Szászi Birtok Zenit

 

Zenit is a native Hungarian grape, and Szászi Birtok's expression of this bright variety is stellar and one that punches above its price point. 

Delicate aromas of green apple (golden delicious), white flowers, lemon, pear, mineral, honey, and apricot. 

Almond, green apple skin, lemon and lime, pear, clementine, melon, with some phenolics and crisp acidity for structure on the palate. 

This easy-drinking white wine pairs well with escovitch fish, stew fish, and a handy arugula-based salad!

 

 

Maeli Bianco Infinito

 

If you are looking for a wine to take you to faraway places on aromatics alone, then the Bianco Infinito, by Maeli, is it!

This highly aromatic Yellow Muscat wine promotes apple, pear, apricot, orange blossom, and spiced and soaked raisins on the nose. This is very reminiscent of the scents involved in the preparation of black and fruit cake.

On the palate, thoughtful citrus, prune, honey, and dried herbs come together to give you an exhilarating and sturdy white wine that is more than food-worthy.

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Perlage Zharpí Prosecco

 

I am a firm believer that every household should have a bottle of sparkling wine in the fridge and ready to go at all times, and Perlage’s Zharpi Prosecco makes it easy to do so.

Aromas of honeysuckle, pear, and melon dance around with fine bubbles and crisp acidity. The fruit structure on the palate makes this a great accompaniment to fried foods and even those with a slight peppery kick to them.

 

 

Domaine Montrose Olivier Coste Cinsault

 

Though rarely seen as a varietal wine, the Cinsault grape has always been a favourite of mine for its ability to smoothen things out around the edges, when blended. Here, with Olivier Coste’s single varietal expression of the Cinsault grape, you get to see what it can give when put to stand on its own and when crafted by mindful vineyard management.

A bevy of ripe red fruit and thyme on the nose and that concentration of fruit follows through to the palate. Tastes of ripe cherry and strawberry, red currant, cassis, cocoa, and fennel round out this excellent sipper. 

This is a red best served with a slight chill and can be paired with conversation, one-pot meat and rice dishes such as cook-up rice and pelau, and pork. 

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Kamara Winery Shadow Play Xinomavro

 

I remember my introduction to this grape, and I can’t say that for all grapes, but this one left a mark!  Xinomavro has a rich history, and many new generation Greek winemakers are working vigorously to make Xinomavro a household name. 

The Kamara Winery, Shadow Play Xinomavro, is a fine example of this grape in a glass and indicative of why I fell in love. 

Aromas of mushroom, cherry, wild blackberry, olive, and wet wood, set you up for an experience with an austere wine.  On the palate, black cherry, plum, black currant,  leather, tobacco, mushroom, and fennel build the constructs in your mouth.

This wine will pair wonderfully with lamb, will make you fall in love, and can age.

 

 

Fitapreta Vinhos

 

If you are fond of red blend wines, you need to spend more time in Portugal and thank historical viticulture for this. 

The Fitapreta Tinto Alentejano is a blend of the Aragonez, Alicante Bouschet, and Trincadeira grapes.

It shines of red fruit, blueberry jam, herbs, and spices on the nose and delivers ripe strawberry and dark chocolate on the palate.

This is a highly approachable wine and balanced in every sense.  Its astute price also gives you a chance to start to explore Portugal and its wines in a considerate way.