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	Best of the Red Bunch March 2001

Chateau de Domazin 1999

Maybe it's because I'm a light, often uncomplicated, happy go lucky kinda guy, but I'm drawn to the type of red wines which offer my own traits and characteristics. An outwardly easy going temperament, but hidden below a complex symphony of carefully structured design. Chateau de Domazin, if human, would be my twin brother from whom I would have been separated at birth. I have the English accent and this wine most definitely speaks fluent French. My "twin brother" lives in the Cotes du Rhone in the gorgeous south of France, and occupies a 14th century Chateau near Avignon. It comes from a family of vines which are raised on 75 acres. But the "twin brother" applies to the final product. Within the bottle is an entire coterie of kith and kin grapes, which thrive in the region: Syrah, Grenache, Carignan, Cinsault, and Mourvedre. A family which works and plays together in supreme harmony. The "family" is pleasantly enjoyed in a glass of this most enjoyable drink. A bright ruby color, with a blend of tobacco, spice and peppery perfume from the predominant Syrah grape. The taste is full, smooth and generously fruity with the merest hint of thyme. And somewhere in all those delicious sensory nuances, you might discover the merest hint of Silverstone - and I would indeed be flattered to be included in such genial - and affordable - company.

Cheers!

Region Cotes du Rhone, France

Grapes Syrah (40%), Grenache (35%), Carignan (10%),
Cinsault (10%), Mourvedre (5%).

Price $7.99 (approx)

Best of the Cheese

Pecorino Toscana Senese

Produced by Ciresa of Italy. Pecorino is the generic name given to all sheep's milk cheeses made in Italy. The word which follows "Pecorino" indicates the region in which the cheese is made. In this case "Toscana" or Tuscany. This is a young Pecorino (aged 60 days) with a milder flavor and a semi-soft, cream-colored interior, very similar to a fresh Asiago.

Note: Be sure to buy your cheese from the "fresh cheese" counter, and have it cut fresh in the store.

Best of the Two Blondes

These Two Blondes have More Fun!

My favorite films have been set in Venice: Don't Look Now; Death In Venice; A Little Romance: Who's killing The Great Chefs Of Europe" and the list goes on. Venice is of course one of the most romantic cities in the world, and captures the imagination of film directors and newlyweds. Venice also serves the best pizza and ice cream I've ever eaten and the wines from it's region are admirably less macho than their relatives in other parts of Italy.

I remember the first time I drove from Venice to the heart of the Veneto region to it's north. My driving companion insisted that he knew where we were going and would I please put the pedal to the medal since we were seriously late for our 9 am meeting. As the speedometer passed the kilometer equivalent of 120 miles per hour we easily put 60 miles behind us, when my wine world chum said those dreaded words: "Ah! It appears I had the map upside down!" as we obliviously hurtled south. After making an illegal turn, thumping my co-pilot on the head and taking the speedometer to uncharted territory, we eventually arrived at our destination, to sample the wines of the region. A little rattled, disheveled and not in the best of temperaments, a few glasses of the local wines soon erased the annoying journey from memory.

I have always enjoyed the wine region located almost at the thigh of Italy, where the wines are light, amusing, jolly and deliciously fruity. These are the wine world equivalent of a blond twenty something driving across the alps in a bright red Ferrari convertible. Attractive, carefree, ready for excitement with life just breezing by.

These two particular blondes have names:

Marega Pinot Grigio 1999

The first is Marega Pinot Grigio 1999. Although Grigio means Gray, this wine doesn't have a spot of gray on it. Gray is dull, this wine has sparkling eyes, and a gorgeous smile, with an almost impish grin.

The Marega Estate sits on the border of Italy and the former Yugoslavia, in the growing district of Collio, known for producing some of Italy's finest white wines. Collio wines are understated, subtle and most definitely food friendly. They offer a pleasant alternative to the more aggressive "in your face" white wines flooding the market. Brothers Livio and Giorgio Marega now hold the reins of the family firm. The brothers Marega late harvest their grapes in order to capture and concentrate the varietal character and fruit flavors of each grape variety they produce. The wine is soft and sensual, yet offers a big mouthful of fruit with a strong nutty, almond like flavor. A good friend to have on hand to liven up the party.

Marega Pinot Grigio 1999 has an annula production of 1,100 Casesand is aged in stainless steel. The wine is at it's most complex about 2 years after the vintage date; (Approx) $12.69

Moletto Pinot Grigio 1999

The other "blonde" is Moletto Pinot Grigio 1999. Azienda Agricola Moletto is an estate owned by the Stival family in the province of Treviso. Commendatore Mario Stival and his sons Mauro and Giovanni have created this deliciously exciting, Pinot Grigio. Light enough for a pre dinner tete-a-tete or to accompany more delicate dishes (promise no puns intended), the wine is fresh, fruity, crisp and definitely a "2 glass wine". It costs about $9.99.

Both of these wines are perfect accompaniments to: Rich soups; Veal; Chicken; Rice dishes with light meat.

Double Cheers, or perhaps, Menage a Cheers!

Best of the Cheese

Mirabo with Creme Fraiche

Produced by Kaserei Champignon, Bavaria, superior cow's milk is blended with creme fraiche and allowed to develop a bloomy rind. The result is a double cream, soft-ripened (brie-like) delicacy. Serve this cheese with strawberries, raspberries or other fruits; or slice it and layer with apricot preserves, or whichever preserves you enjoy.