Wine Splash!

For those of you who have a Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant in their area, this wine should still be available to you. It is Cooper’s Hawk 12th Anniversary Italian Red Blend which was the wine club wine for October 2017 and comes in a 1.5 liter bottle. It is a blend of 75% Barbera and 25% Sangiovese all harvested from the Lodi, California region. Italian varietals from California?! Yes, Kemosabe. California is growing many European varietals like Sangiovese, Barbera, Viognier, Tempranillo, and much more! Exciting stuff! The Barbera grape has an Italian heritage and is known for its deep, dark colors, low tannin, and high acid. The Italians love it because Barbera ripens early and it can be harvested earlier than other grapes which makes it less likely to be affected in an early frost. Sangiovese has always been the main grape for Central Italy and is the varietal you will get whenever you buy a Chianti wine.

In the glass, brick red in color with a beautiful violet rim. Aroma’s of dark berries, cherries, stewed plums, earth, and vanilla. Medium to full bodied across the palate slightly acidic but with a rounded tannin structure. Tempting flavors of ripe blackberry, black raspberry, plum, dusty earth, and spice! Rustic yet fruit forward all at once! Layered and balanced on all levels which beckons to taste again. On the second sip, more dark berry flavors were pronounced with hints of nutmeg and black cherry on a lingering vanilla oak finish. Fantastico! Pair with most grilled red meats, lamb, pasta with a tomato based sauce, Baked Eggplant Parmesan, and medium to strong cheeses. You can drink now or cellar for the next six years. 90 points and around $50 a bottle for Cooper’s Hawk wine club members. WineSplashing!!