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Jan
2014
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Wines of the Week: Jan. 6-12

Everyday:  It sometimes seems incongruous to me that when our abodes and skin are Bilbaobone-dry for months on end up here in Tundraland, we lean toward dry red wines. The 2009 Ramon Bilbao Limited Edition Rioja ($16) is just such a dusty critter, especially on the long finish. But there’s plenty of dark-berry juiciness in this Spanish stalwart, along with some meaty notes and a hint of coffee. Try it with roasted meats or fowl, or some spicy sausage, either on its own or starring in a pasta sauce.

Occasion: The San Francisco Chronicle’s Jon Bonné nailed it this week when he Matthiasson Whitenamed Steve Matthiasson the newspaper’s winemaker of the year. The man’s fab efforts start with a magical blend, the 2011 Matthiasson Napa Valley White ($35). A paragon of harmony (is “perfect acidity” too geeky an assessment?), it’s firm but layered and night onto endless. Countless types of fruit pop up — apple here, pear there, tropical fruits comin’ on strong — making it mighty tempting to make a liquid meal out of this admixture of sauvignon blanc, ribolla gialla, semillon and fruilano. Otherwise, try it with chicken or fish made in a Mediterranean, South American or Asian style. Yum.

1 Response

  1. karen

    wondered what you thought of the article! so great to read your personal experience. of course, you know me, I’d be hard pressed to plunk down that kind of change for a white, however… always happy to try when you all are in town or we’re a-tastin’ in wine country!

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