YOU SAMPLED a Medium red from

Lilium Nero d’Avola

A rare organic vineyard of Nero d’Avola from the Italian island of Sicily. Dark in the glass though drinking slightly lighter on its feet, expect rich dark cherry with a present red plum note and whispers of sweet pipe tobacco and spice.

 

PERFECT WITH

Hoisin sauce, beef stew, BBQ burgers, bacon

YOU SAMPLED a Medium red from

Domaine Dumas Brouilly

Aromas of sweet Rainier cherry and earth mingle with spiced wildberry bramble bush flavors. A long finish with a persistent ripe strawberry note and silky-soft tannins cap off the palate.

 

PERFECT WITH

Andouille sausage, Bolognese pizza, charcuterie, chicken tagine

YOU SAMPLED a Medium red from

Belles Courbes Saint Chinian

Deep garnet, but with a core of ruby red and hints of purple dancing all around. Black cherry liqueur, currant and other ripe fruits on the nose backed up by spicy oregano and fuzzy Bay laurel. The palate is structured, but not too serious, with all of those ripe fruits translating perfectly and accompanied by white pepper and a touch of anise.

 

PERFECT WITH

Pot roasts, short ribs, mature cheese, grilled burgers with nice char

YOU SAMPLED a Medium red from

Abrigo “Garabei” Dolcetto

Violet tinges surround a nose of cherry liqueur, wild sour cherries and purple flowers. Fresh acidity keeps the creamy berry flavors and light tannins balanced into a truly drinkable, dark, deep, rich wine that’s not bitter or harsh. Italy is definitely onto something here!

 

PERFECT WITH

Filled pastas, aged ham, grilled squash, salty cheese

YOU SAMPLED a Bold red from

Donjon Minervois Rouge

Château Donjon’s flagship bottling has powerful primary aromas of ripe black fruits like plum and berry with strawberry and raspberry taking over next. Very dense on the palate with concentrated dark cherry flavors and structured, developing tannins.

 

PERFECT WITH

Duck, strong cheese, grilled anything, intense drama show binge sessions.

YOU SAMPLED an Al Fresco red from

Rin du Bois Gamay

Ripe and warm gamay perfect for cool weather with loads of acidity and a soft texture. Plummy and pleasant with prominent cherry and raspberry scents and just enough earth to remind you that it’s French. Try with a slight chill for a refreshing red.

 

PERFECT WITH

Boiled shrimp, crudite with dip, grilled cheese sandwich.

YOU SAMPLED a Medium red from

Meldor Rioja

A traditional wine with a touch of modernity! Black forest fruit like blackberries and blueberries and chocolate covered cherries with oak providing an elegant aroma of toffee and sweet violets. Fleshy on the palate with good acidity and loads more of those rich forest berries. A fun wine for both new wine drinkers and traditionalists!

 

PERFECT WITH

Grilled tuna, sausages, flat top burgers, Korean BBQ.

YOU SAMPLED an Al Fresco white from

Chateau Gillet Bordeaux

A semillon heavy blend makes for a rich and tropical-fruit-filled bouquet of lychee and honeysuckle. The Sauvignon blanc dominates the palate with tart, zesty lime and under ripe kiwi, like you forgot to cut off all of the skin. The semillon lends itself both to mouthfeel, with a nice weight and texture, and also to complementary floral undertones picked up in the glass.

 

PERFECT WITH

Salmon nigiri, charred octopus, braised rabbit, spicy cuisines.

YOU SAMPLED a Bold white from

d’Escausses Vigne Galante

A sweet white that’s not cloying or dessert level. The nose is fluffy and white with marzipan and lemon laced chiffon. Dense aromas of white flowers give way to exotic fruits on the palate with a distinct honeyed note. Crisp, smooth and quite airy for a “sweet” wine!

 

PERFECT WITH

Scallop carpaccio, chicken curry, spicy Thai salads with loads of basil.