March Madness

Image result for hello march

It’s official. The worst of winter is behind us. That’s not to say we won’t get another snowstorm (or 2) in eastern Canada, but I love to see March. The days are noticeably longer and Spring is definitely in the air. You know what’s also awesome about March? More barbecues! I have tried a couple of new wines this past week, and they would be a great match at your next barbecue.

004

Let’s start things off with this kick ass Malbec my friend Judy bought over last weekend. An award winner, and 91+ points across the board, including a 92 from wine critic James Suckling. We enjoyed the 2013 vintage, and it had spent 12 months in French oak, and personally I thought it needed to breathe for 30 minutes. You could taste wood, and it was a little hot on first sip, but once we let it sit, it was magnificent. The winemaker, Germán Di Césare, has been quoted as saying ‘The best measure of a wine’s worth is an empty bottle’! I love that quote. And we weren’t long pouring the last sip from this wonderful Malbec. It was a dark inky purple color and very aromatic, and a nice long finish. Two thumbs up!

003

Next up, this lovely organic wine out of Italy. The Amastuola Primitivo (cousin to Zinfandel) is a perfect wine for BBQ fare. The organically farmed vines sit on a plateau at an altitude of 210 meters above sea level which provides slow ripening and beautiful flavor. This wine is aged for 18 months, half in oak, the other half in stainless steel. So, in no way does the oak overpower the wine. Primitivo is known for its generous fruit and this one has a nice hint of spice as well. Loved it, and for just $20, I will be buying it again.

And now for my wine of the week…

002

All 3 of the wines I have written about this week could easily claim my wine of the week. Wine of the week started when I wanted to get myself out of a wine rut, because I felt I was drinking the same wines week in and week out. I made a commitment to my blog readers and to myself that I would try at least 1 new wine per week. This week I happened to try 3. They were all so good. I love discovering new wines, and here’s another that did not disappoint. Col di Sasso means Stony Hill, and this Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese grapes in this blend were cultivated on the most rocky slopes of the Banfi estate in Montalcino, Italy. This was a full-bodied wine but the two grapes are blended very well and super smooth. Steal of a deal at just $19, it’s a great expression of an Italian wine.

wine-morning-person