3rd Thursday Wines,  November 18, 2010 Prosecco Brut, Belstar. Veneto, Italy Lovely, lemony fruit and a little dryer than many Proseccos. Soft, creamy mousse; bright, crisp bubbles. Fun, super-drinkable.  Prosecco (also the name of the grape) is Italy’s classic “aperitivo” --and a versatile food wine. Gewürztraminer Reserve 2009, Willm. Alsace, France A grand version of Gewürztraminer, with plenty of rose petal and lychee on the nose and palate, as well  as an intriguing hint of exotic spices, cardamom and chai tea. The acidity is well-integrated, and it ends with a lingering floral and creamy, balanced finish. Spicy Asian. Alsatian style sauerkraute & sausages. Perfect match to a traditional Southern Thanksgiving turkey dinner--even the “punkin” pie. Moscato D'Asti, Villa Rosa.  Piedmont, Italy Villa Rosa is one of the best of these appealing sparkling, lightly sweet wines made from the Muscat grape. Very aromatic with peach and apricot aromas and flavors. A clean finish and beautifully balanced.  A great dessert wine by itself or with lightly sweet treats: superb with tarts and fruits, cheeses with  fruit--Stilton with Mango. Pinot Noir Reserve 2009, Angeline. California A brilliant deep, ruby red color.  intense aromas and rich flavors of ripe plum, blackberry, cherry and cola, highlighted by spice and light toasty oak—some notes of vanilla and raspberry. Aged in French oak barrels for 10 months. This blend of grapes from Sonoma, Mendocino and Santa Barbara shows the excellence of the 2009 California vintage.  A favorite and a fine value. Portobello mushroom burgers, beef steaks, herbed pork loin, lightly seared tuna fillet. “The Immortal Zin” O.V. Zin 2009, Peirano Estate. Lodi, California An extraordinary Zin from one of our favorite producers and also a remarkable value! The grapes come from 113 yr old head-trained vines in Lodi. An abundant array of  aromas and rich flavors: plum, black raspberry, black cherry, cocoa. Nice complexity, lots of depth. Spicy dishes, sausages, venison, beef, robust cheeses. Aged Gouda! Truly a “Zin lover’s Zin”, a wine for great food, good friends, and conversation.               Malbec 2008, Angel Paulucci Vineyard, La Posta Winery. Argentina Vibrant color. Abundant blackberry, fig, raspberry aromas and flavors with notes of mocha, red currants, violets, spice and French oak. Smooth texture with tasty tannins and good acidity. Goes great with everything from hamburgers and chicken to pasta and mild cheeses. Great with beef & venison steaks. Blue cheeses. Very nice with a rare standing rib roast.     Cheers,  Wine World Taste through the wines at your own pace. We are pleased to talk with you about the wines.