We had a great tasting at Casa di Vino the other evening with C.G. Di Arie winery. National Sales Manager Michael Kasper and Regional Manager Larry Engstrom were in town to pour the wines and they all showed super. Judging by our customers response they were impressed by the wines as well. CDV poured a Barbera, 2 Zins, 2 Syrah and a Petite Sirah. They all showed great varietal character and the differences between their basic wines and their reserve and single vineyard wines was pronounced. Your wine and food guy has been a fan and follower of C.G. Di Arie wines since their early years in 2001-02. C.G. Di Arie produces about 15,000 cases a year total. In comparison Kendall Jackson produces 200,000+ cases a year of their Chardonnay alone. C.G. Di Arie's wines are nice beacuse they have fruit and structure but the tannins don't bite you. They come in softer on the back end. You could age some of these wines 5-7 years and they'll come together and soften up and mellow but they're good to go upon release so who can hold back? Anyway, the wines showed great and the tasting went well and after MIchael, Larry, Marcus Walsh my local sales rep and myself packed up some wines and took them over to Mojos on 86th to eat and quench our thirsts. I had a grilled Ceasar Salad which the Barbera went well with and a duck breast with a bacon/apple risotto and a cherry/basil compote. Both of Di Arie's Zins worked well with the dish but the bigger Southern Exposure Zinfandel shined with the dish. Remember, if you're thinking duck & berries think big Zin. It's a match made in heaven. Thanks to Marcus for setting this tasting up. These are not supermarket wines. If you happen to like big reds that aren't over the top jammy or tannic give C.G. Di Arie a try. You won't regret it.
Howard Bernstein
Owner, Casa di Vino
Wine and Food Guy
Des Moines Wine and Food Connection
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