Chris and Sherry Hardie

Sunday, August 4, 2013

Gnarly Head Authentic White Blend 2011

By Chris and Sherry Hardie

Some wines are better with time on their side. The aging process softens the tannins and allows the wine to form secondary characteristics and flavors not found when it’s younger.

Others — like this California blend — are meant for enjoyment while the wine is relatively young. It’s fermented in cool conditions and not aged in oak because it’s supposed to taste fresh and fruity.

This is a mixture of riesling, moscato, sauvignon blanc and viognier sourced from Lodi and Monterey vineyards. The bouquet and flavors certainly reflect the variety of grapes, with orchard fruit and citrus influences throughout. This would be an excellent wine to serve with summer salads.

Sherry: “Citrus grapefruit, lemon and pineapple.” 3 stars

Chris: “A bouquet of pineapple and honeysuckle, with flavors of pineapple and apricot.” 3-1/2 stars

Available locally from $8 to $11.

Coming next week: Las Rocas Red Blend

Gallo Family Red Moscato

By Chris and Sherry Hardie

We’ve discussed before the exploding sales of moscato wines, which are sweet, fragrant and very appealing to younger or beginning wine drinkers.

But sales of sweeter wines in general — including reds — have soared. Clearly there’s room in the market for those who prefer more soda pop-like wine. Move over white zinfandel, there’s a host of other starter wines on the market now.

This nonvintage moscato comes from Argentina and is what you would expect from a bottom-shelf, bargain Gallo — nothing exceptional, but refreshing, with medium body and fruity sweetness. Best served well-chilled.

Sherry: “Sweet cherry flavor with a rose floral finish.” 2-1/2 stars

Chris: “Flavors of cinnamon, pear and apple with a hint of honey.” 2-1/2 stars

Available locally from $5 to $7.

Coming next week: Gnarly Head Authentic White

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Bottling wine at Brambleberry

Bottling wine at Brambleberry
Chris fills wine bottles with a batch of raspberry.

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Wine of the week reviews are property of the La Crosse Tribune. All other views on this blog are the opinion of Chris and Sherry Hardie
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