Vino vit vittles

[Florida Jim]

With a big salad and toast:

2002 Bründlmayer, Grüner Veltliner Terrassen:

Light honey, fresh pineapple, river stones and a wisp of smoke on the nose; the same on the palate with the emphasis on bright fruit and cleansing acidity; long, crisp finish. Perhaps, a little young but still mighty tasty. And a no-brainer at $8, on sale.

With grilled pork chops and rice with mushrooms and peas:

2000 Michele Satta, Cavaliere:

An IGT sangiovese from Tuscany; cocoa and dusty red fruit on the nose (very much like nebbiolo); clear and concentrated fruit and cocoa on the palate with some nuance, good balance and nice sustain. No overt oak or manipulation. Youthful today but showing promise. About $20.

With chicken and mushroom sauté:

2002 V. Dauvissat, Chablis:

Lemon oil, chilies, warm stones and spiced apples on the nose – nicely integrated; viscous, clean and spicy in the mouth with vivid flavors that follow the nose, a softness of fruit off-set by mouthwatering acidity; and, a crisp, flavorful finish. Despite some round edges, there is a refreshing tension in this clearly authentic Chablis. A beautifully balanced and complex wine with at least a several year shelf-life. About $25.

(BTW, I drank this out of syrah stems and it had all the concentration and intensity needed to fill the bowl.)

With cheese:

2004 Mustigillo, Mestizage:

Mainly bobal but mixed with syrah, tempranillo, merlot, cab. sauvignon and grenache; disjointed upon opening but integrated gradually over the course of several hours, big assed, 14%, rich wine that isn’t overdone but is coming close (maybe some time in bottle will help); smells of black fruit and spice, tastes about the same with lots of structure and intensity. Serve with hearty fare or strong cheese; about $12.

Best, Jim