Greetings!
We trust you are enjoying our rather chilly summer thus far. Warmer than tepid weather is around the corner and we’re sure the BBQ has been fired up regardless of the prevailing climate. This week’s release brought great elation to us – the feature is Malbec. A fabulous grape honed in Argentina, but originally from France under the name Cot, hailing from the Cahors region. 
In France it is generally usually as a blending varietal. Malbec’s prime characteristics are its deep, dark colour and overwhelming smoothness. Depending on the producer, different flavours prevail – but they are predominately black fruits, spice, mocha and earthiness. Vintages is hailing Malbec as a fabulous BBQ wine and that it is – but we also like it with just about any meat, pasta, pizza or stew.
The varietal has seen growing popularity over the past few years and we all know what that means from a Supply/Demand perspective – prices will go up. Don’t despair, there are some really reasonable, tasty wines on offer this weekend.
Here are our picks:
White Wine
90969 Sandalford Element Classic White 2008 (Australia) $13.95
This is a blend of Verdelho, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc and Riesling, the nose just hits you with pungency, on the palate it is herbaceous, grassy, some guava and lime citrus acidity that carries through on the finish. Easy drinking makes for a good sipper!
682625 Domaine De La Grange Vieilles Vignes Muscadet Sèvre & Maine 2007 (Loire) $14.95
Green apple nose with some ripeness, mineral notes and lemony flavours.
106393 Trerè 2007 (Emilia-Romagna, Italy) $15.95
This little number made from the Albana varietal widely planted in Emilia Romagna expresses white grapefruit flavours, some grass and an oily mouth-feel with tangy acidity. This wine is off dry, quite unusual and makes an awesome aperitif or paired with spicy foods.
Rosé Wine
34298 Peter Lehmann Rosé 2008 (Barossa, South Australia) $15.95
Very refreshing with loads of strawberry and raspberry flavours and some citrus. A great sipper served well chilled!
Red Wine
122325 Sabor Real Viñas Centenarias Tempranillo 2005 (Spain) $19.95
Delish, featuring black cherry, blackberry, chocolate and spice and some minerality with ample fruit replaying on a lengthy finish. Jay Miller of erobertparker.com scored this a 91. This will benefit from another 2-3 years of cellaring. We just loved this one!
3509 Chakana Malbec 2008 (Argentina) $13.95
Here is a returning fave some meat on the nose and ripe fruit, overall well balanced and big on flavour.
64998 Michel Torino Estate Don David Reserve Malbec 2007 (Argentina) $12.95
Bursting with dark berry flavours, spice box, cedar, mineral and all the character that makes a good Malbec. This one is a steal, we simply love it!
117127 Terre Di Verona Ripasso Valpolicella 2006 (Veneto, Italy) $17.95
Featuring flavours of dark fruit, cocoa, rich dried fruits, soft tannins and a lengthy finish. YUM!!
1313 Albet I Noya Lignum 2006 (Spain) $16.95
This easy drinking red is a blend of Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon and Carignan featuring plumy flavours, smoke and some gamey notes. Very well made and it is organic.
Don’t forget – the Vintages Value List can always be found at:
ALP
Rose & Karen
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