Gran Coronas

My favourite wine in January, hands down (or would that be bottoms up)?  Gran Coronas, Cabernet Sauvignon, Torres Reserva, Spain, 2005. Enjoyed sipping it on its own, even though it would have gone very nicely with a charcuterie platter as the label suggests.  The wine made me feel like summer wasn't that far away.... 85% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Tempranillo, and nicely priced at $18.95. 

I did find this a bit sharp on the palate on first taste, but then the big berries come in to smooth things over.  LCBO tasting notes are loquacious:  "Structured with intense fruit flavours and silky tannins, this full-bodied Reserva displays alluring aromas and flavours of redcurrants, new leather, coffee, vanilla and a classic touch of roasted bell pepper. Exquisite with grilled pork chops, stuffed veal tenderloin or beef fajitas."

Not only tasty, but it made the 'Green List' of wineries minimizing their environmental impact, a distinction given to the top 50 influential companies promoting environmentally friendly viticulture practices.  Couldn't find many further details about what this meant.  Hopefully it's not just a marketing ploy.

A close runner-up was a Guigal, Chateau dAmpuis, Cotes du Rhone, AC, France, 2005, which would have been more enjoyable without the aroma of wet dog fur.  Given a chance to decant the smell mellowed, but I didn't have the patience for the first glass.  By the second glass it was less of an issue.