Thursday, August 28, 2008

Red Wine Recommendations and Reviews

Looking for tried and true red wine finds? What about terrific value wines that are priced from $10 and under? Look no further...check out these well-rated red wine finds!

Rosé wines are perhaps the most versatile, food-friendly wines around. They have had an image problem to overcome, thanks in part to the run of "White Zin," as many consumers mistake Rosé wines to be overly sweet and in the category of "starter wine." However, Rosé wine sales are on the rise as savvy Wine Lovers have discovered that many of these pink wines fall into the definitively "dry" category, not sugary sweet, and the vast majority of Rosé wines offer a very good wine value for the money. Rosé wine hues come from the short contact time that the grape juice has with the grape skin. Serve chilled.

1. Montes Cherub Rose of Syrah 2007 (Chile) $16

This brilliantly colored Rosé from Chile is made from 100% Syrah grapes, resulting in a delicious array of fresh fruit flavors amidst well-supported structure. Very refreshing - perfect as an apertif or with fresh veggies, highly flavored Asian food or grilled poultry or fish.

2. St. Supery Rosé 2006 (CA) $20

St. Supery has delivered a vibrant, refreshing summer sipper Rosé. Talk about color - the hues are truly an eye-catching array of pink and salmon. This wine is made from Merlot grapes and boasts big berry flavor - mainly strawberry, cherry and raspberry on the cusp. It is dry wine and has perfect pairing versatility for completing summer's favorite fare!

3. Masseria Altemura Rosato 2006 (Italy) $12

This Italian Rosato is made from 100% Negroamaro grapes, resulting in a cherry red color profile and a fragrant fruit-filled bouquet. The palate provides a good bit of cherry and raspberry in a well-balanced format. Perfect with appetizers.

4. Red Guitar Garnacha Old Vine Rosé 2006 (Spain) $12

A fun, spirited Rosé that is dry, yet full of robust red fruit flavor - boasts good acidity and a lovely crisp finish.


5. Tablas Creek Rosé 2006 (CA) $22

This Rosé is a blend of Mourvèdre, Grenache and Counoise grapes. The result is an astonishing Rosé that has both finesse and staying power. Aromatic and elegant - bright red fruit wrapped in spice - give this Rosé a distinguished edge to many in its class.

6. Jaboulet Parallele 45 Rosé 2006 (France) $10

From France, this Rosé is blend of 50% Grenache, 40% Cinsault and 10% Syrah. The color is a striking pink rose and the aromas are floral. The flavor profile offers lots of depth with red cherry dominating in a dry palate environment. A very remarkable Rosé to pair with an unlimited menu of food options.

7. Francis Ford Coppola Sofia Rosé 2007 (CA) $12

This Rosé by Coppola is tip top on the elegance chart. Starting with a stunning bottle shape and presentation it only gets better when you pop the cork. The Coppola Sofia Rosé is derived from Pinot Noir grapes and offers exuberant fruit - strawberries, cherry and raspberry as expected but wrapped in subtle citrus notes, which was unexpected and quite fresh on the palate. Would be perfect for a bridal shower. Truly a delight!

8. Folie a Deux Menage a Trois Rosé 2006 (CA) $10

Folie a Deux has produced a unique Rosé from an exceptional blend of Merlot, Syrah and Gewürztraminer no less! Ultra fresh fruit flavors of strawberry and raspberry wrapped in spice and delivered in well-balanced harmony, greet the palate. A fantastic Rosé wine find, that will support a myriad of food flavors starting with appetizers and ending with Thai.

9. Mulderbosch Stellenbosch Rose 2006 (S. Africa) $12

This South African Rosé is dry, crisp and offers good acidity. Its coral color is jewel-like and the aroma is earthy berry. The flavor profile is an interesting mix of fruit - bits of strawberry, touches of citrus, and nuances of melon supported by a deep minerality and some peppery spice. Great with shellfish.

10. J Vineyards Brut Rose (CA) $30

A tremendous treat - this sparkling Rosé from J Vineyards is bursting with ripe red berry and lively citrus fruits both on the nose and the palate. A balanced wine composed of three grapes - Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier, it offers good vitality and a festive charisma be it the first sip or the last.

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11. Chateau Ste. Michelle Nellie's Garden Dry Rose 2006 (WA) $10

This hot pink wine is a fantastic summer supplement to just about any backyard barbecue or summer get together. Not overly dry and not overly sweet, but enjoying a happy medium for both appetizers and entrees alike. Lots of fruit and an approachable presence make this wine a true crowd pleaser.

12. Beringer California Sparkling White Zinfandel (CA) $10

The Beringer Sparkling Rosé is one for those who are "White Zin" lovers, but it has bubbles and is quite refreshing! Made from Zinfandel grapes and offering a sweet strawberry meets spumante experience - a fun wine to pop open for summer gatherings.

Cabernet Sauvignon Recommendations for Under $10 Shiraz/Syrah Recommendations for Under $10 Merlot Wine Recommendations for Under $10 Pinot Noir Recommendations Under $10 Pinot Noir Recommendations Priced from $11-20 Cabernet Sauvignon Recommendations


A review of four recommended Cabernet Sauvignon wines.

Barolo Wine Recommendations
Barolo wines are derived from the Nebbiolo grape and produced in Italy's Piedmont region. This is truly one of the world's best red wines and is an example of a wine that gets better and better with age.

Pocket Wine Guide
The Pocket Wine Guide is a handy reference guide for the market's "Best Wines Under $10." From Cabernet Sauvignon to Chardonnay, we've included a top pick wine from each of the "big 10" varietals. We’ve all been there... in your favorite wine store and unable to remember, decide or find the perfect wine that is under the magical $10 mark. That’s what this pocket guide is for.

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