Red wines from Cotes du Rhone are relatively easy to find. Ditto for rosé style wines. But the white wines of the region are more rare—especially in the U.S.—even though they're every bit as delicious. Vineyards can be found up and down the Rhone River, and for its 2012 Cotes du Rhone Blanc, Rene Clement selected grapes from key vineyards on both sides. The cuvee includes Roussanne, Marsanne, Grenache Blanc and Viognier, is medium in body and floral in aroma—a delicious, relatively rare taste of the Rhone.
Here's the kind of classic Bordeaux you'd find in a Paris bistro. The Bonfils family's profound devotion to their terrain and vineyards has earned them an incredible reputation. Award-winning winemaker Olivier Bonfils has an artist's touch handcrafting balanced blends of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Perfectly ripe red fruits on the nose are followed by a rich, fruity palate that is well balanced with great aromatic expressions right up to the long finish. An elegant, distinctive Merlot-based cuvee that is too good to miss!
There's no denying the broad appeal of the soft, approachable character of quality Merlot. It's the best-selling red varietal here in the U.S. This distinguished example benefits from grapes sourced from some of the most respected growers around the state of California as well as the inclusion of other red varietals. Brimming with personality, this wine is fruitful and easy-drinking. Notes of plum, blueberry, cassis, earth and black olive are seamlessly melded together with a velvety, sensuous mouthfeel. A real crowd pleaser.
Knoll Haven's 2013 Chardonnay is so rich and mouthfilling that food really isn't necessary. But pairing it with a delicious meal of pork chops and apple sauce, or even fried chicken is what we'd recommend. This tasty Chardonnay offers notes of golden delicious apple, cinnamon and tropical fruit.
"Mousseux" is a French term for sparkling, and is used for sparkling wines crafted outside of the Champagne appellation and/or using the Charmat winemaking method. The Veuve Valmante Vin Mousseux is a fresh and delicate wine you'll swear taste like fine French Champage. This fresh and delicate sparkler offers impressions of apple and an assortment of citrus fruits. Enjoy with an order of sashimi, or a light brunch. Bon appetite!
Kunza is known for producing world-class Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenere, so when the time came to craft a "Gran Reserva" bottling featuring those two varieties, it only made sense for the Chile winery to use equal portions of each. That was the "recipe" selected for the 2010 vintage, and what a delicious wine it is. Kunza is a Chilean word for "our". "Our passion is to share 'our' wine with you," the Kunza spokesperson says, then adds an enthusiastic, "Salud!" This ageworthy wine offers notes of black cherry, raspberry, dried eucalyptus, toast and vanilla.
No stone is left unturned to ensure Matchmaker Viognier is a world-class wine. It all begins in the vineyard, of course, where the grapevines were planted a decade and a half ago in a manner that promotes full ripening each year. The rows run north to south to allow for optimum sun exposure—a key ripening factor. In 2013, the grapes reached the winery and were well-cared for. The result? A floral, fruitful and "gulpable" wine that makes an ideal aperitif, but also pairs perfectly with striped bass or honey-glazed chicken wings.
Sieur D'Arques is a major player in the Languedoc and is considered one of the region's pioneers in terms of winemaking techniques and quality. They've handcrafted a superb Pinot Noir that showcases the varietal's signature silky texture, refinement and food-friendliness. Sweet cherry fruit melds with earth and spice, balanced acidity and ripe, fine tannin, giving a long, smooth finish. Ageing in French oak barrels for 12 months lends the wine a slight woody note. A lovely Pinot Noir that is sure to impress.
The San Roque winery, located in the renowned Alavesa subdistrict of Rioja, was founded more than 60 years ago with a mission to preserve the local cultural legacy of winemaking. For generations this area has passed a viticultural philosophy from father to son that prizes stewardship of the land above all else. This wisdom, combined with the embracing of modern technology and winemaking techniques, embody the spirit of Cota 585. Lush and sensuous, with supple layers of red and black cherry and cedar notes. The long-lasting and savory finish shows impressive flavor depth. See for yourself.
Cabernet is still "King of California" and one sip of this rich, lush gem from the exceptional 2012 vintage will show you why. Premium Cabernet grapes selected from multiple California growing regions were blended under the direction of Napa native and award-winning winemaker Aaron Bader. Sumptuous and engaging, it offers melodic impressions of blackberry, plum, black cherry and mint. The addition of a few other red varietals lends added complexity. Aaron's deft touch and barrel ageing have made this one of our most popular wines. Delicious!
The style of Sauvignon Blanc production embraced by Long Street Winery is focused on the aromas and flavors of the grapes. Long Street gains complexity not through barrel aging, but by sourcing grapes from several growing areas in California, then blending them into a tasty cuvee. Pour a glass, swirl the wine around, and you're likely to experience a mild grassy aroma, which is typical of the variety. Once in the mouth, the Long Street Sauvignon Blanc is all about the fruit—refreshing flavors of lemon, grapefruit and lime. It's a style that's easy to like, and complements shellfish perfectly.
2012 was considered a classic vintage in the cool-climate Marlborough growing region, resulting in elegant wines of great concentration and flavor intensity. Grapes from vines planted on both the upper and lower terraces of the Marisco estate were utilized in the cuvee—a wine worthy of your "Favour." With aromatic and refreshing notes of tropical fruit, green grass, bell pepper and sweet herbs, this is a must-pair with your favorite seafood dish.