New Year, New You - Part 1: Three Wines to Try in 2012!

Well, my Fabulous Foodie Friends, 2012 is off and running and if you're looking to make some changes in your food and wine routine, The Glamorous Gourmet has got you covered! Whether it's breaking out of your ho-hum wine routine, experimenting with healthy new ingredients, or possibly finding a career in the wine world I've got some creative suggestions and fabulous interviews that I'm very excited to share with you this month. I hope you enjoy January's focus on new food and wine discoveries in the new year.

Before reaching for the same bottle of New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, remember what Newt Gingrich will probably tell you, "variety is the spice of life!" Here are three fabulous grapes you need to know in 2012:

If you are a fan of Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris or even unoaked Chardonnay, give Argentina's signature grape Torrontés a try. Torrontés produces white wines that are fresh, aromatic and brimming with notes of citrus, apricot and peach. This grape thrives in the arid climate of Argentina, especially in vineyards located at altitudes of over 5,250 feet. There are actually three varieties of the Torrontés grape (Torrontés Riojano, Torrontés  Sanjuanino and Torrontés Mendocino) however, Torrontés Riojano is the highest quality and most widely planted. This is a great wine for sipping on its own, yet is very versatile and pairs nicely with a variety of dishes.

Wine Pick: 2011 Recuerdo Torrontés, $15

If you prefer lighter-bodied red wines, give the Gamay grape a whirl. While grown in other areas of the world, Gamay is probably best know for its history in France's Burgundy wine region where it is used to produce Beaujolais, a light, fruity red wine made primarily using the carbonic maceration method. Instead of reaching for that bottle of Beajolais Nouveau however, try one of the region's cru offerings which are noted for their distinctive style and quality. Keep an eye out for bottles bearing the name of one of the ten Cru Beajolais communes including Saint-Amour, Juliénas, Chénas, Moulin-à-vent, Fleurie, Chiroubles, Morgon, Régnié, Brouilly and Côtes de Brouilly. 

Wine Pick: 2010 Georges Dubouef Morgon Jean Descombes, $15

If you enjoy medium to fuller-bodied reds like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, give Mourvèdre a try. This international grape variety can be found around the globe answering to aliases such as Monastrell (Spain) and Mataro (Australia). Mourvèdre is a late-ripening variety that does best in warm climates where it produces wines with big tannins, high alcohol and flavors of red fruit, mocha, earth and game. Originally from Spain, Mourvèdre found success in France's Rhone Valley where it is a primary component of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. It has also been grown in California for over a century where it is currently gaining popularity as a varietal wine.

Wine Pick: 2010 Cline Cellars Ancient Vines Mourvèdre, $20

So stop reading and start drinking already! I hope you enjoy these three new wines to try in 2012. As always, I'd love to hear what you think of them.

Cheers,

Trick or Treat: "Boo-tiful Reds" to Enjoy this Halloween!

I don't know about you, but Halloween is definitely one of my favorite holidays of the year! Fall is here, there's a chill in the air, not to mention all the scary movies (The Exorcist gets me every time) and fabulous, creative costumes. It also really gets me in the mood for red wine and what could be better than combining one of my favorite holidays with one of my favorite pastimes? Absolutely nothing!

Here are a few of my favorite "Boo-tiful Reds" to enjoy while trick or treating or, frankly, anytime this Fall season. I hope you enjoy them - Cheers!

2007 Bearboat Russian River Valley Pinot Noir: This reasonably priced offering from the Russian River Valley is a blend of 95% Pinot Noir and 5% Old Vines "Gamay Beaujolais" - a California designation for a particular selection of Pinot Noir. The climate of the Russian River Valley is ideal for growing grapes that thrive in cooler temperatures such as Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. This wine has lovely aromas of black cherry and flavors of strawberry, cherry and spice. It's food friendly acidity makes it perfect for pairing with dishes such as salmon, roasted pork and duck. (Total Wine, $17)

2009 Cline Cellars Ancient Vines Mourvèdre Contra Costa County: Known around the globe as Mataro and Monastrell, Mourvèdre (more-VEHD-ruh) has been a part of California “field blends” for more than a century. This lovely expression of this "alternative" red, best known for its success in Rhone-style blends, is made from the highly concentrated fruit of 80-120 year old vines! On the nose, this wine offers aromas of ripe black fruit and a hint of eucalyptus with flavors of ripe plum, chocolate and supple, well-integrated tannins. This wine will pair beautifully with grilled lamb, mushroom ragout, duck confit or peppercorn crusted beef tenderloin. (Total Wine, $14)

2007 Robert Oatley Shiraz Mudgee, Australia: Robert Oatley Vineyards is built around the Oatley family’s extensive vineyard holdings and modern winery in Mudgee, New South Wales. Mudgee is one of Australia’s oldest wine regions and is known for producing deeply colored and intensely flavored Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon. This 100% Shiraz has an opaque ruby color with aromas and flavors of plum, blackberry jam, black pepper and spice. This wine is a juicy, full-bodied red with well-integrated tannins, perfect for pairing with a variety of fare including steaks, lamb chops or BBQ ribs. (Total Wine, $18)