TexasMaam -> RE: Wine (7/9/2006 8:47:15 AM)
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re: Merlot, a really good Merlot, that's blended from two good varieties with good, but somewhat incomplete bouquets that compliment one another when blended, can be a great way for the unitiated to develop a taste for red wine. I think it is this quality of a good Merlot that appeals to so many varied tastes today. At the other end of the spectrum are the really bad Merlots, those that have the bouquet of a musty horse blanket that's been put up in the tackroom wet and left there to deteriorate. *ewwww* For that matter there are some pretty rank Cabernets with the same musty quality that I just can't swallow. Just another way for an unscrupulous vintner to make one last buck off of two poor crops of grapes! For an apperitif before dinner, there are certain heavy, full bodied Argentinian and Chilean wines that have pleased the palate here of late. Several have been the featured highlight of more than one party I've recently attended and have met with great success. While Californian wines, Oregon wines, Michigan wines, Aussie wines and Texas wines have truly come into their own here of late, I'll always reach for a smooth, unpretentious, yet rich full bodied French burgundy. I leave the Cabernet's to the wine snobs. You know, the fellows with the exquisitely coiffed bouffant hair, hands reeking of Aramis, sporting the latest designer fads from GQ. They can slurp, whiffle, swirl, sniff, analyze and argue to their hearts content! When I'm featuring a really great dish that I've spent time and creativity on in My kitchen, it's got to be an old world vintage. I'll drink new world wines with anything modern or even with hors d'oeuvres, but with a truly great meal it must be old world. My personal Old World faves, in order of preference, include: Chateauneuf du Papes, Cotes du Rhone, Cotes du Ventoux, Cotes d'Aix, whatever the label, I generally prefer a Vin de Pays over a Cru Classe. Give me a good French country burgundy any day, though, it's My standby. boys, take notes! TexasMaam
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