Bodegas Crotta Tempranillo

[Innkeeper]

2000 Bodegas Crotta, Mendoza, Tempranillo ($7.99 SHWC). This varietal Tempranillo from Argentina is a winner and a great value. Strong berry fruit aroma fills the room when decanted for aeration (no sediment). The red and blackberry flavor carries over to the tongue tip. More ripe fruit, distictive varietal character, and smooth tannin cross your palate. All culminated with a lovely finish. Oak stays obediently in the background and horsepower is modest at 13% alcohol. Matched with spicy sauteed hamburgers and salad. Very nice. When you need a summer red that's not a monster, this is a wonderful choice.

[Innkeeper]

Incredible match with chile dogs last night. Incidentally the chile came out of a can! The brand is Shelton's of Pomoma, CA. It was their Chicken Chili with Black Beans ($3). Purchased in Belfast Coop Store so you might check health/whole food type stores for it. Comes in both mild and spicy. Both excellent.

[Innkeeper]

Ah hah, another thread for just me alone. Last night we popped one with, hang onto your pants, Veal Marsala. Couldn't find an Italian in the rack with the pizzazz to over muscle the Marsala, so went with this one. Perfect!

[Innkeeper]

Picked up a couple more of these recently. Same price; same vintage. Had one tonight with sauteed ham slices with Cumberland Sauce, salad, and rolls. Cumberland Sauce is one made of a cup of red wine boiled down to a third of a cup with a tablespoon of orange peel. Then you add a third cup of orange juice, a third cup of current jelly, and a pinch of ground ginger; then you stir it until the jelly melts. Obviously, it was the sweetness that presented a problem. The Crotta Tempranillo hit the spot. It is a great wine to fall back on in situations like this. Understand that Roberto handles it now.

[Innkeeper]

Second one tonight. Wonderful with grillpanned smoked pork chops and salad with blue cheese dressing. It's just great talking to ones self.

[hotwine]

We be listenin' IK, you just be the only one answerin'....