Everyday Wine(s) in the City - Montepulciano d'Abruzzo by Azienda Agricola Masciarelli and Woodbridge by Mondavi

Because I worked from home 2 days this week that is why we've been eating-in. This also meant more opportunities to sample an everyday wine to pair with our snacks or dinners.

On Thursday, we opened a red wine from the Abruzzi region of Italy called Montepulciano d'Abruzzo.  For food pairing, we made enchilada casserole and spanish rice. The thick fruit flavors of this red wine is perfect for the cheesy and meaty flavors of the enchilada casserole with a hint of cumin.  Here are my notes:

Tasting Date: April 18, 2011.

Tasting Partner: Mijo

Wine Name: Montepulciano d'Abruzzo

Producer: Azienda Agricola Masciarelli

Region/Appelation: Abruzzi, Italy

Grape Varieties: Montepulciano

Vintage: 2007

Alcohol: 13%

Color Hue: red, purple

Aroma Intensity: aromatic

Developments: youthful

Aromas: plum, berries, cherry, 

Dry/Sweet: medium sweet

Body: Medium

Acidity: Smooth

Tannins: medium level, soft

Flavors: plum, berries, cherry

For our light lunch, or more like a snack really, we made something quick - my all time favorite - steamed mussels.
We opened a bottle of California Chardonnay, sauteed some garlic, onions, cilantro, lemon juice, lemon zest, and then added a cup of the chardonnay. After it simmered, we added the mussels. It was done only after a few minutes. Heated the cast iron grill and toasted the buttered ciabatta bread.  Voila!  Perfect pairing especially since we used the same wine in the steamed mussels. 

Here are my notes:

Tasting Date: April 21, 2011.
Tasting Partner: Mijo

Wine Name: Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi

Producer: Robert Mondavi

Region/Appelation: Lodi, California

Grape Varieties: Chardonnay

Vintage: 2008

Alcohol: not known

Color Hue: white, light yellow, off gold

Aroma Intensity: aromatic, fruity

Developments: refreshing

Aromas: mangoes, vanilla, cream, cologne

Dry/Sweet: medium sweet

Body: Medium

Acidity: Smooth

Tannins: very soft

Flavors: mangoes,