YOU SAMPLED a Bold red from

Costa Catterina

The most well-known Nebbiolo region, and for good reasons. Released 4 full years after harvest, 3 of those spent in oak, Barolo is a powerhouse of rich rose and anise aromas and mouth-drying tannins. The paradox is that all of this is contained within a seemingly light wine; coffee, vanilla, red cherry, potpourri, allspice, truffles, tar, liquorice and primordial Earth are all here. Oh, and tons and tons of enjoyable fruit on top of those gripping, addictive tannins. The King Of Italy!

 

PERFECT WITH

Braised short ribs, pot roast, wagyu carpaccio, anything that involves truffles, all white outfits

YOU SAMPLED a Medium red from

Costa Catterina Nebbiolo

A younger and brighter expression of Nebbiolo than you’ll find with the Barolo. Still aged in large oak casks, though only for 24 months, the wine displays more of the tart raspberry and fresh snipped flower scents and drinks with flavors of bright red fruits, cherries soaked in alcohol and liquorice, and a touch of forest floor bramble.

 

PERFECT WITH

Seasoned cheeses, spicy Asian cuisine, Grandpa’s venison steaks, beef jerky

YOU SAMPLED a Bold red from

Château Hourbanon 2010

In the last 20 years only one vintage has been rated 99 across the board: 2010. This historic vintage is just now starting to come around in the glass; whereas 2 years ago the wines were tight and closed off, now they open with blackberry, blueberry and a density and smokiness/spiciness that only time can achieve. Supple, silky harmonious tannins on the finish are the last reminder of the cozy yarn Father Time uses to weave magical nuances on Bordeaux wine.

 

PERFECT WITH

Stinky cheeses, filet mignon, lamb, silly allegories about wine and yarn

YOU SAMPLED a Bold red from

Château Hourbanon 2011

2011 was a tough year for Bordeaux, especially following the historic harvest of 2010. However, that doesn’t always mean a bad thing when you’re talking about wines that “need age.” Due to low yields and lower alcohol, the 2011s are peaking right now! Expect a nose dominated by subtle leather and violently aromatic cherry, a concentrated palate with both noticeably brighter tannins and acid than the 2010, and a slight spice that lingers in the best of ways.

 

PERFECT WITH

Burgers, steak nachos, nighttime boat rides, semi-fancy dinner parties

YOU SAMPLED a Bold red from

Château Hourbanon 2012

The youngest of the vertical you’ll be tasting, 6 years is still a comfortable amount of time to hold-off on opening your Médoc Bordeauxs. This 2012 still has a whisper of youth on the nose with tight black fruit dominating the aromas, but as of this year is starting to show it’s true colors. Flavors of dark plum, black cherry candy and black currant blend with vanilla notes from the oak, less integrated than in the 2010 but definitely not unwelcome. The tannins are more present now and will only fade and smooth over with age, so if BIG wines are your thing, surprisingly the youngest in the vertical may be your favorite!

 

PERFECT WITH

Barbecue, fancy takeout, fatto a mano pasta, showing off on a second date

YOU SAMPLED a Medium red from

Baldovino Cabernet

Cabernet that's ready to drink now (yes, please!) Seductive aromas of cherries, blueberries and rhubarb enrobed in warm scents of dark chocolate, juniper and tobacco are silkier than Mr. Grey's tie collection. All of those scents translate to palate, bringing along with them smooth tannins that further up the sexiness of the wine inside. Whew.

 

PERFECT WITH

Red meats, mature cheeses, leather handcuffs

YOU SAMPLED an Al Fresco red from

Sette Aje Frappato

100% Frappato and 100% drinkable. This indigenous Italian grape produces a light bodied red wine with delightful strawberry and tart raspberry flavors and a dash of pretty pink and purple flower scents.

 

PERFECT WITH

Charcuterie, pork chops, poultry, lawn furniture

YOU SAMPLED a Medium white from

Sette Aje Inzolia-Catarratto

A 50-50 blend of local white grapes, the nose is powerful but still fresh with notes of ripe stone fruit and sweet summer hay. The palate brings a touch of grassiness before the fragrant fruitiness wallops you with ripe pear and peach.

 

PERFECT WITH

Freshly caught fish, Whole Foods sushi, pre-game before a hot night out

YOU SAMPLED an Al Fresco white from

l’Espinose Muscadet

Classic Muscadet with a bright, pale yellow color with scents of pear, peach and grapefruit. The palate opens with citrus and lively minerality and the mouthfeel is velvet smooth thanks to aging on lees.

 

PERFECT WITH

Moules Frites, tempeh, oysters, grilled cheese lunch