by Mark Cochrane
Has anyone seen spring?
I’ve been looking for it these past couple of weeks but I can’t seem to find it under all of the snow on my front lawn. I really miss those warm late afternoon happy hours sitting on the back porch with my feet up trying to swat wasps hovering over my glass of Riesling. I long for those nice strolls along the Riverwalk and then back home for a cold beer or glass of wine. We’re supposed to be swapping our winter coats for spring jackets and raking the front lawn… not shoveling the driveway. So instead of enjoying warm temperatures, I guess we’ll just have to be patient and dream of those summer days when you’ll wonder if you need to turn the air conditioner on after breakfast because it’s just too darn hot outside.
Here are my picks for this week
2012 Feudi Salentini 125, Negroamaro del Salento – Puglia Italy ($14.95 – LCBO 395350)
This dark red Italian wine is from an area in southern Italy called Puglia which is also known for its Primitivo. Negroamaro wines are known for their dark fruit like blueberry and plum but they can also have a bitter aftertaste. This wine is 100% Negroamaro del Salento and has undergone malolactic fermentation to soften the wine which gives it a long smooth dark fruit finish. A great wine at this price point and it pairs well with big Italian pasta dishes like ravioli and cannelloni.
Available at Stittsville or Kanata (Terry Fox) LCBOs
2012 Hogue Chardonnay – Columbia Valley, Washington, USA ($14.95 LCBO Vintages – 303800)
A lot of really good wines coming out of Washington State these days and this straw coloured Chardonnay is a good example of what the Columbia Valley region has been crafting. Aromas of golden apple and lime matched with flavours of caramel and citrus with a medium soft finish and almost cream like texture. This wine is a good match for salmon or barbecued chicken.
Available at Stittsville or Carleton Place LCBOs
Cheers!
Mark Cochrane
Email me at markuncorked@gmail.com
Visit my website at www.markuncorked.com
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