Wines, 3rd Thursday Tasting, May 20, 2010 Vinho Verde 2009, Gazela, Portugal A bright spritzy white wine, perfect for hot summer days. The bouquet is a lively mix of citrus and floral aromas with hints of mineral. Flavors of apricot and citrus brightened by some sparkling bubbles and balanced by crisp acidity. Crack open a well-chilled bottle of Gazela and let the light spritz tickle your tongue! An ideal aperitif and a perfect picnic wine - you don’t even need a corkscrew! Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Manta. Maule Valley, Chile A light, easy drinking white with smoky, herbal aromas. Flavors are lightly citrus and herbal with medium body and medium acidity. Crisp and very refreshing. Good as an aperitif, or with quickly sautéed shellfish or white fish. Herbed broiled fish with Lemon Aioli & asparagus. Ingelheimer Kaiserpfalz Portugieser 2009. Rheinhessen, Germany Portugieser is a grape native to Austria, Germany, and Southern France. Smells and tastes like ripe strawberries and raspberries with a hint of red cherry. Lightly sweet, velvety-soft, and very nicely balanced. Food flexible and can be used with red meat and game. Can be chilled slightly. A great aperitif. El Burro “Kickass” Garnacha 2005, Bodegas Ayles.  Navarra, Spain  100% Grenache. Earthy aromas of raspberries, red cherries and violets. The low-yield old vines give a wine with full body, intense flavor, soft tannins and good balance. Smooth and velvety with a easy finish. Great match with grilled meats, game, rich chicken casseroles and pasta dishes.  Spicy smoked chicken. Allure de Robles 2009, Rabbit Ridge. Paso Robles, California A blend of Petite Sirah, Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre. Medium-bodied with strawberry and cherry overtones from the Grenache, the wine gains an earthiness from the Mourvedre and supple body from the Syrah.  An excellent sipping wine, wonderful with robust cheeses. A natural with roasted meats like Rib Roast and grilled meats and vegetables.  Red-Wine-Braised Beef Brisket. Klinker Brick Zinfandel 2006. Lodi, California From vines 35 to 110 years old---average age 85 years.  Wonderful aromas and flavors of  blackberry and raspberry with hints of cedar and pepper. Concentrated, ripe, luscious flavors. Spicy with rich mouthfeel, long finish. A beautiful Zin! Grilled sausages or steak, sharp cheeses.  Spicy dishes.     Cheers,  Wine World Taste through the wines at your own pace. We are pleased to talk with you about the wines.