The Sipping Sommelier

Sipping to Learn…Learning to Sip

By L. Denise Jackson

Sisterfriends!  What a better time to enjoy a glass of wine? We have witnessed a historic moment, no matter who we voted for, that will go down in the history books for more than one reason. What a better way to continue the New Year goodness than a mantra for being a neighbor and becoming active in your community. Like wine, this is nothing new, but something that needs to be honed and cultivated. We also are coming upon the national day of love. With that in mind, let me share some graceful, stable, easy, and lovely wines with you for whatever your celebration or, as I love to do, simply to sip. Below are some rich red favorites that always deliver.

Bulletin Place Shiraz --$8

“South Eastern Australia” is a generic Geographic Indication descriptor encompassing all of the grape growing area of the states of New South Wales , Victoria and South Australia . In the case of Bulletin Place wines it describes multi-regional blends from across these states. This Shiraz has a bright youthful purple and dark red color. Mixed berries with peppery, spicy overtones on the bouquet. A juicy mouthful of blueberry and white pepper character. Sweet fruit with fine grained tannins persistent; excellent fleshy middle palate and a long soft finish.

This wine has gain popularity from when I first discovered it almost 5 years ago!—Sipping Sommelier

Celler El Masroig Sola Fred Montsant 2007--$10

Celler El Masroig, located in the up-and-coming region of Montsant, is a role model for how a cooperative ought to function. The 2007 Sola Fred is a non-oaked cuvee of 90% Carinena and 10% Garnacha. Dark ruby-colored, it has an excellent nose of violets, black cherry, and earth notes. Supple and forward on the palate, it has serious depth of flavor, excellent balance, and a long, fruity finish. This hedonistic effort is a great value for drinking over the next 2-3 years.

Moet & Chandon Rose Imperial – The Glamorous Champagne-- $35-50

Brut Impèrial Rosè is a blend of the three wine varieties, with an emphasis on Pinot Noir, embodying a fruity and daring character. Approximately 200 individual crus make up this cuvèe. The traditional proportions for Brut Impèrial Rosè are 50-60% Pinot Noir, 20-30% Pinot Meunier, 10-20% Chardonnay, and 20-30% vins de reserve. Colors of rosè with shades of copper, good intensity. The nose is lively, expressive, dominated by the scent of wild strawberries. Full bodied, zestful, and assertive fruitiness are on the palate.

Winemaker's Notes - Rose Imperial is the most extrovert and seductive expression of the Moet & Chandon style. It reflects the diversity and complementarities of the three champagne grapes and the richness of the region’s best vineyards to reveal the magic of the world’s most loved champagne. Lively and generous, Rose Imperial distinguishes itself by a radiant colour; an intense fruitiness and flamboyance on the palate, that instantly seduce and delight.

Ezio, Donati Family Vineyard, Paicines – 2005--$50

The meritage style blend is comprised of 48% Merlot, 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Malbec, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot. It presents dark berry fruit, cocoa and black olives, thanks to the large presence of Cabernet. The Merlot adds red-fruit characteristics, coffee and black pepper. These flavors, harmoniously assimilated, will continue to develop with age, or if decanted for an hour or two.

Totally decadent!—Sipping Sommelier

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Any wines you cannot find, the Sipping Sommelier will help you locate for free.  The Sipping Sommelier is here to help you enjoy your sip.  She is available for wine consultations via telephone, email, or in person.  Contact me at ladivadevin@yahoo.com or winenouveau@yahoo.com or call 202-302-3213.  Mention SisterDivas to receive a quick response!

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Email your wine comments, questions, and recommendations to winenouveau@yahoo.com. All questions will be answered on The Sipping Sommelier website and blog and a select will be used for the next issue of SisterDivas’ The Sipping Sommelier.