Wine Life - Houston

A couple of rainy evenings led to all indoor cooking and some opened bottles of Burgundy. Neither of these bottles come from "outstanding" vintages so I was interested to see how each would taste. 2011 Seguinot-Bordet Chablis Premier Cru Vaillons 100% Chardonnay wine, approximately $33 at Spec's. Pronounced honeysuckle floral aromas with lemon and a hint of fresh asparagus with similar flavors. Dry, medium+ body and acidity with a long mineral-laced citrus finish. I really enjoyed it; it made me think about chalky minerality, electric acidity and everything that you hope your Chablis will be. I served it with jumbo lump crab cakes. 2007 Daniel Bocquenet Vosne-Romanee Villages 100% Pinot Noir wine, approximately $63 at Spec's. My first thought on sniffing this glass was "fully developed". Aromas of leather, earth and patchouli. Dried apricot fruit flavor with a lightly spiced finish. Dry, medium+ body, tannins, acidity and length. I found ...

  Life has not been lived entirely through Rosé colored wine glasses this summer. I have also been pouring a variety of reasonably priced lighter Italian white wines as well. In addition to being fairly wallet sensitive and easy to find, they are refreshing and food friendly, making each of these perfect for summer sipping. 2011 Bolla Soave Classico 883 Selection I received this as a media sample but I would purchase it again. It is easy to find, it is affordable at under $10 and it is a versatile wine to keep on hand. Floral aromas of honeysuckle with lemongrass and a fresh citrus flavor. Dry, light to medium body, medium+ acidity and a mineral laced finish. I served this as a poolside aperitif before a casual early weekend supper with my brother's family where it was well received.   2009 Tommasi il grigio Ramato Pinot Grigio   This wine was purchased for approximately $15 at Spec's. While this wine ...

My summer of Rosé continued after my deadline for my Galveston Monthly feature on Rosé wine had passed. I wanted to recommend a few more refreshing Rosés for you to try as our hot summer wears on. 2 012 Tavel "Les Eglantiers" - Tavel is an appellation in France's Southern Rhone Valley that produces Rosé exclusively. This is a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault. It has pronounced aromas of red cherry and citrus blossom with a tart berry and bit of peach flavor. Dry, medium+ body, medium acidity with a plush feel and a long mineral laced finish. An elegant Rosé at approximately $15 at Spec's. 2011 and 2012 La Vieille Ferme from the Ventoux appellation in France's Rhone Valley is a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault. I always try to buy the freshest vintage available but I couldn't resist opening these up together to see how they compared. Very similar across the board with the 2012 seemingly "brighter" over all. Floral aromas, fresh che...

As originally seen in the August 2013 edition of Galveston Monthly  magazine.    

Bodega Ruca Malen ’s wine maker, Pablo Cuneo and Chef Lucas Bustos, who oversees the restaurant at the winery, were in Houston earlier this month for the launch of the Bodega Ruca Malen wines in Texas. They are now available in Central Markets across the state. Central Market patrons had the opportunity to attend cooking demonstrations of specially prepared paired tastings by the winery’s chef while learning about the wines from the winemaker himself at tasting events that started in Houston and continued through San Antonio, Austin and Dallas. I had the opportunity to sit down for lunch and a tasting of their wines at America’s in River Oaks before their Houston Central Market event began. We started with the 2012 Yauquen Torrontes from Salta, an area which is well-known for producing some of Argentina’s best Torrontes due to the high elevation of the vineyard area and the high UV levels they receive promoting optimal ripening. This wine was crisp and dry, it did not have that ...

A friend who is associated with Cantele sent me a media sample of a few of their wines. They are produced in Puglia, often known as the heel of Italy's boot, from local grapes. 2011 Cantele Negroamaro Rosato - Aromas of cherry syrup with floral notes. Dry with a medium body, medium alcohol and medium acidity with a fresh cherry flavor. It worked well with our dinner of soft chicken tacos with tomatillo salsa. Whole Foods has it for $13.99. 2010 Cantele Primitivo - Aromas of black plum, dark cherry and licorice. Dry with a medium body, medium alcohol, medium tannins and medium acidity with flavors to match the aromas and a slightly spicy, long finish. Very smooth and drinkable. I served it with barbequed and smoked pulled pork sandwiches and it was delicious. Available at Spec's for about $15. 2009 Cantele Salice Salentino Riserva - Ripe blackberry and black cherry aromas. Dry with a medium body, medium alcohol, medium tannins and m...

From the July 2013 edition of Galveston Monthly magazine on page 60-62