A very small production (98 cases) of this red dark-skinned Italian variety traditionally grown in the Campania region around Naples. I really had no idea to expect from this wine but enjoyed it very much. The dark fruit flavors stood well on their own but also paired very well with fire roasted tomato sauce over pasta.
Why wine? Why wine instead of other forms of alcohol? Of course it tastes good. It’s complex. It’s transportive. It pairs well with food…on and on…but that’s not it. What in the one thing wine does better than anything else? Wine is, in my opinion, the perfect social lubricant. Nothing enhances good friendships like wine. Continue reading »
Benessere calls this blend of Cabernet, Sangiovese, Merlot and Syrah a Super-Napan because the blend is similar to an Italian Super-Tuscan. I call Phenomenon…PHENOMENAL! (all puns intended) I was blown away by this creative blend. Expect rich flavors of dark ripe cherry, a touch of smokey oak, plum and worn saddle leather. Grab a bottle for a cold night and snuggle up with your honey.
What if you made some of the most amazing art in the world but only a few very small galleries would show it. Few would see it. Few would have a chance to be moved by it. Imagine an original Picasso sitting in an art shop in Muleshoe, Texas unseen by all but the occasional customer. Not you. Not me.
That unfortunately is the fate of many small, family, boutique and artisan wineries. Maybe a few wine shops carry their label. Maybe a few restaurants, probably none in your city, have it on their over-priced bottle list. Even if the winery lands a distributor in your locale, this great but unknown wine fights for the distributor’s time and efforts when frankly, it’s much easier to place well known brands. You and me, well, we rarely get the chance to taste or even discover these great expressions of art and passion. Continue reading »
As always, Ridge is a great go-to Zin. Lots of zinful black jammy fruit.
