Italian Producer Josko Gravner

Reading Passion on the Vine by Sergio Esposito. He was just described an interesting winemaker in Fruili, Josko Gravner. Was first known for his innovative use of modern technology, then he went very old school, using old Roman methods. Would like to try one of his wines now after reading!

2004 Trentadue Petite Sirah

Pleasant enough drinking wine with lush fruit, but rather unremarkable for the price point ($20). Guess one shouldn't expect too much with grapes generic grapes sourced from Lake and Mendocino Counties. I'd chosen this to go with the earthiness of the morels in the pasta primavera I was making but it didn't really have the depth I was looking for.

2006 Conquista Malbec

From Argentina's Mendoza region...good structure, moderate tannins. Paired well with our burgers!

2007 Marques de Caceres White Rioja

Crisp, clean taste with a hint of lemon. A nice match for seafood such as the scallops I made with arugala cream sauce. A good buy!

Price: $10
Grape: Viura
Region: Rioja, Spain
Food: Seafood, such as scallops
QPR: Very good

2007 Crios de Susana Balbo Malbec

Deep purple color. Dusky blackberry taste. Pretty nice match for our ribeye, with Mexican spices.

Price: $15
QPR: Good
Food: Grilled steak
Region: Mendoza, Argentina

2006 Coli Chianti

Blackberry and leather taste, with some tartness and medium tannins. Decent with a tomato-based Italian meal such as the chicken cacciatore I made. Will be interesting to compate to a chianti classico. $9.

2006 Cantina Terre Del Barolo Barbera D'Alba

Licorice bouquet and taste of of cherry. The acidity was striking at first but softend after breathing. This acidity made it work as a pair for the pork ragu with its tomato based sauce, definitely more of a food wine than something to sip by itself.