The Name Says It All!!!!

It has been quite hectic this month, but we did get to our local wine shop for a quick tasting this weekend. Their selection of wines chosen this week were all wines we have already tasted and have liked enough to buy for summer bbq meals, except for one.

The name of this wine is different, unconventional -- maybe, maybe not! Is it a sign of the times that winemaker's choose these names as a marketing ploy or to make a bold statement -- whatever his or her reasons may be?

Who knows what lurks in the minds of winemakers except that their focus is to make a wine that is drinkable and will appeal to the market. So I'll get past this wildly unconventional name and give you the specifics for an affordable red wine in the $10 range that is quite good.

This Bitch 2008 is a 100% Australian Grenache from R Wines (they also make the Evil Cabernet) which was founded in 2005 by two well respected winemakers. They have a team of winemakers who are managing vineyards in many of Australia's well know regions and producing wines that are well received.

These winemakers believe that what goes on the front of the bottle is just as important as the wine in the bottle. Innovative labels and names speak to their consumers. Though it seems of late that unusual names are soon becoming "de riguer".

My first impression of this Grenache was smooth and velvety with a juiciness to it, like lollipops, and a bit of spicy flavors like clove and nutmeg. I knew hubby would love it, she was just his style.

We bought her for $10 to have with our grilled steaks for dinner. I thought it was a good match, but what I realized when drinking it at home was that she had a real "bite" as hubby calls it.

This Bitch is a hottie with 15.5% alcohol. The higher alcohol can make this wine seem rich and more full-bodied. Pair with heavier foods or grilled meats, rather than light pastas. We sliced a few pieces of Grana Padano cheese with crackers before dinner and the Bitch was the perfect lady.

All in all, this wine is good value for the money. The label is girlie pink and is encircled in hearts and the screw cap has a heart on top of it. She is delicious, soft, velvety and a bit fiery. The salesman told me that many women bought this wine to give as a gifts to their girlfriends, sister, mothers . . . This is a fun wine, a conversation starter, and enjoyable with food.

You can find this wine at wine.com for $10.99. They have great deals and discounts so you can shop at home, save gas, and beat the heat.



Salute!
Winelady Cooks