Wednesday, March 31, 2021

Virtual Wine Tasting: Value Red Wines for 2021 (Recap)

 The other weekend, I held a virtual wine tasting in what has become another in a series of occasional online gatherings to sample, discuss and enjoy wines with fellow wine aficionados.  This time I asked participants to choose one or more wines in the list of recommended red wines from my previous blog post.  We tasted the following 4 wines which were generally available in local PA wine stores.  Although all wines were positively received, the Italian and Argentine wines seemed to have the edge in preference.  In any event, they all offer good value and a welcome accompaniment to your dinner dishes.


Zuccardi Serie A Malbec 2019   ($9.99)                 

Origin: Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina

Varietal: 100% Malbec

Production/Tasting Notes: Estate grown in Uco Valley; cold maturation for 5-7 days before vinification with native yeasts; partially aged in French oak barrels; blackcurrant and plum aromas; full-bodied, black cherry and chocolate notes; velvety finish; structured yet soft tannins. (92 points, James Suckling)

Food  Pairing: Steak, burgers, barbeque

Alcohol: 13.7%

 

Los Vascos Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 https://www.taubfamilyselections.com/ ($11.99)

 Origin: Colchagua Valley, Chile

Varietal: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Tasting Notes: Estate grown and bottled; produced by Domaines Baron de Rothschild (Lafite); stainless steel fermentations between 77 80 degress;10-15 days of maceration with frequent pump-overs; 3 months aging in stainless steel tanks; aromas of red fruit - plum, raspberry, cherry; laced with notes of ripe strawberries, nutmeg, cocoa, thyme, and black pepper; savory notes of tobacco, toasted hazelnuts, dark chocolate, tapenade; fresh lively tannins.

Food pairing: Barbeque and grilled meats; pizza

Alcohol:  14%

 

Planeta La Segreta Il Rosso 2017 planeta.it ($8.99)


    



Origin: Sicilia DOC

Varietals: 50% Nero d'Avola; 25% Merlot; 20% Syrah; 5% Cabernet Franc

Production/Tasting Notes:    After diraspapigiatura (destemming), maceration for 7-14 days; racked then aged in oak; aromas of red fruits, black currant, mulberry,  cocoa, hints of balsamic; flavors of ripe berries; herbaceous notes; lightly spicy, mentholated finish; soft tannins.

Food Pairing: pizza, pasta, burgers; Mediterranean fare; bluefish

Alcohol: 13.5%

 

Allegrini Palazzo della Torre Veronese IGT 2016  ($19.99)

Origin: Veneto IGT

Varietals: 40% Corvina, 30% Corvinone; 25% Rondinella, 5% Sangiovese

Production/Tasting Notes: Average vine age 35 years; fermented with native yeasts in stainless steeel; aged 15 months in second-hand barrels; 7 months in bottle; aromas of crushed cherries, aged  balsamic, delicate spice; lively fruit, tart edge; angular tannins; moderate acidity; herb-, smoke-laced finish (90 points, Wine Spectator)

Food Pairings: hearty pastas; pizza

Alcohol: 14%

 

There's one more one wine (not on the original recommended list) that some people sampled and is also from the Veneto region. It was very well received and is a special bargain as a Chairman's Select if you can still find it:

Zenato Alanera Rosso Veronese 2015

Winemaker Notes

Brilliant ruby in color, Alanera delights the senses with a variety of aromas and flavors that include fresh and dried cherries and prunes, sweet spice, and hints of coffee and tobacco. On the palate, Alanera is full-bodied with elegant and velvety tannins. Vibrant acidity brings balance and freshness, and supports a long and harmonious finish.

Pair Zenato's Alanera with medium-aged cheeses, cured meats, meaty fish such as sea bass fillet with Extra Virgin Olive Oil, or with braised meats and stews.

 This is rich and layered with dark berries, chocolate and hints of hazelnuts. Full-bodied, yet bright and focused. Dusty texture. Drink now or hold. (James Sucking, 93 points.)



Zenato Alanera Rosso Veronese 2015
An image of Zenato Alanera Rosso Veronese 2015
VARIETY/STYLE: PROPRIETARY RED BLEND
COUNTRY: ITALY
REGION: OTHER REGION
VINTAGE: 2015
SIZE: 750 ML
RATING: JS - 93 , WS - 88
PRODUCT CODE: 000081333
AVAILABILITY: LIMITED DISTRIBUTION
$14.99
SAVE $3.00
$11.99


 


Wine Notes

Los Vascos wines blend Lafite tradition with the unique terroir of Chile to create elegant wines that bring exceptional to the everyday. The vision of Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) to expand their estate took them to South America in 1988, becoming the first French viticultural investment in modern Chile. Since then, a comprehensive modernization and investment program has been undertaken, oriented towards the production of fine wine using and adapting the viticultural experiences of Bordeaux and other areas where Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite) is present. Los Vascos is located in Valley de Caneten (Colchagua), a closed valley in the central zone of Chile, approximately 25 miles from the sea. The valley provides a perfect microclimate for high quality viticulture, with Northern exposure to lands uncontaminated by airborne or water-borne pollutants. Daily on-shore winds provide temperature changes between 68-77°F, for optimum maturation of the grapes.


Allegrini is the Veneto’s most acclaimed winery, and their Amarone is the gold standard. The Allegrini family has been handing down grapegrowing and winemaking traditions over six generations, playing a major role in the Valpolicella Classico area since the 16th century.

Giovanni Allegrini is the patriarch of the modern estate and has worked hard to develop and perfect major innovations in the art of wine, particularly when it comes to Amarone. He was among the first in questioning local viticultural techniques, revolutionizing accepted practices, and speaking clearly about quality. He was able to combine the science of enology with strict grape selection, and between 1960 and 1970, made some of the Valpolicella's best wines.

The estate is based in Fumane di Valpolicella, just north of Verona in northeastern Italy. Valpolicella, or "valley of many cellars" is an area crossed from north to south by a series of hills, which in succession form three parallel valleys. These valleys are crossed by steep-sided, narrow riverbeds which remain dry except during spring thaws or autumn rains.

With 247 acres of vineyards in the Valpolicella Classico, the Allegrinis nurture a collection of remarkable sites, each with its own personality, soil, and microclimate. Together, they speak to the rich history and extraordinary quality of Valpolicella. All seven vineyards, ranging from the steep hillsides of La Grola to the perfect plateau of La Poja, offer unique, special terroir to express the full range of what is possible in one of Italy’s most prestigious and storied winemaking regions. The family has been a leader in a marrying traditional winegrowing styles with vineyard innovation, introducing modern trellis techniques, site, and varietal selection through meticulous evaluation.

Allegrini's winemaking philosophy is largely based on the concept of "cru" production: a single vineyard dedicated to the production of local varieties destined to become a single wine. These crus have been a success worldwide: The Palazzo della Torre, La Grola and La Poja have set the highest benchmarks for Valpolicella's wines.