Week in Wine, Week 2

The past week we enjoyed these wines along with our meals.

Alberto Longo Capoposto 2005:
From Puglia, the "heel" portion of the Italy's boot, the wine was another find in the value bin at The Wine Chap. 100% Negroamaro, the wine boasts deep color, though it tasted lighter with more red fruit, particularly sour cherry, and hints of pepper on the palate. It didn't taste particularly tight upon opening, but surprisingly it opened nicely and filled out in flavor upon tasting two days later. I've noticed the complementary nature of Italian red wine with tomato sauces a long time ago and this wine is an exceptional example. The interaction between the Capoposto and the dish of pepper steak in red sauce was a delight with the wine highlighting lots of spice accents and a long profile. Taste the food and then take a sip—delicious! I would highly recommend this to pair with an Italian tomato dish.


2007 label

Hécula 2007 Monastrell:
An Eric Solomon selection, this is a good value choice priced at $13 from the Yecla region of Spain. This Monastrell, the varietal better known as Mouvedre in France, showcases the very characteristic dark fruit of the grape. Unfortunately, I underestimated the wine's power when pairing it with a pork chop, pepper, tomato, and rice dish. Still this is a quality wine which goes nicely with darker flavors, like grilled steak or lamb. Add some wild mushrooms and enjoy.

Les Granges de Félines 2010 Grenache Merlot:
65% Grenache, 25% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, this blend, from Vin de Pays de l'Herault, a designation in the Languedoc - Roussillon region of Southern France, offers red fruit character with herbal and bell pepper overtones. At under $10, it's a good everyday wine with versatility in food pairings, though lighter meat dishes and pasta with tomato sauce are best fits. The blend percentages change from year to year, but having read reviews of more recent vintages, the wine appears to stay consistent in its basic fruit and approachability profile.