December 21st

Marques de Grinon, Cabernet Sauvignon

Only $39.99

As the holidays approach, we do so much running around and entertaining it is nice to relax and treat ourselves to a nice bottle of wine that we might not usually open. This is the second in our two part wine of the week series looking at really delicious wines that over deliver flavor for their price point. Nobody likes to be disappointed when they open an expensive bottle, so we give you tried and tested wines that we love and drink on special occasions (like finishing the holiday shopping!).

This wine is made by Carlos Falcó Fernandez de Córdova who has pioneered the modernization of vine growing and wine-making in Spain. In 1974, he introduced Spain to the Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grape varieties. This was but the first step in a series of daring pioneering innovations by the man responsible for the great wines of Marques de Grinon. 

Carlos has created a huge Cabernet Sauvignon  that bursts from the glass with aromas of black cherries, wild berry fruits and sweet spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, chocolate and tobacco. It is expansive on the palate, being full-bodied, well-structured with fine, integrated tannins, and outstanding depth.

Chad the Tie Guy's Review: This is a clear winner for one of the best wines we have tasted this year. Every once in a while we taste a wine that leaves a lasting impression of how delicious it was (most of these are in the upper price limits of my budget). This one was one that blew me away when I found out it was less than $50 AND it was in the Top 100 Wines of 2014. A great wine and the perfect treat for celebrating the holidays!

Grape Varietals:  100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine Region: La Mancha, Spain

Alcohol Content: 14.5%

White Horse Wine Color Code System:       RICH RED WINES      

Food Pairings: Try pairing this wine with rich, red meat dishes such as prime rib, osso bucco or filet mignon. For a real treat, try this with traditional spanish wild game meats such as wild boar ravioli or venison steaks if you get the chance.

Cheese Pairings: 

Aged Asiago Cheese- A nice salty, flavorful aged Asiago tang.

Italy $5.49 (8oz)

Moody Blue Cheese- A smoked blue cheese with a sharp flavor 

Wisconsin $7.49 (8oz)

4 Year Aged Gouda- A hard aged cheese with caramel flavors 

Netherlands $8.99 (8oz) 

December 14th

Hilary Goldschmidt, Cabernet Sauvignon

Was $34.99

Now Only $29.99

As the holidays approach, we do so much running around and entertaining it is nice to relax and treat ourselves to a nice bottle of wine that we might not usually open. This is the first in our two part wine of the week series looking at really delicious wines that over-deliver flavor for their price points. Nobody likes to be disappointed when they open an expensive bottle, so we give you tried and tested wines that we love and drink on special occasions (like checking off your holiday shopping list!).

Named for the youngest of Nick Goldschmidt's five children, Hilary Goldschmidt Cabernet Sauvignon is bold and elegant. The grapes from this vineyard used to be sold to Opus One to blend into its famed wines. Charming Creek offers the signature taste of Napa Valley and shows unusual concentration for the price. With its long sunny days and porous, free-draining soils, Napa Valley has the perfect growing conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon vines and Charming Creek consistently yields bold, well structured wines that are complex and rich in flavor.

Chad the Tie Guy's Review: This is a beast of a Napa Cab with huge dark fruit flavors of blackberry, cassis and plum. The fruit is nicely integrated with a bold oak flavor that is both rich and elegant. This wine is ready to drink and can be enjoyed with a little decanting or stored well for aging of up to 10 years. 

Grape Varietals:  100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Wine Region: Oakville, California

Alcohol Content: 14.5%

White Horse Wine Color Code System:       RICH RED WINES      

Food Pairings: Try this wine with herb-marinated grilled meats along with heavy cheeses, grilled vegetables, and roasted red peppers.

Cheese Pairings: 

Sartori Espresso Cheese- An espresso coffee rubbed sharp cheese 

Wisconsin $7.49 (8oz)

Moody Blue Cheese- A smoked blue cheese with a sharp flavor 

Wisconsin $7.49 (8oz)

4 Year Aged Gouda- A hard aged cheese with caramel flavors 

Netherlands $8.99 (8oz) 

December 7th

Allegrini, Palazzo Della Torre

Was $22.99

Now Only $19.99

This week our wine feature is in honor of our upcoming Italian classes. Last Thursday, December 3rd we had our Exploring Italy class followed by next Thursday's December 10th class, The Wines of Allegrini. If you can't make the class, at least you can enjoy some good Italian wine!

This blend of 70% Corvina Veronese, 25% Rondinella, and 5% Sangiovese is a smooth, full-bodied cru wine made in an innovative ripasso style. After the harvest, the grapes from the Palazzo della Torre vineyard follow two different paths: 70% of the grapes are vinified immediately, while the remaining 30% are left to dry until the end of December. The fresh wine made at harvest is blended with the fermenting juice of the dried grapes. This initiates a second fermentation and renders a more highly concentrated and complex wine. Allegrini affectionately refers to Palazzo della Torre as its “baby Amarone.”

Chad the Tie Guy's Review: This is one of my favorite "Baby Amarones". I love Amarone wine, but they tend to be out of my price range even for weekend wines. I always turn to this wine when I go out to a local BYOB. This way I get more bang for my buck in wine quality and taste. Drink smart!

Grape Varietals:  70% Corvina Veronese, 25% Rondinella, and 5% Sangiovese

Wine Region: Verona, Italy

Alcohol Content: 13.8%

White Horse Wine Color Code System:       MEDIUM RED WINES      

Food Pairings: Try pairing this with richly flavored pasta dishes accented with spiced meats such as sausage, chorizo or salami. This is also a great dish to try with a seasonal risotto were the creaminess balances out the nice acidity of the wine.  

Cheese Pairings: 

Di Bruno Asiago- A hard, flavorful, salty aged Italian cheese.

Italy $5.49 (8oz)

Pecorino Toscano- A rich, nutty cheese with butterscotch flavor.

Italy $7.99 (8oz)

Prima Donna- The best of Parmigiano and Aged Gouda.

Italy $8.99 (8oz)