Wino Wednesday {Link Up} | 2012 Cline Zinfandel, California

I’m so excited to link up with my girl Amanda from Kids and Cabernet  again for Wino Wednesday!

This week I am reviewing a great red zin we bought a couple weeks ago. I popped it open this weekend and had it with steak tacos. It was light enough for the summer but still dry – just the way I love my reds! My friend’s uncle is a distributor for Cline and I’ve had a lot of their wines. This is by far my favorite.

Tasting notes: This Lodi Zinfandel is a challenging and rewarding wine to produce. Strict selection criteria and master blending show in the final product, which showcases dark berry flavors including black cherry and strawberry. Spice notes, a lasting finish of vanilla from oak aging, and firm, supple tannins add complexity.

Food Pairing: With its smooth structure and rich, berry flavors, the California Zinfandel pairs best with bold-flavored foods such as penne putanesca, grilled steak or chili con carne. (success with the steak tacos!)

Can’t wait to read about what others are sipping on this week!

Wino Wednesday {Link Up} | 2013 Aime Roquesant Rosé, France, (Provence)

I’m so excited to link up with my girl Amanda from Kids and Cabernet for my first Wino Wednesday! I love me some wine and I love talking about it with others, what a perfect combo!

This week I am reviewing a rose we bought a few weeks ago at a local specialty wine store. I know what you may be thinking – rose? Blech! But not this one..it’s nothing like your boxed white zin. It’s a perfect summer drinking wine and I am so glad I gave it a shot. Plus, it comes in the coolest bottle! I may have to hang on to it and re-purpose it.

Tasting notes: Produced from a selection of the best varietals, Cinsault, Grenache, and Syrah. This wine expresses the aromas and typical flavors of the Viduaban vineyard. The combination of an ultra-modern winery and traditional wine marking technique ensures perfect quality control and preserves the authentic character. This Rosé is lovely salmon in color with some very pronounced hues of rose. It has a lovely, powerful nose filled with aromas of red berry fruits and freshly cut grass. The palate is quite full and balanced nicely by refreshing acidity. It is spicy and balanced—and true to tradition and style of delicious Provence Rosé.

Food Pairing: Bouillabaisse, Caesar salad, Paella are perfect with this rosé, but you can always enjoy this wine on its own merit. And how about matching it with lighter style pasta with aioli, delicate white fish or light-to-medium-flavored cheeses. It’s perfect for sitting and sipping on your deck, patio or porch (which I’ve already done!)

Can’t wait to read about what others are sipping on this week!