Back on Track

Wine Number 24:

2004 Las Moras Tannat Reserve

After a couple of boring wines we're officially back to the good stuff. Knocked out another country in Argentina. I was surprised to see the wine was from Argentina, but after reading a bit on the history I shouldn't be. Originally [to the best of our knowledge] from the south of France, the wine migrated to Uruguay and eventually made it's way down to Argentina. Now I want to try some Uruguaian Tannat.

The wine itself was not over-tannic as you might expect from a wine called Tannat. Noticeable oak, but notice I didn't say "over"-oaked. Good and interesting fruit. I got it for $15, it is probably offered cheaper in store, which makes this a great buy.


Wine Count 24; Country Count: 11; Grape Count: 23

A Couple Snoozers

Every now and then you get lucky when you try new wines and look for values. Every now and then... you don't. The latter happened last week when I looked for a couple inexpensive wines to have with some friends. I got two grapes out of the way, but also found two wines I won't buy again. The tasting notes are basically similar... forgettable and light. The La Francesa was a bit funky and the poorer of the two. Here's the information:

Wine Number 22:

2005 La Francesca Valpolicella: Like I said, a bit funky, light and forgettable. Would not buy again at any price. Corvina grape.

Wine Number 23:

2004 Moncaro "Ensino Rosso": Contains 40% Montepulciano grape, a wine I've had several times but is not on this list because it's usually at dinner or friends' houses. Wine was okay but nothing really going on.

Wine Count: 23; Grape Count: 22.

Signature Grapes:

In what has sort of been standard procedure in the last several years or so, Chile has risen in the wine world with their flagship grape being Carmenere. I say this because if you think about it... you can sort of play a word association game with countries that aren't in the Big Four of wine producers [France, Italy, Spain, US]. Australia... Shiraz... Argentina... Malbec... Germany... Riesling... Hungary... Tokaji... Chile... Carmenere. Is it fair? Hell no. And there are exceptions... Greece has hundreds of native varieties, and Portugal routinely uses dozens of grapes in Port blends.

But sometimes in order for a country to gain notice in the wine world... they need a signature grape. It's especially unfair for places like Germany, which has been producing quality wines for generations. But nonetheless that's how the average wine drinker sees it. What is even more interesting to me... is the fact that Carmenere is a grape that until recently was seldom heard from... due to weather patterns and climate it does extremely well in Chile and as a result it has taken the international stage.

2006 Augustino Carmenere:

At any rate... I found this particular Carmenere to have well integrated oak, with big fruit. A quality buy for those looking to try this grape.

Wine Count: 21; Grape Count: 20

Wine Number 20:

2006 Planeta La Segreta Rosso Sicilia IGT

Another interesting wine that fell far short of expectations! In terms of composition, this wine is Nero d’Avola (50%), Merlot (25%), Syrah (20%) and Cabernet Franc (5%). However, for me it was way over-oaked and I simply couldn't get past that aspect of it.

And that's really the end of this tasting note. I tried to get something from this wine, to gain something about the area and the grape but... nothing.

Got another wine off my list... Nero d'Avola. And if I were doing a count of Italian provinces I would have hit another... Sicily... to add to Tuscany, Umbria, Veneto and Abruzzo.

Wine Count: 20; Grape Count: 19.