An evening at the Wine Kitchen

For our anniversary, we had an evening at The Wine Kitchen in Leesburg courtesy of a friend. The restaurant has a great atmosphere and is popular enough on a weekend that you may spend some time standing near (but not yet even sitting at) the bar talking wines while waiting for a table to clear. WK keeps a rotating stock of wines, and allows purchase by the bottle, glass, or taste (really nearly half a glass). And to top things off, you can get a three-taste sampler in groupings put together by the staff. Never being ones to turn down variety, The Heart and I ordered their current Italy and Spain trios, respectively. This post will be followed by the two new varietals, but abbreviated reviews of the other wines are here.

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Varietal: Trebbiano, Passerina, Pecorino
Wine: (Unknown blend name)
Label: De Angelis
Region: Falerio, Italy
Year: 2010
Date Tasted: March 2012

Notes:
Very clear flavored white, light bodied and medium dry. High notes of flavor, particularly peach and rose, is bright enough to remind of a sparkling white. Very easy on the tongue, and the favorite of The Heart.

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Varietal: Sangiovese
Wine: Chianti (Reserva)
Label: Renzo Masi & Co.
Region: Firenze, Italy
Year: 2008
Date Tasted: March 2012

Notes:
Dry red, medium to full body, notes of nutmeg, black pepper, and Granny Smith apple. Complex and everything a grand chianti should be.

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Varietal: Tempranillo
Wine: Tempranillo
Label: Gran Familia Rioja
Region: Rioja, Spain
Year: 2008
Date Tasted: March 2012

Notes:
Medium dry with the full fruit this varietal is known for; notes of cranberry, apple, and almond. A consistent, versatile, and enjoyable wine.

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Varietal: Syrah
Wine: Syrah (organic)
Label: Lobetia
Region: Madrid, Spain
Year: 2010
Date Tasted: March 2012

Notes:
Very broad flavor, dry red but not biting which shows a maturity beyond its short years, notes of raspberry, walnut, and a hint of curry. Try this for syrah/shiraz like you haven't had it before.