Food & Wine Discoveries: Natalie MacLean, March 2006

What goes better with a fine meal, whether at home or in a restaurant, then an appropriate bottle of wine? To help you make a wise decision on wine selection we are proud to present a selection of wine tips from Natalie MacLean, who has recently been named the World’s Best Drink Writer at the World Food Media Awards in Australia. An accredited sommelier, Natalie is a member of the National Capital Sommelier Guild, the Wine Writers Circle and several French wine societies.

Posted with permission from Natalie MacLean who offers a free award-winning e-newsletter available on her site.

Enjoy some lovely wine

New Zealand White Wine

CLIFFORD BAY SAUVIGNON BLANC 2005 Marlborough, South Island VC: Since launching their first vintage of Sauvignon Blanc in 1997, Clifford Bay Estate has been racking up awards. Sourcing premium grapes from Marlborough's Awatere Valley, winemaker Glenn Thomas crafts classic, crisp and full-bodied Sauvignons that burst with floral aromas and ripe tropical fruit, balanced with racy acidity. 734095 (XD) 750 mL $18.95. My note: Herbal and grassy with notes of grapefruit. Perfect for salads, shellfish and seafood as well as vegetarian dishes. Score: 89.5/100. Favorite White Wine

French Red Wine

SAINT-BENOIT 'GRANDE GARDE' CHÂTEAUNEUF-DU-PAPE 2003 Rhône Valley AC 424226 (D) 750 mL $36.95. Full-bodied and dense, almost liqueur-like, with flavors of cassis, plums and cherries. Drink 2008-2015. Drink with hearty meat dishes. Score: 91/100.

Italian Red Wine

LUIGI RIGHETTI VALPOLICELLA 'CAMPOLIETI' 2003 DOC VC: This offering from the always-reliable Luigi Righetti is mild-ruby in color with complex scents of dried berry, floral, spice, paraffin, oak and sundried tomato. Light- to medium-bodied, it's crafted in a round, easy-drinking style with lots of flavor and good length. Very versatile, it can go with everything from salmon to roast beef. 695890 (D) 750 mL $16.95. My note: A stunning wine with aromas of leather and chocolate. Nicely woven together. Terrific price. Drink with hearty meat dishes. Score: 90/100. Best Value Red Wine

GATTAVECCHI VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO 2001 Tuscany, Italy VC: This modern approach to a traditional wine displays aromas of cocoa bean, black plum, berries, vanilla, pine resin. It's medium-bodied with a fruit-dominated fleshy centre and a long oaky finish. Perfect with pork tenderloin. 672642 750 mL (XD) $22.95. My note: A friendly and delicious red with juicy ripe red fruit. Full-bodied. Drink with tomato-sauce pasta and lasagna. Score: 90/100.

Good Value Wines: White Wine

2005 Geyser Peak Sauvignon Blanc 340208 $15.95 13.0% Alcohol/Vol. Sugar Content: D California: Lovely aromas of ripe melons, citrus fruit and lemongrass. Not too herbal or green. Refreshing as an aperitif or drink it with seafood, chicken and salads. To be released in Vintages in June 2006. Score: 88/100.

Red Wines

2003 Beringer Stone Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon 606798 $13.90 California VC: Bright ruby color; full aroma of sweet dark fruit, chocolate, vanilla and cedar; dry palate with good acidity and a very fruity, rich, long finish, well balanced. Serving suggestion: Firm cheeses, grilled meat or roast pork with fruit sauce. My note: A simple, medium-bodied wine with bright red berries. Smooth and pleasing. About 40% of this wine was aged in barrel to round it out without imparting a heavy oaky flavor. Score: 87/100.

2003 Chateau St. Germain Calvet & Cie 152587 $13.95 Bordeaux, France VC: Deep ruby red color; black cherry, cranberry, mineral and dried herb aromas; dry, with a flavorful finish. Serving suggestion: Herbed crusted lamb, grilled veal or poultry. My note: Full-bodied and balanced with enticing aromas of chocolate, violets and blackberries. Delicious. A remarkable price for Bordeaux. Score: 87/100.

2004 Chateau de Treviac Corbieres 670505 $13.95 14.5% Alcohol/Vol. Sugar Content: 1 Midi, France: I love this wine! It's bursting with ripe red cherries, plums and the scent of fresh cedar. The winemaker, Arnaud Sie, just 32, took over the family vineyard of 20 hectares on rocky limestone-clay soil in the south of France in 2000. The vineyards lie on an altitude of 200 to 350 meters above sea and are surrounded by garrigue (low-growing bushy plants such as juniper, rosemary, thyme and lavender that often infuse the grapes with their essences). This full-bodied wine is perfect for hearty meat dishes, sausages and spaghetti with meatballs. It's available both in the liquor store and from the Opimian Society. Score: 89/100.

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