1st Friday Wines      January 7, 2011 Verdejo 2008, Ermita de Nieve. Rueda, Spain A classy, light, fruity Verdejo from northwestern Spain. Generous citrus and pineapple aromas. Melon and peach flavors with herbal notes, balanced by crisp acidity and a hint of minerality. From ungrafted vines ranging in age from 60 to 100 years.  Seared sea scallops, ceviche, salads, lemon chicken with cilantro. Tangy cheeses. Manchego. January White Wine of the Month Côtes du Rhône Les Violettes Blanc 2007. Moillard. Rhône Rich pear aromas with flowery overtones and a hint of fennel. The flavors are generous ripe red pear with medium full body and good balance. Whole wheat fusilli with creamy Parmesan sauce. Quiche Lorraine. Roasted vegetables with herbed goat cheese. Riesling 2008, Winzer Von Erbach, Erbacher.  Rheingau, Germany     A round and refreshing wine with touches of lemon and lime aromas. Lightly sweet with ripe peach and melon fruit flavors. Impressive depth and length for the price. A great aperitif.  Spicy dishes, Thai, Indian.  Pork loin with caramelized onions and apples. Chateau Roc de Segur 2009. Rouge. Bordeaux, France Enticing aromas of fresh fruit (dark currant, raspberry and blackberry). and herbs (rosemary and thyme) with notes of cedat and spice.  Plum and red currant fruit flavors are balanced by acidity, with an earthy finish and medium tannins. (Classic Bordeaux blend: about 60% Cab Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 10% Cab Franc.)  A simple, affordable preview of the very highly acclaimed 2009 Bordeaux vintage.  Grilled meats, especially lamb. Beef pot roast with carrots and leeks.    Barbera 2007, Renwood. Sierra Foothills, California A Wine World favorite! Medium dark ruby. Earthy, smoky, red berry aromas. Very pretty earthy,  red berry and plum flavors with soft tannins and a long finish. Very food-friendly—a most appealing, affordable “everyday” wine. Try it with meatloaf, lasagna, sausages, burgers, steaks. Eggplant casserole.Aged Gouda. Smoked Cheddar. January Red Wine of the Month Atteca 2008 Old Vines Garnacha, Bodegas Ateca.  Calatayud, Spain A big, bold wine to warm you on cold winter evenings! Bright purple, with aromas of violets and black cherry. Vibrant, juicy, blackberry flavors with hints of black pepper. The 2008 Atteca was hand-harvested from  80-120-year-old vines. Supple-texture with excellent depth and concentration and plenty of savory fruit. Many high ratings. Roast duckling, Roast beef. Robust cheeses. Blue Castello, Gruyère cheeses.  Wine World Taste through the wines at your own pace. We are pleased to talk with you about the wines.