I am always on the lookout for a good wine that is reasonably priced for everyone to enjoy. This week, I think I have hit the jackpot and have found three.
The first wine featured is a full-bodied red from the heart of Valpolicella country in Italy. Our second wine is a medium-bodied red from one of Australia's top wine exporters. The last one will bring you thoughts of warm, sunny days in California.
PASQUA VILLA BORGHETTI
PASSIMENTO 2008
(+690420)
ITALY, $14.99
Nicola Pasqua's dream was to create an excellent winery that would last, and his dream continues to come true after three generations. Nicola first started out with a wine shop that sold bulk wine and wine by the glass. He made enough money to move his three younger brothers to Verona, enabling them to build the business that is now famous worldwide for its Valpolicella.
Then the family traditions were passed down to three more brothers who are now in the process of passing the passion of winemaking onto yet another generation. The Villa Borghetti vineyard is located in Verona and consists of very rich mineral soil, perfect for Valpolicella.
This red is a blend of Corvina and Croatina, which are varietals that are not really talked about. The Corvina is the key ingredient in any Valpolicella and brings light fruity flavours to the wine. The Croatina is very close to a Zinfandel grape and is most often used in blended wines. Unlike many Valpolicellas, this one also includes some Merlot, which blends beautifully and rounds out the flavour. Passimento refers to a process of partially drying the grapes before fermentation. This process produces a wine filled with rich, dark, ripe fruits that fill your glass while the silky soft tannins stay true all the way to the finish. This full-bodied red is just waiting for that big pasta dish with loads of tomato sauce and garlic bread.
NUGAN ESTATE,
THIRD GENERATION
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
2009 (+100941)
AUSTRALIA, $10.99
Nugan Estate is proud to say it uses old world winemaking techniques along with the latest of technologies. The Nugan family has spent years ensuring that their vineyards are located in the prime growing region of Australia. Nugan Estate winery is located in south-eastern Australia, in Griffith, New South Wales to be exact. The 2009 vintage Cabernet Sauvignon came in with uncertainty, but the slower ripening was a plus, and so the wine became very fruity.
Nugan Estate was made famous by Alfredo Nugan who started from scratch. Now his wife and two adult children carry on his tradition. Maybe that is where the name, Third Generation, came from; it is now a third generation run family business. Nugan's chief winemaker, Daren Owers, has the passion to create and carry on the traditional family wines. Owers has won many accolades and trophies for his winemaking techniques since joining the Nugan team at the mere age of 26.
This wine has the aromas and flavours of dark, ripe fruits with a hint of spice, and surprisingly, few tannins for a cabernet. You can
enjoy this with almost any red meat dish. I tried it with cabbage rolls and salad - a good combination.
CALIFORNIA HOUSE
CHENIN BLANC (+391995)
USA, $7.00
California's winegrowing areas cover more than 700 miles and include more than 100 American Viticultural Regions. Chenin Blanc is one of the world's least-known and appreciated great white wine grapes. Originally from France's Loire Valley, Chenin Blanc has spread around the globe and is now growing in popularity. In fact, it is South Africa's most grown white varietal.
Coming from a warm growing region, this particular Chenin Blanc has taken on some of the same characteristics as if it were grown in South Africa.
I was more than surprised with my first sip. The tropical fruit aromas, mainly pineapple, really come through with a hint of honey. This Chenin Blanc is very easy-drinking and versatile for almost any appetizer, light lunch, or your first spring picnic. You cannot beat its price of $7.00 either. Slightly chill this white about one hour before serving.
