Wines from southern Italy are the feature of this release. That’s good news for you “Value Listers” because Italian wines can be pricey, but this is not necessarily the case when they hail from the southern regions.
Rose is a self-declared “Zin-head” – meaning an individual that prefers Zinfandel. Zinfandel hails from California, so Rose was delighted to see that Southern Italy was the feature because that is the birthplace of the Zinfandel grape aka Primitivo in Italy. We know, this wine jargon, rules and descriptions can be confusing. Suffice to say both Zinfandel and Primitivo are fruit-forward and full-bodied, but Primitivo tends to be more restrained than its American cousin. There are other great wines on offer this week.
Check them out and remember – good friends don’t let their friends drink Fuzion every day!
Sparkling Wine
665372 Codorniu Pinot Noir Rose Brut Cava (Spain) $16.95
This is a great value for a wine made from a pesky grape in the traditional method. This sparkling rose will knock your socks off – it’s dry, crisp and lively with gentle berry notes.
White Wine
119669 Oceana Riesling 2007 (California) $15.95
This is a medium-dry bargain from California – packaged in a vibrant blue bottle. Inside you will find a wine brimming with lime, peach and a speck of stoniness. It is crisp despite its medium-dry status.
9167 Momo Sauvignon Blanc 2008 (New Zealand) $18.95
Fun and light typical New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc featuring the signature aromas of asparagus, fresh cut grass, herb and pea notes with citrusy flavours of lemon and grapefruit and juicy acidity.
115782 Gamona Gessamí 2007 (Spain) $19.95
This sexy number is a 30, 30, 30 blend of Muscat d’Alexandria, Muscat de Frontignan and Sauvignon Blanc and 10 Gewurztraminer hence the perfumed aromatics of sweet melon, tangerine, rose and lavender with flavours of citrus, fruit pit and tropical fruit and an ample finish. Just like a fruit parfait in a bottle.
Red Wine
120915 Feudi di San Marzano Primitivo 2007 (Italy) $13.95
First off, this wine tastes better than its nose. We realize this isn’t a huge selling feature but give it a whirl as you won’t be disappointed. Look for damson plum notes in a well-rounded wine with a very slight sweet note. *
123364 Menhir No. Zero Negroamaro 2006 (Italy) $14.95
Modern meets traditional! Loads of ripe and flavourful plums, cherry, licorice and cocoa with good acidity and some gripping tannins. The berries for this wine were sourced from very old vines, and modern winemaking techniques were used with this traditional grape variety. This is an excellent buy!
23119 Gladiator Primitivo Di Manduria 2006 (Italy) $14.95
Calling all you "Zin" heads, this does not disappoint. Medium bodied with loads of black fruit, sage tar, spice and meaty notes that is quite velvety smooth on the palate. *
121038 Vignamaggio Suhaili Syrah 2006 (Italy) $14.95
Well defined old world style here. Berries, spice and leather come out of this well-balanced, medium bodied wine. Great with BBQ fare.
719674 Domaine de Poujc Madiran 2005 (SW France) $14.95
Dark, inky, shtanky – true to the Madiran form. This is a lovely wine, from the iconic ’05 vintage at a fabulous price.
673590 Château Haut-Monplaisir Traditon 2006 (Cahors) $16.95
Here is a big black and inky beauty Malbec aka Cot with some Merlot featuring blackcurrant, black cherry and tobacco box. Drink now or cellar for 3-5 years to soften those tannins.
108068 Pirramimma Old Bush Vine Grenache 2004 (McLaren Vale, AUS) $19.95
Blackberry, chocolate and spice predominate. We tasted this release with a wine neophyte – Trevor – and this was his fave.
106914 Le Tobele Ripasso Valpolicella 2006 (Italy) $19.95
This is a rather fruity Italian number with raisin notes due to the ripasso method (a winemaking method that involves using unpressed skins from dried grapes in order to increase body, colour & alcohol).
> $40.
123745 La Palazzetta Brunello Di Montalcino 2003 (Tuscany) $42.95
Well priced Brunello featuring flavours of sour cherry, dried fig, almond, underbrush, and softening tannins that is oh so delish! Drink now or hold for 2-4 years. Perfect for that special occasion!
* for you Deb.
ALP
Rose & Karen
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