Pinelli's March 19th Wine Tasting. Don't forget to join Patrick Barberet this Thursday, March 19th from 6-8 PM at Pinelli's Cafe on Route 2 in Warwick for the Thursday Night Supper Club. As you dine, Patrick will visit your table to sample a selection of wines. Stop into The Savory Grape first, pick up a bottle and then head to Pinelli's. See you there!

2006 The Crusher Petite Sirah, Clarksburg, California.  What a new perfect evening sipper we have found from Clarksburg, just slightly east and north of Napa. This inky purple colored wine is a true teeth stainer, revealing any dentist's nightmare, or maybe dream. It's rich and complex with aromas of blueberry and plum, and is just like biting into blueberry pie - seriously. Supple, it has lip-smacking caramel and French vanilla sappiness followed by a ripe cassis finish. The wine has balanced acidity and will hold up for 5-7 years. Only 8,400 cases of this sassy red were produced! Pairings: Try with thin crust pizzettas topped with shaved Asiago cheese and wild mushrooms or with sun-dried and fresh tomatoes with basil. Enjoying it with a good sirloin burger served with white cheddar or Fontina cheese, smoked bacon and grilled onions and mushrooms is always a sure bet. ($14.49)
 

2007 The Crusher Chardonnay, California. Tropical, rich and creamy are the perfect words to describe this. It is rich with vanilla bean and custard notes, layered with tangerine and pear notes. The mouth has tropical notes of coconut and papaya, finishing with baked apple pie flavors. Pairings: It will pair beautifully with lobster Bisque, Chesapeake Bay crab cakes over wilted arugula, or flatbread with goat cheese and caramelized onions. ($14.49)

2007 Allan Scott Riesling, New Zealand. (Coming Friday.) An intense and aromatic Riesling,  it displays aromas of lime and mandarin with hints of honeysuckle. Typical Riesling notes of sweet citrus, ripe limes and grapefruit on the palate with a distinct mineral note and a spiciness towards the finish that lead through to a balanced acidity. Perfect for drinking now, it will drink well over the next 10 years. ($14.99)

2007 Cabert Chardonnay, Italy. Italy is not usually the first place you think of when you think of Chardonnay. There is a reason why - it does not produce classic buttery, oaky style to which many want and are familiar. That trend however is changing - people are seeking more clean, crisp less heavy styles. This is that kind with a bouquet of fresh bread and apples and flavors in the mouth of citrus fruit, honey and apples again. It is a great starter before a meal or try with grilled shrimp kebobs or grilled squid over polenta. Uncork shortly before serving. ($10.99)

 

 
2007 The Crusher Chardonnay, California. Please see tasting notes above in this week's Savory Selections. ($14.49)

2006 Allen Scott Riesling, New Zealand. Please see tasting notes above in this week's Savory Selections. ($14.99)

2005 Huber Zweigelt, Austria. Are California, European, South American or Australian reds not cutting it for you anymore? Maybe it's time to mix up your selection and try new things. Now that we have warmer weather heading our way we can start looking at lighter, more refreshing reds and what better wine to start with than Zweigelt, the king of reds in Austria. Zweigelt is a light red wine, most commonly compared to France's Gamay grape. The wine has a nose full of ripe sour cherries and compact fruit on the palate echoed by prunes and hints of mint. Zweigelt is a great wine to serve with pizza, Italian dishes and also sushi. ($15.49)