Archive for the 'Pepper' Category

2014 Cantina Zaccagnini Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC

Cantina-Zaccagnini-Montepulciano-dAbruzzo-DOCThis Montepulciano d’Abruzzo From Montepulciano  d’Abruzzo grapes. Fermentation with the skins by temperature control in stainless steel tanks. Aging in oak barrels for 6 months. Another 3 months refining in bottle.

From the winemaker – “Intense ruby red colour with violet nuances; intense, characteristic bouquet of the primary grape aromas; fruity component, full-bodied and robust, well-balanced with tannin and oak features.”

Enjoy with beef, duck or veal dishes or a bleu cheese.

Rating:

This wine has not been rated.

 

2012 Line 39 Cabernet Sauvignon

Line-39-Cabernet-SauvignonLine 39 offers consumers a selection of varietals from California. Line 39 refers to the latitude where many of the great wine growing regions of the world are found. California continues to impress critics with ideal growing conditions and soil compositions that allow for excellent fruit. Line 39 wines are versatile and sophisticated, providing a wonderful complement to a variety of foods.

From the winemaker – “Our 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon exhibits rich fruit flavors of currant and blackberry with hints of pepper on the palate. The wine finishes with subtle tannins that don’t overpower this easy-to-drink Cabernet Sauvignon.

Rating:

This wine was previously given a 85 point rating by Wine Spectator.

Availability:

2012 vintage in a 750 ml – Standard Bottle is currently in stock at Byram and Hackettstown for $9.99 a bottle, $53.95 a 1/2 case with a 10% half case discount, and $95.91 a case with a 20% full case discount. SKU#28891

2011 Alamos Seleccion Malbec

Alamos-Seleccion-MalbecAlamos crafts quality wines from Argentina, offering the best of Mendoza’s high altitude vineyards at an incredible value. Alamos grapes are grown at the foothills of the Andes Mountains at elevations of 3,000 to 5,000 feet, where intense sunlight, cool evening temperatures and mineral-rich irrigation from mountain snowmelt translate to rich wines with intense flavor characteristics.

From the winemaker – “The pinnacle of our portfolio, the Alamos 2011 Selección Malbec has enticing ripe black fruit characteristics of plum and blackberry. Intense aromas of violet and dark berry jump right out of the glass and extend to the palate, where they are complemented by hints of brown spice and pepper from oak aging. Full-bodied, this high-profile Malbec culminates in a deep, luscious finish.”

A great complement to Roasted Cornish hen, duck, goose, pheasant or turkey, also hard cheeses like Asiago, Parmesan and Romano or semi-hard cheeses like Cheddar, Fontina, Gouda or Swiss.

Rating:

This wine was given a 89 point rating by Wine Spectator.

Availability:

2011 vintage in a 750 ml – Standard Bottle is currently in stock at Byram and Hackettstown for $17.99 a bottle, $97.15 a 1/2 case with a 10% half case discount, and $172.71 a case with a 20% full case discount. SKU#20052

2011 Chime Pinot Noir

chime-pinot-noirThis wine is dry, silky in texture and crisp in acids, showing the textural hallmarks of a fine coastal bottling. The raspberry, cherry, cola and spice flavors are delicious and complex.

From the Wine Maker – “The 2011 Chime California Pinot Noir is fragrant, spicy and fruit driven – a great example of high-class Pinot Noir. Displaying bright crushed raspberry and cranberry elements on the nose, Chime California Pinot Noir is flavorful, expansive, soft and delicious.”

This wine pairs nicely with roast pork, pork chops, pork tenderloin, ham or mild sausage. Mild, firm cheeses like Swiss or Gouda.  Hard cheeses like Parmigiano or Romano and savory cheese like Cheddar.

Rating:

This wine was previously given a 91 point rating by Wine Enthusiast.

Availability:

2011 vintage in a 750 ml – Standard Bottle is currently in stock at Byram and Hackettstown for $11.99 a bottle, $64.75 a 1/2 case with a 10% half case discount, and $115.11 a case with a 20% full case discount. SKU#27120

2006 La Cattura Toscana

This Tuscan Cru has received great appreciation for its originality and freshness. It stands out with positive judgement from the wine-tasting commission organized by the Province of Pisa to rate the wine that aspire to the new DOC Terre di Pisa.  This wine, which name has been inspired by the annual capture of wild hares bred in the natural setting of the vineyards, is the expression of an organic agriculture that has renounced to any product or procedure damaging nature, rediscovering the great values of an antique vine-growing process. The wine is made with a selection of Teroldego and Syrah grapes and refined for 12 months in oak barrels.

From the Wine Maker – “Purple red colour, on the note is shows notes of red berries, blackberries and hints of white pepper; in the mouth it is medium-bodied, fresh, velvety with well-integrated tannins.”

Serve with mediterranean pasta dishes, poultry and vegetable soups.

Rating:

This wine was given a 90 point rating by Wine Spectator.

Availability:

2006 vintage in a 750 ml – Standard Bottle is currently in stock at Byram and Hackettstown for $14.99 a bottle, $80.95 a 1/2 case with a 10% half case discount, and $143.91 a case with a 20% full case discount. SKU#20339

2006 DaVinci Chianti

Well balanced and medium weight wine with flavors of ripe plums, cherries and red fruit. Lively with a soft mineral finish and round tannins that linger in a long peppery Finish. Lively, with plum, berry and a hint of milk chocolate on a simple, fruity palate. Delicious.

From the Wine Maker – “The Da Vinci Chianti is deep crimson in color with aromas of cherries and red fruit balanced by soft, round tannins.”

The wine is delicious paired with cold starters, pasta, cheeses. Also perfect as a wine by the glass.

Rating:

This wine was given a 85 point rating by Wine Spectator.

Availability:

2006 vintage in a 750 ml – Standard Bottle is currently in stock at Byram and Hackettstown for $12.99 a bottle, $70.15 a 1/2 case with a 10% half case discount, and $124.71 a case with a 20% full case discount. SKU#08164

2010 Domaine Brusset Laurent B. Cotes Du Rhone

If you love Rhone wines, red wines, or just plain good wines you are in for a serious treat with this first-rate value. Comprised of Grenache (60%), Syrah (20%), Carignane (10%), and Cinsault (10%), this garrigue-scented red can be savored over a period of two days alongside your favorite savory meals.

From the winemaker – “In the bottle, this wine is a bright ruby-red.  Blackcurrant and elderberry aromas make an elegant bouquet.  On the palate, flavors of cherry and blackcurrant are concentrated and full.  The tannins are silky and the finish is rounded out with a touch of spice and pepper.”

Best served with wild game dishes like wild boar, or pheasant.

Rating:

This wine was given a 89 point rating by Wine Spectator.

Availability:

2010 vintage in a 750 ml – Standard Bottle is currently in stock at Byram and Hackettstown for $12.99 a bottle, $70.15 a 1/2 case with a 10% half case discount, and $124.71 a case with a 20% full case discount. SKU#27663

2008 Domaine Grand Veneur Côtes Du Rhône

Andre’ — “The spectrum is applied to wine in many different ways. For example sweet to dry or light to full-bodied. Today I would like to use the spectrum to explore how wine and food work together. When you look at the middle of the spectrum you have a wine that accompanies food very well. Like a well made Sancerre for instance, happy to be invited to the party. If you travel to one end of the spectrum you will find a wine that doesn’t need or want a “food pairing”. Like a Big California Fruit Bomb, It’s a stand alone wine that may taste great with your porterhouse, but it doesn’t NEED it. This blockbuster Cali Cab is almost a main course all by itself. At the opposite end of the rainbow, you have that clunky little obscure Italian wine. Without the benefit of a nice plate of pasta, a touch of garlic and some sun-dried tomatoes the wine makes you sort of pucker. Think…wallflower finds the right partner and wins Dancing with the Stars.

At this point I would like to remind you, If You Like It It’s Good!

That being said the majority of wines will fall in the middle of the spectrum. However there is no right or wrong choice here. Personally, as much as I love the Big Guns. I am much more inspired, can I say “turned on by” the really perfect pairing of a well made, slightly awkward wine, with a dish that has its roots in the same region. Letting the flavors of the Wine and Food bounce around in my head and make new taste combinations with each bite.

I think the Reserve Grand Veneur Côtes Du Rhône Falls somewhere between food happy and food needy. Very fruit forward right after opening… this fades to the underlying funk of a good Rhone after a few minutes in the glass, with a touch of acidity for balance. As the weather turns colder I can absolutely picture myself enjoying a glass all by itself on a Sunday afternoon. However I think it would be a shame not to try your own experiment. Enjoy it on its own, and then try it with food.

Intimidated by food and wine pairing? Here is a simple cassoulet. Not authentic, but still good,simple and inexpensive.

In an oven proof dish, brown one large diced onion in 2-3 tablespoons of oil. Add 3 tablespoons chopped garlic and cook 2-3 minutes more. add a splash or two of red wine, 1 can of Muir Glenn Organic Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes, 1 small can Goya White Beans, and one cup of chicken stock. Some thyme and bay leaf. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, adjust the seasoning. Stir in some spicy sausage cut in thick slices, 6 pieces of Duck Leg Confit. (I believe you can find these at the Butcher Counter in Shop Rite) Top the whole thing with a thick layer of bread crumbs and put in a 300 degree oven for  1 1/2 -2 hours. It should be deep golden brown with a thick bubbling crust. Start with a simple salad, make sure you have a nice crusty loaf of bread on hand and don’t forget an extra bottle of wine!

The Cassoulet serves Six. As for the Wine… I guess that’s up to you.”

From the winemaker:

The colour is purple-tinged garnet. The aromatic range of the nose goes from fresh berries (wild raspberry, blackcurrant, blackberry) to spices. The palate is big and full-flavoured, with silky-smooth tannins and aromas of the fruit already mentioned. The finish introduces touches of liquorice and pepper.”

Rating:

This wine was given a 86 point rating by Wine Spectator.

Availability:

2008 vintage in a 750 ml – Standard Bottle is currently in stock at Byram and Hackettstown for $15.99 a bottle, $86.35 a 1/2 case with a 10% half case discount, and $153.51 a case with a 20% full case discount. SKU#18859

About the Chef:

Andre’ de Waal is the owner of Andre’s Restaurant &Wine Boutique in Newton NJ. For more information about Andre’ and his restaurant, visit www.andresrestaurant.com


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Good 08/28/2018 - 09/11/2018

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