2011 Cupra Ramato Attems Pinot Grigio

Norm's Tasting Notes
by: Norm Bentley
North Georgia Wine Advisor
normwine@bellsouth.net





2011 Cupra Ramato Attems Pinot Grigio
#nb-25-12


This is a different type of Pinot Grigio, and although different, it is excellent with its distinctive color and flavor. The 2011 Cupra Ramato Attems Pinot Grigio hails from the Friuli-Venezia Giulia area of Northeastern Italy. The wineries from Friuli have become well known for Pinot Grigio. This one though, stands out because of its coppery color and its well rounded flavor tones. The color is achieved by a lenghtened contact with the must and the skins to take on an almost orange hue, which also brings out flavors not always found in Pinot Grigio.

We had a real summer time meal the other night of salmon and zucchini grilled on the barbecue, and paired with the Attems Pinot Grigio. What a delightful combination! The nose of this wine is floral and opens into a fruit bowl of flavors. There was pineapple and strawberry swirling around with tart cherry and a hint of apricot. The finish was mellow and lingering, with the presence of the apricot at the end. The alcohol level is 12.5%

This is definetitly a summer wine, and would be great with shrimp or fish on the grill, paired with grilled vegetables or peppers, and of course, it was spot on with grilled salmon. Norm's score is 88.


Score: 88
Price: $14 - $19


Norm

Norm's Tasting Notes can also be accessed at his Blog: http://normwine.blogspot.com/

Norm's Tasting Notes available online at either:
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WINE - God's proof of his love for humanity

Mondavi Private Selection Zinfandel

Norm's Tasting Notes
by: Norm Bentley
North Georgia Wine Advisor
normwine@bellsouth.net






2010 Robert Mondavi Private Selection California Zinfandel
#nb-24-12


Zinfandel is excellent with barbecued chicken, and I make great barbecue chicken, featuring my own homemade BBQ sauce. We tried this the other night with a bottle of 2010 Robert Mondaviv Private Selection California Zinfandel, and I knew that summer had arrived. This is a value priced Zinfandel which is easy to drink and goes well with a variety of foods.

The nose is bright and full of lush berry aromas. The flavors are spicy with a little pepper, and a pronounced black raspberry presence. The wine finishes well with a lingering aftertaste of spice and tangy fruit. The alcohol level is 13.5%. The grapes are from the Central Coast region, and the wine was aged in oak for eleven months.

I always like Zinfandel with spaghetti, but this one was really good with our barbecued chicken, and would also be great for backyard hamburgers. Norm's score is 86.


Score: 86
Price: $8 - $10

Norm

Norm's Tasting Notes can also be accessed at his Blog: http://normwine.blogspot.com/

Norm's Tasting Notes available online at either:
dawsontimes.com
cumminghome.com
pineisland-eagle.com
thecherokeeconnection.com







WINE - God's proof of his love for humanity

2009 Santa Rita Reserva Carmenere

Norm's Tasting Notes
by: Norm Bentley
North Georgia Wine Advisor
normwine@bellsouth.net






2009 Santa Rita Reserva Carmenere
#nb-23-12



A quality wine does not have to cost quality bucks, and this one is quality, plus its great with lamb! From the Rapel Valley in Chile, the 2009 Santa Rita Reserva Carmenere is terrific with lamb and not hard on the pocket book. The price is less than fifteen dollars, and if you shop around, you may find it for eleven or twelve.

We marinated some lamb chops in red wine with garlic, and cooked them a perfect medium rare on a hot grill. The Santa Rita was an excellent companion for our lamb chops. The flavors of dark berries and spice surrounded the garlic flavored lamb and took it into a mildly oaked finish which begged for another sip. The "Wine Spectator" liked it for 87 points, and described it as,"smoky and fleshy, with good briar, raspberry sauce and tobacco notes that hang on nicely through the lightly grippy finish." I don't know what a "grippy finish" is, but it sure made me want more of this delightful Carmenere!

I have always liked Merlot with lamb, but Carmenere is rapidly challenging that status, and if you don't like lamb, it would serve well with any other grilled chops, or even salmon. Norm's score is 88.


Score: 88
Price: $11 - $14


Norm

Norm's Tasting Notes can also be accessed at his Blog: http://normwine.blogspot.com/

Norm's Tasting Notes available online at either:
dawsontimes.com
cumminghome.com
pineisland-eagle.com
thecherokeeconnection.com







WINE - God's proof of his love for humanity

2010 Hess Select Monterey Chardonnay

Norm's Tasting Notes
by: Norm Bentley
North Georgia Wine Advisor
normwine@bellsouth.net






2010 Hess Select Monterey Chardonnay
#nb-22-12



It was hard to leave paradise (Matlacha, FL) and all of the great seafood and beautiful sunsets, but even Cinderella had to go home after the ball. Our best meal while on the island was oysters on the half-shell, a bucket of steamed Pine Island clams, a mountain of fried shrimp, and a bottle of 2010 Hess Select Monterey Chardonnay. Paradise doesn't get any better than that, especially after you add in the gorgeous sunset.

The Hess has been a favorite for several years and the 2010 vintage was true to form. There are flavors of pear and green apple with a touch of pineapple, and a hint of citrus. The finish is clean and crisp with a mild touch of oak which lingers until the next sip. This is a true Chardonnay in the value price range, and would pair well with dinner or just some fruit and cheese.

While we can't be in paradise every day, we can enjoy a good seafood dinner and a bottle of Hess Select Chardonnay almost any day. It would be great with Shrimp Scampi. Norm's score is 88.


Score: 88
Price: $10 - $12

Norm

Norm's Tasting Notes can also be accessed at his Blog: http://normwine.blogspot.com/

Norm's Tasting Notes available online at either:
dawsontimes.com
cumminghome.com
pineisland-eagle.com
thecherokeeconnection.com







WINE - God's proof of his love for humanity