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Anything But
Chardonnay/Cabernet
Alternatives to “the Usual” By Jim Kern
region near the Alps, this white wine is citrusy,
S
AVVY MARKETERS SAY DEVELOPING
brand loyalty is a key component for floral and nutty. Look at Ceretto Arneis
companies to successfully sell their Blange ($20.99) and Cayega Roero Arneis
products to consumers. If you drink ($14.99).
wine, perhaps you tend to stick with
one or two varietals, like cabernet and • Malbec from Argentina: Although this red
chardonnay. varietal was once widely planted in France’s
Bordeaux region, Argentine winemakers have
This is a great time to be a wine drinker. Never made it the signature grape of their country.
has there been a wider selection of wines from It’s inky in color and rich in flavor. Look for
around the world available at your favorite Gascon Malbec ($10.99) and Altos Las
restaurant and wine shop. If you’re choosing to Hormigas Malbec ($10.99).
drink the same varietal or the same brand, you
owe it to yourself to try something new. Here • Monastrell from Spain: This red grape is
are some different varietals you should consid- earthy, full-bodied and inexpensive to boot.
er for summer sipping: Try Merum Monastrell ($10.99) and Diego
Fernandez M1 Monastrell ($11.99).
• Torrontes from Argentina: This white grape
has a nice orange peel flavor and a perfume- • Garnacha from Spain: Known as Grenache
like quality that is excellent with lighter sum- in France, this red wine is super-fruity. Look
mer fare. Try these two from the makers of for the labels that say “Old Vine,” like
Laurel Glen wine from Sonoma: Terra Buena Garnacha En Fuego ($9.99) and Tres Ojos
Torrontes ($10.99); Colome Torrontes Garnacha ($9.99).
($14.99).
• Primitivo from Italy: This wine has been
• Albarino from Spain: A white wine with genetically linked to Zinfandel and comes
creamy texture and peach-citrus taste. Try from the Puglia section of Italy. Like Zin, it has
Valminor Rias Baixas Albarino ($16.99); zesty raspberry and blackberry flavors.
Martin Codax Albarino ($11.99). Suggestions: A Mano Primitivo ($12.99) and
Antinori Tormaresca Primitivo ($22.99).
• Vinho Verde from Portugal: This white wine
with a light effervescence and the flavor of • Syrah from the US: Smoke and spice are the
grapefruit is typically a blend and really needs key elements to this red wine, so it always pairs
food to show itself well. Suggestions: Gazela well with food cooked over flame. Wines to
Vinho Verde ($7.99) and Avelada Vinho Verde look for include Barrel 27 Central Coast Syrah
Neblina ($7.99). ($14.99) and Bonny Doon Vineyard Le
Pousseur Syrah ($15.99).
• Gruner Veltliner from Austria: Don’t let the
funny name scare you. This white grape is • Sparkling Shiraz from Australia: Syrah and
indigenous to Austria and is known for its Shiraz are different names for the same grape.
crispness and white pepper finish. Selections The Aussies have pushed the envelope to cre-
include Hugl Gruner Veltliner (1 liter, $10.99) ate a sparkling red wine with nice acidity that
and Loimer Langenlois Gruner Veltliner will also go great with barbeque, or just by
Terrasen ($30.99). itself. Try Paringa South Australia Sparkling
Shiraz ($9.99) and Schild Estate Barossa
• Arneis from Italy: From the Piedmont Sparkling Shiraz ($27.99).
--Jim Kern holds a Professional Certificate in the Business of Wine from San Diego State
University and is in charge of Wine Department Operations for Holiday Wine Cellar in
Escondido. He can be reached at 760-745-1200 or by email, jim@holidaywinecellar.com. NC
20 NC MAGAZINE | JULY/AUGUST 2008
