Passaggio 2012 New Generation Unoaked Chardonnay

Unoaked Chardonnay has become very popular in recent years especially those created by winemaker Cynthia Cosco owner/winemaker of Passaggio Wines . Known for their fruit forward characteristics these wines are very food friendly or conversational sippers whichever you prefer. "Follow Your Passion" Cindy's motto, can be witnessed each time you speak with her or taste wine at a pouring. She loves being a winemaker and believes something magical happens when you bring wine and friends together.

The grapes for Passaggio's Chardonnay are from the Lodi region of California. Tonight's wine aromas are ripe pear and pineapple, with hints of red apple. A nice lemon/lime citrus greets your nose as you continue to swirl. Crisp and refreshing!

In the mouth fresh honeydew melon, crisp pear, lemon and lime zest and a touch of minerality. As the wine warms more tropical fruit notes. One of the first unoaked chardonnay's in my cellar, each vintage continues to please my palate. I served the wine with baked chicken drizzled in olive oil and fresh italian herbs along with creamy rice pilaf. What a pairing! Cindy you nailed it again....exactly why I continue to drink your wines!

You can find Passaggio Wines online or stop by the Dogpatch Wine Works to get your personal tasting and meet the winemaker. Looking to join a great wine club then The Passionistas Wine Club is just for you. Save 20% on all wine everyday all year! Maybe the winemaker will even sign a bottle or 2!

Cheers
Dan

Torre De Gazate Cosecha 2011 LaMancha Spain Tempranillo

Who really digs Tempranillo? Yes this guy and what better than a Spanish Tempranillo (sample provided). La Mancha is not only one of Spains largest wine regions but the oldest. Soils are high in limestone and chalk which allow the vines a perfect water supply. Tempranillo is the most popular wine variety from this region and yes there are other grapes grown as well.

On the nose a nice smokey dusty oak and plum dominate. I pick up some blackberry, raspberry, cherry along with tobacco, herbal notes and a touch of leather. As the wine opens the red fruit really shows its character.

Delicious blackberry, raspberry and plum with a nice little toasty vanilla character. The finish is soft dominated by the plum and earthy herbs. I served this wine with a rustic beef stew, root vegetables and fresh herbs. The wine and the food were a big hit. Try serving the wine with grilled cheese burgers too.

Spanish wine.....have you tasted some lately!

Cheers
Dan

Casillero del Diablo Chardonnay Limari Valley and Pinot Noir Casablanca Valley Chile

Wines of Chile are becoming popular in my house and among friends who stop by for a personal tasting (barge in is more like it). Tonight I uncorked the 2011 Chardonnay and 2012 Pinot Noir. Fruit forward and easy drinking these wines are very food friendly. So busy traveling the past month and thankfully it's concluded. Cutting into my wine time makes for a grumpy wino LOL.

The 2011 Chardonnay was the first Chilean wine to find a way to my glass. Rich vanilla, ripe green apple with hints of fresh pear. Continue to swirl and melon with a nice allspice treats the nose.

Love the mouth on this wine. Apple and pear with hints of lemon citrus and a touch of oak. Excellent medium bodied wine with nice fruit and acidity. Great wine to start the evening.

The 2012 Pinot Noir was next in the glass. Huge cherry, cinnamon clove aroma right from the start. Strawberry with earthy mushroom notes. Nice nose.

The mouth juicy cherry with strawberry and cranberry. Just a touch of clove with a splash of cocoa and mocha. The finish reveals fresh ground cinnamon along with the fruit. Complex little pinot.

Watch for more tasting notes on additional bottles of Casillero del Diablo. Try some Chilean wine today!

Cheers
Dan

Las Lilas and Cruzeiro Branco Vinho Verde

Amidst all the hustle and bustle of daily life, it's so relaxing to sit and enjoy a glass of white wine. Sharing with friends or kicking the feet up on the screen porch, white should be a staple in your cellar. I have tasted many of the Vinho Verde wines and really enjoy them.

First wine is the Las Lilas with its nose of citrus. Lemon/Lime with fresh melon, cantaloupe and peach. Feels like I'm standing on the coastline of Portugal with the sea breeze in my face as I sniff this crisp wine. Nice mouth with bright lemon and peach. Fresh honeydew melon with hints of cantaloupe and a lemon lime finish.

Unfortunately the Cruzeiro Branco bottle had leaked in the packaging and once the foil was removed the cork had pushed out so no tasting for that bottle.

Grab a bottle or 5 of the wines of Vinho Verde. I think you will enjoy their quality and price.

Cheers
Dan

2010 Ponzi Pinot Noir Willamette Valley Oregon

Nestled in the lush country side of the Willamette Valley in Oregon we find the 43 year old Ponzi Vineyards and their award winning pinot noir. Covering 120 acres the family owned operation is "Live Certified Sustainable" the highest standard attainable for sustainable viticulture and enology. Ponzi is considered one of the top wine producers in the country. Tonight's wine was aged 11 months in french oak and is a blend of several of Ponzi's vineyards. Priced at $35 and the closure is a screw cap.

The nose fills with fresh ground cinnamon, dark cherry and earthy tones. Hints of raspberry and cranberry with a touch of dried herbs/leather as well. Nice aromas which are oh so pleasing! Time to drink and enjoy.

Lovely pinot noir with big ripe cherry notes. Cranberry and plum follow the cherry to the nice long finish. Earthy notes minus any spice. Definitely a fruit forward pinot which is soft and elegant. A perfect compliment to my italian seasoned pork chops. Luisa it's easy to see why you are one of the top winemakers in the country.

To learn more about Ponzi Wines click the link. Whether wine tasting or touring at the vineyard, a nice meal at the bistro or a stop at the Ponzi Wine Bar, a visit is a must when in Oregon.

Cheers
Dan