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Showing posts from July, 2013

Tasting Bodega Ruca Malen

Bodega Ruca Malen ’s wine maker, Pablo Cuneo and Chef Lucas Bustos, who oversees the restaurant at the winery, were in Houston earlier this month for the launch of the Bodega Ruca Malen wines in Texas. They are now available in Central Markets across the state. Central Market patrons had the opportunity to attend cooking demonstrations of specially prepared paired tastings by the winery’s chef while learning about the wines from the winemaker himself at tasting events that started in Houston and continued through San Antonio, Austin and Dallas. I had the opportunity to sit down for lunch and a tasting of their wines at America’s in River Oaks before their Houston Central Market event began. We started with the 2012 Yauquen Torrontes from Salta, an area which is well-known for producing some of Argentina’s best Torrontes due to the high elevation of the vineyard area and the high UV levels they receive promoting optimal ripening. This wine was crisp and dry, it did not have that

Three Wines from Cantele

A friend who is associated with Cantele sent me a media sample of a few of their wines. They are produced in Puglia, often known as the heel of Italy's boot, from local grapes. 2011 Cantele Negroamaro Rosato - Aromas of cherry syrup with floral notes. Dry with a medium body, medium alcohol and medium acidity with a fresh cherry flavor. It worked well with our dinner of soft chicken tacos with tomatillo salsa. Whole Foods has it for $13.99. 2010 Cantele Primitivo - Aromas of black plum, dark cherry and licorice. Dry with a medium body, medium alcohol, medium tannins and medium acidity with flavors to match the aromas and a slightly spicy, long finish. Very smooth and drinkable. I served it with barbequed and smoked pulled pork sandwiches and it was delicious. Available at Spec's for about $15. 2009 Cantele Salice Salentino Riserva - Ripe blackberry and black cherry aromas. Dry with a medium body, medium alcohol, medium tannins and medium acidity with flavors to match the a

Texas Wine Thoughts

From the July 2013 edition of Galveston Monthly magazine on page 60-62