The Good Wine Guru » peppery finish

Tapena Garnacha 2007

George — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 17:00:03 +0000

Varietal: Garnacha
Region: Spain
Cost: $10

Garnet colored with aromas and flavors of blackberry and cherry and pepper on the finish. Pairs well with pork tenderloin, rib-eye, and roast chicken.

Recommendations: My wife picked this up at the store as we’re both fans of Spanish wines. Very dark in color, just barely what I would call garnet really, I picked up good aromas and flavors of cherry. Paired with a meal of manwhich (or sloppy joe’s if you prefer), the pepper finish was very welcome.

The one thing about this wine that surprised me was that it only had a 12.5% alcohol content, as it tasted like it had much more. That’s not to say that I didn’t enjoy the wine, and I would certainly pick it up again, especially the next time I’m making pork tenderloin.

Ravenswood Vintner’s Blend Zinfandel

George — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 16:56:06 +0000

Ravenswood Vintners Blend Zinfandel

Varietal: Zinfandel

Region: United States – California

Cost: $9 – $12

Aromas of cherry and black pepper lead into a taste of sour cherry, chocolate, and raspberry. A nice peppery finish with just a hint of alcohol at the end. Pairs well with red meat and pasta.

Recommendation: This is, admitedly, one of the first red zinfandels that I’ve ever had. I had always been wary of zinfandels because of the white variety, something that I have no taste for. Because of the Ravenswood Zinfandel, my wife and I are both converts the red zinfandel train of thought. The great dark berry flavors are a great lead into the peppery finish, something that I’m a huge fan of. While it is a bit fruity on the front end (as many California wines tend to be), it wasn’t enough to ruin the wine for me. If you’re new to red zinfandel, this is a good one to start with, and if you’re looking for an affordable zinfandel to keep around the house, you really can’t miss with this one. Definitely worth a try.

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Vino Curioso Franc the Tank

George — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 18:47:21 +0000

Franc the Tank

Varietal: Cabernet Franc

Region: Virginia – USA

Cost: < $20

Low tannins and a lighter finish than is usual for a Virginia Cabernet Franc. A peppery finish with spices throughout, a very medium-bodied wine. Will pair well with red meats, chips and salsa, or just by itself.

Recommendation: Vino Curioso is a new up and coming vineyard in Virginia, with the cabernet franc (with a great reference to Old School) being the highlight. As a vineyard, Vino Curioso seems to be marketing themselves towards a younger demographic, something that not many vineyards are doing yet. At a wine expo, the average age of the patrons at their booth was under 30. Vino Curioso is doing a great job of marketing their wines in a fun and inventive way, all the while producing a quality wine. If you find a bottle of the Franc the Tank at your local store, I recommend grabbing it – it’s not your usual Virginia cabernet franc, but it’s a very good one nonetheless.

Grayhaven Winery Cabernet Franc

George — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 14:00:23 +0000

Grayhaven Winery Cabernet Franc

Varietal: Cabernet Franc

Region: Virginia – USA

Cost: $16

Grayhaven’s Cabernet Franc offers a deep ruby color with aromas of berries and spice. Light to medium bodied, it delivers simple and straightforward flavors of wild cherry and plum. Hints of spice, leather, and a pepperyness on the finish. Pairs well with braised lamb, roast duck and Northern Italian style veal dishes.

Recommendation: This is a great Cabernet Franc for somebody looking for a more mellow red wine. Works well with or without food, and can even be turned into an excellent mulled wine. Certainly on the lighter side of color and flavor when it comes to Cabernet Franc, but the peppery finish is a pleasant surprise and adds something to the wine that makes it worth the purchase. Grayhaven doesn’t enter their wine into competitions, and I’m not saying that this wine would win if they did, but it would certainly get an honorable mention.

Check this wine out if you get the chance, and visit their vineyard in Gum Spring, Virginia if you’re in the area. The comfortableness of the vineyard alone will make you want to spend the day there drinking their wine.