J. Garcia Merlot Add
Santa Margherita Chianti Classico Add
Kim Crawford Pinot Noir Add
Wines are recomendations only and may not be carried by this store.

J. Garcia Merlot

Attributes:
Producer:

J. Garcia
Region:

Sonoma County, United States
Varietal:

Merlot
Bottle Size:

750 ML

2001: WineSpectator Rating: 76
Flavors:

cedar, coconut, plum, vanilla

2001: WineEnthusiast Rating: 84
Flavors:

blackberry

Food Matches:
Pasta & Grains: Lasagna
Poultry & Eggs: Roast Chicken with Herbs
Red Meat: Barbeque Pulled-Pork or Ribs, Casseroles / Hot Dish, Grilled Pork Tenderloin, Wild Game - Elk, Caribou, Moose, Venison
Sauces: Red Wine Sauce
Vegetables: Beans, White, Mushrooms, Potatoes, Tomato

Merlot:

(mer loh) Deep in color, high in alcohol and low in tannins, this grape is grown mostly in California, France, Washington, New York and Chile. The aromas and flavors can be plummy, chocolaty, and even redolent of tea leaves. It is often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon although it is the most prevalent grape variety in Bordeaux.


Sonoma:

Like its neighbor Napa, Sonoma is a small area filled with independent wineries and characterized by microclimates that vary according to the topography. The coolest parts of Sonoma are the fog-filled south, where the grape varieties are Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Northwards up the valley the climate warms and provides a good base for Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel. In general Sonoma wines are less dramatically flavorful than those of Napa. Cabernet Sauvignon is relatively soft, with blackcurrant fruit, minty and eucalyptus perfume, and some soft buttery oak. Zinfandel ranges from soft and gulpable to massive bramble and pepper styles. Chardonnay is rich and juicy, especially from the Russian River, and Sauvignon Blanc can be zingy and grassy. Most Sonoma wines have a freshness and a soft edge which makes them very suitable for drinking on their own, however they partner well with strongly flavored fish and meat dishes. The old-style Zinfandels are delicious with spicy cuisine.

Santa Margherita Chianti Classico

Attributes:
Producer:

Santa Margherita
Region:

Chianti Classico, Italy
Varietal:

Sangiovese
Bottle Size:

750 ML

2005: WineNews Rating: 90
Acidity:

fresh
Flavors:

black cherry, cranberry, oak, ripe cherry

2005: WineNews Rating: 90
Acidity:

fresh
Flavors:

black cherry, cranberry, oak, ripe cherry
Fruit:

sweet

Food Matches:
Cheese: Parmesan
Pasta & Grains: (Grilled) Tofu, Lasagna, Mushroom Risotto, Pasta with Creamy Mushroom Sauces, Risotto
Poultry & Eggs: Duck, Game Birds
Red Meat: Barbeque Pulled-Pork or Ribs, Curried Beef, Curried Lamb, Curried Pork, Grilled Beef, Grilled Flank Steak, Lamb Stew, Rabbit, Salami or Sausage, Sausage
Sauces: Red Wine Sauce, Stock Reductions
Vegetables: Beans, White, Eggplant, Mushroom Risotto, Mushrooms, Peppers, Spinach Ricotta, Tomato Bread Soup, Vegetable Gratin or Stew

Sangiovese:

The best wines from this noble grape come from Tuscany, particularly in the Brunello di Montalcino and Chianti districts, although it is gaining in popularity in California. Sangiovese grapes make wine that is medium to high in acidity and firm in tannin; the wines can be light to full-bodied depending on where the grapes are grown. The aromas and flavors are fruity, often of a cherry-like quality. Hints of violets or a nutty character can also be present.

Kim Crawford Pinot Noir

Attributes:
Producer:

Kim Crawford
Region:

Marlborough, Australia/New Zealand
Varietal:

Pinot Noir
Bottle Size:

750 ML

2006: NatDecants Rating: 90
Acidity:

tang
Complexity:

rich
Compliments:

well-balanced
Flavors:

cherry

2005: Tastings Rating: 90
Body:

medium-bodied
Complexity:

supple
Flavors:

black cherry, dark chocolate, graphite, minerals, oak, peppery, plum, smoky, spice, tomato

2004: WineAndSpirits Rating: 85
Compliments:

mature

2004: NatDecants Rating: 89
Acidity:

crisp
Body:

light, medium-bodied
Flavors:

orange, spices

2003: WineSpectator Rating: 87
Body:

light

2002: WineSpectator Rating: 85
Body:

light

2002: WineEnthusiast Rating: 86
Acidity:

tangy
Complexity:

layered
Flavors:

cherry, earthy, peppery

2000: WineEnthusiast Rating: 87
Acidity:

clean
Complexity:

simple

Food Matches:
Cheese: Brie
Fish or Shellfish: Seared Ahi Tuna
Herbs & Spices: Pepper (black, white, green)
Poultry & Eggs: Roast Turkey
Red Meat: Ham
Sauces: Red Wine Sauce
Vegetables: Beans, White, Beets, Mushrooms

Pinot Noir:

(pee noh nwahr)—A tricky grape to grow, Pinot Noir makes some of the best wines in the world. The prototype wine is red Burgundy from France but Oregon, California, New Zealand, and parts of Australia also produce good Pinot Noir. The wine is lighter in color than Cabernet or Merlot with relatively high alcohol, medium-to-high acidity, and medium-to-low tannin. Its flavors and aromas can be very fruity or earthy and woodsy, depending on how it is grown. It is rarely blended with other grapes.


Marlborough:

When the first growers planted grapes in Marlborough in the 1970s (there is evidence of plantings as early as 1870s), it is unlikely they would have foreseen the extent of the growth and fame that the region’s wine industry would achieve, based upon a single varietal called Sauvignon Blanc. The distinctive pungency and zest fruit flavours of the first Marlborough wines, in particular Sauvignon Blanc, captured the imagination of the country's winemakers as well as international wine commentators and consumers and sparked an unparalleled boom in vineyard development. Worldwide interest in Marlborough wines, particularly Sauvignon Blanc, has continued to fuel that regional wine boom.

White Beans with Sausage

Rated

Ingredients

3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, peeled and minced
1 garlic clove, peeled and minced
2 teaspoon dried red pepper flake
1-1/2 tsp paprika
Freshly ground black pepper
1/2 lb italian sausage sliced on the bias, 1/2-inch thick
¼ cup tomato puree
1 lb. navy beans or other dried small white beans
salt
2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley

Preparation

Heat oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-low heat. Add onions and cook, stirring frequently, until soft, about 20 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, then season with red pepper flakes, paprika, and black pepper.

Increase heat to medium. Add the sausage to onion mixture and cook, stirring frequently, for 2 minutes. Add tomato purée, beans, and 4 cups water and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook until beans are tender, about 1 hour (though some types of beans may take considerably longer, depending on size and age).

Season to taste with salt and garnish with parsley.

Yield

Serves 5

Cook Time

Prep Time: 15 mins.
Cook Time: 90 mins.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition information is provided as a resource. Values will vary depending on specific ingredients used.
Serving Size: 1
Number of Servings: Serves 5
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 97 Calories from Fat: 144
Amount per Serving
% Daily Value*  
Amount per Serving
% Daily Value*  
Total Fat 16g
24%  
Carbohydrates 10g
3%  
Dietary Fiber 7g
28%  
Saturated Fat 9g
45%  
Calories 97kcal
4%  
Cholesterol < 1mg
0%  
Protein 7g
11%  
Sodium 524mg
21%  
Calcium
0%  
Iron
15%  
Vitamin A
16%  
Vitamin C
20%  
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.