Remark
3 exceptional reds complete our wine suggestions this week, consisting of another deal from Portugal, a scrumptious Lodi zinfandel from a Black-owned label and an exciting Beaujolais cru from France. Vinha da Coutada Velha Red Blend 2020
(3 stars)
Whenever I sing Portugal’s praises for producing fantastic quality and budget friendly wine, another example drives the point home. This is a blend of aragonez (a Portuguese name for tempranillo), trincadeira, syrah and cabernet sauvignon, so it combines native grapes with international requirements. The outcome is a hot mix of red and dark fruit flavors, anchored by an appealing earthiness. This white wine is scrumptious by itself but really requires hearty meats and sausages. Alcohol by volume: 13 percent. Bottle weight: 655 grams (Typical).
Imported by Tri-Vin Imports. Dispersed locally by DMV Distributing. Michael Lavelle Zinfandel 2018(3 stars) Michael Lavelle is not a winemaker, however a brand created in 2020 by 4 partners: Aaron “Michael” Coad, Terrance “Lavelle” Low, Brandon Crump (all Howard University graduates) and Devin Kennedy (a D.C. native and Woodrow Wilson High School graduate). On their website, they declare to be the “youngest Black-owned red wine business owners,” looking to fill “a glaring void in fresh, culturally relevant red wine workmanship used and marketed towards millennials and minority audiences.” They support the Roots Fund, which promotes chances in red wine for minorities. They also produce this stunning zinfandel, an example of why Lodi has emerged as among California’s a lot of interesting white wine areas. This brings a smile from the very first sip, with flavors of Bing cherries, dried cranberries and fragrances of fertile earth. Fans of old-style zinfandel ought to remember and stock up. ABV: 14.2 percent. BW: 705 grams (Heavy).
Dispersed locally by Breakthru Beverage Group.
Shop and restaurant schedule info available on the winery website. Domaine de la Bonne Tonne, Grands Cras Morgon 2020(3 stars) This dynamic red from the Beaujolais cru appellation of Morgon is rich with cherry and bramble flavors. It radiates a sense that I can just refer to as grounded– as if it were connecting us directly to the granitic soils of Beaujolais. The Grands Cras is aged mostly in concrete, with about 10 percent in big barrels, so we are getting the natural expression of the gamay grapes from this terroir, unencumbered by oak. Certified organic. ABV: 14 percent. BW: 540 grams (Average).
Imported by Stork Red Wine and Banville Wine Merchants, distributed in your area by Banville and Artisans & Vines. Prices are approximate. For schedule, check Wine.com, Wine-searcher. com and the sites and social media feeds of the wineries, importers or suppliers. You can likewise ask your regional seller to buy wines from the distributors listed.