Tag Archives: wine review

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” .

Flaco Tempranillo

Cost: Average price $9

Where buy now: Solo Vino, Zipps Liquors, Sorella Wines & Spirits, Stinson Wines & Spirits

Grapes: Tempranillo

Region: Spain

Vintage: 2011

Flaco Tempranillo

Not only do I have a great Skank pick this month, but I can also tell you how to get your hands on a FREE bottle on November 1st or 2nd!

First, let me talk about Tempranillo. It’s the best goof-proof, budget-friendly wine out there. And by no means is it a one trick pony.  Spain is the largest producer of Tempranillo. These thick-skinned grapes are grown in regions that have hot days followed by cool evenings. This creates a concentrated, yet balanced flavor.

These burly skins make for a tannic wine (tannins = presence of skins, seeds and stems).  It is aged in oak, giving other nuances of flavor, such as vanilla, smoke and wood tannin.

So, pop the Flaco Tempranillo then give it a few to breath. Aromas of plum and earth emerge. Take a sip and you’ll further enjoy not only the plummy, earthy flavors but you’ll also taste a hint of toasty vanilla, green pepper and spice. It’s an agreeable little number.

Tempranillo is typically food-friendly, and this one really benefits from a food pairing. Don’t get me wrong, you can send this baby down the hatch by itself all night if you want. I just think this Flaco comes alive with food. Again: goof-proof.

As the temperatures get cold, more folks are cooking indoors, baking and using their slow-cooker. Drink this wine with your homemade enchiladas or slow-cooked pulled pork. This wine pairs well with BBQ ribs, and most things grilled or roasted. Due to the earthy quality, if you’re a veg, a mushroom risotto- or anything with mushrooms or mushroomy sauce, really- would work splendidly. I have to give my gal, Amanda, a shout out because this wine pairs well with her Roasted Red Pepper & Garlic Soup: http://healthylifehappycook.com/2012/cookingtips/roasted-red-pepper-garlic-soup/Roasted Red Pepper Soup

You know how much I like a good sausage [*ahem*] and this wine pairs really swell with the Moroccan Lamb sausage from Kramarczyk’s. The smoky, earthy wine really compliments the garlicky, earthy lamb sausage. I’m imagining it in my mouth and I can’t think of anything better. I mean it.  

Anything.

You may already be a winner! No, I’m not knocking at your door with this bottle and lamb sausage, BUT, I’ve partnered with Solo Vino in St. Paul to give you a sweet ass deal:

This Thursday, November 1, and Friday, November 2, stop in to Solo Vino http://www.solovinowines.com/Solo Vino between 5:00-7:30 PM, buy a bottle of wine, any bottle (PS- it’s their Fall Sale where everything is 20% off). At check out, mention that “The Savvy Lush” sent you, and you’ll receive this bottle of Flaco Tempranillo for FREE! While you’re there, Solo Vino will also be tasting other delicious bottles.

So dig this: you’ll visit one of thee best wine shops in the Metro, sample wines, buy the one(s) you like at a discount AND get the Flaco Tempranillo for free! You’d be simply mad not to take advantage of this. Mad I tell you!

Well, that is, unless you hate fun.  I’ve heard about you pricks.

Finca Flichman

Cost: Average price $9

Where buy now: Sorella Wines & Spirits for $4.97

Grapes: Malbec

Region: Argentina

Vintage: 2011

Finca Flichman Malbec

Sometimes all you need is some hooch. You don’t need nor want the complexities of a fine wine. You just want something that tastes like wine and is palatable.

This month’s Skank of the month is a Malbec you can find on sale for $5, now through Oct. 15, at Sorella Wines & Spirits.

I opened the bottle last night and took a sip. Wow, this is simple grape juice. The label states it’s oak-aged for 3 months, a friend expressed it seemed more like 16 minutes. <> Let it breathe for about 15 minutes and then drink the bottle down. Well, that’s what I did in this case. If you’re looking to get your drunk on, need a cellar filler or just want a glass of red wine to satisfy the craving, for $5 – you can’t go wrong.

Buy one, drink one.