Italy, Spain Provide Food Friendly Wines

This week we continue to look at wines from Europe, with a few more recommendations from Italy and Spain.

When I think of Italian wine I think of sangiovese, and the LaCarraia 2005 Sangiovese (about $10) is a classic example of this varietal from the Umbria region of Italy. With medium body, restrained dark fruit flavors and a good measure of black pepper and spice on the finish, it’s the perfect wine to pair with everything from tomato-based pasta dishes to pepperoni pizza. And at this price, it’s easily affordable to enjoy on an everyday basis. The wine should be readily available at major Bellingham grocers and wine specialty shops.

But don’t overlook Italian sparkling wines – many of which are great bargains. The Tizzano Non-Vintage Pignoletto Frizzante (about $11) is a terrific little sparkling white wine that’s value priced. It’s crisp and extremely dry with a faint trace of almond on the finish. This is something nice to hand your guests when they first arrive and it should pair well with light appetizers. It’s available at Gateway Wines in downtown Bellingham.

From Spain comes an incredible red wine that will absolutely blow you away. The Novellum De Rejadorada 2003 Tempranillo (about $22) is intense and complex on every level. The nose has a smoky, sultry aroma of dark berries followed by layers of cassis and sweet oak flavors. A lengthy, rich finish suggests a touch of black licorice with silky, polished tannins.

Any preconceived notion you may have of light-bodied, raisiny Spanish wines will be wiped away with the first sip. This outstanding wine can be found at Purple Smile Wines, Gateway Wines and Haggen stores in Sehome, Fairhaven and Barkley Village.