plum, cranberry, chocolate and lead pencil. True to Barbera’s reputation, there is gripping acidity and a whisper of smooth tannins. The finish is long and lingering. This wine will pair well with any hearty Italian fare or a great pizza. We purchased this nice Barbera at QFC, in Bellevue, for about $14. Erin, thanks for the recommendation.
Italy's Piedmont region and is popular throughout much of Northwest Italy. Barbera has gained a following in California and Washington State where this grape does well. Searing acidity has been a trait of Barbera and has helped to give these wines a reputation as being "good food wines”. This Lavignone Barbera has a deep ruby color with a filtered appearance. There is a beautiful bouquet of red fruit, currents and a hint of perfumed violets and some musty cellar floor. This is a medium bodied wine with a winning flavor combination of dark berry, plum, cranberry, chocolate and lead pencil. True to Barbera’s reputation, there is gripping acidity and a whisper of smooth tannins. The finish is long and lingering. This wine will pair well with any hearty Italian fare or a great pizza. We purchased this nice Barbera at QFC, in Bellevue, for about $14. Erin, thanks for the recommendation.Sunday, May 9, 2010
Le Bine Valpolicella Classico Superiore, 2006
This red wine from the Veneto region of Northern Italy is produced by
Giuseppe Campagnola. The Le Bine is the “Selection” of their best Valpolicella produced from single vineyards of Purano. The wine is made from Corvina and Rondinella grapes in the the traditional ripasso method. This wine is a deep violet red color with an unfiltered appearance. A heady bouquet evokes ripe red berries with notes of mineral, licorice and tobacco. Dark cherry, blackberry, cocoa and coffee flavors mingle in this elegant red. Robust, yet smooth, this is a medium bodied wine with gentle acidity and well integrated rich tannins. There is nice complexity and structure and this Valpolicella is very versatile with food. 
One of the foods I made was fresh Focaccia with Rosemary and Sun-dried Tomatoes; here is a picture while it is still raw. We enjoyed this wine at a “Good Neighbors” Pizza Party we hosted last night. Good neighbors…Good Food…Good Wine. This lovely wine can be purchased from “Wines from Italy”, for about $18.
Giuseppe Campagnola. The Le Bine is the “Selection” of their best Valpolicella produced from single vineyards of Purano. The wine is made from Corvina and Rondinella grapes in the the traditional ripasso method. This wine is a deep violet red color with an unfiltered appearance. A heady bouquet evokes ripe red berries with notes of mineral, licorice and tobacco. Dark cherry, blackberry, cocoa and coffee flavors mingle in this elegant red. Robust, yet smooth, this is a medium bodied wine with gentle acidity and well integrated rich tannins. There is nice complexity and structure and this Valpolicella is very versatile with food. 
One of the foods I made was fresh Focaccia with Rosemary and Sun-dried Tomatoes; here is a picture while it is still raw. We enjoyed this wine at a “Good Neighbors” Pizza Party we hosted last night. Good neighbors…Good Food…Good Wine. This lovely wine can be purchased from “Wines from Italy”, for about $18.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Wrongo Dongo, 2008
We just popped the cork on another value priced wine from Spain. This 
latest vintage of Wrongo Dongo, a 100% Monestrell wine from the Jumilla region, has a bold new label with a modern Spanish flair. This wine has a bright, deep red color and aromas of dark berry, green grass, baking spices and roasted nuts. This wine is medium bodied with straightforward blackberry and cherry flavors along with some bitter almond, minerality and black pepper on the finish. There are soft, silky tannins and gentle acidity that add to the overall package. The finish is smooth and persistent. This wine tastes like a new-world Monestrell, so no surprises here. If you want to broaden your horizons, pick up a bottle of Wrongo Dongo for any casual dinner. This is another great value from importer Jorge Ordonez that is available in the Seattle area for about $8.
latest vintage of Wrongo Dongo, a 100% Monestrell wine from the Jumilla region, has a bold new label with a modern Spanish flair. This wine has a bright, deep red color and aromas of dark berry, green grass, baking spices and roasted nuts. This wine is medium bodied with straightforward blackberry and cherry flavors along with some bitter almond, minerality and black pepper on the finish. There are soft, silky tannins and gentle acidity that add to the overall package. The finish is smooth and persistent. This wine tastes like a new-world Monestrell, so no surprises here. If you want to broaden your horizons, pick up a bottle of Wrongo Dongo for any casual dinner. This is another great value from importer Jorge Ordonez that is available in the Seattle area for about $8.Sunday, April 25, 2010
Villa Pillo Borgoforte, 2007
The Villa Pillo estate is located in the heart of the Chianti area, equidistant from the cities of Pisa, Florence and Sienna near the town of San Gimignano. The 2007 Borgoforte is a blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot that is aged for one year in French oak. The color is a a very dark ruby with purple highlights. This is a medium bodied wine with rich, ripe black fruit components surrounded by earthiness and crisp acidity that screams out “Tuscany“. There are abundant grainy tannins the add a rustic touch. This is a value “Super Tuscan” that over delivers at the $12 price point. Try this wine with some Grilled Sausage and Peppers or Pasta Bolognese, you will not be disappointed.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Domaine de Couron Marselan, Coteaux de L’Ardeche, 2008
Marselan is a wine grape from France the is relatively unknown throughout the USA and the world. This grape was bred in 1961 as a hybrid of Cabernet 
Sauvignon and Grenache. The Marselan grape is named after Marseillan, a small town on France's Mediterranean coast where it was first grown. This past weekend we were celebrating my birthday at the Metro Brasserie, at Southbridge, in Scottsdale Arizona. It was a lovely evening for alfresco dinning and we took advantage of their classy patio setting. I was excited to find this Marselan on the wine list and enjoy it with the Cassoulet of duck confit, braised lamb, saucisson, tomato confit and white beans. The wine has deep purple/ruby color and is nearly opaque. The nose is full of fresh blackberries, cherries, raspberries and black pepper with no evidence of oak or earth. In the mouth the wine is full bodied, inky, soft and succulent. Sweet cherry, ripe blueberry and juicy plum sing out on a back drop of caramel and white pepper. There are moderate well integrated tannins and a hint of minerality that highlights the fruit driven style. This Domaine de Couron Marselan was quite luscious and delicious and was a great companion to a great dinner. Only a small quantity of this wine is imported to the USA, however, if you find it, try it!
Sauvignon and Grenache. The Marselan grape is named after Marseillan, a small town on France's Mediterranean coast where it was first grown. This past weekend we were celebrating my birthday at the Metro Brasserie, at Southbridge, in Scottsdale Arizona. It was a lovely evening for alfresco dinning and we took advantage of their classy patio setting. I was excited to find this Marselan on the wine list and enjoy it with the Cassoulet of duck confit, braised lamb, saucisson, tomato confit and white beans. The wine has deep purple/ruby color and is nearly opaque. The nose is full of fresh blackberries, cherries, raspberries and black pepper with no evidence of oak or earth. In the mouth the wine is full bodied, inky, soft and succulent. Sweet cherry, ripe blueberry and juicy plum sing out on a back drop of caramel and white pepper. There are moderate well integrated tannins and a hint of minerality that highlights the fruit driven style. This Domaine de Couron Marselan was quite luscious and delicious and was a great companion to a great dinner. Only a small quantity of this wine is imported to the USA, however, if you find it, try it!
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Matchbook Syrah, 2006
Matchbook wines are made by the Crew Wine Company in Zamora 
California (north of Sacramento). Crew Wine Company was started by John and Karl Giguiere who were the original owners of R.H.Phillips Winery. This Dunnigan Hills Syrah is made from 90% Syrah, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Petite Syrah. This wine has a dark ruby color and a pretty nose of blackberry and butterscotch with a hint of citrus peel. This is a medium bodied wine that is very fruit forward with ripe red raspberry, blueberry, cardamom, toast and white pepper. This is a zesty, fresh wine with crisp acidity and gentle tannins. The finish is pleasant and lingering. This wine is a nice choice for any “new-world” junky looking for a good value from a solid California producer. We purchased the Matchbook Syrah at Pete’s Wine Shop, in Bellevue for about $11.
California (north of Sacramento). Crew Wine Company was started by John and Karl Giguiere who were the original owners of R.H.Phillips Winery. This Dunnigan Hills Syrah is made from 90% Syrah, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Petite Syrah. This wine has a dark ruby color and a pretty nose of blackberry and butterscotch with a hint of citrus peel. This is a medium bodied wine that is very fruit forward with ripe red raspberry, blueberry, cardamom, toast and white pepper. This is a zesty, fresh wine with crisp acidity and gentle tannins. The finish is pleasant and lingering. This wine is a nice choice for any “new-world” junky looking for a good value from a solid California producer. We purchased the Matchbook Syrah at Pete’s Wine Shop, in Bellevue for about $11.Sunday, April 4, 2010
Alexandria Nicole Rock Star Red, 2006
Alexandria Nicole Cellars produces small lots of hand-crafted wine from their 
Destiny Ridge Estate Vineyard. The 260 acre estate vineyard is located high above the bluffs on the Columbia River, near the town of Paterson, Washington, part of the Horse Heaven Hills geographic designation. We have been members of their wine club for the past few years and really enjoy their well-crafted, quality wines. The 2006 Rock star Red is a blend of mostly Syrah, co-fermented with Viognier and Grenache. This wine a a deep ruby/purple color with rich aromas of dark fruit, cedar, floral notes and cracked pepper. On the palate is ripe black fruit, dark cherry, espresso, cedar and black pepper. This is a full bodied wine that is bold, fruit-forward and smooth. There are well integrated tannins and gentle acidity below a layer of toasty oak. The finish is long, inky and chewy. This is an excellent expression of Syrah from the Horse Heaven Hills region of the Columbia Valley. This wine was sold directly to wine club members for about $30.
Destiny Ridge Estate Vineyard. The 260 acre estate vineyard is located high above the bluffs on the Columbia River, near the town of Paterson, Washington, part of the Horse Heaven Hills geographic designation. We have been members of their wine club for the past few years and really enjoy their well-crafted, quality wines. The 2006 Rock star Red is a blend of mostly Syrah, co-fermented with Viognier and Grenache. This wine a a deep ruby/purple color with rich aromas of dark fruit, cedar, floral notes and cracked pepper. On the palate is ripe black fruit, dark cherry, espresso, cedar and black pepper. This is a full bodied wine that is bold, fruit-forward and smooth. There are well integrated tannins and gentle acidity below a layer of toasty oak. The finish is long, inky and chewy. This is an excellent expression of Syrah from the Horse Heaven Hills region of the Columbia Valley. This wine was sold directly to wine club members for about $30.Saturday, April 3, 2010
Bila-Haut Cotes Du Roussillon Villages, 2008
Domaine Bila-Haut is owned by the famed M. Chapoutier. 
They own more than 400 acres of prime vineyards in the Rhone Valley area. This estate is located in the Cotes du Roussillon of Languedoc, which borders the Rhone Valley. Bila-Haut is an old vine estate that Chapoutier has planted with Grenache, Carignan and Syrah. This location is blessed with cool winters, hot summers, low rainfall and the local 'Mistral' (which is a drying breeze) to make a perfect climate for these varietals. All of the grapes for the Bila-Haut are hand picked in the vineyards. Michael Chapoutier takes pride in producing wines that have great character even at a value price-point. This lovely red wine has a deep, dark ruby color that is nearly opaque. On the nose is fresh blackberry and cherry with some earth. This is a big, rich wine with abundant black fruit, plum, currant, mocha and licorice. The mouth-feel is smooth and expansive with the bold fruit, creamy tannins, gentle acidity and subtle minerality. The finish is elegant and lingering. We really enjoyed this wine! This wine will pair well with roasted or grilled meats or any flavorful cheese. We purchase this 2008 Bila-Haut at Pete’s Wine Shop, in Bellevue, for about $14.00.
They own more than 400 acres of prime vineyards in the Rhone Valley area. This estate is located in the Cotes du Roussillon of Languedoc, which borders the Rhone Valley. Bila-Haut is an old vine estate that Chapoutier has planted with Grenache, Carignan and Syrah. This location is blessed with cool winters, hot summers, low rainfall and the local 'Mistral' (which is a drying breeze) to make a perfect climate for these varietals. All of the grapes for the Bila-Haut are hand picked in the vineyards. Michael Chapoutier takes pride in producing wines that have great character even at a value price-point. This lovely red wine has a deep, dark ruby color that is nearly opaque. On the nose is fresh blackberry and cherry with some earth. This is a big, rich wine with abundant black fruit, plum, currant, mocha and licorice. The mouth-feel is smooth and expansive with the bold fruit, creamy tannins, gentle acidity and subtle minerality. The finish is elegant and lingering. We really enjoyed this wine! This wine will pair well with roasted or grilled meats or any flavorful cheese. We purchase this 2008 Bila-Haut at Pete’s Wine Shop, in Bellevue, for about $14.00.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Covey Run Cabernet Sauvignon, 2006
Back in the early 1990s, we started taking trips out to the Columbia Valley, in eastern Washington, to visit new wineries and sample their offerings.. We used the town of Yakima as our home base as we toured the Washington State wine country. Covey Run had a lovely winery, in the Yakima Valley, that overlooked acres of rolling vineyards. On Saturday and Sunday afternoon they would barbecue burgers and salmon out in their yard with beautiful views of the Yakima Valley. By 2009, the Covey Run Winery had been sold a few times and is now owned by a company from California. This Colombia Valley Cabernet represents a excellent value wine in the Seattle area. I purchased this wine at QFC, in Bellevue, at $5.99 retail. The color is a light ruby with a scarlet rim. This is a medium bodied wine with dark berry and plum aromas. This is a smooth and easy-drinking wine with flavors of black cherry and cassis balanced with some mushroom and flint. The tannins are fine and submerged and the gentle acidity finishes the profile. Not a great wine, but a good value as an everyday table wine from Washington State.
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