Mike Klein
Mike Klein
I went to a small tasting at a local wine shop in San Diego a few weeks ago and was very happy to see a representative pouring a few wines from Oliver McCrum's book and a few Rosenthal wines as well.
From the Rosenthal portfolio, the '06 Ferrando Carema (white label) showed up, as did the '08 La Torraza Erbaluce. I've had both of these several times and they're always great. In particular, the Erbaluce has been fantastic with a simple pasta and clams recipe with parsley, red peppers, garlic, white wine, etc. Both wines showed well at the tasting.
From Oliver McCrum, the rep was pouring a Grignolino from La Casaccia (Poggeto) which was wonderfully refreshing and bright. This would cut through richer/simple foods such as BBQ, salami, etc perfectly and I would think it'd be great in the summer - or whenever. Another nice wine was an '09 Vermentino di Gallura from Piero Mancini. Very well made wine, really polished - perhaps a bit too "clean" for me but I can imagine the versatility at the table. To put it another way, the Mancini was an easier and less complicated wine than a few Vermentinos I've tried from Corsica. In that sense, it didn't have quite the depth of some others I've enjoyed but at $14, who cares. It was elegant, crisp and refreshing and could be enjoyed often with lots of lighter foods. I bought both of them but the Grignolino was particularly fun.
They store also put out a plate of aged goat cheese from Sardinia which was unbelievably good. I can't quite remember the name, but I need to look for it. Maybe someone can remind me?
So, Oliver, thanks for remembering us down in San Diego and don't be such a stranger! We don't see your wines in these parts often enough.
From the Rosenthal portfolio, the '06 Ferrando Carema (white label) showed up, as did the '08 La Torraza Erbaluce. I've had both of these several times and they're always great. In particular, the Erbaluce has been fantastic with a simple pasta and clams recipe with parsley, red peppers, garlic, white wine, etc. Both wines showed well at the tasting.
From Oliver McCrum, the rep was pouring a Grignolino from La Casaccia (Poggeto) which was wonderfully refreshing and bright. This would cut through richer/simple foods such as BBQ, salami, etc perfectly and I would think it'd be great in the summer - or whenever. Another nice wine was an '09 Vermentino di Gallura from Piero Mancini. Very well made wine, really polished - perhaps a bit too "clean" for me but I can imagine the versatility at the table. To put it another way, the Mancini was an easier and less complicated wine than a few Vermentinos I've tried from Corsica. In that sense, it didn't have quite the depth of some others I've enjoyed but at $14, who cares. It was elegant, crisp and refreshing and could be enjoyed often with lots of lighter foods. I bought both of them but the Grignolino was particularly fun.
They store also put out a plate of aged goat cheese from Sardinia which was unbelievably good. I can't quite remember the name, but I need to look for it. Maybe someone can remind me?
So, Oliver, thanks for remembering us down in San Diego and don't be such a stranger! We don't see your wines in these parts often enough.