Wine By Nine

Red Wine by Bocce from California. The best description of the Bocce wines come from an understanding of the label and the family from which it comes. In 1919, the first year of prohibition, my grandfather took the train to California to learn where the best grapes could be purchased for making wine said Michael Mondavi. He determined that the Lodi area was the best because of the Zinfandel grape, which made a good red wine but also had thick skins and could be shipped across the country in rail cars or trucks without spoiling. In 1920 Cesare Mondavi and family moved to Lodi, California, to ship wine grapes and winemaking supplies to Italian families throughout the country. According to law each head of household could make 200 gallons or four barrels equivalent of wine. Cesare chose the name Bocce for the crate's label after his favorite pastime. The label you see on the bottle is a replica of the label on the crates of grapes Cesare shipped. Now that you understand the label, it is time to understand Rosa Mondavi, Cesare's wife. Rosa became interested in her grandson Michael's start into the wine business. She was concerned that he and his father were only going to make luxury style wines or to her way of thinking \\x91special occasion' wines. She felt Michael needed to make a wine for everyday people (like herself) to drink, and most importantly it had to be good. Michael asked his Nonna (grandmother) to explain further. She said it has to be affordable enough for daily use and it has to be good enough for friends and family to ask for a second or even a third glass. If they do not want that second glass the wine is not very good. It was that simple. Bocce wines are meant for everyday enjoyment with family and friends, and shared with a hearty meal and lively conversation.

Red Wine by Sella & Mosca from Sardinia, Italy. In the most outstanding vintage years, Sella & Mosca produces a Riserva version of its Cannonau, made from grapes picked in selected portions of its Cannonau vineyards. Aged three years in oak prior to release, this aristocratic red will sustain a decade or more of aging. Grape Varieties 100% Cannonau (related to Spain's Garnacha) Color Rich red Bouquet Intense with scents of violet. Taste Well-rounded and supple with rich, ripe, plummy flavors. Alcohol 13.5%

Red Wine by Ironstone from California. Blend: 91% Shiraz, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon The 2003 Shiraz is an Australian-styled red wine with a distinct spicy nose with hints of pepper and dark rich fruit. Unlike its cousin, Syrah, Shiraz is sweeter with bolder upfront fruit flavors of currant and plums with a white pepper undertone. Full-bodied with a smoky quality, this wine lingers in your mouth dancing on your taste buds. Shiraz is a wonderful food-friendly wine that goes well with Ethnic cuisine and traditional favorites. If you're in the mood for some Cajun cuisine, try it with jambalaya or a pan-blackened steak. Mild curry, tandori chicken or barbequed pork ribs taste sumptuous with this red. And for a casual evening, try it with pepperoni pizza or meat-filled ravioli with a spicy marinara sauce.

Red Wine by Oxford Landing from South Australia, Australia. The nose shows bright fruit aromas of fragrant raspberries and plums, a hint of white pepper and a dash of nutmeg and allspice. The palate is generous and fruit driven with layers of cherries, red berried and spice from the Grenache. Fuller plum and dark fruit flavors from the Shiraz priovide flesh and weight in the mid palate with the fine soft tannins providing structure and a slightly savory finish.

Red Wine by Oxford Landing from South Australia, Australia. Fruit parcels were selected in the vineyard on the basis of their flavor and tannin structure. Many of the parcels were sourced from older, lower yielding Shiraz blocks at Oxford Landing and their growers' vineyards in the surrounding area. These parcels were then fermented in a combination of static fermenters and roto-fermenters to ensure maximum extraction of varietal fruit flavors and tannins. The result is a deep purple red wine with touches of ruby. Lifted dark berry and plum fruit aromas dominate the nose with hints of chocolate and anise. The palate is smooth and even with generous fruit flavors of licorice, raspberry and allspice. Soft tannins and berry fruit persistence lead to a long, slightly savory finish.

Red Wine by Ruffino from Tuscany, Italy. Blend: 90% Sangiovese, 10% other varieties admitted by Chianti code production Color: Ruby red Aroma: As always, this Chianti features a deliciously vinous bouquet, where the floral and fruity notes lead toward a finish of slightly spicy scents of white pepper and hazelnuts. Tasting profile: Medium-bodied, Chianti Ruffino is pleasantly fruity, harmonious and persistent. This is a young Sangiovese which is a perfect match for a wide variety of traditional Italian dishes.

Red Wine by Ironstone from California. This Merlot is a soft, medium bodied wine with low acidity and tannins. This vintage has delightful aromas of vanilla, ripe plums and a hint of licorice spice followed by rich fruit flavors of juicy cherries and blackberries. The finish is soft and round.

Red Wine by Concannon from Central Coast, California. The 2005 Concannon Selected Vineyards Merlot is medium bodied with a lovely bright red/magenta hue. Dark cherry, cassis, and raspberry fruit flavors combine with spicy, smoky, toasty oak on the nose and follow through on the palate. Dark chocolate integrates well with these Merlot flavors, giving this wine good length and lively tannins on the finish. Enjoy with beef pot roast, filet mignon, braised leg of lamb, prosciutto wrapped shrimp, or other favorite red meat or veal dishes.

Red Wine by Snoqualmie from Columbia Valley, Washington. Showcasing the varietal characteristics and terroir of the Columbia Valley, this Merlot bursts with aromas of dark black cherry fruit, clove spice and sweet oak, followed on the palate by bright acidic structure and luscious, round tannins. - Winemaker Joy Andersen

Red Wine by Oxford Landing from South Australia, Australia. The Oxford Landing Cabernet Shiraz boasts lifted aromas of blackberry, plum and cedar. The Cabernet Sauvignon compliments the dark cherry, licorice and spice of Shiraz and provides the elegance and structure for this blend with corresponding flavours of dark berry fruits, fruit pastille and savoury spice. Shiraz adds sweetness and flesh to the mid palate contributing fuller upfront fruit flavours of red berries, vanilla bean and cloves. The result is a great synergy of two classic red varietals which is ideally suited to enjoy with food.

Red Wine by Marco Real from Spain. The winemaking tends to favor younger, more easily accessible styles of red wine, with good levels of extraction, but with nice balance for earlier consumption. There is a measured use of wood, but only to add a little complexity, often for only a part of the final assemblage. The wines do not pass through a long elevage and are released early, often in the spring after harvest.

Red Wine by Concha y Toro from Chile, South America. Looking for an amazing value, delicious and new wine? This wine was what Bordeaux was originally primarily made from, now its found almost exclusively in Chile. This is a delicious example of this incredible variety, which combines the best of Cabernet and Merlot - Concha y Toro makes the best examples of this unique variety in the world. Dark and deep red. Attractive aromas of dark plums, blackcurrant and chocolate, with hints of coffee and toasted American oak. Notes of dark plums and spice, with a generous touch of toasted American oak and a soft and well structured mouthfilling texture. Enjoy with fresh light dishes based on meat and vegetables. Also a good accompaniment to ripe cheese.