 What do you get when you pair up French winemaking tradition, American know how and the new world attitude of Australia? You get our Wine of the Week!
And that choice is Terlato & Chapoutier 2006 Shiraz Viognier.
Two of the most renowned names in wine, one from Napa and one from the Rhone Valley, have come together in Australia. The result is this Shiraz.
It captures the robust character of the grape and then adds some Viognier to round out the tastiness. We taste the ripe plum and more intense fruitiness along with the dash of spiciness so characteristic of Syrah.
The Viognier layers on an elegant touch which softens the texture while letting the power and finish of the wine to come through.
This is a great food wine, perfect with roasted pork, grilled steaks, and just about anything with a portabella mushroom attached!
Terlato & Chapoutier 2006 Shiraz Viognier is about twenty two dollars.
Pop the Cork™.
Winemaker’s Notes and Comments: A spicy Shiraz from the vineyards of Central Victoria brightens with a boost of Viognier for aroma and balance, as often practiced in France’s most highly regarded appellation of the Northern Rhone Valley, Côte Rôtie. The grapes grown in this Austrialian vineyard were planted on 19th century French rootstocks, another nod to the French tradition & influence in this new world wine. This wine is a collaborative effort between two renowned wine families; Chapoutier from the Rhône Valley in France, and Terlato family of Napa Valley in California.
Color: Intense red
Aroma: Red berries, followed by hints of exotic fruit
Taste: Round structure with fine tannins displaying fruity characteristics
Length/Type of Fermentation: The grapes are destemmed and fermented in cement or stainless steel tanks. The maceration lasts 3 weeks in order to give the wine the good tannin structure required for good aging and stability. Part of the Viognier grapes were added during fermentation to fully integrate the flavor and tannins.
Past Recommendations, Picks, and Wines of the Week
Notes on our Wines of the Week, Recommendations, and Picks:
When you read our thoughts, please remember that you may think differently. A particular wine may be your favorite and not on our list. Well, don't stop buying it because of that. In fact, you may want to EMAIL us and let us know about it. These are our opinions but our FIRST recommendation is to go by your own palate.
A couple of other thoughts . . . first, prices are approximate. They'll vary. Second, different vintages mean different grapes and different tastes so our recommendation for a 2000 Merlot may not hold for 2001.
And lastly, we remind you to drink responsibly! Now, all that said, here is a summary of links to our suggestions. Find one (or more) and pop the cork!
Read the fine print . . .
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