Louis Tete Brouilly - A tasty and affordable Red for Thanksgiving

Louis Tete Brouilly - A tasty and affordable Red for Thanksgiving

For decades now, Gamay in the form of Beaujolais Nouveau has been a sought after wine. Its timely release (a week before Thanksgiving) made it the perfect option for the holiday and it adorned countless Thanksgiving tables. This fun, easy drinking, low alcohol, light-bodied and fruity wine made a lot of people happy and still has many loyal fans.

If you never got on the Nouveau band-wagon you are not alone; but don’t overlook Beaujolais altogether. May we suggest an upgrade? A 2016 Brouilly, a Beaujolais Cru by Louis Tete. Still made with the Gamay grape, but from a single designated area, Brouilly.

Brouilly has style, finesse, and character; showcasing the vibrant fruit of Beaujolais and the earthiness of Burgundy.

This classic Brouilly opens up with cherry and currant aromas, followed by floral notes highlighted by forest brush. On the palate this light-bodied wine has playful red berry flavors, mingling with licorice and mineral notes ending with a lingering finish and light tannins.

Four stars and two thumbs up!! 

Wine for Thanksgiving: Check

Tormaresca Neprica 2014

Tormaresca Neprica 

2014 Puglia, Italy

Years ago I was blind tasting wines for a large event focused on the wines of Southern Italy. The challenge was to find three wines that were reasonably priced (budget limitations) that would impress the attendees. Many were tasted and rejected before the three perfect wines were found for the event. One of the wines selected was Tormaresca Neprica, a red blend from Puglia. I couldn't get over this new discovery. It tasted great, the price was right and it had a cute name, NEPRICA. Neprica is a play on the blend of the wine, Negroamaro, Primitivo and Cabernet, hence NE-PRI-CA.

 Fast-forward a decade plus later and the wine is still as impressive as it was back then.

Mature aromas of plum and dark berries with subtle hints of baking spices. Medium-bodied and firm on the palate with vibrant tannins, locorice, black cherries and blackberries carrying through the lasting finish.  ****/5

Why you should buy this wine? Because it's frigging delicious.

Salute!

Costas Mouzouras

Motto Backbone Cabernet Sauvignon

Motto Motto Motto Backbone Cabernet Sauvignon

2014 California

This is the little Cali Cab that could!

Dark garnet color. Aromas of plum, dark mature berries and soft heather undertones. Plush and plentiful on the palate, with bright berry flavors that mingle among the light tannins. Notes of leather, tobacco and black olives echo on the background. Beautifully balanced with a finish that lingers forever. (in a good way!)

“This is a great Cabernet at $12.99 at $5.99 is the best thing that happened since sliced white bread!” ****/5

I understand that the holidays could drain everyone's budget but this Cab will deliver quality for just 6 bucks without putting a dent in your budget.

- Costas Mouzouras