Monday, February 4. 2008
Cheap and Cheerful Wine of the Week: Zafara Sauvignon
Cheap and Cheerful Wine of the Week: Zarafa
Four bucks of super nice.
Let’s compare Sauvignon Blancs:
A New Zealand Sauvignon is a stripper; it approaches your mouth with a brash unapologetic slither and takes away your will to hold onto the subtleties of flavor.
French Sauvignons, especially from the Loire Valley are sophisticated and kiss deep. They lean into you and elicit your mouth to water.
Chileans produce lush Sauvignons that sway their hips when you least expect them to.
South Africa has a gentler approach. The Zafara is the plump blonde at the Sauvignon picnic. She’s the one in the summer dress with the cherries on it. She doesn’t assume to be the smartest or the prettiest but you’d never know she was the cheapest and easiest.
The Zarafa nudges a nice floral fruit against your mouth and sweeps it clean with a clear finish. It is a gentle but memorable wine.
We found it at Trader Joe’s
Note: The real life Zarafa was a political present given to Charles X of France. She was a sensational captive.
Four bucks of super nice.
Let’s compare Sauvignon Blancs:
A New Zealand Sauvignon is a stripper; it approaches your mouth with a brash unapologetic slither and takes away your will to hold onto the subtleties of flavor.
French Sauvignons, especially from the Loire Valley are sophisticated and kiss deep. They lean into you and elicit your mouth to water.
Chileans produce lush Sauvignons that sway their hips when you least expect them to.
South Africa has a gentler approach. The Zafara is the plump blonde at the Sauvignon picnic. She’s the one in the summer dress with the cherries on it. She doesn’t assume to be the smartest or the prettiest but you’d never know she was the cheapest and easiest.
The Zarafa nudges a nice floral fruit against your mouth and sweeps it clean with a clear finish. It is a gentle but memorable wine.
We found it at Trader Joe’s
Note: The real life Zarafa was a political present given to Charles X of France. She was a sensational captive.
Monday, December 17. 2007
Cheap and Cheerful Wine of the Week
The merit of this Chilean Sauvignon Blanc (aside from being seven dollars) is that it is easy to drink. Erik says it’s like your sister’s hot younger friend that doesn’t ask any questions.
How true.
The Marisol doesn’t argue. It doesn’t pout when you drink it with candied nuts. Nor does it disappear when you eat it with spicy green beans. Alone Marisol gamely hangs around but doesn’t get dull. It’s dry, with a vein of honey dew sweet, it’s finish is unremarkable and it’s seven dollars.
Saturday, December 1. 2007
Cheap and Cheeful Wine of the Week
Corte Bassa Bardolino Chiaretto, 2005
Great Rosè. Sure, typically rosè likes to bask in the warmth of the summer dinner table. Sure, it would be excellent when paired with a spicy green bean salad and marinated grilled chicken thighs.
But right now you can find it at Discount Wine Outlet in Seattle for 6 bucks. So make a molè or a beef stew or a roast chicken and seize the day.
Great Rosè. Sure, typically rosè likes to bask in the warmth of the summer dinner table. Sure, it would be excellent when paired with a spicy green bean salad and marinated grilled chicken thighs.
But right now you can find it at Discount Wine Outlet in Seattle for 6 bucks. So make a molè or a beef stew or a roast chicken and seize the day.
Tuesday, October 9. 2007
Cheap and Cheerful Wine of the Week
Avinyo Brut Cava. A biodynamic Spanish wine with all that you would wish for in a cava. Crisp, clean and 15 bucks. If you see it, buy it with alacrity.