W and I got married at the end of June! These are the awesome wines we served at the reception at Park Tavern – Halls of Fine Wines in Inman Park carries some of the Valdivieso wines, as well as Hop City Beer & Wine in West Midtown. Of course, your favorite wine shop could easily order them for you if you don’t want to track them down.

Valdivieso Extra Brut Champenoise Sparkling Wine, Chardonnay, 2008 Malbec

Their sparkling wine is made in the style of Champagne – toasty, yeasty, and absolutely delicious with a billion tiny bubbles! Their Chardonnay is not oaky and not buttery, just the way a good white wine should be – with the perfect amount of acid for a refreshing taste. And their Malbec… YUM! Seriously, get a case of their Malbec. It’s insanely fabulous. They have a broad variety of wines in almost every type of grape, as well as reserve labels and single vineyard labels.

Origin: Lontue Valley, Curico Valley, Chile
Next time: Get a case!

Estampa 2008 Sauv Blanc/Chard/Viognier Reserve

This wine was so yummy – the absolute perfect summer wine! This is what I drank throughout the wedding reception, in case I had any spills (you have to watch out for slightly spastic, potentially drunk huggers!). Estampa also has a delightful Carmenere Reserve (2007 vintage, blended with Cab Sauv and Cab Franc), which we didn’t serve since we already had a Malbec… but their Carmenere is one of my new favorites. It’s spurred a recent Carmenere-buying and tasting craze at my house lately – results on that soon now that I’m back to catching up on my wine blogging. Like Valdivieso, this winery also has several collections – Gold, Reserve, and Estate with lots of varietals in each line. And, they get an A+ on a really well-done English version of their website – very savvy and beautiful photos!

Origin: Colchagua Valley, Chile
Next time: Get a case!

Santa Chiara Pinot Grigio

Unfortunately, I can’t find any information about this wine online, except that it is from the Veneto region of Italy. I know it’s less than $20 retail, definitely. Good luck finding this one… If you do, get a bottle, it’s great!
Catalpa Pinot Noir

This Pinot Noir was good but I’d like to taste it again after these few months. I’m doubtful this would be a new favorite Pinot. But it was definitely tasty.

Origin: Mendoza, Argentina
Price: Approx. $12
Next time: Get a glass!

This Juan Gil Monastrell caught my eye on the wine menu last night at Muss & Turner’s — I remember W and I tried this wine (2006 vintage) back in July 2009 at M&T’s Big Burly BBQ Reds wine tasting, and this was one of our favorites. Always good to put a wine from a tasting to the real test, so we shared a bottle of the Juan Gil Monastrell. What a great decision! The rich fruit, smooth tannins, and slightly smoky flavor made a perfect match with the Hangar Steak entree.

The Juan Gil winery is located in the Jumilla region of Spain, and is currently managed by the original winemaker’s great-grandchildren. According to their website, this wine is 100% Monastrell grapes, with 12 months aged in French oak.

Origin: Jumilla Region, Spain
Where: Muss & Turner’s
Price: $29 bottle (restaurant, not retail); probably around$ 12-$15 retail
Next time: Get a case!

To tag along with my Fave Red Wines of 2009, here are my star whites from this past year:

• Man Vintners Chenin Blanc – $9
• Minini Orvieto – $9
• Le Chat Rouge Chardonnay – $11
• Starborough Sauvignon Blanc – $12ish?
• Luna Argenta Prosecco (bubbly) – $12
• Kiona Vineyards Riesling – $12
• Cavas Hill Brut Rose Reserva Artesania Cava (bubbly) – $12
• Borgo Boschetto Pinot Grigio – $13
• Terra Antiga Vinho Verde – $13
• Pascual Toso “Toso” Brut (bubbly) – $13
• 071 Prosecco Veneto (bubbly) – $14
• Villa Cornaro Prosecco – $14 (this is the bubbly that went with Wyatt’s marriage proposal!)
• Fonty’s Pool Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon – $14
• Fonty’s Pool Chardonnay – $16
• Holly’s Garden Pinot Gris – $20
• Wolf Mountain Vineyards Plenitude Chardonnay-Viognier blend – $20
• Wolf Mountain Blanc de Blanc Brut (bubbly) – $25

Now that we’re a couple of months into 2010, I took a look back at the wines I tried in 2009 and present to you my list of Favorite Red Wines of 2009! Fave 2009 Whites coming soon!

• Pine & Post Cab Sauv – $9
• Simonnet-Febvre Pinot Noir – ~ $10
• Finca el Origen Malbec – $11
• Lucky Star Pinot Noir - $9
• Mark West Sonoma County Pinot Noir – $12
• Memo Montepulciano – $11
• Morande Pionero Pinot Noir – $10
• Spellbound Petite Syrah – $13
• Alexander Valley Vineyards Russian River Valley Pinot Noir – $?
• Angeline Russian River Valley Pinot Noir – $14
• Oyster Bay Pinot Noir – $15
• G5 Puerta Bonita Garnacha – $15
• Eos Estate Zinfandel and Petite Syrah – $15ish? and $16
• Bliss Cab Sauv – $15
• Chateau Fantin Bordeaux Superioeur – $16
• Big Fire Pinot Noir – $18
• Poppy Pinot Noir – $16
• Rivola Sardon de Duero Cab Sauv – $17
• Vina Robles Cav Sauv – ~ $18
• Le Signal Domaine Ligneres Carignan – $19
• Murphy-Goode Cab Sauv – $20
• Wirra Wirra Church Block Cab Sauv – $20
• Chateau Robin Cotes De Castillion – $22
• Louis M. Martini Cab Sauv – $15-$20
• L’Oustal Blanc Minervois – $21
• Twenty Rows Cab Sauv – $23
• Oberon Cab Sauv – $24
• Molnar Family Pinot Noir – $26
• Douglas Green Shiraz Reserve – $20ish?
• Obsidian Ridge Cab Sauv – $29
• Patricia Green Pinot Noir – $30
• Hartford Zinfandel – $30
• Chateau Rollan de By Medoc – $30
• Louis Latour Domaine de Valmoissine Pinot Noir – $??
• Anne Amie Pinot Noir – $??

This G5 Puerta Bonita came recommended by my dad, who’d gotten some in October last year at Highland Wine. He raved about this one, so I had to give it a try. I’ve had mixed reviews with Grenachas, so I figured this tasting could go either way.

Well, as they say – father knows best. This wine rocks, hands down. From 120-year-old vines, they only make about 1,100 cases – with 900 imported to the US, so I’m not sure how widely available you’ll find this one. If you run across it, definitely give it a shot.

Origin: Madrid, Spain
Where: Highland Wine
Price: $15ish
Next time: Get a case!

Wine number two from New Year’s Eve, the Simonnet-Febre Pinot Noir is a tasty, enjoyable Pinot from southern France, especially for the price. Price-wise, I’d compare this to something like a Jargon or a Hangtime, something affordable enough to drink often and without too much fuss. Taste-wise, it knocks those guys out of the water – great strawberry flavors as well as soft, yummy tannins with a great balance. This wine is tied with Lucky Star Pinot for my top economy Pinot.

Origin: Vin de Pays des Portes de Mediterranee, France
Where: Highland Wine
Price: Need to verify, but I think it was under $10
Next time: Get a case!

Another Christmas wine (in conjunction with Le Signal’s Carignan), the Eos Estates Petite Syrah was a fun wine to try out. With family in town and a new dinner entree recipe (Cornish hens), my dad and I put this Petite Syrah to the test again the Le Signal – before and with both appetizer and the main course. You might remember that the Le Signal wasn’t so hot as a solo wine. It was just too tannic and overpowering on its own – with food, it was amazing though. On the other hand, the Eos Estate Petite Syrah was a dark garnet, purplish hue and so smooth and balanced on its own. It was  heavenly! Then with food, it just mellowed out a bit more, maintaining that wonderful smooth quality and less noticeable tannins. I think that’s what I’ve fallen in love with regarding Petite Syrahs (like another favorite, Spellbound).

You’ll find lots of fruit in this unbelievable wine, as described on their website tasting notes:

NOSE: Dark plum, raspberry, black cherry, and blueberry introduce this wine to the senses with hints of licorice, smoke, and leather.
MOUTH: Bright fruit of raspberry introduces the palate to the darker fruit characters of blackberry, cassis, and blueberry leading into rich velvety textures.
FINISH: A wonderful medium length finish with silky textures of leather, smoke, and bakers chocolate round out the wine.

Next family occasion – grab a bottle of this Eos Estate Petite Syrah (or their delicious Zinfandel) and give thanks :)

Origin: Paso Robles, California
Where: Highland Wine
Price: $16
Next time: Get a case!

You might remember from some previous posts that I’ve been exploring some new economically priced wines. Lucky Star Pinot Noir has been a winner. Leaping Horse Merlot… not so much. Pine & Post Cabernet Sauvignon, hailing from the Columbia Valley of Washington State is the latest experiment. Pine & Post is a Cab blend with 84% Cabernet Sauv, 10% Sangiovese, 3% Syrah, 3% Cabernet Franc — and it’s absolutely amazing! For under $10, this is an amazing value – stock up!

Origin: Washington
Where: Publix
Price: $9
Next time: Get a case!

For $10 or less, you can’t beat the value on this Pinot Noir. And the taste measures up – stock up on Lucky Star as a new staple to keep on hand. Great for big family and friend gatherings — won’t kill your wallet, but your guests will appreciate the silky berry flavors!

Also – love the little blurb on the back.

STAR LIGHT, STAR BRIGHT, YOUR PINOT NOIR WISHES HAVE BEEN GRANTED. WITH RIPE RASPBERRY AROMAS LAYERED WITH NOTES OF RED CHERRY AND A SILKY FINISH, OUR WINE IS DAZZLING PAIRED WITH GRILLED MEATS, LIGHT PASTAS AND HEARTY SALADS. MAY OUR WINE SHINE BRIGHTLY AT YOUR TABLE AND BRING GOOD FORTUNE TO YOU AND THOSE WHO SHARE IT.

Unfortunately, the Lucky Star website is under construction. I really would love to learn more about this winery! I’ll keep checking back.

Origin: Sonoma County, California
Where: Highland Wine and Muss & Turner’s
Price: $9
Next time: Get a case!

This Angeline Russian River Valley Pinot seems to have taken Atlanta by storm lately. And for good reason – it’s amazing! We popped this bottle after the Memo ran out during the shrimp and cornbread casserole dinner with my parents. Just a fabulous flavor and moderately priced as well. The production is fairly limited, so if you see this wine – grab a few bottles or a case.

Origin: Russian River Valley, California
Where: Highland Wine
Price: $14
Next time: Get a case!