September 20th and 22nd Wine & Cheese Tasting at The Wine Steward
Tilia Chardonnay 2006
Origin: The Tilia wines are made at Bodegas Esmeralda, a Catena family winery in eastern Mendoza, Argentina. La Libertad is a 60 year old Chardonnay vineyard. The vineyard is less than 2 miles from the Tunuyan river, which provides a cooling effect on the area.
Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Tasting Notes: The 2006 Tilia Chardonnay shows a straw - yellow color with light shades of green. The nose presents ripe tropical fruit aromas with citrus and floral notes. The mouthfeel is full and rich, with concentrated pear and fig fruit flavors with layers of vanilla and sweet spice from light oak aging. The finish is clean and fresh with bright, crisp acidity.
Food Pairing: Seafood, poultry, creamy pasta dishes, ham, duck. $12.99
Tilia Merlot 2006
Origin: Tilia, the Latin name for Linden, is a traditional tree throughout the wine country of Mendoza, Argentina. Its flowers are used to make a popular herbal tea with calming properties. The Tilia wines are made at Bodegas Esmeralda, a Catena family winery in eastern Mendoza. The El Mirador region is located 110 kms to the east of the city of Mendoza. The desert climate in this area provides warm, sunny days for excellent ripeness while the cool desert nights allow for freshness and balance.
Varietal: 100% Merlot
Tasting Notes : The 2006 Tilia Merlot presents a dark violet color with reddish tones. The nose is full of ripe plum and cherry aromas with light notes of chocolate and toast. The mouthfeel is soft and gentle with excellent texture, showing jammy red fruit flavors and finishing with supple tannins and vibrant acidity.
Food Pairing: Fairly versatile when it comes to food pairing options. Poultry, red meat, pork, pastas, salads - Merlot can handle them all well. $12.99
Carmenere Reserve Tierra Del Fuego 2005
Origin: Maule Valley, Chile
Varietal: 100% Carmenere
Tasting Notes : Full deep ruby color. Intense aromas of red fruits, spicy and toasty complexity. In the palate the wine shows soft, fruity flavors with a rich complexity, perfect harmony of fruit and oak and good structure and persistence.
Food: Serve with roast meats, pasta with meat sauces, mushrooms, swordfish or tuna, gruyére and cheddar cheeses. 15.59
El Malbec De Ricardo Santos 2005
Origin: Mendoza, Argentina. This exceptional wine is from the single vineyard La Madras, on the slopes of the Andes Mountains in Argentina at an altitude of 2,800 feet, allowing for a temperate Continental climate.
Varietal: 100% Malbec
Tasting Notes: The 2005 Malbec is a striking deep brilliant purple color. The nose is ripe and full, reminiscent of dark cherries, plums, and chocolate with undertones of loam and earth. In the mouth, the wine displays a profound core of ripe, blackberry jam fruit, lengthening into a sophisticated weighty finish coupled with an elegant silkiness. Wine Spectator Nov. 30, 2006: Ricardo Santos Malbec 2005 – 87 “…shows fig and plum fruit backed by sweet toast and spice notes. 2,500 cases imported”
Food Pairing: Definitely a red meat wine that is versatile enough to stand up to Mexican, Cajun, Indian or Italian fare (especially with tomato-based sauces). Pair this with a sirloin steak from The Prime Butcher and enjoy a great combination. ( Coupon to Save $2 per pound in this weeks newsletter)
$19.99
Kiyantu 2004
Origin: Casanueva Winery and Vineyards is located in the Itata Valley, in south-central Chile. Wine has been made for over 400 years in these lands, which border the region of the venerable indigenous Mapuche, who fiercely and successfully maintained their independence from both the Inca and the Spanish.
Varietal: A blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot and 15% Carmenere.
Tasting Notes: Intense aroma of red and black fruits with notes of pepper. A surprising and delightful spiciness at the finish lingers. An excellent introduction to Carmenere. If we had lived in 1850, would we have enjoyed Bordeaux like this blend.
Food Pairing: Enjoy with a hearty beef stew, leg of lamb or a grilled steak. $15.99