Bodegas Shaya Arindo Verdejo (2013) Wine Review

It was in August that my husband treated me to a birthday dinner at VB Lounge, a place in Chandler, AZ, I had been wanting to check out.  As per usual, I had perused the menu prior to our arrival, and my taste buds were set.  The server handed me the wine list, I ordered, only to have her come back and say that they were out of what I’d requested – gasp! She then suggested a Verdejo, pronounced Vare – DAY – oh, which wasn’t on the wine list, but she highly recommended. It turned out to be a wonderful suggestion, and I was reminded of a varietal that I enjoy and don’t often purchase because there isn’t usually a broad selection and you have to ask or search it out at the wine shop.

My next trip, I was sure to bring home a Verdejo - this week’s Wine Wednesday feature, the 2013 Shaya Arindo.  The grapes for this wine are sourced from a vineyard in Segovia in the Rueda region of Spain where the primary varietal is Verdejo. Wine labeled as Rueda Verdejo must be at least 85% Verdejo. This wine is 100% Verdejo.

The wine exhibited a beautiful golden color. On the nose, tropical fruit, honey and a noticeable minerality. The wine though fermented in stainless, still possessed a creamy, silky mouthfeel that I found surprising while still providing a familiar well-balanced acidic finish.  I liked the body of this dry white wine, making it more versatile for pairing.

We enjoyed this with steamed mussels and I used the wine in the mussels as well. Try also with Prosciutto Pasta Roulade.  Click the links below to print or save the recipe pairing suggestions.

Steamed Mussels

Prosciutto Pasta Roulade

Remy Pannier Rosé ď Anjou 2014 Wine Review

“The only thing appealing about Rosé is its color”. While at a wine tasting event this past weekend this is what another lady in attendance said when the person conducting the tasting poured a Rosé. It set me back when the person conducting the tasting agreed with her. GASP! How unfair, how untrue! If you’ve followed my blog for a while, you’re aware that in the past I too have been judgmental when it comes to Rosé which for the longest time would conjure up memories of my Grandmother’s holiday wine choice of Paul Masson sold in a carafe shaped bottle with a metal lid. I still shudder at the thought.

In recent years I’ve made a point to explore Rosé wines and though the color is quite lovely, I've found it’s not just another pretty face. I’ve realized one shouldn’t paint with so wide a brush. Actually, some of you may have fond memories of Paul Masson.  I’ve learned Rosé wines vary greatly just like red or white and can be comprised of many different varietals other than Zinfandel.

As I stood at the tasting, I was thinking about this week’s Wine Wednesday feature that I had just enjoyed the night before. The 2014 Remy Pannier Rosé ď Anjou is from the Loire Valley of France. The wine takes its name from its location of origin, Anjou the former French county. This wine is a blend of 70% Grolleau, 20% Gamay and 10% Cabernet Franc. Though all are dark skinned grapes the salmon color of this wine is likely achieved by the skin contact method where the juice is exposed to the dark skins for a limited period of time.

This is an off-dry wine with notes of strawberry and citrus blossom and a pronounced minerality. It starts slightly sweet on the tongue and finishes with a lovely crisp acidity. Because of the minerality I think it would make a great pairing with fish or shellfish and because it is off-dry it could be wonderful with spicy dishes.  We enjoyed it with Parmesan Encrusted Tilapia. Try it with Grilled Squid Tacos with Pineapple Slaw and a spicy Thai Remoulade. Click the links below to print or save the recipe pairing suggestions. 

Parmesan Encrusted Tilapia

Grilled Squid Tacos with Pineapple Slaw and Thai Remoulade