December 21, 2010 2:20 pm
The winemakers at Louis Martini have always believed that Cabernet Sauvignon is the most noble of grapes, holding firmly to their motto, "from the best grapes come the best wines." And since they've been producing top notch wines for over 70 years, they've learned a thing or two about what it takes to produce a bottle you won't forget.
Laden with intense aromas of black currants, licorice and cedar, this bottle makes for a perfect holiday sipper. Its velvet-smooth finish and hints of leather, tobacco and vanilla layers also make this wine a great partner for dark chocolate treats.
Tip: Aside from dessert, Louis Martini Cabernet pairs well with poached, grilled, or roasted red meats as well as strong and salty cheeses. Check out Behind the Burner's sommelier lesson with Landmarc's wine director, David Lombardo, for even more holiday wines to choose from.
Photo credit: www.drinkhacker.com
— Written by Joanna Weinstein
4 Comments >
Tags : wine, Martini, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, holiday wines, holiday drinks
December 17, 2010 1:31 pm
Grande Dalles Gampo is a remarkably delicious wine an even more remarkable story behind it. Produced in the heart of Oregon's Columbia Valley, this wine represents the heart and soul of winemakers Stephanie LaMonica and Scott Elder, a couple who finally opened the vineyard of their dreams to produce different varieties of amazing wine. Like many other wine producers, LaMonica and Elder have realized that the cool climate of Oregon is ideal for more than just Pinot Noir, and they have begun experimenting by producing Old World varietals in New World style.
The inspiration of this wine is actually LaMonica's Italian grandfather, whom she lovingly referred to as Gampo. Grande Dalles Gampo is composed of an Old World blend of 80% Sangiovese (a Brunello clone), 17% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 3% Cabernet Franc. With beautiful ruby coloring and the earthy aromas of red fruits and leather, Gampo has exceptionally fine tannins and has subtle flavors of cherry, espresso, walnut and olives. Because it is primarily made from the Tuscan grape variety Sangiovese, Grande Dalles Gampo pairs beautifully with traditional Italian dishes made with truffles, braised game such as rabbit or boar, osso buco or anything with a tomato-based sauce.
Tip: Currently Grande Dalles Gampo can only be ordered online, but check out the Holiday Promotion to buy a 3 Bottle Sampler Pack. After the New Year, you'll be able to find Gampo as well as their other varieties in various NYC stores and restaurants.
Photo credit: Grande Dalles
— Written by Valerie Cario
0 Comments >
Tags : Grande Dalles Gampo, Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Stephanie LaMonica, Scott Elder
June 22, 2010 8:48 am
If you're anything like me, you've been craving a good burger ever since the temperatures outside hit 70. But gorging yourself on a delicious meaty sandwich does not always mean you have to leave class at the door. Enter B Cellars Blend 24 from 2005, a glorious blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sangiovese and Petite Syrah. With notes of currents, black cherry, mineral, sage and smoked bacon, it's the perfect match for a juicy burger or discreetly charred steak.
The best part? Since this wine is not as young as some of its counterparts, it is best sipped slowly between 2010 and 2016. Tip: If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen and into the wild with this wine! Since it has smooth, rich undertones, it'll pair nicely with a roaring campfire and ghost stories.
Photo credit: hitimewine.net
— Written by Kaitlin A. Lipe
0 Comments >
Tags : burger, b cellars, merlot, cabernet sauvignon, sangiovese, petit sirah
May 9, 2010 12:13 pm
Movies aren't the only thing Francis Ford Coppola does well. Other than producing films like The Godfather and Dracula, Coppola has been creating wines of the same caliber at his Alexander Valley winery. Our Wine of the Day is one of his most famous: the Diamond Collection Cabernet Sauvignon.
Director of Winemaking Corey Beck creates deep, layered flavor by blending Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Merlot, Malbec and Cabernet Franc, which collectively make for a structured and balanced wine. Deep crimson in color, this wine has strong aromas of blackberries, plums and vanilla while flavors of black cherry, cassis and spice dominate the palate. Beck recommends pairing this full-bodied wine with hearty meat dishes such as beef stroganoff or leg of lamb. Trick: Wines that contain combinations of the five Bordeaux varietals (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot) are sure to be full-bodied and almost always vastly improve with age.
Photo credit: www.lovelypackage.com
— Written by Lisa Curry
0 Comments >
Tags : Behind the Burner, Lisa Curry, Francis Coppola, Cabernet Sauvignon, Wine, Diamond Collection, Corey Beck
Subscribe to our Feed >
Join Our Facebook Group >
Follow us on twitter >
View our Flickr Photostream >
