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Reds
to ponder as the weather turns colder
Rick's Picks - September
2009
by Rick
VanSickle
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Who
will ever forget this famous
line from the movie Silence
of the Lambs - "I ate
his liver with some fava beans
and nice Chianti."? Those
chilling words from the evil
cannibal Hannibal Lecter -
aka Anthony Hopkins, and also
staring the amazing Jodie
Foster - echo with me every
time I pour a glass of "nice
Chianti."
Chianti
is about as food friendly
(probably the perfect choice
for Hannibal's meal above,
but we'll have take his word
for it!) as it gets with red
wine.
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This
Italian staple, from the beautiful
region of Tuscany, comes in many
styles but nearly always contains
firm tannins, earthy notes, red
fruits, violets and a slightly rustic
tone that match so well with food.
When I'm in doubt about what to
serve with a robust meal, from spaghetti
and pizza to osso bucco and meat
dishes, I usually reach for Chianti.
And,
as we say good-bye to another summer
(was that really summer?), and turn
to the comfort foods that fuel us
through fall and winter, it's time
to think sturdy reds to go with
those meals.
The
region of Chianti is located in
central Tuscany and has been growing
grapes since the 8th century BC.
It is the largest growing region
in Tuscany and is divided into seven
different wines zones. The most
recognized are Chianti Ruffino and
Chianti Classico. Any wine labeled
Chianti must contain a minimum 75%
of the Sangiovese grape.
One
of my favourite Chiantis is the
Ricasoli Brolio Chianti Classico
($24 LCBO) that is a regular item
on the LCBO shelves. If there is
a better Chianti Classico for the
money, I have not found it. For
$24 you get beautiful earthy, red
fruits with licorice and vanilla
spice.
But
there are plenty more to choose
from on wine store shelves. Here
are three that are available now:
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Melini
Pian Del Masso Chianti
2008 ($13
LCBO)
Violets
and red fruits on this
nose of this traditional
red wine. Very fruity
on the palate with cherry-strawberry
and cranberry fruit
flavours to go with
savoury spices.
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Rocca
Delle Macie Chianti
Vernaiolo 2007
($12 LCBO)
A
great price for this
"comfort"
wine that is laced with
red fruits on the nose.
It shows a fruity mouth
of cherry and mocha
spice. A lovely, every
day wine.
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Tenuta
L'Ugo Chianti Reserva
2004
($22 Vintages)
A
bit more complicated
and rich than the two
wines above with a meaty-savoury
nose of earth, violets
and red fruits. The
palate reveals cherry-berry
flavours, lavish spice
and firm tannins. Made
for food.
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Here
some more comfort red wines to stock
up on for the winter:
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Tabali
Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon
2007
($15
Vintages)
Chilean
wines are hot right
now and this is typical
of the reason why. Jammy,
juicy strawberry notes
on the nose with vanilla
and sweet spices. It's
soft in the mouth and
combines ripe, red fruits
with a savoury note
on the finish.
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Chivite
Gran Feudo Reserva 2003
($16 Vintages)
From
Navarra, Spain, this
has a gorgeous nose
of blackberry, herbs,
spice and sweet vanilla.
It really is a nice
red, mostly from the
tempranillo grape, that
matches brilliantly
with traditional red
meat dishes.
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Jacob's
Creek Reserve Cabernet
Sauvignon 2006
($17 LCBO)
This
is a big Aussie red
with a concentrated
nose of cassis, black
cherry, mocha spice
and earth notes. It's
dense and forward on
the palate with black
fruits, licorice, oak
structure and a long
finish.
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And
a fun white bubbly:
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Barefoot
Bubbly Pinot Grigio
($13
LCBO)
Barefoot
is a great little non-vintage
California brand that
keeps expanding its
popular portfolio. This
is a tasty little sparkler
with apple-citrus notes
on the nose and plenty
of zesty citrus in a
slightly off-dry style.
Try it with a splash
of pomegranate juice
and, wow, what a funky
and enticing elixir.
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