Might I suggest putting aside some time this weekend to indulge in a really great bottle of wine?
There's just something about the frosty weather -- and yes, the seemingly never-ending days of winter -- that makes uncorking a bottle feel that much more decadent, and gives you a chance to learn a bit more about what's contained inside.
My choices for this week run the gamut from casual to lobster-dinner appropriate, making them easy to pick out for whatever your plans may be. They also veer to both the white and red sides of the palate, so if you usually opt for one over the other, why not switch it up?
SEE: Pictures of the bottles of my wines of the week. Read below the slideshow for more information on the wines:
Wines Of Winter
Joseph Cattin Riesling 2011, A.C., Alsace, France: Crisp, fresh and clean. This medium-bodied white offers lovely aromas of white melon and lime lift. It also was awarded the Gold Medal at the Paris Concours Général Agricole in 2012. Terrific clean finish which makes it a great aperitif or companion to many dishes from seafood to salads. Drink: 2013-2016. 259788 12.40% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 90/100.
Siete Fincas Chardonnay 2011, Mendoza, Argentina: Gorgeous full-bodied, buttery chardonnay with toasted almond on the finish. Layers of pleasure here at an incredibly great price. Highly recommend. Pair with roast chicken. Pair with: boiled lobster with butter. Drink: 2013-2016. 222752 13% XD 750 mL $14.95 Score: 90/100.
Angels Gate Riesling 2010, V.Q.A., Niagara Peninsula, Ontario, Canada: A delightful riesling, bursting with lime blossom and lemongrass notes. Zippy and refreshing with a medium body. Perfect for seafood or as an aperitif. Great price. Drink: 2013-2016. 160523 12.50% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 89/100.
The Grinder Pinotage 2011, W.O., Swartland, South Africa: Loaded with black pepper, dark spices, coffee, mocha and savoury dark fruit aromas. There's a seductive juiciness on the palate with full-bodied weight. Black plum and anise on the smoky finish. Highly recommended. Pair with rib roast or grilled pork chops. Pair with: grilled meats, smoked pork, hearty mole based chili. Drink: 2013-2016. 269076 14% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 90/100.
L.A. Cetto Cabernet Sauvignon 2010, Guadalupe Valley, Baja California, Mexico: Fleshy ripe black and purple plum aromas with some blueberry jam. The palate is ultra-smooth and delicious with more dark fruit flavours. This is an absolutely incredible wine for the price point. Pair with combination pizza, spaghetti and meatballs or cold cuts. Drink: 2013-2016. 114066 13.50% XD 750 mL $11.95 Score: 89/100.
Coppi Peucetico Primitivo 2007, D.O.C., Gioia Del Colle, Puglia, Italy: Deep plushly ripe purple and black plum aromas on the nose with some blueberry jam on the palate. It's full-bodied and dry with layers of voluptuous dark fruit. Perfect for meat lovers' pizza and meat sauce pasta. Pair with: veal scaloppini in a sun-dried tomato sauce. Drink: 2013-2016. 724674 13.50% D 750 mL $13.95 Score: 90/100.