Attributes:

Isabel Mondavi

Sonoma County, United States

Chardonnay

750 ML

Food Matches:

(shar dohn nay)—This noble grape’s reputation was established in France, particularly in the Burgundy region, and the highly prized Chardonnay wines from Chablis, Mâcon, Mersault, and Pouilly-Fuissé are imitated by winemakers around the world. Generally an oaked wine (whether from expensive oak barrels or a quick soak in oak chips), its fruity aromas and flavors range from apple in the cooler regions to tropical fruits such a pineapple in the warmer regions. It can also display subtle earthy aromas, such as mushroom or minerals. It has a medium to high acidity and is generally full-bodied. Classical Chardonnay wines are dry. Chardonnay is also an important grape in the Champagne district where it's picked before fully ripe and while it still has high acid and understated fruit flavors—the perfect combination for champagne. California has adopted this grape with a fervor and there are some 200 wineries producing Chardonnay wines in other parts of the United States. Chardonnay has also seen a tremendous planting surge in Australia, and new vineyards are being planted in Italy, Lebanon, New Zealand, Spain, and South Africa.

Like its neighbor Napa, Sonoma is a small area filled with independent wineries and characterized by microclimates that vary according to the topography. The coolest parts of Sonoma are the fog-filled south, where the grape varieties are Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Northwards up the valley the climate warms and provides a good base for Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel. In general Sonoma wines are less dramatically flavorful than those of Napa. Cabernet Sauvignon is relatively soft, with blackcurrant fruit, minty and eucalyptus perfume, and some soft buttery oak. Zinfandel ranges from soft and gulpable to massive bramble and pepper styles. Chardonnay is rich and juicy, especially from the Russian River, and Sauvignon Blanc can be zingy and grassy. Most Sonoma wines have a freshness and a soft edge which makes them very suitable for drinking on their own, however they partner well with strongly flavored fish and meat dishes. The old-style Zinfandels are delicious with spicy cuisine.

Attributes:

Elisabetta Geppetti

Morellino di Scansano, Italy

Dry Red Table Wine

750 ML

Food Matches:

Attributes:

Parusso

Barolo, Italy

Nebbiolo

750 ML

2000: WineAdvocate Rating: 89

floral

fruity

1999: WineAdvocate Rating: 89

solid

rich

spice

good fruit

1998: WineAdvocate Rating: (90-92)

full-bodied

powerful

super-concentrated

1997: WineAdvocate Rating: 91-95

rich

well-balanced

jammy

huge

1997: WineAdvocate Rating: 92

minerals, new oak, tar, tobacco

concentrated

glycerin

1996: WineAdvocate Rating: 92-94

full-bodied

distinctive, powerful

cherry, herbs, leather, mineral, smoke, tar

1995: WineAdvocate Rating: 90

floral

full-bodied

layered

cherry, herbs, leather

concentrated

1994: WineAdvocate Rating: 90

soft

*-scented

medium-bodied

delicious

Food Matches:

Considered the king of Italian wines, Barolo is made from the Nebbiolo grape in the Piedmont region of Italy. Full bodied, high in tannic, acidity, and alcohol, their aromas suggest tar, violets, roses, strawberries, even truffles. Very similar to, if a little more full-bodied than, Barbaresco. Barolos need to be aged for at least three years in the winery (five years if it is a Reserva), but benefits from additional aging. More recent vintages are fruitier in flavor, often a bit oaky, and may be ready to drink as soon as two to five years after release.

This noble variety from Italy is used primarily in Barolo and Barbaresco, two Piedmontese wines. It is a powerful, lusty grape, high in both tannin and acidity but balanced by an ample alcoholic content. Its color can be deep when the wine is young, but orangey tinges can develop within a few years. Its complex aroma is fruity, earthy, woodsy, herbal and floral.