Ready for Some Scrumptious Reds?

I don't know about you, but I'm always ready for a glass of smooth,  rich red wine. Among my favorites are the bold, zesty reds from  Argentina, particularly Malbec.

Recently my niece introduced me to Gaucho Spur, Espuela Del Gaucho, Mendoza Limited Edition Reserve Malbec 2014. Kind of a long name, huh?--It goes with the long finish. Mendoza, the largest wine region in Argentina located at the edge of the Andes Mountains, is home to some intense, luscious red wines, primarily Malbec. Malbec is actually a French varietal introduced to this area in the mid-16th century.

I find the Gaucho Spur Espuela a beautiful deep red color with a bouquet of dark cherries and blackberries. It's an excellent compliment to beef and Mexican food. I served it with Beef Enchiladas--quite tasty. It's also perfect with any cut of steak, or a juicy hamburger.

This came from the wine aisle of my neighborhood Kroger store, selling for $12.98 a bottle, which is about the average price for the U.S. market.

Now, let's move from an Argentinian selection to a Washington State vintage--14 Hands, Hot to Trot Red Blend, Columbia Valley 2012.

This is a versatile wine to enjoy with meals or on its own. I particularly like late afternoon sipping in the living room while relaxing in my reading chair,nibbling on an herbed goat cheese or a Creamy Havarti while contemplating about making dinner.
If you are one who hasn't quite graduated to the hardiness of a Cabernet or a Zinfandel, but would like to develop a palate for bold reds, Hot to Trot is a good segue wine paving the way for the tasting of deeper reds.

This wine is quite popular now and can be found for about $10 in most supermarkets, that have a decent selection of vintages. 

And finally . . . .

The Bogle Petite Sirah 2013 can set your palate dancing with its savory, spicy, and supple niceties. Drink this and you will understand what is meant by full bodied--it's one of those things you know when you taste it.

I pair this wine with chicken thighs in a sauce of shallots, lemon, butter, garlic, and white wine, along with a side of potato pancakes. All this together is yummy eating.

This Petite Syrah is also a good compliment to lamb.

Bogle wines are not difficult to find. I've been purchasing this Petite Syrah at Krogers for $10.99. For the record, per the Bogle website, the Bogle Petite Syrah 2014 has also been released as of March, 2016. I have not come across it yet, but I'm on the look out.



FYI: Wine prices vary from state to state, as well as vendor to vendor within a state, it depends on laws and regulations. The best prices I have found: California and Virginia.

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                    CHEERS!