It’s almost Friday and you are already thinking about your weekend plans and perhaps which wines to purchase. Weekly, I post two recommendations, one white and one red, for your weekend choices which are usually under $20. On occasion, I pair a wine with scrumptious recipe. I have had these two wines, sent to me as samples, waiting for just the optimum time to open…and now was the time! I am a huge fan of smooth Rioja wines as well as crisp Alsatian Rieslings. The two selections reviewed below are a delicious way to welcome Spring (like I did!) with their aromatics and fresh tastes.
**Bodegas Bilbainas Vina Pomal Reserva 2009 – Deep, almost ink-like purple in the glass with aromas of warm spice, ripe red and black fruit, minerality, and a tingle on my nose were an indication that I would love this wine of 100% Tempranillo from Rioja. And I was not disappointed. Soft tannins, more spice, and subtle blackberry and dark plum notes on the palate were mouthwatering. Well balanced and structured, this wine was aged in new American oak for eighteen months. Although I paired this with a pizza laden with fresh vegetables and cheese, the Pomal Reserva can complement soups, appetizers, or burgers right off the grill! Cost is $21 and you may find it for less.
**Meyer-Fonné Riesling Reserve 2011 – I absolutely love and appreciate Alsatian Riesling for its aromatics and dry, not sweet, taste. This particular wine produced by Francois and Felix Meyer is 100% Riesling from vines planted in 1969 and 2006. Organic farming using no synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides to treat the vines is implemented and grapes are hand harvested. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks and oak barrels from one to three months. Two weeks after fermentation is completed, the wines are racked and remain on the lees until bottling. In the glass, the Meyer-Fonné Riesling was a beautiful lemon color with traces of gold. Fresh, clean aromas included notes of stone fruits such as peaches and apricots as well as white flowers. On the palate, this wine was dry with a level of acidity which was perfect with my dinner of baked whitefish with herbs and spices. Tastes of more stone fruit and a hint of biscuit led to a crisp, long and lush finish…just delicious! Cost is $22.
Cheers to finding wines to help celebrate Spring! ~ Cindy
