Thursday, August 24, 2006

More August Whites (3): Italy Soave, Argentina Pinot Grigio, Australia Blend

FOLONARI SOAVE 2005, Veneto, Italy, 12.0% D, #176461 $10.05 (Tasted August 30, 2006)
A General release and described as "Pale straw colour; light citrus aromas; crisp citrus and mild almond flavours; crisp, dry finish. Serve as an aperitif or with finger foods and shellfish." My notes: 80% Garganega, 20% Trebbiano... a light yellow with green tinge colour with a pronounced aroma of wild flowers and gooseberries. Light- to medium-bodied, flavours of honey dew melon, a citrus tartness and a straw dryness. The finish starts with a melon fullness ebbing quickly to a fading citrus edge. A commercial white for economical get-togethers: buffets, open houses, or neighbourhood block parties. Pleasant enough as a casual sipper if chilled well. Was 'so-so' with grilled chicken in a tomato and red pepper sauce, green beans and baked potato. The price is right..... not for cellaring.

ARGENTO PINOT GRIGIO 2005, Mendoza, Argentina, 12.5% XD, #620492 $10.00 (Tasted August 24, 2006)

A General release described as "Pale straw colour; peach and tropical fruit aromas; extra dry palate with medium body and crisp flavours. Creamy pasta dishes, grilled shrimp or as an aperitif." The label claims "nose offers delicate, floral aromas of jasmine and tropical fruits. .... light and clean with ripe pineapple and peach flavours.... notes of sweet spice..." The Wineanorak says of the Catena Zapata wines"...There are four different levels. Things don’t really start to get exciting until you get to the Catena-labelled wines: the Malambo and Argento wines are so-so..." Blip.tv says "... it's bang-on the money!" My notes: Letting the glass warm in the hand arouses a very light wild floral nose. A light yellow in colour and a light creamy touch introduces flavours of soft honey, apricot and pineapple. The finish is quite long, bright rather than tart, and fades to a light kiwi or melon. An economical sociable white sipper.... should be OK with white seafood dishes or 'shrimp on the barbie'. A value for impromptu open houses and better than 'so-so' for a dinner. A drink now.

YELLOWGLEN 'YELLOW' NV, Victoria, Australia, 11.0% D, #592980 $12.95 (Tasted August 24, 2006)

A Vintages release on August 19, 2006 and described as "Yellowglen is all about bubbles, bubbles and more bubbles. The non-vintage 'Yellow' was first launched in 1996 with much success. More than just a fun fizz, this zesty and fruity sparkler is quite refined and appropriate for momentous occasions as well as casual fêtes." My notes: Last year's Vintages release (June 25, 2005 @ $11.95) was tasted June 2006 with the comment '..A relaxing bubbly with enough tartness to surprise the palate and enough yeastiness to be smooth. A value at the price..'. The same light blond colour with a yeasty bright apple nose, flavours start out as sweet apple but quickly have a pleasing tart edge that makes it green apple. Not as creamy as the last tasting but the fine bubbles did form a thin ring - not mousseux. It's 'brut' enough for fresh oysters and mild cheeses....and it would be great with a range of hors d'oeuvres from Italian shaved meats to edam cheese and garden vegetable dips. Smoked oysters and strong cheeses would be stretching it. A drink now.

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