Summer Wine Jaunt to Italy, Spain and Argentina

In case you hadn’t noticed, Mother Nature is going out of her way to make sure you know summer is now in full swing. Watermelon, swimming pools or swimming holes in my case, popsicles and air conditioning are a few of my favorite things this season.

The mornings are still cool and wonderful. Walking my dog Rooster past the towering trees, the occasional horse, groups of cows, rows of corn and soaring sunflowers puts a smile on my face. On our way back home, the temps begin to climb and humidity surrounds like a shroud. We stagger up the driveway and up the stairs and collapse under the cool breeze of the ceiling fan.

 

The evenings have been so warm and stifling we haven’t been able to sip wine comfortably on the porch but instead retreat inside. Amongst the cool air conditioning we’ve been enjoying a tour of international wines.

Rocca de Monte Massi Sangiovese 2008 Sicily, Italy

Aromas of black cherry and toasty vanilla give way to astringent dark fruits. Very cheek puckering. Fruits are overshadowed by the dry tannins with a tart and tight finish. This was a little too dry for me. We paired with tapas consisting of stuffed tomato nests (a failed dish), chorizo and tomato salad. 
Grapes are 100% Sangiovese from the District of Roccastrada, Maremma Toscana

El Prado Tempranillo Cabernet 2007 Valencia, Spain

Enticing black cherry, plum and oak aromas draw me into the wine. First sip, front of the palate to the back, all I pick up is tannic fruit but no one fruit shines through. I bought the wine several years ago, perhaps it was cellared a little too long or maybe the time spent in Florida took its toll. Was very disappointed in the flavors, especially after the wonderful and inviting aromas.
Made from 70% Tempranillo and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Santa Julia Torrentés 2010 Mendoza, Argentina

Floral, citrus and a hint of almond in the aroma. Flavors of fresh peaches and pears give way to an acidic finish. This was the one wine that did not disappoint.
100% Torrentés grapes, alcohol 13.8%, SRP $10.

Hope everyone had a happy and safe Fourth of July. We loaded Rooster’s back pack with snacks and water and headed into the small town of Dahlonega for an old fashioned celebration. Rooster was a hit and caught the attention of both young and old.

http://winechicksguide.wordpress.com/

Follow me on:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/group.php?gid=114185461044&ref=ts
Twitter:http://twitter.com/WineChicksGuide