Rosé, Blush & Dessert Wines. White Wines Welcome. Wines by the Glass. Featured Wines. White Wines. Red Wines. Euro Wine List Front Cover

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Euro Wine List

Front Cover

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Euro Wine List

Inside Front Cover

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W

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Gala Suite

_{Frank Troia}

(b. 1949, American)

This two-story painting is actually painted onto one

canvas. Troia’s colors and subject matter are romantic

and seductive, creating an atmosphere that captures

the magic of the evening.

Frank Troia writes, “These paintings are a tribute to the

time-honored traditions and magic of courtship. Whether

a relationship is new or time-tested, the joy and magic

of romance can be nurtured or recaptured on a sea voyage,

leaving the work-a-day world behind and creating a

private world of playfulness and elegance.”

It’s the artist’s hope that these works will

inspire respect for the moments that we all share.

“The moments of life.”

We hope that the romance of the sea, the passion of wine and the elegance of Royal Caribbean provide you with “the moments” of a lifetime.

You can enjoy this elegant piece of art in person aboard Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas, where it is the centerpiece of the main dining room.

Euro Wine List

Page 1 Front, Welcome

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Champagnes

249 Moët & Chandon, Brut, NV

medium-bodied, dry

244 Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin, Yellow Label Brut, NV

full-bodied, dry

237 Mumm Cordon Rouge, Brut, NV

medium-bodied, round, dry

210 Perrier-Joüet, Brut, Fleur de Champagne,

Cuvée Belle Epoque, V

full-bodied, dry

211 Taittinger, Blanc de Blancs,

Comtes de Champagne, V

full-bodied, fine mousse, rich, dry

213 Moët & Chandon, Cuvée Dom Pérignon, Brut, V

full-bodied, long finish, fine mousse, dry

Did you know?:

Most champagnes take about three years to make and get to the marketplace. Most champagnes are made with all three grape varieties… except for the lovable Blanc de Blancs (Chardonnay only please!)

Grape varieties you will encounter:

Pinot Noir (yes, the red variety), Chardonnay and Petit Meunier.

What to expect:

Well made champagne will have very fine bubbles “mousse” that seem to last forever. Rich-tasting with elegance in the structure, champagnes can range from medium-bodied to full-bodied.

Friendly foods:

Champagne is very versatile due to its structure. Having champagne throughout a meal is a special treat and should be experienced every now and then. Poultry and fowl dishes can be stunning, and seafoods can be magical with a full-bodied rich champagne.

Sparkling Wines

ines

United States of America

tes of America

217 Korbel, Brut, Méthode Champenoise, NV

medium-bodied, hint of sweetness

Italy

y

209 Asti Spumante, Martini & Rossi, Piedmont, NV

light-bodied, some sweetness

230 Prosecco, Frizzante Di Valdobbiadene, Veneto

light-bodied, delicate, dry

Spain

ain

286 Codorniu Classico Brut, NV, Penedès

full-bodied, dry

Did you know?:

Champagne is a sparkling wine but sparkling wine is not necessarily champagne! True champagne must come from the Champagne region in France, while sparkling wine can come from anywhere — even if it is made using the Champagne method…

Grape varieties you will encounter:

This section is so varied that the grape variety list would be rather long. The most important thing is to understand that there are three main ways to make sparkling wine. The Champagne method captures the natural CO2_{(bubbles) in the individual bottles, the} Charmat method captures the bubbles in a large vat, and the least expensive way is to add the CO2_{at the end. This method is easy to detect as the} bubbles are much bigger… after all, it’s all about the bubbles!!

What to expect:

Vast differences in taste and texture in this section is to be expected due to the many different grape varieties and styles.

Friendly foods:

Like champagne, sparkling wines are very versatile. Follow the golden rule of pairing a richer dish with a richer sparkler.

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White W

ines

Australia

279 Chardonnay, Penfold’s Koonunga Hill, Barossa

supple, full-bodied, dry

266 Semillon / Chardonnay, Lindemans, Bin 77,

South Eastern Australia

rich, full-bodied, tropical fruit aromas

263 Chardonnay, Hardys, Nottage Hill,

South Eastern Australia

round, rich, full-bodied

278 Riesling, Yalumba, The Y Series, South Australia

citrus and peach tones, medium-bodied, slight sweetness

Did you know?:

Australia is the 8th largest wine producing country in the world. It has been the fastest growing category in some of the world’s most important wine markets, like the UK and the USA.

Grape varieties you will encounter:

Chardonnay, Semillon and Riesling are very distinct from each other. You will often see Semillon and Chardonnay blended together in Australia, which creates a very rich and creamy textured wine.

What to expect:

Australia is blessed with plenty of sunshine, which means a long growing season and plenty of natural sugars. This translates into full-bodied wines.

Friendly foods:

Grilled fish and poultry are great partners here. Veal and pork done in rich sauces will be very exciting on the palate.

Chile

232 Sauvignon Blanc, Caliterra, Valle Central

fruity, medium-bodied, dry

236 Chardonnay Reserva, Wild Ferment,

Vina Errazuriz, Casablanca

passion fruit aromas, full-bodied

228 Chardonnay, Casillero del Diablo,

Concha Y Toro, Casablanca

ripe pear, rich, full-bodied, dry

Did you know?:

Chile is the 9th largest wine producing country in the world and enjoys a phylloxera free grape farming industry. Phylloxera almost destroyed the European wine business in the 1870’s due to this soil-borne louse that destroys grapevines. The day was saved by using phylloxera resistant North American rootstock. Chile never had to do that!

Grape varieties you will encounter:

Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are starring in this section.

What to expect:

Stylistically Chilean Chardonnays are fruit driven. Look for tropical fruits on the nose. Sauvignon Blancs here are very seductive... teasing the palate with gorgeous citrus aromas.

Friendly foods:

These wines love the big fat salmon family. Tuna is brilliant, as is all poultry and fowl. These wines can handle bold dishes, so be adventuresome and enjoy those garlic and ginger touches!

(White wines are continued on the following page)

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Page 2 Front, White Wines

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White W

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France

268 Château Magneau (Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc),

Graves, Bordeaux

grapefruit tones, medium-bodied, dry

212 Mâcon-Villages (Chardonnay),

Bouchard Père & Fils, Burgundy

apple aromas, crisp, medium-bodied, dry

267 Vouvray (Chenin Blanc), Remy Pannier, Loire

aromatic, floral, medium-bodied, dry

220 Sancerre (Sauvignon Blanc),

“Les Tuilières”, Michel Redde, Loire

fresh, herbaceous, medium-bodied, dry

207 Gewürztraminer, Dopf & Irion, Alsace

luscious, rich, full-bodied, hint of sweetness

218 Pouilly-Fuissé (Chardonnay), Louis Jadot, Burgundy

apricot aromas, medium-bodied, dry

262 Chablis Premier Cru (Chardonnay),

Domaine William Fèvre, Burgundy

dried fruit aromas, full-bodied, dry on the palate

203 Fortant de France (Chardonnay), Languedoc,

KOSHER

pear tones, medium-bodied, dry

Did you know?:

France is the 2nd largest producer in the world. Many of the wine laws and regulations that we see around the world are based on the French system. France’s contribution to the wine world is legendary, and some of its wines still command the highest prices in the world!

Grape varieties you will encounter:

French wine law dictates certain varieties for certain regions: Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc.

What to expect:

French wines in general are more subtle, especially when comparing Chardonnays. Sauvignon Blancs will seem greener and tarter, and they should because they are grown in a cooler climate than that in Chile or Australia. The Gewürztraminer is unusual and not subtle. It is powerful and sexy!

Friendly foods:

Except for the Gewürztraminer, which needs rich fare like fresh lobster in butter, these wines are very versatile with white meats. Smoked salmon is divine!

Germany

272 Riesling Spätlese, Piesporter Michelsberg,

L. Kreush, Mosel

medium-bodied, hints of peaches and tangerines

208 Riesling, Trocken, Selbach-Oster, Mosel

bright floral notes, appealing fresh fruit characteristics

Did you know?:

Germany has the most northerly vineyards in the world and is the 6th largest producer of wine. Due to this climate, the wines are usually much lighter in alcohol and body.

Grape varieties you will encounter:

The noble Riesling is the king of white grapes in Germany. Look for the word Trocken (means dry) because Riesling can be made in a dry style or a sweeter style.

What to expect:

In this section you will be treated to a crisp and fresh style. Remember a northern climate wine will have more acidity and will feel fresh on the palate.

Friendly foods:

Rieslings make a great aperitif and are beautiful matches with shellfish dishes and poultry done in sweet sauces. Light fare loves Riesling!

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Italy

273 Pinot Grigio, Santa Margherita, Valdavige, Trentino

medium-bodied, crisp, dry

248 Pinot Grigio, Danzante, Venezie, Veneto

dried fruit aromas, medium-bodied, dry

238 Gavi, Principessa Gavia, Banfi, Piedmont

floral aromas, fresh, medium-bodied

264 Soave Classico, Botter, Verona

delicate fruit, medium-bodied, dry

205 Frascati, San Marco, Latium

crisp, fresh, light-bodied, dry

297 Orvieto Classico D.O.C. Campogrande,

Antinori, Umbria

peach fruit nose, medium-bodied, dry

Did you know?:

(There should be a drum roll here.) Italy is the largest producer of wine in the world. Like France, Italy has contributed much to the wine world, especially in terms of technological equipment and know-how. No country has more styles and types of wine than Italy!

Grape varieties you will encounter:

In this section the “hottest” variety is the Pinot Grigio. You will meet up with Cortese (used in Gavi), Garganega and Trebbiano (used in Soave), Verdello, Greghetto and Trebbiano (seen in Orvieto). Malvasia shows up with Trebbiano in Frascati. Complex yes, adventuresome absolutely!

What to expect:

Generally this section will have wines that range from medium-light to medium-bodied. They will have subtle fruit with more aromas of nuts on the nose.

Friendly foods:

These are perfect sipping wines with appetizers and light fare, like a cold plate of grilled chicken over salad and tomatoes.

New Zealand

202 Sauvignon Blanc, Saint Clair, Marlborough

grapefruit nose, full-bodied, crisp, dry

222 Sauvignon Blanc, Brancott, Marlborough

citrus flowers on the nose, crisp, full-bodied, dry

Did you know?:

New Zealand is not even on the radar map when it comes to size of production, but it sure has made an incredible name for itself from a quality point of view in the last few years due to its cool climate disposition and two distinct islands… particularly with its dynamic and complex Sauvignon Blanc!

Grape varieties you will encounter:

The seductive and gregarious Sauvignon Blanc!

What to expect:

You should expect lots of citrus tones in these wines. Texture will be crisp and the taste fresh and herbaceous.

Friendly foods:

If you are looking for a wine that will stir up your appetite, look no further! Great wine for sole, halibut, fish stews and all the shellfish you can imagine, as the crispness of these wines cut into the meatiness of these shellfish! Asian dishes are great partners for these wines.

Spain-Portugal

276 Albariño, Pazo de Barrantes, Rias Baixas

complex flavors, light-bodied, dry

233 Blanco, Marques de Caceres (Viura), Rioja

fruit and nutty tones, medium-bodied, dry

250 Chardonnay, Torres, Gran Vina Sol, Penedès

pear and melon fruit nose, full-bodied, dry

275 Vinho Verde (Albariño), Branco, C. Mendes, Portugal

crisp fruit on the nose, light-bodied, dry

(Interesting information about these wines is continued on the following page)

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White W

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Spain-Portugal

_continued

Did you know?:

Spain is the 3rd largest wine producing country in the world and is now posed to lead Europe in a great wine Renaissance. Although Portugal is not in the top ten as a world producer, it certainly has left its mark for the fresh Vinho Verde wines.

Grape varieties you will encounter:

Albariño, Viura (also known as Macabeo) and Chardonnay.

What to expect:

Albariño makes a medium-bodied wine with fresh floral tones on the nose... the Viura (main white varietal in Rioja) can be full-bodied with more nutty aromas and subtle fruit. You can expect the Chardonnay here to remind you of Chardonnay styles like those you would find in Chile. Good fruit with vanilla tones.

Friendly foods:

Both Albariño and Viura grapes are well suited to fish, fowl and fusion foods. Asian cuisine works well here. The Chardonnay will be a great partner, matching with most items on the menu.

South Africa

224 Sauvignon Blanc, Fairview, Coastal Region

gooseberry nose, full-bodied, dry

246 Chenin Blanc, Fort Simon, Stellenbosch

herbaceous nose, fresh, medium-bodied, dry

277 Chardonnay, Footprint, Western Cape

hints of mango and passion fruit on the nose, full-bodied, dry

Did you know?:

South Africa ranks 7th in the world for wine production and has recovered very strongly after an almost 10 year ban in many big markets around the world. Politics aside, South Africa is on a terrific rebound and we will expect to see much more from this wonderful wine producing nation.

Grape varieties you will encounter:

In this section a lovely trio awaits you: Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay!

What to expect:

These wines all have a fresh and crisp style with a very clean finish… really showing how modern wine making has taken hold.

Friendly foods:

The entire poultry and seafood family are welcomed guests for these styles of wine. Great to sip on while waiting for friends, or while simply enjoying the great view.

United States of America

285 Chardonnay, Woodbridge Twin Oaks, Robert Mondavi,

California

vanilla tones, rich, full-bodied, dry

214 Johannisberg Riesling, Chateau St. Michelle,

Columbia Valley, Washington

peach and apricot nose, medium-bodied, off dry

269 Fumé Blanc, Robert Mondavi Winery, Napa Valley,

California

candied fruit aromas, full-bodied, dry

281 Sauvignon Blanc, Kenwood, Sonoma, California

granny smith apple tones, crisp, full-bodied, dry

296 Conundrum Caymus

(blend of four varieties)

, Napa Valley,

California

pink grapefruit aromas, luscious, rich, full-bodied, dry

Did you know?:

The USA stands 4th in the wine producing world. In only a short 25 years the US has established itself as a fine wine producer, with California leading the charge. What a coup!

Grape varieties you will encounter:

Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc and Gewürztraminer.

What to expect:

California is known for its luscious and rich Chardonnays, along with its full-bodied and herbaceous Sauvignon Blancs (this variety makes Fumé Blanc, which is a style and not a varietal). Look for structure and full flavors.

Friendly foods:

These wines can handle dishes that are full-flavored and medium spiced. Rich food calls for rich wines and these American wines deliver big taste and structure.

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Rosé & Blush Wines

ines

France

ce

226 Tavel “Beaurevoir” M. Chapoutier, Rhône

strawberry nose, full-bodied, dry

274 Rosé d’Anjou, Remy Pannier, Loire

cranberry aromas, medium-bodied, dry

United States of America

tes of America

295 White Zinfandel, Beringer, California

candied nose, medium-bodied, slightly sweet

Did you know?:

This is a category all on its own! What a color! The beautiful rosé or blush color results from keeping the red skins of the grape on the juice for a limited time –in some cases only 6-8 hours. Hence the lovely coral pink or salmon color, depending on the red grape varietal it is made from.

Grape varieties you will encounter:

The mighty Zin (as it is affectionately known) leads the blush wine revolution on the American side, while the French classic rosé from Tavel is mainly Grenache. The Loire rosé is made from a blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Gamay.

What to expect:

These wines are designed for the most part to be fresh, clean and with good fruit on the nose. They should be consumed while young. The White Zins can have a touch of sweetness to them, while the French-style rosé is dry.

Friendly foods:

The secret to pairing rosé is to pretend they are white as they behave like white wines! Red with red meat or white with white meat has been out of fashion for years. These wines are very versatile, and you will be pleasantly surprised.

Dessert Wines

ines

282 Moscato Bianco,

500 ml

La Famiglia di Robert Mondavi, California

clove honey aromas, luscious, thick, rich, full-bodied,

beautifully sweet!

252 Muscat Beaumes-de-Venise,

375 ml

Domaine Coyeux, Rhône, France

muscat in perfection, aromas of spring flower blossoms,

rich, sweet like nectar

Did you know?:

Port wine is a fortified wine. Brandy is added to arrest the fermentation of a table wine. Some old, traditional port companies still press the grapes with their feet! Although mostly ceremonial, it is still a sight to see.

Grape varieties you will encounter:

The main grape we see in ports today is the Touriga Nacional, while in Beaumes-de-Venise and Moscato Bianco it is the legendary flowery Muscat.

What to expect:

These wines will deliver a long, full taste on the palate. Although sweet, they have a wonderful balance of acidity and will not feel cloying on the palate. Look for jammy and nutty aromas on the ports, while the Beaumes-de-Venise and Moscato (Muscat) Bianco will have a seductive floral nose due to the gregarious Muscat!

Friendly foods:

These wines can be sipped by themselves or enjoyed with fresh nuts and cheeses. The classic pairing with port has always been blue-veined cheeses, but you should try some of the softer, more full-flavored cheeses for an incredible experience. The same applies to the Beaumes-de-Venise. These wines are terrific with a fresh fruit medley… the fruit acidity creates a remarkable balance.

(Please note our port selection is listed under “Wines by the Glass”)

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Red W

ines

Argentina-Chile

a-Chile

488 Malbec, Navarro Correas, Colección Privada,

Maipu, Argentina

peppery, jammy nose, medium-bodied, dry

455 Cabernet Sauvignon, Reserva Caliterra,

Maipo Valley, Chile

blackberry fruit aromas, full-bodied, dry

433 Merlot, Vina Tarapacá, Maipo Valley, Chile

cherry tones, round, soft, medium-bodied, dry

418 Carmenère, Caliterra, Colchagua, Chile

spicy bouquet, full-bodied, dry

Did you know?:

Argentina occupies 5th place in world-wide wine production, and together with Chile produces some of the best wines in South America. Both countries are experiencing fabulous growth in their wine exports and have the world’s attention as world-class wine producers.

Grape varieties you will encounter:

Malbec (predominantly in Argentina), Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Carmenère (all the rage now in Chile).

What to expect:

These wines are all well made with good oak integration and structure. These are terrific food wines as they are full-flavored.

Friendly foods:

Get the barbecue ready as these wines are simply delightful and offer big taste with steaks, ribs and chicken!

Australia

410 Cabernet Sauvignon, Hardy’s Nottage Hill,

South Eastern Australia

classic blackcurrant fruit on the nose, full-bodied, dry

411 Shiraz, Rosemount Estate, South Eastern Australia

spicy, peppery, full-bodied, dry

403 Shiraz, Kirralaa Bushvine, South Eastern Australia

smoky, fresh jammy nose, rich, full-bodied, dry

Did you know?:

This incredible wine producing country has single-handedly turned the world on to an obscure grape varietal only known to wine connoisseurs. If you guessed Shiraz you deserve a pat on the back. Everyone is in love with Shiraz, and why not??

Grape varieties you will encounter:

Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon.

What to expect:

Big, robust and full-bodied wines that will seem to wallpaper the inside of your palate. Long on the finish with full concentrated flavors.

Friendly foods:

It seems like Shiraz was created to accompany lamb dishes… especially a rack! Game is brilliant with Shiraz, as is all the great blue-veined cheeses. Pepper steak will keep your mouth watering with any of these big wines.

France

457 Beaujolais Villages, Georges DuBoeuf, Beaujolais

fresh raspberry aromas, medium-bodied, soft, dry

446 Fleurie, Cru Beaujolais, Bouchard Père & Fils, Beaujolais

elegant strawberry and floral nose, medium-bodied, dry

467 Saint Emilion, Jean-Pierre Moueix, Bordeaux

olive and green pepper tones, soft, medium-bodied, dry

480 Crozes Hermitage, Les Meysonniers’ M. Chapoutier,

Rhône

spicy, black pepper, full-bodied, dry

473 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Les Closiers, Caves des Papes,

Rhône

plum jam aromas, white pepper spicy taste, full-bodied, dry

481 Côtes du Rhône, Belleruche, M. Chapoutier, Rhône

spicy white pepper aromas, medium-bodied, dry

406 Merlot, Fortant de France, Languedoc,

KOSHER

green pepper on the nose, medium-bodied, dry

(Interesting information about these wines is continued on the following page)

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France

_continued

Did you know?:

The red wines from France are classic, and winemakers world-wide make a Bordeaux blend to emulate the style of this world-leading region. This is simply the greatest compliment paid by winemakers from all over the world.

Grape varieties you will encounter:

Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Gamay (Beaujolais wines), Syrah (Shiraz variety in French) and Grenache in Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

What to expect:

These wines will range from a medium-bodied, fruit driven Beaujolais to a gorgeous peppery and spicy Châteauneuf-du-Pape (the lovers wine!).

Friendly foods:

These selections can handle many dishes with tomato-based sauces or natural juice gravies. Fabulous in matching up meat casseroles or pork dishes.

Italy

453 Valpolicella, Classico Superiore DOC, Masi, Verona

cherry fruit on the nose, medium-bodied, dry

436 Amarone della Valpolicella Classico, Masi, Verona

big jammy nose, rich, full-bodied, dry

424 Brunello di Montalcino, DOCG, d’Aquino, Tuscany

violet nose, well structured, full-bodied, dry

498 Chianti Classico, Riserva, DOC, Antinori, Tuscany

spicy aromas, full-bodied, dry

484 Montalcino Rosso Centine Di Toscana, Banfi, Tuscany

black tea and fruit aromas, medium-bodied, dry

450 Barolo, La Delizia DOCG, Fontanafredda, Piedmont

bold and beautiful, big structure, dry

471 Sangiovese, Danzante, Mondavi Frescobaldi, Tuscany

complex aromas of dried fruit and flowers, full-bodied, dry

Did you know?:

Italian red wines have been the talk of the town in the last five years! Long gone are the checkered tables cloths and Chianti in a straw flask. Our collection is a journey through various regions… drive slowly!!

Grape varieties you will encounter:

Barbera, Nebbiolo (Barolo wines), Sangiovese (Chianti and Brunello wines), and Corvina/Rondinella/Molinara for Valpolicella and Amarone.

What to expect:

One should expect drama in all of these wines as each varietal presents a new experience and collage of flavors and tastes. Expect big and bold wines from Barolo. Chianti Classico and Brunellos will give big structured tannic wines, while the Barbera grape delivers cherry fruit with good balance and ease of drinking. Look for a massive wine in an Amarone and a medium-bodied wine in a Valpolicella.

Friendly foods:

One cannot help but think of the incredible pasta dishes that have evolved in modern Italian cuisine. The diversity of these wines and Italian cuisine begs one to try them all! Spicy tomato-based sauces with spicy fresh sausages are just the beginning. Think of all possibilities… all meats in pasta and you have a perfect marriage of wine and food.

South Africa

uth Africa

452 Pinotage, Fort Simon Estate, Stellenbosch

peppery spice on the nose, new leather bouquet, full-bodied, soft, dry

401 Shiraz, Footprint, Western Cape

cherry jam on the nose, medium-bodied, dry

Did you know?:

South African red wines have been gaining ground all over the world. This is mainly due to an indigenous grape variety called Pinotage (which is a cross between two varieties–Pinot Noir and Cinsaut). If you like spice and leather, Pinotage is for you!

Grape varieties you will encounter:

Pinotage and Shiraz.

What to expect:

Full bodied wine, spicy with new leather aromas and a slight smokiness.

Friendly foods:

This type of wine, like the Shiraz variety, goes well with lamb dishes and wild game.

(Our selection of red wines is continued on the following page)

Red W

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Red W

ines

Spain-Portugal

gal

474 Rioja, Faustino VII, Rioja, Spain

plum on the nose, smooth mouth feel, medium-bodied, dry

477 Crianza, Condesa de Leganza Castello-La Mancha, Spain

delicate vanilla coffee aromas, medium-bodied, dry

491 Tempranillo, Fortius, Navarra, Spain

fresh wild cherry aromas, good structure, dry

449 Rioja Reserva Especial, Campillo, Rioja, Spain

complex fruit aromas, vanilla hints, full-bodied, dry

469 Cabernet Sauvignon, Gran Coronas Reserva, Torres,

Penedès, Spain

coffee, vanilla tones, slight smokiness, full-bodied, dry

494 Jose Maria de Fonseca, Periquita Classico, Portugal

subtle fig fruit aromas, full-bodied, sturdy structure, dry

Did you know?:

The Rioja region is considered to be one of Spain’s best and one taste will convince you. To the east lays the Penedès region, also one of Spain’s top producers. La Mancha, an unknown area except for Don Quixote, has rebounded and is a wonderful region. Portugal is still famous for its port wine, and now with the younger generation taking the helm at many wineries we are seeing a revival.

Grape varieties you will encounter:

You cannot avoid the lovely Tempranillo in Rioja or Cabernet Sauvignon in the Penedès. Periquita is a much used variety in Portugal.

What to expect:

Generally the wines here are very smooth with soft tannins. You will get nice jammy fruit on the younger wines while the older wines will show more wood tones.

Friendly foods:

Pasta works very well here, as do the medium soft cheeses. Veal dishes like chops and shank are great with these styles of wines.

United States of America

tes of America

415 Cabernet Sauvignon, Woodbridge Twin Oaks,

Robert Mondavi, California

blackberry fruit, full-bodied, dry

405 Cabernet Sauvignon, Kendall-Jackson Vintner’s Reserve,

California

green olive and currants on the nose, rich, full-bodied, dry

443 Cabernet Sauvignon, Beringer Founders’ Estate, California

plum fruit on the nose with hints of vanilla, full-bodied, dry

456 Merlot, Robert Mondavi Private Selection,

Central Coast, California

spicy, hint of dill, soft, round, full-bodied, dry

428 Merlot, Francis Coppola, Blue Label Diamond Series,

California

full fruit on the nose, slight minty nose, rich, full-bodied, dry

489 Opus One, Mondavi-Rothschild, Napa Valley, California

opulent in style, blackcurrant fruit, luscious texture, full-bodied, dry

Did you know?:

The USA has proven over and over to the wine world that great wines are being produced consistently and at the highest level. This collection above clearly shows the depth of achievement.

Grape varieties you will encounter:

Here you will find all the classics: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc.

What to expect:

Rich, full-bodied wines that reflect their variety. Each varietal is distinctive, which not only reflects great wine making, but also great viticulture.

Friendly foods:

Anything goes here — red meats, pastas and cheeses. If you really want to try something cool, try any of these wines with something chocolate! These wines all marry especially well with full-flavored sauces.