By The Glass
RICHARD FIELD
I am very fortunate to have three outstanding and gifted tasters on my staff who evaluate wines that may find their way to our shelves. Marvin Chang, Tim Learmont and Kevin Toyama -- who sometimes call themselves the "Three Amigos" -- were all born and raised in Hawaii and have paid their dues, learning and teaching about wine, and earning respect on a national level. Here are a few wines that they are very excited about: Varied wine selections
excite the ‘Three Amigos’Rosemount GSM 1999 ($29): The term "GSM," or Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre (a blend of grapes typical of the Rhone Valley of France), is now ubiquitous in the wine world and a delicious standard of many an Australian Winery. Rosemount's version is a delicious mouthful of Red Berry fruit with a fair amount of sweet tannins creating a textural experience to match the profuse flavors. This wine is great with grilled meats.
1999 Pirramimma Shiraz ($19): This blockbuster Australian red was a group favorite at a recent private wine tasting. Produced from grapes grown at Stock's Hill vineyard in McClaren Vale, this wine has it all: Gorgeous, ripe, dark berry fruit flavors complemented by earth, pepper, spice and oak accents. Deep, rich and full-flavored, this one's a winner with a big, thick, juicy steak.
2001 La Corte Solyss ($11.49): A mouth-filling blend of Negroamaro and Primitivo grapes, this juicy, full-bodied red hails from Puglia, in the southern coast of Italy. The Negroamaro, literally "black bitter," and the Primitivo, a relative of Zinfandel, are from vines more than 60 years old. Barrel-aged for three months, the Solyss displays jammy berry and cherry fruit flavors and aromas, with just a hint of earthiness and oak. A fun wine to pour with pizza or barbecue.
Paringa Shiraz 2001, South Australia: A smooth, inviting red that's plump and generous with black cherry, blackberry and exotic spice flavors. One of the finest values for this varietal and an outstanding wine for an outstanding price.
Huges Beaulieu, Picpoul de Pinet, 2001, Coteaux de Languedoc, France ($10.49): A fresh lively wine from the Languedoc region of France, medium-bodied with wonderful floral citrusy aromas and dry zinging finish. A great summer wine, but also well-suited to lighter-styled cuisine ... salads, oysters, langoustines, ceviche or just by itself.
Domaine du Poujol, Rouge "Proteus," 2000 Coteaux du Languedoc, Pic St. Loup ($12.69): Sleek and rich, a delicious blend of 60% Merlot and 20% each of Cinsault and Carignane. Layered with plum, dark fruits, garrigue and sweet oak. One of the Languedocs hidden gems and a great value to boot!
Richard Field owns R. Field Food and Wine Co.
This column is a weekly lesson in wine pairing
written by a rotating panel of wine professionals.
This column is a weekly lesson in wine
pairing written by a rotating panel of wine professionals.
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