Fantastic Reisling

Okay I thought I'd finally share a fabulous 2005 Reisling.

It's a Ürziger Würzgarten Reisling Spätlase. At 8% alcohol by volume, it's a sweet Reisling and quite tastey.

Wine of the Week

I have not forgotten the other lessons, dear reader. I will resume very soon. In the mean time, I thought I'd share a wine of the week from another source to give you ideas about what to serve guests or enjoy yourself.

2003 Ruffino Il Ducale
Tuscany, Italy
$16-22

A blend of 80% Sangiovese, 15% Merlot and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon as well as small amounts of other red varietals, this wine is aged for 12 months in oak, followed by four months in tanks and an additional three months of bottle aging prior to release. In the glass, the wine evokes intense cassis fruit aromas with spice notes and hints of tobacco followed by ripe, deep plum and cocoa flavours on the palate. This inviting medium-bodied wine is well balanced with fine even tannins. Good with grilled meats, herb roasted chicken, grilled vegetables, tapenade and hard cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano.

Passing of a Wine Icon

I'm interrupting our lessons to inform you that this morning I learnt one of America's pre-eminent wine makers, Julio Gallo, passed away yesterday at the age of 97. He and his brother Ernest began making wine just after the end of Prohibition, starting with a recipe found in a book from their local library.