By The Glass
RICHARD FIELD
Sharing is the best part
of making new discoveriesMarvin Chang is well known in the wine industry in Hawaii but is also recognized nationally for his knowledge of wine and food. He is one of only a handful in this country to earn an advanced certificate from the master sommeliers' program. He has also worked as a sommelier and restaurant manager at some of Hawaii's finest restaurants. He now runs the R. Field Wine Co. store in Kailua.
I asked him to share some of his favorite recently tasted wines. Here are three:
2001 Mason Sauvignon Blanc ($18.46): This is one of my favorite California sauvignon blancs. It has aromas of herbs, grass, citrus fruit and vanilla. On the palate, it impresses with rich melon and citrus fruit flavors along with a fine measure of oak. Though fleshy and mouth-filling in texture, it has excellent acidity to keep it lively. A beautiful and versatile wine, equally compatible with poultry and seafood dishes.
2000 Falesco Merlot ($17.99): Falesco is the home of renowned Italian winemaker Riccardo Cotarella. This merlot blew me away with its deep purple color and aromas of blackberries, black cherries, and dark chocolate. Gorgeous and classy, this Italian beauty flows gracefully on the palate with its smooth, velvety texture and soft, well-integrated tannins. Picture this one with a nice, juicy steak.
1999 Caves des Papes Cotes-du-Ventoux ($6.99): This Rhone red was the sleeper of a recent wine tasting. Composed of Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault and Mourvedre, this medium to full-bodied wine shows bright berry and cherry fruit with hints of earth and spice. Fun and fruity, it'll be the hit of your next backyard barbecue or tailgate party.
And it's a terrific value too.
It's fun to share things that you've discovered. I hope you have a chance to try these tasty wines.
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.
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