By THE WINE GUY
It’s said very often today that diversity gives strength to people and things, so I’ve decided to see how it works for wine recommendations. No particular theme this week; just some styles and labels that I think will be fun and interesting to try.
You’re going to want to wet your whistle on this delicious Guy Saget Marie de Beauregard Vouvray wine lovers! Guy Saget Marie de Beauregard Vouvray 2015 ($19.99) Why? Because it’s got seductive ripe fruit as well as honey, subtle spice and even toasty notes, all beautifully woven together in a stunningly bright balance. We say enjoy your first glasses with lettuce cups filled with garlicky ginger-chili chicken. Baked ham is a terrific pairing because its salt is lovely opposite the honeyed fruit of the wine. Mild to moderately spicy Asian fare also pairs well with those flavors. Or, let the wine’s bright freshness be the foil for a decadent Peking duck with all the trimmings. You’ll love it. To finish? A French Camembert cheese, toasted pecans and some quince paste. Et voila!
Evodia 2016, Roussillon ($16.99) The vineyards for Evodia were ferreted out by the amazingly talented team behind Altovinum: Eric Solomon, Jean Marc Lafage and Yolanda Diaz. Yolanda Diaz, a native of Calatayud, has an intimate knowledge of the DO and its terroir – her relationships in the region are an invaluable asset to the project. The winemaking is placed in the capable hands of dynamic enologist, Jean Marc Lafage – a man Robert Parker called “irrepressible.” Jean Marc consults on projects worldwide and owns one of the Roussillon’s visionary wineries, Domaine Lafage. And finally, Eric Solomon, a self-appointed Grenache practitioner, represents the finest Grenache producers in the world. Pour it with short rib crostini with cambozola cheese and cherry jam; the combination is breathtaking. Lamb burgers with mint aioli and frizzled onions is a great casual option. Garam-masala-crusted chicken with prune jus brings beautiful spice for the heady fruit in this Evodia. Or try it with lamb cutlets and wild rice and have at least two or three bottles stacked and ready for the meal; the price is so right for that!
Walter Hansel Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2015 ($32.99). This is a great Chardonnay with loads of honeysuckle, buttered citrus, orange and white peach notes, a medium to full body, terrific energy and purity. This is a terrific wine that tastes like a Chardonnay that should be selling for three or four times the price. So, consumers take note. Drink it over the next 4-5 years (2016-2021). This is an enviable winery run by Stephen Hansel with exceptionally high-quality Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs that he sells at modest prices, which speaks to his humility and commitment to serious wine consumers. There are more than 80 acres of estate, so it is not small, split evenly between Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Parker, by the way, gives it 92 points.
Be diverse and enjoy them all!
Talk to THE WINE GUY at jdris8888@gmail.com
