Apr 072014
 
Giordano Pinot GrigioGiordano Grecanico Pinot Grigio 2012, Sicily Collection, Sicily, Italy, $12 (S) – Rating 88

From a small vineyard on Sicily, this Pinot Grigio – Grecanico blend is produced in a softer creamier style than many mouth-puckering Pinot Grigios. A gentle nose of citrus, pineapple and melon. Light-bodied with soft acidity, offering flavors of pineapple creme, lemon and green apple with a bit of minerality in the finish. Think summertime with friends. Will pair well with lighter summer and picnic fare. Buy This Wine

Apr 072014
 
Giordano WineGiordano Primitivo di Manduria d.o.c. 2011, Giordano Collection, Apulia, Italy, $14 (S) – Rating 89

Aged 50% in 2 -3 year old oak barrels and 50% in underground oak casks from low yield vines in southern Italy near the Adriatic Sea. This rich and jammy brother to Zinfandel, sports aromas of dark cherry, plum, ripe raspberry and a touch of saddle leather. Balanced tannins and acidity are highlighted with flavors of plum, black cherry, vanilla, tobacco box, cassis, pepper and spice. A nice compliment of campfire smoke in the finish. Buy This Wine

Apr 072014
 
Giordano SoaveGiordano Soave d.o.c. 2012, Verona, Italy, $12 (S) – Rating 91

Known a s an excellent and versatile food-pairing wine. Soave can be paired with anything from cured charcutière meats to hearty seafood. The 2012 offering from Giordano opens with aromas of green apple with notes of baking spice. A light to medium bodied with creamy mouth-feel and balanced acidity. Flavors of green apple, Meyer lemon with hints of minerality and a touch of apricot on the finish. Buy This Wine

Apr 072014
 
MacPhail RoséMacPhail Rosé of Pinot Noir 2013, Sonoma Coast, CA, $22 (S) – Rating 91

Beautifully dry and balanced. A blend of all the MacPhail Pinot Noir Vineyards. The rosé juice is saignéd (bled off) after 24 to 48 hours of cold soak, fermented and then finished with malolactic fermentation, adding a touch of creaminess to balance the juicy food-pairing acidity. Gentle aromas of strawberry, raspberry, floral notes and spice. A round and rewarding mouth-feel with bold flavors of strawberry, bright cherry, raspberry and minerality. Subtle notes of cayenne and spice on the finish adds to the complexity. A manly rosé! Buy This Wine

Apr 032014
 
Giordano WineGiordano Barbera d’Asti d.o.c.g. 2010, Piemonte Collection, Piedmont, Italy, $14 (S) – Rating 90

Update from our March 2013 Review.

This wine has matured nicely with another year in the bottle. It still needs a bit of time to open but only about 20 minutes for full effect. Aged in Slovenian oak barrels, the wine offers a rich nose of floral notes, dark cherry and a hint of spice and smoke. Medium-bodied with good food pairing acidity and balanced tannins. Well integrated flavors of dark cherry, plum and spice with a touch of chocolate. Earthy notes of forest floor make for an intriguing finish. Buy This Wine.