Muchkabouche

Layer Cake Primitivo out of Puglia, Italy. Cupcake wineries are another one.

In gearing up for the holiday season, in the midst of the economic conundrum (white wine pun totally intentional...thanks Caymus) there are some great wine buys out there at the retail level. I...

The saber decapitation in Bottle Shock made me spew also....although NOT the layered, buttery, brown Chateau Montelena Chardonnay we were enjoying. At $50.00 a bottle, I squeezed every drop out...

"I am curious to know how your introduction to wine is coming along. Have you found some wines and tastes that you love? You probably are forming some preferences. Some you know you will steer clear of in the future? Most of it is personal preference, with trial and more experimentation. It can be expensive, but need not be.

I would be happy to share what we have learned with you if you would like."
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"Concerning a big, "chewy", bold red wine, I have found a couple that match that description. My palate tends towards that type, and away from the alcohol taste at the end. Chateau Montelena Cabernet is big and chewy. Even more so is Chateau Montelena Zinfandel, but it does have the spice. I have found if you add some fat to the tannins, it tends to mellow out the mouth feel and taste somewhat. In other words, have some nice Raclette cheese with your Zin, and it will surprise you what happens. I have found that the spice is more pronounced if it accompanies a rich tomato-based sauce or anything with any amount of pepper, like a nice filet. Enjoy your exploration into the world of big wines."
reply

"I am curious to know how your introduction to wine is coming along. Have you found some wines and tastes that you love? You probably are forming some preferences. Some you know you will steer clear of in the future? Most of it is personal preference, with trial and more experimentation. It can be expensive, but need not be.

I would be happy to share what we have learned with you if you would like."
reply

"Concerning a big, "chewy", bold red wine, I have found a couple that match that description. My palate tends towards that type, and away from the alcohol taste at the end. Chateau Montelena Cabernet is big and chewy. Even more so is Chateau Montelena Zinfandel, but it does have the spice. I have found if you add some fat to the tannins, it tends to mellow out the mouth feel and taste somewhat. In other words, have some nice Raclette cheese with your Zin, and it will surprise you what happens. I have found that the spice is more pronounced if it accompanies a rich tomato-based sauce or anything with any amount of pepper, like a nice filet. Enjoy your exploration into the world of big wines."
reply

"Leave it to the Aussies to come up with a name like that. Sounds great to me

How can I not go out tonight and look for this! Thanks for the suggestion, and I'll let you know how it goes.

Bob's your uncle!

Thanks again"
reply

"There is a pretty powerful shiraz out there, and not real pricey, from Australia. Runs $10-13. Reminds me a bit of a mixture of the Rosenblum cuvee and Bogle Petite Syrah. It has a kick to it. Ready for the name?

Woop-Woop. Sounds crazy. Tastes crazy. Crazy like a fox. In a real good way.

Crikey."
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"Thanks for the tip. I've had Concannon Chard and Viognier before - both were great, really big whites with a lot of character. I didn't know they had a Petite Sirah as well, I will check it out.

Sure thing. My experience with the Australian Shiraz is limited to the "mega-labels" (Yellow Tail and Rosemont) - I haven't ventured much beyond them. In fact, I havent ventured much beyond that with any Australian wine - so Im definitely open for any suggestions.

Thanks"
reply

Layer Cake Primitivo out of Puglia, Italy. Cupcake wineries are another one.

In gearing up for the holiday season, in the midst of the economic conundrum (white wine pun totally intentional...thanks Caymus) there are some great wine buys out there at the retail level. I...

The saber decapitation in Bottle Shock made me spew also....although NOT the layered, buttery, brown Chateau Montelena Chardonnay we were enjoying. At $50.00 a bottle, I squeezed every drop out...