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After years of making wine just to distill, Mexico's cool Guadaloupe Valley on the Baja has used temperatiure controlled fermentation to start making some serious wines! This blend of 85% Sauvignon Blanc and 15% Chenin Blanc shows notes of kiwi, pink grapefruit, baked apples with lilting aromas of smoke and stone.
My heavens! 50+ year old, organic Mencia vines from some of the highest vineyards in Bierzo. Subtle aromas of strawberry, pink grapefruit and white pepper play with clean river rock minerality touched by zesty key lime. Balance and finish are tied together with a vibrating acidity. Structured and executed like a world class ballerina doing flamenco. Sells out every year for good reason. Lighter than Provence, a different planet than White Zin. The only hard part is only opening one bottle at a time.
(Holding the #1 spot)
From Castilla-La Mancha in Central Spain, a unique blend made with the Garnacha Tintorera grape. Not only is the skin red, but so is the flesh. This provides a sturdy structure and noticeable tannins. Aged only 4 months in oak, this wine has luscious red and black fruits with hints of spice. Definitely one you should try, especially at this price! (behind by 9 bottles)
From the land of Amarone comes a delicious Merlot based blend. To perfectly ripe Merlot (60%) is added juice from dried Corvina grapes ala Amarone. Rich, deep and smooth, this is a remarkable Merlot that may just change your Merlot worldview! (behind by 6 bottles)
Approachable and packed with flavors of red, blue and black fruits, subtle black pepper and licorice. Smooth tannins with a lovely balance of acidity, yet slightly rustic, making this wine fun to drink. Although this is considered an "entry level" malbec, it still hails from a single vineyard estate. Outstanding quality at an outstanding price. (behind by 3 bottles)
A rose of lovely character, with fleshy red fruit and floral aromas. Its intense fruit and tannic backbone will make it the perfect match for spicy Mexican or Thai food.
Wine geeks know of Gigondas and Vacqueras that show off Grenache like no other. Bordering both is Beaumes de Venise which is known for fortified Muscat. On a steep hillside (at 1500 ft!) twin sisters Sabine and Isabelle make this earthy, spicy blend of Grenache, Syrah and Counoise. A gorgeous wine.
A fun and lighter style from the cool mountains of Victoria. Aromas of fresh strawberry, cherry jam flirt with notes of forest floor a touch of peppery oak. Lively cola and raspberry flavors with vibrant acidity. Darn good value too!
Lightly sparkling, fruity and sassy, Poquito is small in size but big on taste. Delicate floral aromas combine with a sweet yet refreshing palate of ripe peaches, pears and apricots. Apply liberally at any social occasion. Great right out of the bottle but really amazing with mint and rum as a mojito!
