Monday, April 18, 2011

Stacey's Darling #2: Itali-fornian Pinot Noir

Happy Monday to everyone!

I am in the process of writing a blog about Italian wine, and those of you who know anything about Italy and wine know that it is one of the most confusing wine regions in the world! That being said, it will take me a little while to compile a thorough and understandable blog for you.

So, in the meantime, I leave you with Stacey's Darling #2!

For those of you who don't know, I started a second little part time job working at the Oxbow Wine Merchants in Napa. It is a fun way for me to get my "wine fix" from selling, organizing, learning about, and TASTING new wines! One of the perks is that we get to taste any wine and call it job training and education :)

After my shift on Thursday, I tried the most fantastic Pinot Noir that I had to share with you. My co-worker (a fellow, proud certified sommelier) and I were blown away!

So, Stacey's Darling #2 is: 2007 Cargasacchi Pinot Noir, Santa Barbara County.

When I saw the name "Cargasacchi", it immediately screamed "Italian wine"- those Italians love to throw in the "cc" and "chi" letter combinations. Then, I realized it was actually a Californian Pinot with history and roots in Italy.

The Cargasacchi family IS from Italy, and their winemaking style is founded in the traditional Italian philosophy of the necessity of pairing food and wine at mealtimes- hence the beautiful acid of this wine. It is beautifully delicious and balanced without food, but also is very versatile and food friendly and would compliment a wide range of food items- from any type of fish, pasta, and even red meat.
This wine is a gorgeous mix of red berries and oak and spice and mmm I want more!!

It is a bit more pricey than I would normally recommend (you can find it for between $25-$40 online and in stores), but I think it's worth it for a special occasion. It's a perfect wine for Easter- you can bring it as a hostess gift for your mom, grandma, aunt, etc... It would be awesome with honey baked ham! Just make sure your hostess opens it and shares with you!

Or, if you're really desparate, call me and I'll buy it for you with my store discount :)

Speaking of Easter, that reminds me- come back Wednesday for a post about what to drink with Easter dinner!

Love all you lovely readers,
Stace

Cargasacchi Pinot Noir winemaker's notes: "The saturated red hue borders on purple with distinctive Pinot Noir perfume of red and purple berries and violets. In the mouth, this is a luscious, richly textured wine that balances fruit, spice and tannin. Exhibiting layers of blackberry and small dark fruit flavors woven with firm, ripe, tannins for a very persistent, mouthwatering finish".

1 comments:

Anonymous said...

I plugged you on my blog the other day!! glad you are a winder and not a whiner! 4 months from today, start counting! http://feedmylove.wordpress.com/2011/04/14/here-is-a-plug/