Blend of Monastrell, Garnacha, Tintorera, and other unspecified varieties. Aged eight months in French and American oak. Symphony of violets, spice box, leather, blueberry, black cherry, and licorice. Easy-going flavor, superb depth, complexity, and a long lasting finish.

A go-to wine that wont lighten your pocket book if it ends up being a two bottle night.

Pair with:

Dish:       Cubano panini

Music:     Latin lounge

Occasion:   Wednesday… not too decadent, but cause for celebration

Personality: More Enrique Iglesias than Antonio Banderas

Praise:

91 Points- International Wine Cellar

90 Points- The Wine Advocate

Nothing about this wine is easy to pronounce. With a grapes name like ‘Zweigelt’, it has its share of problems on a wine list… simply because you dont want to feel stupid saying it wrong to a sommelier. But lets get over that shall we, and give this tasty wine its due credit.

Zweigelt (pronounced TSVYE-gelt) is among the most widely planted red grapes in Austria and is relatively new; developed in 1922 when an Austrian scientist, Fritz Zweigelt, crossed blaufränkisch with St. Laurent. Tragically, the grape was originally called ‘rotburger’, but thankfully for the grape, the name was changed to the last name of its creator.

I was a bit skeptical, having never heard of this grape or producer, but with an open mind and palate I unscrewed the cap and poured.  The wine had aromas of cinnamon, currants and exotic spice. The taste was vibrant and refreshing, with notes of cherry, raspberry, and black pepper.  Tastes a bit like a Côtes-du-Rhônes or a spicy Cru Beaujolais and at an affordable price point.

This wine pairs perfect with holidays!!  Taste is this week at Granada Bistro. $8 a glass, $30 a bottle, $20 Retail.

Victoria

Title: Cat hating Public Relations Intern

Motto: Find something that makes you genuinely happy, because forever is a long time if you’re miserable. And never, ever settle. (-my dad)

Favorite part of my day: Waking up in the morning, having a cup of coffee and having no where to rush off to (mostly this only happens on weekends)

What intoxicates me? Reading a really good book…I recently read the Hunger Games entire series in 3 days…SO GOOD!

Best business advise: “You have to start at the bottom if you want to end at the top”

My wine personality: Direct, ambitious, lots of fun…ideal for a girl’s night out.

Margaret

Title: Shipping Czar

Something little known about me: I love to sing

Motto: Live each day to its fullest so that you’re exhausted when you die, and treat everyone like you would want to be treated

Memorable wine experience: Retirement Dinner in Philadelphia, pairing each course with a bottle of wine – Cakebread was my favorite

What intoxicates me? Life, especially sunrise and sunsets

My wine personality: Aged, Full-bodied.

Shairee

Title: Jill of all trades

Motto: The Five Agreements (by Don Miguel Ruiz)

What intoxicates me? The view from an ocean kayak looking back at land.

Best business advise: Given to me, trust my instinct.

I feel good about- Teva creating a special “bootie” for a penguin with a bad foot

My wine personality: Mellow, easy to drink….with a surprising bite.

Joleen (aka Mojo)

Title: Sales genie

Motto: figure out who you want to be and try to be that perfectly

Favorite part of my day: Dinner with family and friends

Memorable wine experience: Spanish dinner party at my home. 10 girlfriends, sharing a variety of Spanish wines over an incredible meal prepared by chefs from Spain.

What intoxicates me? Going on active, outdoor adventurers.

Best business advise: Always be honest and take responsibility for your actions.

My wine personality: Sweet with a spicy finish; pairs well with food and friends.

Kimberly

Title: Patrona

Motto- Be brave; this world is not for cowards.

Favorite part of my day- Waking up. I love a fresh start!

Memorable wine experience- A true night of tasting; Opening 7 bottles of amazing wine at the same time and making wine suicides while ordering one of everything on the menu!

What intoxicates me? Doing something for my first time.

Perfect meal- Truffle pasta and wine

Best business advise- Surround yourself with honest, intelligent and passionate people.

My wine personality- A magnum of anything tasty