Domaine Loubejac Willamette Rosé - 2015 Wine Review

Willamette, damn it! Years back when I went wine tasting in the Willamette Valley of Oregon for the first time, this is the expression the locals used to help the visitors remember how to pronounce Willamette -- rhymes with damn it.

This week’s Wine Wednesday feature, the 2015 Domaine Loubejac Willamette Rosé is described as a rare rosé blend. Generally, this term means that the wine is a blend of an unusual combination of varietals. At the same time, rosé wines are usually made from the varietals most widely grown in the area that they are from – and usually, red varietals, though white can be used as well.  Pinot Noir is highly likely to be part of this blend since one of the more popular varietals in the Willamette Valley is Pinot Noir. Other varietals in the blend may or may not be, Shiraz/Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvedre.

As the days start getting warmer, this wine conjures up thoughts of a picnic. The beautiful salmon color makes one think of May flowers soon to come.  One the nose, apricot and peach and a pronounced minerality. It is sweet on the tip of the tongue but then is lively – evidence of stainless steel fermentation.  It has a crisp, short, yet juicy (wait for it) finish. We enjoyed this with a Cajun Shrimp Boil. I think this wine is extremely versatile, but for some reason I want to pair it with spicy foods.  Try also with Chicken Tortilla Soup.  Click the links below to print or save the recipe pairing suggestions.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

Cajun Shrimp Boil

Cantine Di Dolianova Dolia Vermentino Di Sardegna (2014) Wine Review

Happy Wine Wednesday! I'm back. I chose to give up wine as my Lenten sacrifice  and decided during that time I would refrain from writing about it as well.

If I had to choose (thankfully I don't), I tend to prefer white wine, crisp and dry and also enjoy exploring alternative whites. One I particularly like is Vermentino. If you like Sauvignon Blanc or Albariño, I would encourage you to try Vermentino.

Half of all Vermentino comes from the Italian island of Sardinia as does this weeks featured wine, the 2014 Cantine Di Dolianova Dolia Vermentino Di Sardegna.

There are generally two styles of Vermentino; one more silky and creamy and the other more crisp and floral. This weeks feature is more like the first and probably the style I prefer, especially with food as pairing options are a little broader.

On the nose, notes of pear and honey, herbs and limestone. On the palate, citrus with a subtle salinity perhaps from the sea air, a touch of pepper on the finish and that slightly silky mouthfeel - the result of malolactic fermentation.

Vermentino is my go-to pairing choice with Mexican food, especially seafood or chicken based dishes. Try with Grilled Squid Tacos or Tempura Fish Tacos. Click the links below to print or save the recipe pairing suggestions.

Tempura Fish Tacos

Grilled Squid Tacos