Tag Archives: Terroir

Cantina Zaccagnini

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.

Chateau Coupe Roses Minervois 2010 La Bastide

Cost: Average price $14

Where buy now: Solo Vino, Stinson Wines & Spirits, North Loop Wines & Spirits

Grapes: Carignan, Grenache and a smidge of Syrah

Region: France

Vintage: 2010

Chateau Coupe Roses Minervois 2010 La Bastide

Admittedly, I’ve been on a hiatus. This time by choice. I’ve been drinking a lot- a lot of mediocre juice. “Yeah, I get it Lush, woe is you. Wait, isn’t that your job?”

Touché, my friend. However, if something doesn’t inspire me to write an article, it’s not worth my time. Therefore, I don’t deem it worthy of yours.

So, when I opened this bottle on Friday night, the instant aromas spoke to me. My senses perked up like some dog’s ears who just heard the magical phrase “Want a treat?” I’m not all pedantic and bookish, folks [shocker!].

I can definitely tell you, with the initial smells and sips, you will taste this vino’s origin. It will help explain the term “terroir”. “Terroir” is 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. Here’s a great blog that best describes this: http://bit.ly/Se3adj/What is Terroir?

The sum of environmental effects, such as climate, geography and history, can impart crucial elements to a wine’s flavor profile. But really, it’s so much more! It’s the true essence and soul of a wine. When you taste or smell something and it transports you to a different place, that is downright bitchin’.

Though I’ve never been to France, this wine evokes terroir in my senses, particularly the French Countryside.I t could be due to the earthy, herbal tones; it could be the raw, fresh flavors of spicy cherry and barnyard funk.

This wine is a product of husband/wife team: Francoise & Pascal Frissant. The wife, Francoise, is the principal winemaker. This couple very much respects and feels connected to the vineyards and land that surrounds them. They do not make a whole bunch of wine, but harvest low-yield grapes, and allow the environment to shape and mold the flavors.

I envision their farmhands, along with Francoise and Pascal, sitting back, enjoying this blend of Carignan, Grenache and Syrah with their lunch. In this French daydream, there are freely wandering goats and sheep. A rustic picnic table is set with a crusty loaf of French bread, brie, olives, pickles, salted cured meats, pates, dijon mustard and figs. OH, and everyone must be wearing a beret. [Admittedly, my only frames of reference are the 80’s classics “Better Off Dead” and “National Lampoon’s European Vacation” with some “Bon Voyage, Charlie Brown” mixed in.]

As we enter our Godforsaken Winter season, you’re going to need to be transported physically and/or emotionally. If you don’t have a couple grand to get out of Dodge for a scenic, temperate holiday, you can find this lovely wine in many local stores, usually between $13-$15. Open it up and really think about what you’re drinking, how it makes you feel. I bet it’ll be tough not to imagine what it was like on that French Countryside, picking grapes then breaking for an unrushed lunch. Perhaps make a fun, French-themed afternoon out of it. Anything “French” you can think of: “French fries. . . French dressing. . .French bread” .