Favorite Toys of the Trade: Riedel 'Amadeo' Decanter

All Images: © 2010 Donofrio

Fashion and Function...Riedel always seems to get it right.

Bargain Bins (Wines to try for under $20)

© 2010 Donofrio

2007 Mas Donis "Barrica", Montsant (Catalonia, Spain)

Appellation: Montsant (DO)

Region: Catalonia

Grapes: Garnacha (85%), Syrah (15%)

Food Pairings: Grilled poultry or roast turkey with sausage stuffing. Medium-flavored cured meats and cheeses. 

Montsant is a fairly new appellation in the northeast corner of Spain, not far from Barcelona. It straddles the picturesque wine villages of the Priorat region and shares some of the soil and terrain that has made that region so treasured.

However, what Priorat and Monsant don't typically share is the pricing of their wines. Many of the best Priorat vineyards are on high, steep slopes with nothing but a slippery slate (called licorella) under foot. To farm these vineyards is slow and sometimes dangerous and that is reflected in the high price of many of the wines. Most Montsant vineyards are on gently sloped hills or even cut into flatter terraces along mountain ranges. This type of farming eases the labor requirements and those savings are usually passed on to the consumer. What you get is a Priorat-inspired wine at a fraction of the price...

Tasting Notes:

• 
  
  The color is purple/bright ruby at the core that pushes consistent almost to the rim. The tears have moderate viscosity and fall slightly stained.
• 
  
  On the nose there is a powerful jammy, stewed fruit aroma of red and black plum, red cherry, and deeper black fruit. The dusty-slate character is mixed with sweet and savory oak nuances.
• 
  
  The palate is filled with flavors of ripe, baked cherry and black fruit jam. The smoky oak and delicate floral tones are balanced with hints of cinnamon/vanilla spice. The finish is fairly long, complex, and a touch warm. The tannins are smooth and the refreshing acidity is elevated. Delicious now...

CD

Bargain Bins (Wines to try for under $20)

© 2010 Donofrio

2008 Mauro Molino, Langhe Rosso (Piedmont, Italy)

Appellation: Langhe Rosso (DOC)

Region: Piedmont

Grapes: Nebbiolo, Barbera, Merlot, Cabernet

Food Pairings: Roasted meats, stews, red sauces and flavorful cheeses.

Tasting Notes:

• 
  
  The color is bright ruby/purple at the core and fades to a medium-ruby rim. The tears are moderately viscous with a slight pigmentation.
• 
  
  On the nose there is an earthy, spicy element to the juicy red/black fruit notes. Aromas of red cherry, red plum, and deeper blackberry are enhanced by sweet and savory spice nuances. Interestingly, the wine is matured in stainless steel so the spice elements are varietal traits interlaced with terroir.

• The palate is filled with juicy cherry pie flavors and elements of red/black plum. The acidity is fresh and lively and balances out the smooth tannins and earth component. The finish is fairly long, complex, and balanced. This wine is delicious right now...so why wait?

CD

2010 Harvest Season...Images From Outer Coastal Plain AVA (N.J.)

Top 2 Images: Empty picking bins and fermentation underway in stainless steel tanks.

Fermenting vat awaiting daily punchdowns.

Beautiful colors in the vineyard signal extra work in the winery.

Busy crush pad with fermenting vats, wine press, and baskets.

Punchdowns or pigeage require intense effort to submerge the cap of skins and integrate the juice below.

All Images:
© 2010 Donofrio

Bargain Bins (Wines to try for under $20)

© 2010 Donofrio

2006 Taurino "Riserva", Salice Salentino Rosso (Apulia, Italy)

Appellation: Salice Salentino (DOC)

Region: Apulia

Grapes: Negroamaro, Malvasia Nera 

Food Pairings: Grilled meats and roasts, tomato-based sauces and bold cheeses, pizza w grilled vegetables.

This wine hails from Apulia, Italy (the narrow strap of land that runs the "heel of Italy") and bears the name of the small town that centers production. Bush vine cultivation, known locally as alberello, has long been the tradition here. In recent years, many producers have abandoned that practice in favor of modern, wire-trained viticulture.

The famed estate of Dottor Cosimo Taurino has kept the single-bush cultivation tradition in the vineyard and prefers the innovation to be shown in the winery instead. Six to eight months in small oak barrique, still unusual in this area, is what gives this wine its subtle spice and elegant structure.

Tasting Notes:

• 
  
  The color is medium ruby at the core and fades to a light-ruby, pinkish rim. The tears are viscous and slightly stained.
• 
  
  On the nose there is an earthy, spicy element to the baked fruit notes. Aromas of red cherry, red plum, and deeper black fruit are wrapped by sweet and savory (subtle) oak nuances.

• The palate is filled with fresh-baked cherry pie flavors and elements of red/black plum. The acidity is fresh and lively and balances out the tannin, earth, and oak. The finish is fairly long, complex, and a touch warm. The wine is still fairly tight upon the opening; give it some air and time...

CD