Oh, for a good Amarone!

On my way to a conference last week, I had a lay-over in Dallas.  It so happened that in my terminal was a wine bar! I had to stop in and do a little shelf reading -- and a tasting -- as I had over an hour before they boarded for my flight to Phoenix. Vino Volo's attend was Chad, a very polite and knowledgeable fellow.

Chad directed me to a Costasera Amarone Classico 2008 by Masi made from Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara grapes -- three indigenous grape varieties grown in the Veneto region of Italy. The fruit flavors and rich complexity were outstanding. After a sip, I just had to sit and savor the long, luscious finish. I love plum, fig, black cherry -- it had all those and hints of vanilla and cocoa. This DOC Amarone Della Valpolicella -- made from grapes  that have been partially dried --  is a well structured, delightfully complex, Italian red wine, but be careful as it is 15% alcohol by volume. Cheers!

Norton Reserva Malbec 2010

Although Malbec was once thought of as a Bordeaux grape, Argentina has adopted it to such an extent that it has become that country's signature varietal. The heart of the Argentine wine regions is the Mendoza region with vines growing well up the slopes of the Andes mountains. The terroir is a perfect fit for the flourishing of the Malbec grape.  In this setting, Norton Reserva Malbec is created. For me the 2007 was outstanding, but not until 2010 has it been this enjoyable and lush once again. This complex dry red has great dark fruit character and depth, whether by itself or paired with a hearty meat - lamb, beef, fajitas, perhaps even spaghetti or spicy foods.