Stoneham Sun: Thanksgiving Wine Recommendations

My new column of "A Passionate Foodie" can be found in the November 7 issue of the Stoneham Sun newspaper. This is a weekly column that concentrates on reviews of local restaurants though it may also touch on a few other food and wine topics.

The new column was published today and is also available online. This new column provides wine recommendations for Thanksgiving from local wine stores. There are white wines, red wines, sparkling wines and dessert wines. Plus, all of these stores can provide additional recommendations if you ask. Don't get the same old wines this year. Try something new!

Due to space limitations, not everything could make it into the column so I am providing additional information here.

First, here is some contact info for the wine stores mentioned in the article.

Rapid Liquors
171 Main Street
Stoneham, MA
Phone: 781-438-0595

The Wine Shop of Reading
676 Main Street
Reading, MA
Phone: 781-944-4521

OurGlass Wine Co.
124 A Broadway (Rt.1 North)
Saugus, MA
Phone: 781-941-8068

Grapevine Travelers
18 High St.
Medford, MA
Phone: 781-396-VINE

And here are three more wine recommendations from:
Beverly Wine & Beer Co.
47 Dodge Street
Beverly, MA
Phone: 978-524-0300

2006 Montinore Gewurztraminer; Willamette Valley, Oregon ($15.99)
Biodynamic/Sustainable Farming: "Straw gold color introduces an intense aroma of rose petal, lychee and grapefruit with hints of orange rind. On the palate it bursts with rose and lychee flavors evolving to rich pink grapefruit and mandarin orange. The finish is dry leaving the impression of fresh citrus and rose petals." Wine Enthusiast 88 points "Best Buy" in 2004.

NV Chateau de Saint Cosme "Little James Basket Press"; Cotes du Ventoux, Southern Rhone, France ($12.99)
Robert Parker 89 points: "Among the negociant wines, this is a terrific source of inexpensive wines with perhaps one of the best the non-vintage vins de table, Little James Basket Press. Made from 100% Grenache, and all from 2005, this wine comes from mostly young vines of the estate vineyards and is blended with old vine Grenache from the Cotes du Roussillon. It is a beautiful, in-your-face style with loads of black cherry fruit and heady, full-bodied flavors. The wine sells for a song, and should drink nicely for 2 or so years." Wine Advocate #169, Feb. 2007.

2005 Rocca di Montemassi "Le Focaie" Sangiovese; Maremma, Tuscany, Italy ($17.99)
Wine Enthusiast 88 points "Best Buy": Intense and full, the flavor offers pleasant scents of violets, cherries and wild berries. With a good structure but pleasantly fresh and with a soft and persistent finish. A harmonious wine that accompanies preserved meats of the Tuscan tradition, savory introductory dishes, grilled red meats and moderately aged Pecorini cheeses. 100% Sangiovese

If you have any questions or comments about my column, feel free to add them here.

Dine with passion!