Wines, 3rd Thursday, August 19, 2010 Royal Chenin (old vines “Steen”) 2009.  Riebeek Cellars.  Swartland, South Africa A lively, refreshing, dry white made from 100% Chenin Blanc, the most planted varietal in South Africa. From 48-year-old vines. Unoaked. Crisp red apple aromas and complex apple and stone fruit flavors. Long finish with a tangy acidity. Aperitif!  Grilled pork chops with lightly fried apple slices. Grechetto di Todi 2008, Poggio Marcigliano. Tenuta San Rocca.  Umbria, Italy Flowery, fruity aromas and flavors of apricot, peach, and lime with a hint of minerality. Medium-bodied with a refreshing, long finish. From the vineyards surrounding the medieval hilltop town of Todi. Grechetto di Todi is a major white grape in Umbria (also used in wines from Orvieto).  Wonderful! Penne with walnuts and broccoli. Sautée a flounder fillet in butter with a few drops of lemon. Chardonnay 2009, Lonen.  California A very pleasing Chardonnay with a delightful bonus: 25% Viognier. It has a gentle touch of oak (French & American). 100% malolactic fermentation gives a silky, creamy texture. Crisp white peach and pear aromas and flavors. Lingering finish. Roast Chicken with herbs. Scallops with creamy sauce & a fruit salsa. Barbera 2007, Renwood. Sierra Foothills, California Earthy, smoky, cherry, raspberry aromas and flavors. Very pretty Amador County fruit. Soft tannins, with good acidity and a long finish. A portion was aged in older American and French oak. A bit of Mourvedre was blended in.  One of our favorites over many vintages and winner of many medals and accolades!  Barbera is a very food flexible wine. Lasagna, meatloaf, steak, grilled pepper-encrusted pork chops with balsamic glaze.  Flavorful cheeses. Monastrell 2008, Bodegas Castaño.   Yecla, Spain Generous, full-bodied 100% Monastrell (aka Mourvedre, Mataro), fermented and briefly aged briefly in stainless steel tanks, giving very fresh fruit flavors. Big, unctuous blackberry and blueberry aromas and bold, spicy dark berry flavors. The grapes are from very old vines grown on their own roots in a phylloxera-free region of southeastern Spain. A beautiful wine. Try it with (and in) a rich beef stew or braised lamb shanks.  Steaks, burgers, chorizo sausages. Robert Parker awarded it 90 points. A tremendous bargain! Ollieux Capucine 2008. Vin de pays de L'Aude.   Southern France A sleek, super yummy blend of Carignan, Grenache, Syrah, and Merlot, 25% each, from the Languedoc area of southern France. Surprisingly complex, jammy and succulent with ripe fruit and easy tannins.  A steaming pot of wild boar stew with crusty French bread would be a perfect match. No wild boar handy? Not to worry; it’s terrific by itself and with hearty dishes.  Steaks, spicy sausages. Robust cheeses.     Cheers,  Wine World Taste through the wines at your own pace. We are pleased to talk with you about the wines.