Varietal: 50% Syrah; 50% Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Brazil
Cost: $10
Ruby red color with aromas of crushed fruit and smoke. Â Smoke flavors carries through to the palate with a subtle yet robust finish. Â Pairs well with meats, pastas, and roasted chicken.
Recommendations: I’d never had a wine from Brazil, so I was instantly interested in this wine when I saw it in the store. Â While I had certainly had Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah blends before, this wasn’t anything like what I was expecting.
While I got a bit of crushed fruit on the nose and palate, the most prevalent aroma and flavors was a smokiness that I found very enjoyable. Â While I didn’t pair this with a meal (it had been a long weekend and I was just ready for some wine), I can imagine pairing this with grilled meat (especially if done over coals) or some roasted chicken – really anything with its own smoky flavor.
My only real complaint about this wine was that I got a bit of sediment at the end of the bottle which I always find annoying…especially when you don’t realize it’s there until it’s already in your mouth. Â Still, definitely one worth picking up and one that I’ll keep in mind for the next time I’m thinking of grilling meat.
