On to the second week of working our way through the Advent Wine Calendar our adult children so thoughtfully gave us at Thanksgiving.
In Friday's post, we detailed how our Wine Advent-ure took us to Japan and a sampling of an “ordinary sake” by the name of Ryokō. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday we tucked into three different offerings: An Australian Shiraz called My2 Cents, a white blend from Portugal called Céu do Norte, and a cabernet sauvignon from the Valle Central (Central Valley) of Chile called Legend.
In Friday's post, we detailed how our Wine Advent-ure took us to Japan and a sampling of an “ordinary sake” by the name of Ryokō. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday we tucked into three different offerings: An Australian Shiraz called My2 Cents, a white blend from Portugal called Céu do Norte, and a cabernet sauvignon from the Valle Central (Central Valley) of Chile called Legend.
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The wines of our weekend |
Friday's My2Cents Shiraz, from Australia's Barossa Valley, brought the intense flavors for which shiraz is famous and, as advertised, had a velvety finish that lingered on the palate. Full-flavored foods were the recommended pairings, including grilled steak, slow-roasted lamb, smoked brisket, sharp cheddar cheese and dark chocolate for dessert. We opted for steak on the barbie, garlic-buttermilk mashed potatoes and a salad.
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Friday's feast |
Saturday came and we tucked into a white blend called Céu do Norte. This vinho verde, which means green (i.e., young) wine, brought grassy notes on the nose and grassy and mineral notes to the palate. It also had a slight effervescence and a sweetness similar to a "halbtroken" German Riesling.
Suggested food pairings included seafood paella, grilled sardines, chicken Caesar salad, vegetable risotto and tangy cheese like goat cheese or a mild Brie. We made a chicken picatta with Basmati rice and steamed broccoli. We didn't think the wine paired well with our meal but may have been better with the saltier dishes above.
Sunday's Legend Cabernet Sauvignon, from the heart of the Chilean wine country, brought the rich, deep flavors you expect in a cab sauv. More grilled food with full flavors on the recommended pairings, including steak and lamb chops, short ribs and mature cheddar cheese. We enjoyed it with a bite of Cougar Gold from Washington State University.
We decided that it could also pair well with lasagna, which would also provide a break from the meat-focused dishes we'd been enjoying. We were not wrong. This cab offers berry and vanilla scents on the nose, and the tiniest bit of fruit-forward on the palate along with a bit of vanilla there as well. Smooth and drinkable, with or without food.
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Tonight, we will put on our brave faces and try a Chardonnay from Brillo Solar vineyards in California's Alexander Valley. We're not generally fans of American Chardonnays, but will let you know what we think in tomorrow's post.
Visit my main page at TheTravelPro.us for more news, reviews, and personal observations on the world of upmarket travel.
Photos by Carl Dombek
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