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Woodbridge Zinfadel 2000

Woodbridge Zinfadel 2000

We choose a rose wine, because we like to drink it during the summer when the weather is good. Located in the Lodi Appellation of Northern California, the Woodbridge Winery continues the winegrowing tradition of Robert Mondavi. The Lodi Appellation has been known for outstanding Zinfadel grapes since the Gold Rush era. One of the first designated appellations in California, Lodi is nestled between Sacremento Delta region and the foothills of the Sierra Nevada.

The 2000 Zinfadel Rose Wine is popular for its pure expression of fresh fruit, accented with spice and floral notes. Lightly sweet and refreshing, the wine has delicate strawberry, ripe apple and watermelon character, with subtle nuances of flowers and sweet spices. To add the delicate floral accent to the flavor profile, they added 3% Muscat. Because this Zinfadel Rose Wine is a wine to be enjoyed when young and fresh, it is not oak-aged.

It is a delightful wine for a summer picnic of cold meals, pasta salads, cheese and fruit or with al fresco dinners on the patio or in the garden. Serve chilled. For us this rose wine is how rose wine is supposed to be!

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Mateus Vinho de Mesa 2002

Mateus Vinho de Mesa 2002

When you think of the wines of Portugal, chances are that you will think of the world best known vintages dessert wine called port or the well known Madeira wine. But the climate of Portugal, especially in northern Portugal, is ideal for wine grapes as the region enjoys ample rain as well as the long bright and blazing summer heat.

We had this Mateus Vinho de Mesa at a restaurant in Santo da Serra and it took us some time to get this label off. But anyway...we were pleasantly surprised by the appealing easy drinking medium dry style with a light pritz and its light fruit flavours. The shape of the bottle is a bit different and can't fit into a conventional wine rack. But that doesn't matter; because it is not meant to be aged so don't plan on keeping it too long. Just put it in the fridge overnight and drink it!

Once we were back home we tried to find out where it's made, bottled and some other characteristics. The only thing we found was that this Mateus Vinho de Mesa rose is the leader in rose wines in Portugal. The grape varieties are unfamiliar and have names like Fernao Pires (white varietals), Baga and Touringa Nacionla (red varietals). This rose is traditionally blended from these different grapes.

Vinho de Mesa means table wine and these wines are unlikely to see abroad unless someone brings you back a bottle from their holiday.

The labels of all Portuguese wine are quite challenging to read. Here is some help:
* Vinha: vineyard
* Quinta: estate or farm
* Colheita: vintage
* De Mesa: table wine
* Garrafeira: cellar
* Branco: white
* Tinto: red
* Rosado: rose
* Seco: dry

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Demestica 2002

Demestica 2002

The Achia Claus name is the stuff of legends. The history of this vineyard is very charming. A Bavarian called Gustav Claus liked drinking wine. He read about Greece in a book and decided to visit it. In 1854 Gustav arrived in sunny Greece and one day he reached Patras. Here he discovered a paradise of vineyards which covered the surrounding hills. Without taking much into consideration he decided to settle down in Patras where he built a castle and within its walls he made a wine factory.

Today Achia Claus annually produces 25 million bottles a year and exports to nearly 40 countries. Its portfolio consists of a staggering 70 labels, running the gamut from bulk quality products to emerging boutique styles to rare wines for only the most compelling clients and events.

This particular Demestica is said to be the highest selling rose in Greece. Whenever we are in Greece we always drink this wine, which you can buy in 1,5 liter bottles. It always gives us the ultimate Greek summer feeling! It's not an outstanding wine and may be considerd one of Achia Claus' bulk products. Still it has some nice peachiness in its fruity taste.

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Bullas Vinos Rosario 2003

Bullas Vinos Rosario 2003

The vineyard plantations of Bodegas del Rosario are spread throughout the heart of the North-West of Murcia. This area has exceptional climate and soil conditions that are perfect for growing quality grapes. The valleys, surrounded by hills with an average height between 600 and 900 metres, enjoy a continental microclimate, compensated by the influence of the nearby Mediterranean Sea. Sunny, dry days are followed by cool nights.

The Bodegas del Rosario was established in 1950 by 1,200 members. Since then, Bodegas del Rosario has been taking great care in the manufacture of its wines using the vines of its founding members. They have made a constant effort to improve their vinification techniques and take time, with no compromises, in the selection and growing of the vines. Its market was traditionally in Spain, but several years ago it opened up to other counties in Europe.

Only the best Monastrell grapes are used as the raw material, when they are just ripe and balanced. The rosé has a pink redcurrant with purplish tones, very clean and bright. Its complex fruity aromas are noticeable, which remind us of blueberries and raspberries. The ideal temperature to serve this wine varies between 6 and 8º C. It is suitable as an accompaniment for starters, pastas, rice dishes, vegetables, eggs, snacks, sauced dishes, etc.

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J.P. Chenet Sparkling Wine Rosé 2004

J.P. Chenet Sparkling Wine Rosé 2004

The Les Grands chais de France Group, based in Alsace, is a major French producer. The company's J.P. Chenet brand (Classic and Founder's Reserve lines) is the best selling French wine brand in the world; every second, two bottles of J.P. Chenet are sold. With its large portfolio of high-quality products, the Group is able to address the needs of customers around the world looking for high quality wines and spirits.

The J.P. Chenet brand owes its consistent high quality to an innovative partnership, developed by its parent company Les Grands Chais de France, with vinegrowers in the region. The soil and vines are very good and the grapes are harvested at peak ripeness then pressed. The lush, ripe grapes carefully selected for J.P. Chenet wines are grown on the sunny, terraced hillsides of the Midi Region in the South of France.

We must honestly say that we were positively surprised by this sparkling rosé, which we drunk at New Years Eve. It's rich, round and juicy. Aromas and flavors of apple, lemon, cherry and strawberry. Lush mouth-feel. Slightly sweet.