I am always on the lookout for something new and different. I love finding those wines made from one of the thousands of wine grapes that I've never heard of.
February 2021
My current pandemic favorite is from a winery in Slovenia, called Krasno. They make several different wines, however, their red blend and Pinot noir are great and at a great price point. The winegrowers of this area are considered heroic, as the tend vines grown on steep marly slopes above a small village of Krasno. All grapes are hand picked. The grapes grown here have a character found only in this region of Solvenia. The Krasno blend is 40% Cabernet Franc, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 30% Merlot. This is a very drinkable wine and also goes beautifully with almost any meal.
SIDE NOTE: Slovenia is home to the world oldest grape vine that still bears Zametovka grapes. It is over 400 years old and is found in Maribor.
I mean millions of wines, thousands of grapes and so little time....
While this is not that unusual of a grape, this is a lovely wine ... Planeta Santa Cecilia 2013, a 100% Nero d'Avola from Sicily. The Nero d'Avola is the best known grape grown in Sicily and it is indigenous to Italy. This grape loves hot and dry climates and the southern provinces of Sicily are perfect. Historically it was used as a blending grape, but today you can find it as a varietal wine.
This wine has received great points from many of the industry elite which is amazing but I love this wine because it is spicy, fruity, velvety and rich, yet is not an in-your-face big and bold wine.
It is a purple in color wine. You smell flowers and dark fruit. The taste right off is bright cherry and plum, and then you get a bit of licorice, earth and tobacco. The tannins are smooth and silky. The very final taste is fresh and clean that lingers on the tongue.
This would be a perfect wine for great hamburger and cheese or and elk steak or even oxtail soup. If you're not a meat eater try it with a heavy lentil soup.
So, what's your favorite new find?
Let us know.