The Good Wine Guru » Shiraz

Fisheye Shiraz 2010

George — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:00:28 +0000

Varietal: 100% Shiraz
Region: South Eastern Australia
Cost: $7 (SRP)

Winemaker’s Notes: Ripe blackberries and blueberries with spicy black pepper on the nose. Pairs well with BBQ baby back ribs with macaroni salad, jerk chicken with brown rice and black beans, or without any food at all.

My Review: It’s been unseasonably warm here in Virginia so I’ve been able to make use of my grill here at the end of January and start of February when it’s usually covered and forgotten until March. Because of that, my wife and I recently threw some chicken on the grill with some BBQ sauce basted on and decided to open up a bottle of Fisheye Shiraz that had been sent to me.

The wine was dark in the glass, with violet color throughout. On the nose I got berry and a hint of pepper right at the finish. In the mouth the wine was more complex than I would have expected, with a good mix of blackberry and blueberry flavors with a touch of spice and pepper and a fairly smooth finish. Paired with the BBQ chicken it went well with the food and was enjoyable to drink after the food was done as well.

Now, before I get too far let me be clear that this is by no means some transcendent wine. However, it’s pretty good for a budget table wine. It’s available in the Octavin Home Wine Bars and I’m giving serious consideration to picking one up to keep on the island counter in my kitchen for when I want that random glass of wine or for cooking with.

If you’re looking for a budget red that’s different than your usual value California Cabernet or Merlot and is surprisingly complex for the price you can do a lot worse than the Fisheye Shiraz. It won’t set the world on fire, but for parties and cookouts it’s a good option to put out, especially if you grab the Home Wine Bar size.

Tempra Tantrum Tempranillo/Shiraz 2009

George — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 17:00:34 +0000

Varietal: Tempranillo (60%); Shiraz (40%)
Region: Spain
Cost: $11.99 (SRP)

Aromas of spice and cherry, with flavors of dark cherry, chocolate, blackberry, plum, and earthiness. Pairs well with hearty meals such as Texas pork ribs, lasagna Florentine, tapas, lamb, and Spanish chorizo.

Recommendations: My wife liked this bottle just because the label was orange, her favorite color. I was intrigued when I got this sample some weeks ago as I enjoy both Tempranillo and Shiraz, but hadn’t really experimented with them blended. Finally, this past weekend while having a friend over for dinner, I decided to give it a try.

The wine was nice and dark in the glass and featured aromas of cherry and a bit of spice and earth. On the palate I got black cherry and a nice smooth finish that was oh so welcome. While I didn’t pair the wine with a Spanish dish, I did have it with a nice nice hearty beef stew that my wife had been slowly making in the crock pot all day.

The flavors of the wine were a nice compliment to the stew, but I could definitely see enjoying this with a plate of Spanish themed tapas out on the deck. In fact, I would highly recommend trying it just like that. Overall it was a nice enjoyable wine that I could definitely see picking up a few bottles of to open during a party with light tapas style food out. If you can’t a bottle of the 2009 Tempra Tantrum Tempranillo/Shiraz at your store, you can find it (and other blends) at this site. Give it a try the next time you’re cooking Spanish and I think you’ll enjoy it.

Angoves Nine Vines Rose

George — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 17:00:04 +0000

Varietal: Rose (70% Grenache; 30% Shiraz)
Region: South Australia
Cost: $15

Deep pink color with aromas of fresh berries and strawberries. Berry on the palate, notably raspberry, with a crisp finish.

Recommendations: I have officially consumed more pink wines in 2009 than in the previous 3 years combined – and that’s ok. My experience with pink wines started with the Peju Provence, and it has ended with the Angoves Nine Vines Rose.

A gift from my brother-in-law and his wife for Christmas, I was intrigued given the blend of Grenache and Shiraz. Dark pink in color with ripe fruit on the nose and refreshingly tart flavors of raspberry on the palate, this wine was a great pair for marinated salmon, mashed potatoes, and garlic green beans.

While I will be the first to admit that I am still hesitant about pink wines, this past year has taught me to be a bit more open minded, and the Rose from Nine Vines is a good one to be open minded with.

The Foodie Guide to Pairing Wine and Cheese

George — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:00:47 +0000

By: Sara Kahn, Founder of The Cheese Ambassador.

Whether you are hosting a soiree or a casual get-together this holiday, your mission is to provide your guests with warm hospitality, lively conversation and a delectable spread of food and drink. Whether the menu is complicated or simple it better be delicious. Serving a sumptuous gourmet cheese course is perfect as a starter or centerpiece of the meal. Not only is the preparation simple (no cooking!) but more importantly, your guests will enjoy discovering and savoring new favorites. As a wine lover, you want to impress with the right pairings but the overwhelming selections of wine and cheese can make your head spin. Relax. There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to choosing the right combinations of cheese and wine. Just keep in mind a few simple considerations.

A cheese course is about observing and enjoying contrasting and complementary flavors. For a foolproof gourmet cheese course, select 3 – 5 cheeses that vary in texture and flavor. Add some crusty bread, fresh or dried fruit, olives and nuts and voila!

Remember, wines are meant to cleanse the palate, wash away the tongue-coating richness of the cheese and prepare your mouth for the next delicious bite. It’s important that your selections don’t overwhelm the cheese and vice versa. Essentially, you’ll want to match wine and cheese of the same intensity level. Just remember “like for like”.

Take a look at the gourmet cheese categories and wine recommendations below for guidance. You’ll see how easy it is to serve an elegant wine and cheese course. For best results, just add friends and family.

Fresh – These cheeses are not aged and usually are white and light in flavor, smooth and sometimes tangy. Try chevre (goat cheese), feta and smoked mozzarella.
Beverage Pairings – Acidic white wines stand up to the tang and milky flavors of fresh cheese. Try a Viognier or a lightly oaked Chardonnay with French goat cheese, Boutari (a white Greek wine produced on the island of Santorini) with Greek Feta and Pinot Grigio with mozzarella.

Bloomy – Encased in a whitish, edible rind, bloomy gourmet cheeses are often velvety, gooey with a mild flavor. Add Brie, Camembert or Pierre-Robert to the cheese board for a decadent treat.
Beverage Pairings – Seek out a carbonated beverage to refresh the mouth from the rich and creamy flavors. Traditionally, bloomy cheeses are served with French Champagne but also try Cava from Spain and Prosecco from Italy.

Washed Rind – During the aging process, washed-rind cheeses are usually bathed in a brine or washed with liquor such as wine, beer or a spirits. It’s this brining process that gives the cheese an aromatic quality. Almost all have orange or reddish hued rinds. Not mild and not sharp, washed rind cheeses are full-flavored. Give Taleggio, Drunken Goat, and Epoisses a taste.
Beverage Pairings – The fruity and tannic flavors of red wines work well with the stronger flavors of washed rind cheeses. Try Italian reds such as Barolo and Brunello di Montalcino with Taleggio, a Spanish Rioja with the Drunken Goat and a Cabernet Sauvignon with Epoisses.

Semisoft – These supple cheeses are rich, creamy with stronger flavors. Fontina is herbal and nutty while Morbier offers sweetness with greater pungency.
Beverage Pairings – Sample these with light and fruity reds such as a Pinot Noir or fruity whites such as Sancerre.

Firm – Typically, firm cheeses are still pliable and packed with flavor. The best are a bit crumbly and aged for robust, nutty goodness. Cheddar, Gouda and Gruyere are crowd pleasers.
Beverage Pairings – A pint of English ale is the traditional beverage of choice for Cheddar but a Sauvignon Blanc is complex enough to complement. Gouda is great with a Syrah/Shiraz and drink Beaujolais with Gruyere.

Hard – Hard cheeses are dry, crumbly and aged for intensity. Piave, Parmigiano-Reggiano and Aged Comte boast salty, caramelized, nutty flavors.
Beverage Pairings – You’ll find hearty wines can hold their own against these cheeses. Try a Barbera or Chianti with the Piave and Parmigiano and Merlot with the Comte.

Blue – The bluish-green veins give blue cheese its punch. Listed from strong to strongest in pungency are creamy Gorgonzola, nutty Stilton and salty Roquefort.
Beverage Pairings – Intense gourmet cheeses like blues can be tamed with sweet dessert wines, liqueurs and even a fruity beer. Port and sherry are traditional blue libations. For a unique treat, try a raspberry flavored beer like Belgian Lambic (look for Lindeman’s Framboise). All can be savored while lingering over dessert.

About Sara Kahn
Even though her passion for gourmet cheese was undying, Sara Kahn found shopping for it to be overwhelming, time consuming and confusing. She established The Cheese Ambassador to offer a simple way to select and serve the world’s finest cheeses. Their cheese gift baskets provide the perfect combination of exquisite cheese along with a comprehensive cheese course guide, enjoying gourmet cheese is now a deliciously enriching experience.

Whole Foods Market Offering Summer Wine Deals

George — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 18:53:32 +0000

With summer upon us, Whole Foods Market is rolling out a selection of wines for summer that are priced to make their way into your home for parties, cookouts, or just for a night with a special someone. Starting at just $9, these whites and reds should be a welcome addition to any home.

Whites

Presto Prosecco - Brighten up your summer brunch with the fruity effervescence of this popular Italian Sparkler. Crisp, clean and refreshing with flavors of tropical fruit, it’s content on its own, in mimosas or as a cheerful contrast to hollandaise-topped egg dishes, stone- and tree-fruit salads, light fish or the rich and buttery Fromager D’Affinois.

Rudolf Müller “Bunny” Riesling - Floral, fruity and flirtatious with crisp peach, pear and light acidity, this drier-style Riesling is a splendid apéritif and the perfect match with lighter seafood and salads, Asian spiced cuisine or firmer cheeses such as Hirtenkase Aged.

Biokult Grüner Veltliner - Austria’s “Gru-Vee” White is a groovy delight with a light zesty flavor and hints of cracked pepper and prairie grass. Clean acidity and a soft seductive finish make this an enchanting apéritif or versatile sidekick for spicy dishes, grilled seafood, burgers, pizza or Whole Foods Market® organic fresh goat cheese. Made with Organically Grown Grapes.

Vinum Chenin Blanc / Viognier - A marvelous medley of pear, melon and grapefruit, just one glass is like a bouquet of blooming summer citrus. A supple texture and snappy finish make this absolutely yummy with brunch, shellfish, sun-dried tomatoes, or thin-crust pizzettas made with fresh Cana de Cabra or Whole Foods Market® organic fresh goat cheese.

V-solo Verdejo - With its zesty acidity and fruity disposition this vivacious Spanish sipper is a welcome guest to any occasion. Floral aromas and hints of gooseberry, lime and citrus will dazzle the palate. Plays well alone or with others—especially seafood, shellfish or nutty, slightly sharp Robusto cheese.

Manifesto! Sauvignon Blanc - The ideal sip for a sunny picnic, this frisky White coats your palate with ripe lemon, gooseberry, grapefruit and orange peel. A smooth texture and food-friendly acidity makes it a harmonious companion for grilled foods, seafood or oysters.

Bonterra Rosé - This melodious blend of Sangiovese, Zinfandel and Grenache is full of ripe summer berries. Unexpected richness, a touch of spice and juicy acidity makes this a wonderful accompaniment for al fresco anything! A singular chilled sensation or perfect match for grilled foods, salmon or Spanish Cana de Cabra goat cheese. Made with Organically Grown Grapes.

Reds

Escudo Rojo - Enhance warm weather fare with some Chilean flare! This compelling mélange of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenère, exudes rich spice, toast and black cherry aromas and is smooth on the palate. Captivating with grilled meats, barbecue or hamburgers.

Pirovano il Rosso di Enzo - For a long, hot and lusty summer, add a juicy Italian to your menu. This evocative Red is highly attracted to grilled food, pizza, burgers and medium-aged cheeses such as Taleggio and Kilaree Irish Cheddar.

Rutherford Hill Merlot - Dark cherries, luscious chocolate and a silky finish make this “king of Merlots” ideal for summer romance. Balanced with hints of vanilla, cinnamon and tobacco, this seductive Red is alluring one-on-one or with hearty meats such as grilled steak, burgers or mature Seaside Cheddar.

Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz Cabernet - An outstanding value, this commemorative release is the life of any patio party, backyard bash or beachfront fête! Succulent ripe blueberry, dark cherry and black currant coupled with chocolate and olive flavors presents a beguiling complexity and sleek finish. Superb with beef, lamb and chicken or rich GranQueso cheese.

Castello di Gabbiano Chianti - This classic Red giant unfolds into a lush bouquet of ripe red fruits. Made in the Tuscan tradition, it is a dry, well-balanced and full-bodied Sangiovese that adores hot and hearty summer cuisine including grilled beef, barbecue or pizza.

In addition to this selection of wines, Whole Foods market has selected several cheeses that are perfect for pairing with these wines while sitting on a porch, deck, patio, or dinner table.

Aged Hirtenkase - This versatile and full-flavored hard cheese is made from the milk of cows that graze on rich Alpine grasses. Aged for one year, it fuses the best of Swiss and Parmesan style cheeses. Grate a hunk into risotto or over salads and soup and surrender your taste buds.

Fromager D’Affinois - Hello creamy goodness! From the French Rhône-Alpes, this soft-ripened cousin to Brie is luscious, buttery and just waiting to be taken advantage of. Savor solo or with ripe berries and other summer fruits.

GranQueso - From farm-fresh cow’s milk, this Wisconsin original is lovingly cured for six to nine months and hand-rubbed with delectable spices. Deep and complex with a balanced sweet finish, it’s the star of any cheeseboard, and coveted companion to salads, soups, pastas and sandwiches.

Robusto - A Dutch cheese with an Italian spirit, Robusto is softer, yet reminiscent of, aged, nutty Parmesan. Friendly and versatile, cube it into salads, melt it on pasta or roasted vegetables, or just savor a slice on its own.

Seaside Cheddar - This rugged mature cheddar’s unusual sweet taste and crunchy texture comes from cows that graze on southern England’s coastal grasses. Crystallized calcium gives it a crunch. Tantalizing by itself or on burgers, grilled chicken pasta or a rambunctious grilled cheese and grilled beef sandwich.

Visit your local Whole Foods Market to check out their summer wine and cheese selection. It’s a great way to enjoy wine the entire summer.

Target Wine Cube Cabernet Sauvignon-Shiraz

George — Tue, 26 May 2009 14:30:05 +0000

Target Wine Cubes

Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon/Shiraz (50% Cabernet Sauvignon/50% Shiraz)
Region: California – USA/Australia
Cost: $15.99

Fruit forward Cabernet Sauvignon has a hint of pepper from the Shiraz on the finish. Dark berry flavors present a very mild red wine with low tannins. Will pair well with sauce heavy pastas or as a contrast to heavily seasoned red meats.

Recommendation: For now I’m going to ignore the pros and cons of boxed wine (that will be another post at date soon to come) and look more at the wine. The Target Wine Cube Cab/Shiraz blend is very fruit forward, enough so that if I didn’t know it was a 50/50 split on the blend I would think it was more Cabernet than Shiraz. This wine came camping with my wife and some friends, and for enjoying in the great outdoors with some food cooked over an open flame, it was more than adequate.

I’m not going to delude myself into thinking that Target is now the purveyor of some amazing wine, but for anybody looking for a basic table wine, you really can’t argue against what they’re offering, especially when you consider it’s 4 bottles of wine for under $20. I wouldn’t serve this at a dinner party, but it’s certainly worth keeping on hand for anybody that just drinks wine by the glass.

Nine Vines Shiraz Viognier

George — Wed, 13 May 2009 19:21:17 +0000

Nine Vines Shiraz Viognier

Varietal: Shiraz/Viognier (94% Shiraz 6% Viognier)
Region: South Australia – Australia
Cost: $20.49

Big aromas of berry, especially blackberry, fruit, vanilla, and spice that only increase as the wine has time to aerate. Smooth on the palate, berry and vanilla flavors lead into a long finish, compliments of the slightly higher alcohol content of this wine (14% by volume).

Recommendations: I’m a fan of Shiraz and Viognier, so I was very interested in a blending of the two. I was not disappointed. The Viognier adds great spice to the wine, while mellowing it out on the palate. My wife and I paired this with grilled pork chops and risotto with basil and sun-dried tomatos in it, but this would go great with beef, lamb, or even ribs.

One of my biggest keys to a wine is whether or not it can be enjoyed without being paired with food, and this medium-bodied wine certainly passes that test. While it was great with the meal, I continued to enjoy the wine well after the meal had been completed and my wife and I had settled in to watch some TV.

Even if you’re not a fan of Shiraz, I would recommend the Nine Vines Shiraz/Viognier blend. It will go great with a good range of meals, but is just as enjoyable by itself.

Special thanks to the International Wine of the Month Club.

Can’t find the Nine Vines Shiraz/Viognier at your local store? Find it here.

Voga Italia Quattro

George — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 17:48:18 +0000

Voga Italia Quattro

Varietal: Pinot Noir/Merlot/Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon

Region: Italy – Sicily

Cost: $9.99 – $11.99

A blend of 4 varietals (hence the name), this medium-bodied wine has the natural tannins of the pinot noir and cabernet sauvignon offset by the merlot and shiraz. This Italian red pairs well with food, but can be enjoyed by itself.

Recommendations: I think I would have liked this wine better had they left out the merlot to let the dryness of the pinot noir and cabernet sauvignon shine through. Drinkable by itself, this wine pairs well with food, particularly red meat. For a wine under $10, it’s hard to not recommend that anybody give this wine a try, and it’s certainly a great way to ease your way into red wines if you’re new to them, but if you drink a lot of red wine already, this wine probably won’t suit your needs. I say give it a shot, but don’t get your hopes up too high, as this may lead to disappointment.

Rosemount Diamond Label Shiraz

George — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 14:00:16 +0000

Rosemount Diamond Label Shiraz

Varietal: Shiraz

Region: Australia – South East

Cost: $9.99 – $14.99

A nose featuring hints of spice and black fruit, this Australian red offers complex flavors. A soft, velvety finish makes this a versatile wine.

Recommendations: Australia’s take on the Syrah, this red wine is quickly becoming a favorite of many red wine drinkers thanks to its versatility. Robust enough to not be overwhelmed by a meal, it’s also mellow enough to be enjoyed by itself. The Rosemount Diamond Label Shiraz is no exception. Pairing well with food or consumed by itself, this is a great shiraz for both the long time shiraz lover, or for somebody that is looking to introduce themselves to the wine. My one suggestion about this wine is to avoid drinking it a a restaurant simply for the mark-up that many eateries tend to have on this wine, otherwise, absolutely give this wine a shot.

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