CRAVE > TIME TO WINE WHAT THE EXPERTS THINK YOU SHOULD BE SIPPING THIS WEEK.Byline: >CARLY DRYDEN Chronicle Wine Cellar 913 E. California Blvd. Pasadena (626) 577-2549 www.cwcellar.com Dave Fertig, sommelier >RED OF THE WEEK Chateau Pesquie, Cotes du Ventoux, Les Terrasses, 2004 ($9.99) It's almost unbelievable that this ancient blend of 70 percent grenache and 30 percent syrah can be found for under $15. It's no surprise the bottle scored 90 points in wine critic Robert Parker's survey. The vibrant, full-bodied wine with notes of truffle truffle (trŭf`əl) [Fr.], subterranean edible fungus that forms a mutually beneficial (symbiotic) relationship with the roots of certain trees and plants. The part of the fungus used as food is the ascoma, the fruiting body of the fungus. , tar, blackberry and cassis cas·sis n. 1. A Eurasian currant (Ribes nigrum) bearing black berries. 2. A cordial made from the berries of this plant. , could only be more delectable paired with a pork loin loin (loin) the part of the back between the thorax and pelvis. loin n. The part of the body on either side of the spinal column between the ribs and the pelvis. blanketed with olive oil olive oil, pale yellow to greenish oil obtained from the pulp of olives by separating the liquids from solids. Olive oil was used in the ancient world for lighting, in the preparation of food, and as an anointing oil for both ritual and cosmetic purposes. , garlic, rosemary and sun-dried tomatoes, and barbecued to perfection Adv. 1. to perfection - in every detail; "the new house suited them to a T" just right, to a T, to the letter . >WHITE OF THE WEEK Burgans Albarino, 2006 ($9.95) For those stuck in a chardonnay/sauvignon blanc rut, try this light, gold-colored white wine exuding honey, mineral, orange marmalade and peach aromas. The exotic origins of this white make it off-dry, and delicious with a crab salad, roasted chicken or any seafood dish. The Wine Country 2301 Redondo Ave. Signal Hill (562) 597-8303 www.thewinecountry.com Nancy Deprez, Southern Hemisphere wine expert >RED OF THE WEEK Blind Trail Central Otago Central Otago is the inland part of the New Zealand region of Otago in the South Island. The area commonly known as Central Otago includes both the Central Otago District and the Queenstown-Lakes District to the west. Pinot Noir, New Zealand New Zealand (zē`lənd), island country (2005 est. pop. 4,035,000), 104,454 sq mi (270,534 sq km), in the S Pacific Ocean, over 1,000 mi (1,600 km) SE of Australia. The capital is Wellington; the largest city and leading port is Auckland. , 2006 ($19.99) The cool climate and hilly terrain of its origin give this pinot noir the perfect blend of ethereal, expressive and flavorful, while still remaining light enough to pair with roast duck, pork loin or rotisserie chicken. Blind Trail boasts a velvety vel·vet·y adj. vel·vet·i·er, vel·vet·i·est 1. Suggestive of the texture of velvet; soft and smooth: velvety skin. 2. texture and is balanced with cherry fruit, olive and earth. >WHITE OF THE WEEK Angove's Nine Vines Viognier, South Australia, 2006 ($9.99) Viognier, with its enticing aroma of white flowers and fresh-cut honeydew, is arguably one of the summer's greatest picks. Even with a full-bodied tropical fruit taste, it finishes dry and is delicious with late-summer foods such as seared sear 1 v. seared, sear·ing, sears v.tr. 1. To char, scorch, or burn the surface of with or as if with a hot instrument. See Synonyms at burn1. 2. halibut halibut: see flatfish. halibut Any of various flatfishes, especially the Atlantic and Pacific halibuts (genus Hippoglossus, family Pleuronectidae), both of which have eyes and colour on the right side. , linguine with clams or chicken salad. Fireside Cellars 1421 Montana Ave. Santa Monica (310) 393-2888 www.firesidecellars.com Mark Fitzmorris, sommelier >RED OF THE WEEK Toppy Pinot Noir, 2006 ($13.99) An assortment of grapes from several vineyards across California created this soft, easy drink, which is very smooth on the finish and can be slightly chilled. Recommended pairings include salmon, tuna, chicken, pork or veal grilled, not smoked, which would be too flavorful to match the wine properly. >WHITE OF THE WEEK Salneval Rias Baixas Albarino, Spain, 2006 ($9.99) No wine is more perfect for late summer than an albarino from the northeast region of Spain. Crisp, light, fruity and medium-bodied, the Salneval is the perfect seafood wine. Duke of Bourbon Duke of Bourbon (French: Duc de Bourbon) is a title in the peerage of France. It was created in the first half of the 14th century for the eldest son of Robert of France, Count of Clermont and Beatrice of Burgundy, heiress of the lordship of Bourbon. 20908 Roscoe Blvd. Canoga Park (818) 341-1234 www.dukeofbourbon.com Steven Zigman, manager and wine buyer >RED OF THE WEEK Vinas del Cenit tempranillo, Zamora, Spain, 2004 ($25) This relative of syrah is lush, exquisite and velvety smooth, big and rich enough to be paired with a decadent steak. >WHITE OF THE WEEK Gold Chardonnay, 2006 ($19.99) Never has an Australian white wine been so intriguing or mysterious. The maker of this chardonnay-based wine -- filled with gold flakes inside the bottle, hence the name -- refuses to divulge the other ingredients. The mysterious concoction proves well-balanced, very versatile and an overall gold-standard wine, easily paired with salad, pasta, fish or chicken. CAPTION(S): 4 photos Photo: (1) no caption (Terrasses) (2) no caption (Angove's Nine Vines) (3) no caption (Salneval Rias Baixas Albarino) (4) no caption (Cenit) |
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