Carmen Micheli
Guest Wine Chix Carmen Micheli is a freelance wine, food and music writer living in Temecula Valley Wine Country. An amazing home chef, mother of two and wine aficionado she writes about those in-the-know and on-the-go. With a pulse on the latest in dining, entertainment, events and more, Carmen delivers the latest news and happenings around the city, showcasing the best that Temecula Wine Country and the SoCal area has to offer.
Affordable Wines with Flair
A Women’s Wine Council Review
Laura Plant and Kefir Lime Palate Cleanser
The ladies of the February 2013 Women’s Wine Council (WWC) (Carmen Micheli, Corie Maue, Judee Smith, Ginger Giordano, Laura Plant, Linda Kissam) are not just writers, consumers, and connoisseurs, we are wine lovers. We give wine a voice. Through food pairings, atmosphere, and the story of how the wine went from grape to glass, we learn who she is and what she likes. We leave no wine unexplored. Instead, we drink and review wines in all categories that are just simply interesting or would make sense to our friends and colleagues in some shape or form. We are also women who like a deal, and we are constantly on the lookout for quality wine at a price we would be willing to pay as consumers. We look for wine with flair, and it is always exciting to share our discoveries.
March 2013 Line Up
WWC recently explored 5 affordable and memorable wines courtesy of Camelot and Allegro wines. Listed in order of tasting:
Camelot Chardonnay
Camelot Non-Vintage Chardonnay (Bronze Medal Winner) – $7-
Made from cool-climate grapes from the Sacramento Delta and Central Coast, this is a light Chardonnay with not too much oak and is accented with peach and toasty marshmallow on the nose and palate. Garlic Shrimp Crostini by member Ginger Giordano is excellent with this wine. A ruby red grapefruit slice sweetens the finish a bit, and a crispy coconut cookie accents the buttery mouth feel.
Camelot Pinot and Pork Tamales
Camelot Non-Vintage Pinot Noir- $7-
The whole group couldn’t stop talking about this Pinot Noir from California’s Lodi and Clarksburg regions. What a steal at $7! It is a beautiful sight in the glass and surprisingly lengthy on the palate. There are notes of strawberry and earth with flavors of dark cherry and spice. We all loved the fruit forward finish. A Pork Tamale with spicy salsa picante is a fantastic pair by WWC leader Linda Kissam that truly gratifies every layer of this Pinot Noir.
Camelot Merot and Greek Lamb
Camelot Non-Vintage Merlot (Bronze Medal Winner)-$7-
This Merlot is made from grapes grown in California’s Lodi, Central Coast, and North Coast regions. Pepper and smoky oak are nicely balanced with sweet plums and vanilla on the nose and in the finish. Do not underestimate this Merlot. It comes on strong and hangs around until you kick it out with something else. An equally bold food pairing like grilled meats, roasts, and hard cheeses are recommended. Member Corie Maue’s Greek Style Lamb with Feta Spread on Pita is an excellent combination.
Kefir Lime Rosemary Sorbet
Palate Cleanser: Mint Iced Tea and Kafir Rosemary Sorbet
WWC palate cleansing expert and Sniffologist Laura Plant always delivers the most original ways to rest our palate. The freshly made Kefir (Persian Lime) and Rosemary Sorbet with Mint Iced Tea is a really unique and effective way to waken and refresh the senses in preparation for the last couple of wines.
Camelot Cabernet Sauv and Dark White Choc Brownies
Camelot NV Cabernet Sauvignon (Silver Medal Winner) – $7-
This is another great find from the Lodi, Central Coast and North Coast regions. It has a beautiful nose of berries and herbs and a deep fruity finish. Dark and White Chocolate Cherry Brownies are heaven with this. It also holds up very well to the Greek Style Lamb dish, and member Judee Smith’s Glazed Meatballs.
Moscato Allegro
2011 Allegro Pink Moscato- $12-
Allegro Pink Moscato is made from grapes grown in California’s San Joaquin Valley. The “flavorful blend of the finest Muscat Canelli with just a kiss of red wine” is downright genius. Honey and Rosewater are prominent at first taste with a touch of orange blossom on the nose after a bit of swirling in the glass. This is a nice social wine that went well with Glazed Meatballs, Garlic Shrimp Crostini, and Crispy Coconut Cookies.
These affordable wines with flair are available online and at select retailers across the U.S. For more information please visit: http://www.camelotwines.com/ and http://www.moscatoallegro.com/.
