Trivento Amado Sur Malbec 2008

By Chris and Sherry Hardie

Finding a wine with the heft to stand up to grilled red meat or barbecue ribs is an enjoyable summertime challenge. This red blend from Argentina fits the bill.

The name translates to "Three Winds of the Beloved South" and refers to the seasonal winds that blow through the Mendoza region of the Andes Mountains. The high-altitude viticulture region gets limited rain and is irrigated by mountain snowmelt.

Primarily malbec (73 percent), with some bonarda and syrah, this is a fruit-forward wine that displays many aromas and flavors before finishing with a surprisingly dry, lingering finish that leaves dusty tannins clinging to your inner cheeks.

Sherry: "Smooth flavor of strawberry with floral and licorice notes." 3-1/2 stars

Chris: "Raspberry, cherry and cinnamon with a licorice bouquet." 3-stars

Available locally for about $15.

Coming next week: Frei Brothers Reserve Chardonnay

Carta Red 2008

By Chris and Sherry Hardie

Portugal is more famous for its port wines, but the grape that is the backbone of its fortified drink also makes some wonderful wines.

Touriga nacional is the traditional grape for port, and it represents to Portugal what tempranillo means to Spain. It's also the grape that makes up 75 percent of this red blend, with the other 25 percent coming from aragonez.

Touriga nacional is known for its acidity, strong tannins, floral notes and black fruit flavors. All are on full display in this wine, which comes from the Alentejo region in the southern part of the country.

Sherry: "Bright, fruity and peppery with notes of black cherry and mint on the finish." 3-1/2 stars

Chris: "A bouquet of spice and earth, with flavors of red fruit, blackberry, cherry and mint." 3-1/2 stars

Available locally for about $8.

Coming next week: Trivento Amado Sur

D'Arrigo Riesling 2009

By Chris and Sherry Hardie
The steep German vineyards of the Mosel River valley come to mind when we picture riesling grapes, but the white grape variety is grown all over the world.

We decided to sample a version that hails from Italy, certainly better known for its chianti and other red wines. It comes from the Delle Venezie region in northeast Italy, where the winemaker sources grapes from various growers.

Riesling is a versatile grape and ranges from very sweet to dry and tart. This offering is not as acidic and crisp as most German versions, but it's semi-sweet with orchard fruit flavors in a light body.

Sherry: "Almond flavor with pear and a touch of apple." 3 stars

Chris: "Apricot and pear with a citrus finish." 3 stars

Available locally for about $8.

Coming next week: Carta Red

Cupcake Red Velvet 2009

By CHRIS and SHERRY HARDIE

Cupcake wines are part of the Underdog Wine and Spirits company, which runs several wine labels including A Mano, Big House and Fish Eye.
All of them fall under winemaker Adam Richardson, who sources grapes and oversees the production.

This red blend features zinfandel (47 percent), merlot (29 percent), cabernet sauvignon (19 percent) and petite sirah (5 percent).

Each varietal is fermented separately, blended and oak-aged. The result is a wine that keeps your nose and tongue busy trying to work through the layers of aroma and taste. It's semi-sweet with dark fruit and chocolate flavors but is very smooth.

Sherry: "Fruity black cherry and raspberry with licorice notes on the finish." 3 stars
Chris: "Molasses notes with flavors of raspberry and strawberry. Almost a bit too sweet for a red." 2-1/2 stars

Available locally for $10.

Coming next week: D'Arrigo Riesling

Renwood Old Vine Zinfandel 2006

By CHRIS and SHERRY HARDIE

Growing wine grapes is not the same as growing corn, where success is usually marked by the yield per acre.
Some of the most sought-after grapes are from older vines that are specifically pruned to yield a lower crop with the belief that the quality is better.
Renwood sources its grapes for this wine from more than a dozen vineyards where the average vine is 45 years old. Each small lot is fermented separately and blended later.
This is a fruit-forward wine with plenty of berry flavors and spice, a hint of vanilla and a very smooth finish.
Sherry: "Slightly sweet on the front and florally, with raspberry, strawberry and a hint of coconut." 3-1/2 stars
Chris: "Notes of raisins and cinnamon with flavors of raspberry and cherry, and a spicy finish." 3-1/2 stars
Available locally for about $11.50.
Coming next week: Cupcake Red Velvet