Attributes:

Vieux Chateau Gaubert

Graves, France

Dry Red Table Wine

750 ML

Food Matches:

Traditionally the only region in Bordeaux to make both top-quality reds and whites, Graves has lost much of its land to the new appellation of Pessac-Léognan. What remains is a collection of medium-to full-bodied whites and reds. The reds made from Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are supple, earthy, and tobacco-scented. The whites are made from Sémillon, Sauvignon d Blanc, and Muscadelle grapes. These honeyed, soft, nutty wines are among the greatest in France.

Attributes:

Simi Winery

Sonoma County, United States

Zinfandel

750 ML

2005: WineSpectator Rating: 86

zesty

cherry, cinnamon, licorice, raspberry, sage, smoky

2005: CGCW Rating: 86

full-bodied

jammy

2000: WineSpectator Rating: 85

elegant

cherry, rhubarb

1999: WineSpectator Rating: 85

medium-bodied

1999: Tanzer Rating: 85

bright

supple

cedar, cherry, earthy, herb, mocha, wild berry

fairly intense

1999: WineEnthusiast Rating: 87

medium-bodied

1998: Tanzer Rating: 87

snappy

berries, clove, orange peel, red berry, spice

juicy

Food Matches:

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.

One of California’s oldest varietals, this grape actually hails from Croatia. Red Zinfandel makes rich dark wines that are high in alcohol and medium to high in tannin. The can have a blackberry or raspberry aroma, a spicy character and even a jammy flavor. Some Zinfandels are relatively light-bodied and meant to be enjoyed young, while others benefit from aging.

Attributes:

Chateau Jean Gassie

Bordeaux, France

Bordeaux - Red

750 ML

Food Matches:

A region in western France that grows famous red wines from the Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc grapes and white wines from Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon and Muscadelle grapes. Situated on the Atlantic coast, Bordeaux has a maritime climate with warm summers and fairly mild winters as well as an abundance of rain during harvest time. When young, the finest red Bordeaux wines have a deep cranberry hue and aromas of blackcurrants, plums, spice, cedar, and cassis. For the first ten years or so these wines can be very dry, with tannin masking the fruity flavors. Eventually the wines turn garnet, and develops an extraordinarily complex bouquet and flavor as well as softer tannins. The finest red Bordeaux wines still take 20 years or so before reaching their maturity. Two distinct red wine production zones exist within the Bordeaux region; the Left Bank and the Right Bank. The Left Bank vineyards are located west of the Garonne River and the Gironde Estuary, into which the Garonne empties. The Right Bank vineyards are east and north of the Dordogne River and east of the Grionde Estuary. Of the various wine districts on the Left and Right Banks, four are the most important for red wines: Haut-Médoc; Pessac-Leognan, St-Emilion, and Pomerol. For white wines, the most important are Graves and Pessac-Leognan.