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James Belardo

James Belardo

2990 days ago

James scored this wine: 88/100

It’s grilling season and when we talk about steak and other meats, I think of a classic wood or coal Argentinian 'asado' - also known as a BBQ. Many wines compliment the smoky flavours of a BBQ but not as well as an Argentinian wine, especially a Malbec. The Crios Susana Balbo Malbec offers hints of freshly ground black cracked pepper with slightly woody tones. I’d definitely recommend this wine for your next Asado! --- Visit our gastronomic grotto, Cucina Dello Zio (http://grapegourmet.wordpress.com) for recipes and stories of our culinary adventures. #CucinaDelloZio

Winemaker's Lot 148

Concha y Toro Winemaker's Lot 148 Carmenère 2014

Las Pataguas Vineyard, Rapel Valley, Chile
2997 days ago

James scored this wine: 89/100

For the price, Concha Y Toro's regular listings are quite good and their special 'Winemakers Lot' doesn't miss the mark either. Hints of wood and tobacco with a nice dark color provide a sophistication that's pretty rare for this price point. It's smooth as silk and doesn’t need to breathe. Since this 'Winemaker's Lot' wine is lower in acidity, it wouldn't cellar it for any lengthy period of time. I'd say it's perfect for drinking now! Highly recommended. --- Visit our gastronomic grotto, Cucina Dello Zio (http://grapegourmet.wordpress.com) for recipes and stories of our culinary adventures. #CucinaDelloZio

3004 days ago

James scored this wine: 86/100

For a wine that's labeled as a “table wine,” the Rendola Table Red is actually pretty damn good. I’d recommend this as an every day wine, it goes especially well with pasta or pizza! You can also add this to your arsenal of wines that are great for cooking. Try making braised beef, a ragu or a “Sunday Gravy” - you’ll add some great character to your dish! --- Visit our gastronomic grotto, Cucina Dello Zio (http://grapegourmet.wordpress.com) for recipes and stories of our culinary adventures. #CucinaDelloZio

3011 days ago

James scored this wine: 77/100

The Frescobaldi Remole may not be a star player in the world of wine but it's nice enough to serve at casual get togethers and parties. --- Visit our gastronomic grotto, Cucina Dello Zio (http://grapegourmet.wordpress.com) for recipes and stories of our culinary adventures. #CucinaDelloZio

Reserva

Argento Reserva Malbec 2014

Mendoza, Argentina
3018 days ago

James scored this wine: 86/100

What would you expect from one of the signature varietal grapes from Argentina? The Agento Reserva Malbec delivers with a a deep, dark color and nice medium body with slight hints of black pepper. It's perfect for grilled meats, particularly the Argentinian style BBQ or 'Asado.' It's a fairly refined wine for it's price - definitely recommended. --- Visit our gastronomic grotto, Cucina Dello Zio (http://grapegourmet.wordpress.com) for recipes and stories of our culinary adventures. #CucinaDelloZio

Current Fav Wine

Cusamano Nero D'Avola

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Winner World's Best Drink Writer
WFour-Time Winner James Beard Foundation
Five-Time Winner Association of Food Journalists
Six-Time Winner Bert Greene Award
Best Wine Literature Book Gourmand World Cookbook Awards
Online Writer of the Year Louis Roederer International Wine Writing Award