re: Wine experts-West coast v. European reds

People need to understand that the old world wines in discussion here are made to age. When young they will seem thin, acidic and very tannic. Then you taste one that’s 25 years old and it’s a holy shite moment. That’s when the old world wines reel you in.

My racks are focused mostly on fine Italian wines. Brunello, Barbaresco and Barolo primarily. I also have a lot of Chianti Classico region wines and Super Tuscans. I’d say I have about 50-60 bottles of California wines. I like them. I enjoy them but nothing like the old world wines.

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Where do South American wines typically fall on that spectrum?

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Rothschild has a lot of production in Chile, and is some of the best stuff you can find for the price. Falls more towards old world style.

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You’ll find riper wines from Europe in the warmer climes like southern France, Spain and central/southern Italy.

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As stated above, my travels to Northern Italy and Spain allowed those people to educate me (albeit I'm no expert) about the wines from those regions vs French and California wines. According to the Italians and Spanish, their wines are fermented without added sugars, only using sugars from the grapes. French wines are essentially California wines due a a blight that decimated the French vineyards some years back and they were reseeded from California vineyards.

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French wines are essentially California wines due a a blight that decimated the French vineyards some years back and they were reseeded from California vineyards.

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Interesting.

Another question.
Is dry the opposite of sweet?
Or better said, can you have a dry fruit forward full bodied red (cab for example) that can also be dry?

I’d recommend Catena Zapata in Mendoza, too. Same thing. Old Italian winery and very good quality for cheap.

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Washington

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It’s not a secret anymore but Walla Walla has really good wine. I actually have one of Tom Ronaldi’s Red Mountain blend and it’s ridiculous for $25. I’m going to grabbing his Bordeuax Blend next. Winery is called Ambassador. Red Mountain wine always has more complexity than Cali fruit bombs.

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mostly on fine Italian wines. Brunello, Barbaresco and Barolo primarily. I also have a lot of Chianti Classico region wines and Super Tuscans.

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Shame on you for leaving Amarone off that list.

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Catena Zapata in Mendoza

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Their Nicholas Red is one of my favorites in the $100ish category.

Been in Seville for almost a year, and the Spanish red wines are incredible. Most are small volume producers and not exported, unfortunately. We can get great Priorats, Ribera del Dueros, and Riojas for 5-7 euros. Wines are more fruit oriented now, but not nearly as oaked as California reds. Quality Spanish white wines are harder to find, but we have found some nice muscadets and verdejos in a similar price range.

It was me and again welcome back. Best enoteca in the world. The aftermath of our last tasting there.