2015 Squadra Rosso Alcamo, Sicily Italy

Many things have changed over the years but one thing remains in Sicily and that is the grape varietals and winegrowing traditions remain a part of the culture. The meticulous attention to both vineyard and winemaking allow some of the best Italian wines to come from this region. Sicilian wines are sought after around the world as they can be paired with a variety of dishes.

The 2015 Rosso is a blend of 75% Nero d' Avola and 25% Nerello Mascalese which are 2 red grapes from the region. The grapes for this wine are organic. On the nose red berry clusters, dark cherry, blackberry and plum with barrel spice, black licorice and leather.

The mouth is lush and fruity with cherry and strawberry, dark berries followed by spice and a hint of licorice. Such an easy drinker and paired nicely with my san marzano tomato marinara over linguine. I could serve this wine with every meal of the day everyday!

This was a purchase from my friends shop First Avenue Wine House. I better go grab more.

Cheers
Dan

2015 Campesino Cellars Grenache Steel Plow Vineyard Sonoma Valley

Grenache just happens to be a grape that is grown in many parts of the world. The vines thrive in hot dry conditions where water stress becomes the vines friend. Typically Grenache has a high alcohol content and needs a very long growing season to mature. Versatile, the wine can be made on it's own or used in blends (GSM or Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre) just to name one. The Steel Plow Vineyard is located at the base of Adobe Canyon Road in Kenwood and is organically farmed.

Opening a bottle of Campesino Cellars wine is like visiting an old friend. With each cork pulled, you taste the meticulous handling of the grapes from vineyard to bottle. You feel and smell the vineyard characteristics picturing yourself standing among the vines. I just made the hair on your arms stand up didn't I.

The 2015 Grenache opens up with fresh herbs and spice with hints of dusty earth followed by bursts of fresh sliced strawberries and cherries. Continue to swirl and the aromas of fruit and spice float like clouds. So beautifully aromatic. Aged 20 months in used French oak barrels.

The mouth sings red fruit with bright cherry, strawberry, cranberry and a splash of raspberry rounding with cola and spice. The finish is long and juicy. A really wonderful bottle of wine Macario and my favorite Grenache!

Small production wines at their finest.  Only 65 cases produced. Check out their offerings by clicking this wine link and enjoy your own Campesino Cellars wines.

Cheers
Dan