2012 Sábrego Wine Review

From the Valdeorras region of Spain (Northwest corner) Sábrego is a white wine made from Godello. I don’t believe that I’ve ever tried Godello before, which is most unfortunate, but I’m glad to have stumbled on it now. 

The soil from which it grows is reflected in its delightful minerality. (Sábrego is a local term for the areas granite soil.) On the nose; green apple, pear, spice and what struck me as the scent of popcorn butter – you know the powdered kind (but in a good way). Having been fermented in stainless tanks, it is lively on the tongue yet sturdy and has a long juicy finish. 

This is a wonderful wine to enjoy by the glass with a cheese plate but also with shellfish. We enjoyed it with Lobster Risotto and I think it would be fabulous with my Lobster BLT Salad. For me, this wine just begs for shellfish but could work with light chicken dishes as well. For recipe pairings, click the links below.

Lobster Risotto

Lobster BLT Salad

2008 Fetish Playmates Wine Review

When I reacquainted myself with the various definitions of “fetish”, among them were: “a course of action to which one has an excessive and irrational commitment” and also, “a form of sexual desire in which gratification is linked to an abnormal degree to a particular object, item of clothing, part of the body, etc.” The winery's name implies great confidence in their wines and I’m guessing the “particular object” they are hoping you develop an “irrational commitment” for is on your wine shops shelf with a sexy silhouette on the painted label. Yes, this label is painted on – quite unique – nothing one could peel off here – classy touch. 

The Playmates they are likely referring to here are 3 varietals, Shiraz (Syrah) (80%), Mataro (Mourvedre) (10%) and Grenache (10 %). It just so happens, they play very well together. This New World GSM red blend is from the Barossa Valley of Australia. 

On the nose, cherry and dark chocolate (like a dark chocolate covered cherry), a hint of cedar and licorice. On the palate, more of the same but with spice (black pepper) and moderate tannins. I love how this wine evolved. On the sip - sweet on the tip of your tongue, which led to a juicy slightly tart burst of dark fruit flavor, finishing with delightful spice on the palate. 

We enjoyed this with Baked Chicken and Wild Rice. It would also be great with steak or grilled pork chops slathered in BBQ sauce. I can’t say that this has become a fetish, not yet anyway, but it is worth repeating….we’ll see what happens…..To print or save recipe pairing suggestion, click the links below. 

Baked Chicken and Wild Rice