By Melissa Unsell of Vinously Chic
Over the past few weeks, I’ve tasted some mighty fine wines. I want to share the showstoppers with you and throw in some fashion pairings. Here we go!
Showstopper #1
2002 Perrier-Jouet Fleur de Champagne (Epernay) This wine is made with Grand Cru Chardonnay plantings (50%) as well as Pinot Noir (45%), and Pinot Meunier (5%). The wine ages in the bottle for 6 years. This bubbly had wonderful aromas of fresh apples, and white flowers. On the palate, nice melon and citrus notes were pronounced with fresh bubbles. The finish was long and pleasant with a lingering of lemon and pepper notes. This lovely bubbly will cost you around $140, so use it for the perfect celebration, and adorn yourself in a showstopper outfit. I had to choice one of Bibhu Mohapatra’s pieces from his Spring 2012 collection:
The orange dress is the perfect compliment to this bubbly. Well textured, floral, and refreshing.
Showstopper #2
2010 Santa Julia [+] Torrontes
I had the pleasure of meeting Julia Zuccardi last week in San Antonio, during her two week press trip to the U.S.
(Chef Anna on the left; Julia Zuccardi on the right)
Julia is from Mendoza, and the Santa Julia line is named after her. I was so impressed with all of the wines we tasted that afternoon, but the Torrontes really stood out to me. The aromas made my olfactory neurons smile (nerd alert!) – with amazing perfumed smells and sweet flowers and lemongrass. On the palate, the wine was smooth with hints of citrus, peaches and pears. The Torrontes variety is indigenous to Argentina and if you haven’t discovered it yet, this one is a must try. And, this is truly a showstopper because this wine will cost you around $10 a bottle! Yes, that’s correct – a GREAT wine for an GREAT price. For this wine, the first thing that comes to mind in fashion talk is a design by Texas native, Samuel Mendoza. And how appropriate that is last name is Mendoza!
Showstopper #3
2007 Two Hands ‘Zippy’s Block’ Shiraz
This wine blew my socks off! I love a zesty, peppery “in your face” Shiraz, and this wine is exactly that. It’s from Australia, which bodes well for the Shiraz variety. This wine has aromas of lavender and spice with just a hint of mint. On the palate, the wine offers a luscious spiciness, with hints of cedar and black pepper. I will admit, I’m a seasonal drinker (meaning I definitely drink more red in the Fall and Winter). So, my favorite showstopper fashion item that goes with this wine would be a chunky, gauzy sweater. Check out this one from the Edun Fall 2011 Collection.
Have you had any showstoppers lately?!