Marinate Me In Malbec

2008 Achaval Ferrer Malbec Mendoza $20

What I tasted: The most pure expression of fruit from a Malbec at this price point. This wine is as they say, LOADED. Unmistakably gorgeous, it has candied red hues, stewed dark raspberry flavors and tannins to dry the gums quite nicely, in their mild cloy. Dialed in concentration packs a punch, able to pair with any privileged protein. Mr. Malbec here is certainly the man, and its impression everlasting--much like its elongated finish. Safe to say it can see some age, hold onto it for up to five years without a worry.

What I learned: The 2008 season in Argentina was difficult due to rain. Roughly half the wineries suffered, at Achaval Ferrer they picked early and were rewarded. Half the fruit in this wine is from the land on the estate, the other half is leased in several different districts. The vines are 16-86 years old and 1 vine is equivalent to 1 bottle of wine (very low yields). In all, 10,000 cases are produced, and I did my part to deplete the share.

Italy, You Made Me Happy!

Last night I was at a dessert party. There was probably 12-15 people of which a few I knew. Before you were allowed to fill up your plate with the cornucopia of confections, you had to stop at a small table to smell and silently identify 4 viles of various scents (Le Nez Du Vin). You then recorded those results on an index card and submitted it to the host. It was a great game to start the evening. That being said, I quickly made my way over to the wine.

Syrah, a Cabernet Sauvignon Blend, Dry Riesling, Bordeaux Blanc...funny no dessert wine. Of course I powered through a mini tasting of these wines, however with little focus because I was anxious for what I had brought, a Cascinetta Vietti 2008 Moscato d' Asti D.O.C.G.

Moscato, the grape, is known by several names: Orange Muscat, Muscat, Muscat Canelli, Muscadel, and so on. Now I will tell you, I don't drink a lot of Moscato--but this wine was F%$#ing awesome. You know it's F%$#ing awesome when you think to yourself, "hmmmm, would Muscato be a cool name for my first born son?" That aside, along with a conclusion of "no probably not", it doesn't change the fact that this wine made me happy.

Moscato isn't known for extracting terrior and expressing the land or tasting like a million dollars--the Cascinetta Vietti was no different in that sense. Thankfully however, it didn’t taste like the few bad examples I had in the past. This was pure, full and creamy. It almost reminded me of key lime pie, except with that classic musk aroma, almost a fresh sage aspect and "strong enough for him but PH balanced for her." It was delicious and perfect for almost any dessert, I will be buying more. This wine was 16 bucks. Not inexpensive, but exactly what I look for in a Moscato. Find it and start with two bottles because it's only5.5% Alc. Enjoy the Buzz!

Oh and by the way, I won the scent identification game!