All posts by The Savvy Lush

Snob Wine of the Month | Wine Reviews

Birichino Grenache

Cost: Average price $20

Where buy now: Sunfish Cellars & Zipp’s Liquors

Grapes: Grenache

Region: California

Vintage: 2010

Birichino Grenache

Grenache lovers: unite!

I’ve found my favorite American Grenache in this bottle of Birichino. [biri-kino]

I first had this at Sunfish Cellars by the glass ($4/glass!). It’s a wine that haunts you, though not in a “Poltergeist” sort of way. You can’t get it out of your head. Yes, this is a wine you’re going to love instantly.

When I saw it was from California, I assumed this was going to be very alcoholic, ripe with sweet cherry flavors- indicitive of “New World” wine making. Man, was I taken aback when I tasted it! This wine tastes far more “Old World” to me. “Old World”, “New World”?  What is THAT you’re saying? Is that anything like “Red Fish, Blue Fish”?

I shan’t assume we all know what that means. “Old World” refers to wines made in Europe. “New World” refers to wines made in, well, NOT Europe. North or South America, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa. . .basically, anywhere that is not Europe [who ever said wine making wasn’t Eurocentric?].  Wine Folly does a great job of breaking it down for you: http://winefolly.com/review/new-world-vs-old-world-wine//Old World vs. New World

This Birichino Grenache gives great, bright cherry scents right off the bat. The flavors of that bright cherry and strawberry explode on your tongue along with some herbal hints. This Grenache evokes layers of spice and smoke with a soft tang; not acidic but more in a way that tea evokes layers of flavor. While subtle, it’s well enough to know it’s there.

I’ve seen Birichino Grenache for around $20, maybe a couple bucks less if it’s on sale.  If you are a lover of Grenache, though, don’t even hesitate to plunk down the money for this bottle. Pick it up at Sunfish Cellars or Zipp’s and let me know how much you love me for introducing you to this wine!

Red Wine of the Week | Red Wine Reviews

Made by G

2 Comments

Cost: Average price $20

Where buy now: France 44 or Sunfish Cellars (call ahead as they may be sold out)

Grapes: Gamay

Region: France

Vintage: N/V (Non-vintage)

Made by G

If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times: never underestimate the power of Red.

When doing some Thursday sipping at Sunfish Cellars, the manager, Erica, suggested I try a “fun wine” called Made by G. While I’m always up for “fun wine”, I’m not a huge fan of Gamay (also known as Beaujolais) so originally, I passed. To my taste, Gamays tend to be a bit light and, well, dull, mostly because they lack the depth and flavor red wine gains from the aging process.

After gorging myself on a lovely flatbread pizza of garlic sauce, spicy salami, tomatoes, pepperoncini and mozzarella followed by a red wine flight, I wanted something sparkly to clear the pallet of spice and heavy red wine. I decided not to be so obtuse and ordered a glass- what did I really have to lose, right? To my delight, it was just what I was looking for. What’s more, I believe it’s what several of you are looking for in a New Year’s Eve wine.

Made by G is bright red with a celebratory effervescence. It’s both fruity and tart, reminding me of sour cherry balls. Alas, it has some structure and made my lips pucker, so it wasn’t too sweet and fruity (looking at you Bartles & Jaymes). The bubbles cheered me up, the tart cherry made me think of childhood delights. It then dawned on me: I needed to be ringing in 2013 with this wine.

I chatted with a couple Sunfish regulars, telling them about how pleasantly surprised I was with this Gamay and how I think they’d dig it, too. The gals decided to share a glass. Not only did they enjoy it, they went next door to the wine shop and each bought two bottles! How’s that for a ringing endorsement?

Trust me on this: if you’re not going with [my tried and true] Prosecco on New Year’s Eve, stand out from the New Year’s crowd with this red, sparkling number. Drink it chilled as this wine will be enjoyed by both white and red drinkers alike. Heads will turn and you’ll be the hit of the party! This bottle is priced at my “Snob wine of the month” category but this is NYE and I figured we are worth the splurge this week!

Made by G is a sparkling Gamay sure to titillate your senses & pucker those kissable lips!

Red Wine of the Week | Red Wine Reviews

Cantina Zaccagnini

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Cost: Average price $13

Where buy now: Sorella Wines

Grapes: Montepulciano d’Abruzzo

Region: Italy

Vintage: 2009

Cantina Zaccagnini

I’ve been lazy, forgive me. I didn’t think it got that bad until I was out recently and a handful of folks said, “hey, where are your weekly updates?.” Gosh, you actually read this drivvle? And like it?!?!

So, let’s get back to my wheel-house, Italian m’f’in’ wine!

Let me transport you…

Upon opening the bottle, like sizzling bacon and coffee awakening you from a fuzzy slumber, fragrances of red berries, spice, leather and earth emerge. Mmmm! The motherland, she’s calling me home. I pour a glass of the violet nectar and swirl. Taking a sip, I get a mouthful of just what I want: flavors of red berries, pepper, leather and a hint of herbs. This dry red wine coats your mouth, yet it’s low acidity doesn’t leave you overwhelmed. It has a great sense of {tip Terroir, a French term that loosely translates as “sense of place”, and is often batted around to describe wine that is indicative of it’s geographic origin. Think of it as the soul of a wine.}Terroir{/tip} for just $13, and I can actually say that, first hand, having spent quality time on the Italian country side (eating dirt and licking plants– whut?).

I simply love, love, love this wine. It’s 100% Montepulicano d’Abruzzo; an Italian wine I can sip without any food and savor the tastes. However, if you’re looking for a new Italian wine staple, or you’re just new to Italian wines, pick this one up. This wine would pair very well with a few different sauces (or “gravies”, if you will). Either try your hand at creating, or pick up some store bought Puttanesca or Arrabiata sauce, and toss with your favorite pasta. This wine would go very well with a pizza, perhaps sausage & peppers, or good ol’ spaghetti and meatballs. Just stop thinking about it and go purchase it.

An instagram friend said they call it the “stick wine”, due to the decorative branch that adorns each bottle. That works and makes this bottle easier to spot in the store. I bought mine at Sorella Wines for a under $12 during one of their sales.