Notes from the bottle: From grapes on our Tuscan estate in the hills of Cortona. Aged 12 months in small french oak barrels to ensure smootheness and early drinkability. Excellent with antipasto and pasta, and with red or white meats.

Producer: Baracchi Winery. The Baracchi winery is located on the Cortonese hillside and adjoins the Relais. Riccardo Baracchi strongly desired to continue the family tradition of growing grapes and producing wine since 1860 giving it now a modern character and great quality with renowned wine maker, Stefano Chioccioli

Grape composition: 100% Sangiovese

My notes: Absolutely perfect itallian for a rather cold rainy summer evening. I am not a big fan of Sangiovese's but this one is quite remarakable, ruby red. I think cherries... very concentrated cherries....very yummy! Very smooth, very elegant, very cherries and just yummy.

Buy Factor: Good and Giftable.

Cost: $24.99 a bottle.

Notes from Menotomy: This super-affordable Jumilla is a blend of  92% Monastrell (Mourvedre) and 8% Garnacha (Grenache) and received 90 points from Robert Parker in his February online issue. Jumilla was one of the few places in Europe spared during the Phylloxera epidemic of the late 1800's. Virtually everywhere on the continent, vineyards were devastated and, to this day, can only be planted on grafted hybrid-American rootstock. For Jumilla, the key to its vineyards' survival was their sandy soil - which is anathema to the Phylloxera insect. And as a consequence, today Jumilla not only has some of the oldest vines in Spain, but certainly the largest number of ungrafted vines. Bodegas Olivares's vineyards are in the northernmost zone of La Hoya de Santa Ana. This is the coolest subzone of Jumilla, with sandy, lime-rich soils that produce intensely aromatic wines

Grape composition: 92% Monastrell (Mourvedre) and 8% Garnacha (Grenache).

My notes: Ok! I admit I went to taste the Cotes de Castillon (which was shown along with this wine) and this one simply blew me away! Cotes de Castillon was awesome, but this was beyond awesome. Perfectly deep red (almost black), with beautiful deep garnet edge. Plums, cheery sweet, with a very yummy grenache notes. Pair this with what? Too 'complete' to share with anything else on the table.

Buy Factor: Oh! Yeah! At $13.99, a definite buy.

Cost: $13.99 a bottle.

Notes from Menotomy: The Orvieto Classico is an ancient wine, known in antiquity as a favorite among popes and princes, and is obtained from a combination of 40% Procanico, 40% Grechetto, 15% Verdello and 5% each Drupeggio & Malvasia. The straw yellow coloring of this wine gives way to a delicate bouquet that reveals an intense body, with a slightly bitter aftertaste. Antinori has produced Orvieto since 1922, and Orvieto Classico since 1932

Grape composition: 40% Procanico, 40% Grechetto, 15% Verdello and 5% each Drupeggio & Malvasia.

My notes: This wine simply shines! Yes, that is correct, very pale yellow, brilliant and almost tranluscent. Perfect summer wine! Limes and pears, with a little nutty flavor, clean finish. Incredible, cannot wait to pair this on a hot summer day with cold tomato-basil-mozzerella salad with olive oil.

Buy Factor: Was (and am) quite impressed with this one.

Cost: $14.99 a bottle.

Producer: Jerome Sordet
Domaine: Coste-Caumartin is located in northern end of Pommard, between Petits Epenots and Beaune’s Clos des Mouches. About 1.83 hectares of Clos des Boucherottes, has belonged to the Sordet family since late eighteenth century.
Notes from Bermans: The wine is especially deep and dark for a red Burgundy with lots of glycerin and concentration. On the palate the wine is voluptuous and creamy with lovely flavors of raspberries, cherries, oriental spices with fine, silty tannins.

Grape/Varietal composition: 100% Pinot Noir.

My notes: I could not wait to try this one, at my previous wine tasting I had the Borgougne from Coste Caumartin (click here and see number 3 in the list) and it was well received by most. Of course at that tasting I was extremely partial to the Chateauneuf, so, I was biased there. For this tasting, I held out tasting all the other four, until we (and the wine) was ready to taste. I jumped at the chance as soon as it was being poured, and god! It was awesome! Very deep red, very solid, very full, had hints of spice, hints of earthiness. Just very very smooth and by god, yummy!

Buy Factor: If I have the spare budget! YEAH!

Cost: $39.99 (reg. $49.99) a bottle.

Notes from Bermans: Most successful in Italy's Piedmont region, where it makes such wines as Barbera d'Asti, Barbera di Monferato and Barbera di Alba. Its wines are characterized by a high level of acidity (meaning brightness and crispness), deep ruby color and full body, with low tannin levels; flavors are berrylike. However, plantings have declined sharply in the United States. A few wineries still produce it as a varietal wine, but those numbers too are dwindling. Its main attribute as a blending wine is its ability to maintain a naturally high acidity even in hot climates. The wine has more potential than is currently realized and may stage a modest comeback as Italian-style wines gain popularity. Additional descriptions: "Lovely blackberry and raspberry aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied, with good acidity and a plum, lemon and chocolate aftertaste"

Grape/Varietal composition: 100% Barbera.

My notes: It was beautiful ruby red color, quite grapey with hints of mixed berries. But, on the whole a very table wine, quite non-memorable. Although, at the wine tasting there were couple of fans.

Buy Factor: I don't think I was too impressed with this one. Nah! Wasn't too jazzed with it.

Cost: $17.99 a bottle.

Producer: Albert Bichot Domaine Long-Depaquit  this is one of several Chateau and Domaines owned by Albert Bichot,
Notes from Bermans: Good Chablis from a top Domaine can be one of the most exquisite Chardonnay/white Burgundy experiences that one can have. The crisp minerality, subtle complexity pure, bracing flavors, that are distinct from each vineyard site, places Chablis' near the top of my white wine preferences. And compared with white Burgundies from further south they are down right bargains. And that's not to mention new world wine chardonnays. Domaine Long- Depaquit is renowned for their vineyard sites and the quality of the Chablis' they produce.

This wine, from the great 2005 vintage, was described by Allen Meadows, "the Burghound" as having, "A classic green fruit and oyster shell nose (which) leads to admirably rich and rather fruity flavors that are naturally sweet and impressively concentrated. This is a big Villages (wine) with solid minerality and plenty of personality."

Grape/Varietal composition: 100% Chardonnay.

My notes: I had tasted this wine before and my notes stay as: Rich dry wines, citrus and mineral fruits along with lime and white blossoms (flowers). Good body, quite lively and fresh. However, showing this wine second over the Gewurtztraminer, did not fair well.  

Buy Factor: Might consider this one as a good dry white with seafood.

Cost: $19.99 a bottle.

Notes from Bermans: Gewürztraminer can yield magnificent wines, as is best demonstrated in Alsace, France, where it is made in to a variety of styles from dry to off-dry to sweet. The grape needs a cool climate that allows it to get ripe. It's a temperamental grape to grow and vinify, as its potent spiciness can be overbearing when unchecked. At its best, it produces a floral and refreshing wine with crisp acidity that pairs well with spicy dishes. When left for late harvest, it's uncommonly rich and complex, a tremendous dessert wine..

Grape/Varietal composition: 100% Gewürztraminer.

My notes: I had not tried it before the wine tasting at my company, it showed tremendously well. It was very smooth, floral and sweet. For me, it is almost the definition of a Gewürztraminer. I could not help comparing it with the Trimbach and Gisselbrecht. Thus far have not been impressed with Trimbach, while Marcel Hugg and Gisselbrecht are comparably great alsace wines. 

Buy Factor: Anytime, absolutely. Of the four for the wine tasting, we opened two, and one was snapped up by my colleague right at the wine tasting. Of course, I am hoarding the last one from the set.

Cost: $19.99 a bottle.

Producer: Henri Ramonteu.
Website: Domaine Cauhape
Notes from the producer: Enchanting, the aroma evokes an aromatic polyphony which resonates with fresh and delicate notes: grapefruit, grapes, peach and spring flowers. It is full, rich and concentrated. Subtle but voluptuous. The finish is long and elegant with incredible lingering fruit flavours.

Grape/Varietal composition: 100% Gros Manseng.

My notes: I opened it, I sniffed it, let it stand for 30 mins and fell in love with it. It is indeed so elegant and bursting with fresh grapefruit and spring flowers. It felt like fresh rain over parched soil wine. Absolutely stunning. I have had the 2003 and 2005 continues to amaze me.

Buy Factor: Anytime, I have had this just myself couple of times, and also shared with fellow wine tasters. It has been widely loved and accepted. Also taken a bottle for my sister.

Cost: $19.99 a bottle.

Producer: Domaine René Bouvier.
Notes: (From the internet! Sorry, forgotten where) The Bouvier family has owned vineyards in the village of Marsannay at the northernmost boundary of the Cote de Nuits for four generations. Over the years, each succeeding generation has added to the holdings that now comprise approximately 12 hectares spread over 15 "lieudits" situated in 6 different villages. The domaine is now managed by Bernard Bouvier, a thoughtful yet dynamic young man in his early thirties who is dedicated to marrying the traditions of Burgundy to the benefits of modern viticulture and vinification.

Grape/Varietal composition: 100% Pinot Noir.

My notes: This was my pick for celebrating the 2005 burgundy! Gosh, I could have picked almost anything from the options provided. 2005 (as they say) has been an incredibly great year for burgundy, bordeaux and others. I did not want to be left out, so I picked up 1/2 a case. Last year I opened this bottle and I was filled with joy at my choice. This is a deep ruby red, smooth (decant it!), well balanced and has loads and loads of strong berry fruits. (read somewhere: red-blue blueberries, raspberries, cherry etc). I loved this one and happy with it.

Buy Factor: I am beginning to like what Rene Bouvier produces. I have no idea where you can get this one as I bought it as a wine future (that is paid for it about six months before it was actually bottled and shipped).

Cost: $22 a bottle (roughly).

Region: Friuli-Venezia Giuli is a mountainous area tucked away in the northeast corner Italy, bordering on Austria and Slovenia. Grape varieties such as Pinot Grigio (Pinot Gris), Pinot Bianco (Pinot Blanc), Chardonnary and Sauvignon Blanc. Amongst reds Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon are widely grown

Grape/Varietal composition: 100% Pinot Griogio or as the rest of the world says Pinot Gris.

My notes: I had the opportunity to drink this wine, and it turns out to be quite crisp, citrusy (melony), and could go with almost anything. This paired well with seafood and chips.

Buy Factor: It makes a good gift at around $20/bottle for almost any occassion that you pick off the shelf.

Cost: $20.00

Producer Information:
         Domaine: Bois de Boursan. 
         Notes: The english version is under construction.
         Jean Versino created this small field in 1955. The wine was vinified at the cellar and then sold to the trader. As the sale of wine increased, it enabled purchases of land with varied orientations, stones, argilo limestone, and sands, making it possible to make the rich and complex wines. Most of the vines are about 40-100 year old and no pesticides are used. Grapes are harvested by hand, pressed and fermented in different wood for about eighteen months.

Grape/Varietal composition: 65% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre, 15% Syrah, 5% Other.

My notes: Loved it! A extremely solid smooth red, well balanced between fruit (Plum? Cherry?), herbs and pepper. After I re-read Bermans notes, I don't see the chestnut, but game, beef, and black pepper comes to mind as a pairing when I tasted this wine. Tasting was at Bermans and I am so pleased to have picked the two bottles from this domaine in my collection. 

Bermans tasting notes: A burly style, with lots of braised chestnut, game, black pepper and beef leading the way. There's a solid core of black currant fruit, with a long, structure-driven finish that shows great herb and mineral notes. Best from 2009 through 2022. 3,750 cases made. (Score: 92).

Buy Factor: Absolutely! perfect! Happy to own one! Maybe should plan for another! 

Producer Information (courtsey: Bermans): Chateau Romanin is located in Baux de Provence. More specifically between Saint Remy and Eygalieres, on the northern slope of the Alpilles mountains.Wine making has been going on at this site since at least the 4th century B.C., during the Bronze Age. The terroir was then, and still is, particularly well suited to growing grapes. This is a magical place that you should visit if you are ever in the area. The landscape, the ancient stones, the light and even the air represent something almost mystical and ephemeral.

Grape/Varietal composition: (exact not known) Mourvèdre, Syrah, Sauvignon Cabernet (old vines), Grenache.

My notes: Absolutely, lovely aroma of lavender (simply powerful french lavenders), the herbs almost an aftertaste, but present, very smooth, very velvety to taste. 

Bermans tasting notes: It is dark ruby purple in color and has a complex bouquet of Provencal herbs (garrigue). It is delightfully full and complex on the palate with flavors of delicious red and black fruits and a long velvety aftertaste. The tannins are soft and well integrated which makes it immediately appealing, although the wine will age. It is found on many of the best restaurants in France.

Additional Bermans notes: La Chapelle de Romanin is an all natural (organic) wine. The grapes are entirely hand picked, then sorted, stemmed and lightly crushed before being put into tanks where they are completely crushed under their own weight. After maturing, the wine is aged in large wooded vats (foudres) for six month. Biodynamic winemaking is the method of cultivation chosen so as to develop harmony between the vine and the environment and to bring out all of the natural characteristics of the soil. Use of synthetic chemical products or insecticides is forbidden.

Buy Factor: Absolutely! Just did not buy it as I prefered the  2005 Cotes du Rhone Village-Cairanne-Domaine de l'Ameillaud more, as a side by side comparison.

Producer Information (courtsey: Bermans): Cairanne is one of the best of several Cotes du Rhone villages that produce excellent, full-bodied red wine. It is prototypical Cotes du Rhone with lots of rich, sappy, spicy strength.

Grape/Varietal composition: Coming soon.

My notes: Absolutely, lovely aroma of herbs, fruity jams. Herbs and fruitiness stayed on taste with a little peppery edge towards the end, with the jams continuing. After a bit of swirl and chat with the server, the flavors really bloomed. Loved it! 

Bermans tasting notes: On the palate, it has lots of soft, jammy fruit flavors, excellent concentration, and delicious flavors of Provencal herbs, with pepper and spice in the aftertaste. It tastes great now but will age and develop for a few more years.

Buy Factor: Absolutely! perfect, bought a bottle right on the spot! 

Producer Information: Chateau de Montpatey is a beautiful Burgundian property first constructed in 1513 and it is situated high above the medieval village of Couches, south west of the Cote de Beaune (courtsey: Berman Wines)

Grape/Varietal composition: 100% Chardonnay

My notes: Acidic, young fresh, very chardonnay. A bit too acidic for me. I prefer the Sauvignon blanc grape so much better.

Bermans tasting notes: This is a medium to full bodied wine that is crisp and clean of the palate but is round and not at all sharp. Flavors of butter, pain grille and hazel nuts abound with good extract and a smooth, silky texture.  There is just a subtle touch of wood and the wine resembles more Meursault than Chablis.

Buy Factor: Good, open anytime Chardonnay.

Ferret, in the Penedes region, Spain is another fantastic Cava cellar, I did not get a chance to visit this place. But on my last day in Spain, accompanying some great Tapas, I splurged on this one.
 
If Freixenet was great, then this was a better than great Cava and that much more expensive. With a gorgeous, pale yellow color, fruity aromas, smooth (real smooth) almost buttery and very crisp clean finish and a little almondy taste at the end.

Buy Factor: Great Sparkler, loved it. If I do find it, then I am getting it for sure.

Freixenet, in the Penedes region, Spain, is one of the most popular Cava (Spanish Champagne/Sparkling wine) producing winery. In my recent trip to Spain, I had the privilege to tour their facility and taste some of the their wines. I must say I was amazed to see the grape vines of Xarello and Macabeo, and see the whole process of making the sparkling wines and then finally 7 storeys deep and several square acres of cellars. While we were there, we tried this wine.

Cordon Negro Brut is in a word, FANTASTIC! Absolutely great. So many bubbles, so little time. Served chilled, in the Freixenet labelled flute, it blew me away. This was the Cava that accompanied most of my dinners in Spain. Sometime, I also purchased 1/4 bottles to savor in my room, as a dessert. Very fruity, but dry and clean and crisp. It is a perfect wine for a warm summer day.

Buy Factor: Almost anytime, at about $10 a bottle, it is an incredible buy!

Number of times already had this wine or gifted it:
1. Lost count in Spain
2. Opened this wine for my departments spring offsite to toast celebrations
3. Brought this wine as gift to Dan & Li for taking care of my kitties when I was in Spain
4. Opened this wine for my Tapas and Cava night with friends

Freixenet, in the Penedes region, Spain, is one of the most popular Cava (Spanish Champagne/Sparkling wine) producing winery. In my recent trip to Spain, I had the privilege to tour their facility and taste some of the their wines. I must say I was amazed to see the grape vines of Xarello and Macabeo, and see the whole process of making the sparkling wines and then finally 7 storeys deep and several square acres of cellars. While we were there, we tried the Cordon Negro Brut. I could not decide what to bring back with me, and finally settled on the Reserva Real. I had not tried that, but if this graces the Spanish Kings table, then I guess it can definitely work for me.

Reserva Real was a gorgeous, pale colored, and extra dry sparkler and plenty of bubbles! I loved it. It was very clean finish. I took this to my trip to Yonkers and we opened this fantastic Cava on night. I think my sister and brother-in-law liked it too.

Buy Factor: Great Sparkler, loved it. It was expensive in Euros (26 Euros), and I have not seen in my recent research around US cellars. But, if I do find it, I might be pursuaded to buy it.

Something white, something light and something for a warm sunny day.

This Vouvray was okay, it lacked the yummines (I am sure that is not a wine description), but that was it, it was okay.....

Buy Factor: Not really, even at $10.99, it was not worth.

Cantina Zaccagnini, Montepulciano d'Abruzzo
[Abruzzo  Italy]

Few weeks back we had a department offsite meeting, and the lunch menu was Italian. Since I was going to bring some wine for the lunch, it had to be Italian. I know very little (if any) about Italian wines. So, wandered over to my favorite store and aimlessly read about the Italian wines. I don't remember why I picked this one, was it recommended? was it described on store recommendation? was it the nice twig tied on the bottle? Dunno, but I am happy to have picked it up.

It is a strong and dry red wine, with a lovely ruby red coloring. With a little airing, it bloomed into a robust wine, full bodied and very velvety. I loved it. Perhaps it was a tad heavy for an afternoon lunch, but it would be a perfect dinner wine with italian food.

Most of these wines (so I read) are made from the grape with the same name Montepulciano and perhaps blended with 10% or less of authorized red grape grown in the Abruzzo region. The top of the line in these wines are usually brilliant ruby red color, dry, pungent and slightly tannic. It is recommended to look for wines bearing the name "Colline Teramane", which is wines made from hilly land in Termano. In the official classification of Italian wines, these are in the sixth place after Chianti, Asti, Oltrepo Pavese, Soave, and Valpolicella.

Buy Factor: Perfect dry red wine, goes great with Chicken Parm or Prosciutto-Mozzarella Focaccia. At around $15 I have another sitting at home.

Should I even be saying anything about this wine? At around $10 a bottle, this is an excellent Shiraz. Perfect to open and drink anytime or for any occasion. It is impressive spice, licorice and red berrry aroma wine. It is a perfectly well balanced with silky tannins, with bright red berry flavors.

Buy Factor: Good wine and decent substitute if Jacobs Creek Shiraz is not available (more about Jacobs Creek later....) 

A top quality classic Riesling. Aromas of honey and ripe stone fruit flow into flavors of peaches and citrus. The refreshing finish leaves flavors of fruit and honey coated nuts on the palate. I have not had a good Riesling in ages and when my sister accompanied me to the wine store. I asked her to pick something. We looked around for something that she was trying to recall, but at the end picked something that looked good. I think we did excellently. Walter (my neighbor) commented that is was a very good Riesling and that usually they have a after taste of mineral/slate, but this one was very well balanced. (He should know, he has travelled to these areas and has tried some of these wines).

Buy Factor: Absolutely anytime

I did not want to buy this one. I was on a roll buying the D'Escurac and wanted two other French wines (stay tuned for those reviews). My wine merchant however recommended I try this one. He mentioned it to be a deep red, full bodied and smooth easy drinking. For me to spend a additional $15 for this bottle, I requested a price break (which he happily gave) on D'Escurac. This sure orked out well!

It turned out to be very good wine colored a ruby red with tinge garnet. It was fruity and had hints of blueberry and cherries. It was very comforting to open it and drink. Interestingly though, I opened and had it one evening and then replaced the cork and put in the fridge. The next day it was even better. I should have decanted and aired it at least an hour before drinking on the first day. The third day it was the wine stayed beautiful and quite warm in the mouth with excellent balance and strong finish.

Recommended to drink this wine throughout the meal and especially pairs well with cheeses.

Buy Factor: For $15, it is definitely worth it.