La Versa - Tenimenti Confalonieri (ITA)

Chardonnay, a high-quality grape variety originating in Burgundy, is forever being confused with Pinot Bianco, which - even though related - is a different variety.

Recent studies have shown that the Chardonnay grape is the fruit of a cross between Pinot Nero and Gouais-Blanc, the latter an ancient white French variety that has now all but disappeared. It was imported into Italy for the first time in the 19th century, and to this day is still cultivated in a number of areas, including the Oltrepò Pavese. Our Chardonnay DOC is made from the grape of the same name, harvested exclusively of our own estates on the hillsides of the upper Valle Versa, an area in which terroir and microclimate come together to produce remarkable results.

Lucid straw-yellow color; assertive bouquet, with pronounced notes of almond blossom and apples, together with echoes of bay leaves and musk; the palate is dry, rounded, subtle and well-orchestrated, with a pleasant and persistent almond finish.

Accompaniment: with antipasti, soups, fish and shellfish, cold white meats.

Toasted Head Russian River Chardonnay - (USA - CA)

The second wine I want to let you know is a Californian wine.
I tasted it for the first time in New York last October and I found an excellent wine I will never forget. Californian wines are still very good quality wines.

The wine has apple and citrus blossom aromas with hints of cinnamon and clove spice. The mouth feel is very rich, with apple, pear and citrus zest. Light oak flavors are integrated with delicate vanilla and caramel notes, leading to a long finish of spiced pears.

Sur lie aging increases the aromatic and flavor complexity of the wine. The lees are stirred early - every week for 10 weeks. Stirring early in the barrel aging process, while dissolved CO2 is still present in the wine, protects the delicate flavors from oxidation. The stirring of the lees results in a creamy mouthfeel and enhanced structure.

This wine is purchasable online on http://www.nexternal.com.

Price is above the average, but quality is excellent.

[ yellow tail ] Shiraz by Casella Wines (AUS)

This is the first wine I want to introduce. It is an australian wine, one of my favourite wines.

A vibrant, deep purple colour leads to a nose of lifted berry aromas with spicy notes. The full-bodied palate shows generous ripe fruit characters with underlying earthy tones and lingering sweet berry flavours. A touch of vanillin oak adds balance and softness to the long, enjoyable finish.

I use to serve it to my friends with roast beef, barbecue meats, continental sausages and strong, aged cheeses.

I particularly appreciate it for its very good quality and low price.

Shiraz is currently ranked No.1 selling 750ml red wine in the USA.