It’s almost Friday and you are already thinking about your weekend plans and perhaps which wines to purchase. Weekly, I post two recommendations for your weekend wine choices. My occasional “Wine and Dine” articles suggest a recipe with wine pairings, but others (like this!) offer choices under $20 – one white and one red. This week, the “wine for your weekend” choices include a perfect Torrontes from Argentina and a particular Pinot Noir which was my favorite after a vertical tasting. Both wines were sent to me as samples yet what is the best part?? They can be purchased at reasonable prices!
**Recuerdo Torrontes 2012 – Argentina not only produces fantastic Malbec wines, this country and their winemakers are putting together a wonderful white wine called Torrontes. If you haven’t tried this wine from the Famatina Valley in the Province of La Rioja, please do! With aromas of flowers, citrus, and that minerality which I love, this dry, highly acidic is incredibly food friendly. On the palate, I identified stone fruits including peaches and apricots, with a pop of juicy lemon and pears on the finish. Light and balanced, just enjoy some appetizers, sit back, relax, and dream of that handsome or gorgeous winemaker from Argentina…Cost is around $12.00
**Don & Sons Sonoma Signature Pinot Noir 2009 – Recently I was invited to be a participant in a vertical tasting of four wines – all Pinot Noirs from Don & Sons yet different vintages. Of the four wines tasted (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011), my favorite was the 2009. Trust me, all were delicious in their own way, but the 2009 was the wine I preferred. Upon opening, this Pinot Noir from the Petaluma Gap on the Sonoma Coast had aromas of red fruits including cherries as well as that sweet spice I enjoy. As time went on, the aromas were richer (thanks, oxidation!), and tastes were of rich earth, mushrooms, cherry cola, and even a bit of sweet barbeque sauce-really! With medium tannins, acidity, and intensity, this 2009 Pinot Noir was very balanced and the finish was warm and long…The cost for this wine is $17.00.
Cheers to the weekend!! ~ Cindy
