Is Malbec The New Merlot?

The Wall Street Journal wine report linked below is doubly interesting:  Not only does it present some startling stats about current wine purchasing trends, but interviewee Howard Silverman also offers up an assertion about Malbec, that hot new red from Argentina.  

As proprietor of Howard's Wine Cellar in Chicago, Silverman has witnessed first-hand the recent consumer migration toward lower-priced wines (a trend dubbed "trading down" in the biz), and has apparently spent considerable time and effort seeking out quality bottles that fall into the $10-$20 range.  One of his bargain best-sellers is of the aforementioned South American variety, and he explains that these days, Malbec seems to be the "new Merlot".  In other words, the delicious crowd-pleaser is here to stay.

WSJ:  Fine Wine on a Beer Budget

Enjoy,

C&S

Nero d'Avola: Natalie MacLean's Picks

Hot on the heels of last week's post, I sent an email to one of our favorite wine gurus, Natalie MacLean (award-winning journalist, Epicurious blogger and author of Red, White, and Drunk All Over) asking if she had any favorite Nero d'Avolas to recommend to our readers.

"You bet," she replied, friendly and enthusiastic as always.  "I’m a huge fan of this delicious, incredibly priced wine."  

I've shared her top picks below, including tasting notes and pairing suggestions.  In fact, Ms. MacLean has recommended several Nero d'Avolas in her e-newsletter in recent months.  Click here to subscribe - it's an awesome free resource for wine lovers.  In the meantime, on with the picks*:

2006 Centare Nero d’Avola, Sicily: Incredible value for this robust, rich red with aromas of black plums, tobacco and mocha. Pair with: steak, stew.

$14.95 Score: 88/100.

2004 Fazio Torre Dei Venti Nero d’Avola, IGT Sicilia, Sicily: A huge, tannic wine with full-bodied richness and dark ripe fruit with some notes of chocolate. Pair with: hamburgers, steak. $16.95 Score: 88/100.

2002 S.I.V. Spadina Una Rosa Signature Nero d’Avola, I.G.T. Sicilia, Sicily: A juicy, mouth-watering, full-bodied wine with aromas of cherries and smoke. Pair with: prime rib, shepherd’s pie.

$19.95 Score: 90/100.

2005 Donnadicoppe Nero d’Avola Nativo, IGT Sicilia: A lovely, plump, juicy red that makes a great food companion. If you like merlot, you'll love this. Pair with: pasta with tomato sauce, lasagna, moose, venison.

$19.95 Score: 89/100.

*Prices are estimates only.  And if you try this wine with moose, please do let me know!

Trendspotting: Nero d'Avola - Try a New Wine in '09

If I had a deck of Tarot cards or a Ouija board or, heck, even a Magic 8 Ball, I think now would be the perfect time to test its mettle with regard to an upcoming trend. You see, I think I'm on to one, and I'm ready to pass along this little prediction to all my wine-loving friends.

Come to think of it, I did used to be a phone psychic myself, so maybe I should test my own darned mettle, right? Now, I wasn't one of Dionne's Friends or anything, and it was a really long time ago, but maybe I retained a teensy bit of that second sight - at least when it comes to food and wine. You never know...

Anyway, my prediction today is that in the year to come (hooray, '09!) we'll be hearing lots more about Nero d'Avola, a red grape from Sicily that produces a rich, full-flavored wine that's been gaining in popularity here in the U.S. for the past couple of years. This inky purple variety (nero is Italian for black) is Sicily's most popular red grape, but until recently, it was used primarily for blending. Much like many of our other favorites from the vine, Nero d'Avola was content to forgo the spotlight for many long decades in favor of lending its talents to various ensemble casts. In recent years, however, Nero (for short) has come into its own, and I'm getting a pretty sweet crush on this outgoing Italian newcomer.

Many experts liken the flavor of Nero d'Avola to Syrah/Shiraz, as they both often present rich, ripe fruit flavors and hints of spice.  I have also run across comparisons to Sangiovese, that famously food-friendly Tuscan variety so often enjoyed in Chianti.  Whether sipped with a meal or alone as an aperitif, it should also be noted that Nero tends toward the high end when it comes to alcohol content, a trait to be expected from a fuller-bodied red.

Back in 2006, James Suckling, a Senior Editor of Wine Spectator, raved, "...I think that Nero d'Avola is the grape that is going to make the island's (Sicily's) reputation for world-class reds."  That's high praise from a reliable source.  Looking back at '08, Prosecco was a big story in wine, and folks from coast to coast fell in love with the budget-friendly bubbly.  So why not give another affordable Italian gem a try?  To get you started, here's a little shopping list of recommendations available right in your own back yard.  Enjoy!

Villa Pozzi

Nero d'Avola

$9.99 at Eatzi's

It's been quite some time since I tried this wine, but I remember it fondly.  We enjoyed it pre-dinner with bruschetta and goat cheese, and it worked well with assertive, earthy flavors.

Pinocchio

Nero d'Avola

$9.99 at Dallas Fine Wine & Spirits*

What I first noticed about this plucky wine was its nose.  (groan)  Sorry, couldn't help myself!  Really, though, I loved this one, right down to the sketches of that adorable marionette on the label.  It offers bright, berry-centric fruit flavors and crisp acidity.  Next time, however, I might decant it first to help those flavors mellow just a tad with a breath of fresh air.

Girgenti

Nero d'Avola/Sangiovese

$14.99 at Whole Foods

This luscious blend underlines the comparisons that have been made between Nero d'Avola and Sangiovese.  It features the close cousins in tight, palate-pleasing harmony.

*I'd also like to take this opportunity to give a shout-out to Harshad and Johnny at Dallas Fine Wine & Spirits (3518 Oak Lawn Ave).  This is a great shop - friendly, knowledgeable staff and an excellent selection of standards and new "finds".

C&S