Each Friday we turn to the wine community for news, tips and recipes for great food and wine pairings . . .
Fennel, sausage and bean saute
First the wines (this is a wine blog afterall …):
2011 Herdade do Esporao White Blend Monte Velho, Alentejo, Portugal: A blend of regional grapes from the country’s southern end, with round, juicy texture and a crisp, lively finish; lots of tastes of melon, lemon and just-ripe pear. $10-$12
2012 Isabel Mondavi Deep Rose, Napa Valley: As vibrant in color and flavor as a light red, made 100 percent of cabernet sauvignon from young fruit of some stellar Mondavi vineyards; serve just chilled to get at all the effulgent aroma and tastes. $20
2008 Torbreck Red Blend The Steading, Barossa Valley, Australia: What is so super about this lush, juicy blend of mostly grenache with shiraz and mataro/mourvedre is how the concentrated fruit is so gently and buoyantly in your face, then tied together with cleansing tannins and bright acidity. $40-$45
