Editor’s Note: This weekly column is sponsored by Georgetown Square Wine and Beer (10400 Old Georgetown Road).

With our wine inventory constantly changing due to new vintages and customer requests, I’ve decided to write about some new and exciting wines we have to offer. These wines either have limited inventory, a hot new brand/varietal, or just something different that pairs with the current season. Here are some excellent wines we have available:

Tilia Torrontes 2011 Salta, Argentina $10.99

Torrontes is one of the only wine grape varietals that originated in Argentina. Its Muscat-like flavor produces an off dry floral white wine. This particular Torrontes is owned and made by Argentina’s famous wine family, the Catena’s. Just recently, this wine and its varietal Torrontes have started receiving great press from the wine world. Robert Parker scored this wine 90 points and described it as “an attractive bouquet of yellow plum, dried flowers and grapefruit.” At only $10.99, this unique wine is a must try at a great value.

Bodegas Breca Garnacha de Fuego 2011 Aragon, Spain $11.99

This wine is always on limited supply. With 10,000 cases shipped to the United States, wine markets from all over the country can’t wait to get their hands on it. Simply put, this wine is one of the best values out there. It costs $12, but drinks like $30. The wine critics agree. The Wine Advocate scored this wine 92 points. It has many notes of dark berries, chocolate, tobacco, pepper, spices and a long smooth finish.

Makara Sauvignon Blanc 2011 Marlborough, New Zealand $14.99

As a wine buyer, finding a good value New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc has become extremely difficult. Wine makers produce a great wine at a great price and then raise that price once popularity increases. Kim Crawford and Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc both used to be well under $10. Now both are in the $15 to $20 range. I am fortunate enough to have found a good value New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc that you won’t have to break the bank for. Makara Sauvignon Blanc contains ripe, vibrant fruit aromas of gooseberry and grapefruit and a fragrant sweetness reminiscent of fresh New Zealand honey.

Bodegas Volver Tarima Hill 2010 Alicante, Spain $19.99

If you’ve been a reader of this weekly blog you probably notice my obsession with Spanish wine. You really can’t find better value than Spanish wine in the wine market today. Made from 100 percent Monastrell (Mourvedre) grapes, this wine received a score of 93 points from Robert Parker. In his words: “The opaque purple colored 2010 Tarima Hill exhibits notes of chocolate fudge, pen ink, graphite, blueberries and blackberries. This full-bodied 100 percent Monastrell should drink well for a decade or more. These amazing efforts taste more like they should cost $30 to $50 as opposed to the mid-teens.”

Robert Biale “Black Chicken” Zinfandel 2011 Napa, California $49.99

Seven years ago, a customer of mine who loved red Zinfandel constantly asked me to locate a Zinfandel called the “Black Chicken.” I searched and asked all my distributors if they could locate a case for me to no avail. Robert Biale’s “Black Chicken” is one of the most sought after Zinfandels on the market. But, at last, I found a case. I opened one up about a week ago with some friends to see what all the acclaim was about and I can easily say the “Black Chicken” is one of the best wines I have ever had. For any Zinfandel lover who usually buys Zinfandels such as Seghasio or Ridge, I recommend grabbing a bottle before I drink it all myself.

The views and opinions expressed in the column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of BethesdaNow.com.

Community discussion guidelines: Our sponsored columns are written by members of the local business community. While we encourage a robust and open discussion, we ask that all reviews of the businesses — good or bad — be directed to another venue, like Yelp. The comments section is intended for a conversation about the topic of the article.

Editor’s Note: This weekly column is sponsored by Georgetown Square Wine and Beer (10400 Old Georgetown Road).

Rosé wine sales in the United States are beginning to increase. After a decade or so of Americans categorizing any pink colored wine with the sweet White Zinfandel variety, the U.S. wine consumer has finally discovered the light, crisp, versatile, and perfectly fruity rosé wine.

What makes rosés pink? A true rosé is not a blend of white and red wine. Instead, like red wine, rosé wine is made from red wine grapes. But instead of leaving the wine in contact with the pressed grape skin to ferment with the juice for an extensive period, rosé producers keep the skins in contact with the juice only briefly. Then the pinkish juice is drained from the skins, resulting in a color ranging from a pale pink to a deep salmon or coral. Winemakers make rosé from the red grape varieties traditionally grown in their particular region that are best suited to the local soil and climate.

Rosés vary widely in color, texture, and flavor. Yet all rosés have some common characteristics: they tend to be bright, fresh, crisp, and dry. The most popular rosé producing region in the world is Provence, France. There, rosé is a part of everyday life, widely embraced as the best lunchtime, seaside, and all-occasion wine. This spirit of Provence lifestyle has started to catch on. Wine makers from around the world are making more rosés than ever before. Amazing dry style rosés are also being made from California to Virginia, and all at an affordable price. With the spring weather hopefully approaching soon, this is a great time to come in and try a dry rosé for any occasion. Here are a few rosés that we are offering below $15.

Chateau Montaud Cotes du Provence Rosé 2012, Provence, France: $11.99

I always appreciate great wine at a fair price and this wine is a perfect example. This rosé has all the great characteristics of a Provence rosé. It is dry, crisp, bright, and fruity and exhibits beautiful floral notes with great acidity on the palate.

Chateau Grande Cassagne Rose 2012, Rhone, France: $10.99

From one of my favorite importers, Robert Kacher is a local D.C. importer that continuously brings in incredible value rosés from France. Grande Cassagne is a perfect example. Readily available at most French bistros throughout our region, this vibrant, neon pink colored rosé expresses slight tannins and delicious fruit.

Pigmentum Malbec Rose 2012, Cahors, France: $14.99

A rare 100% Malbec rosé, this is a great wine to share with friends making the transition from red wine to rosé wine. It has a clear, brilliant pink color with vibrant nuances and an intense red fruit bouquet. It is fruity on the palate with a long, nice finish.

Le Petit Caboche Rose 2012, Rhone, France: $11.99

Our best selling rosé year after year, this full-bodied wine is full of fresh strawberry and raspberry flavors. It has a refreshing acidity with a hint of lemon and a touch of spice on the finish. The grapes used for this great value wine are grown right next to the famed area of Chateauneuf du Pape.

Saintsbury Vincent Vin Gris 2012, Carneros, California: $19.99

While this wine is slightly over $15 dollars, I could not resist adding a great example of a California rosé. Made from 100% Carneros Pinot Noir grapes, this wine matches the delicate style of rosés that are found in the famed region of Burgundy, France. With subtle and complex flavors of stone fruits, wild strawberry, and blood orange, this rosé is the perfect summer wine for any occasion.

The views and opinions expressed in the column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of BethesdaNow.com.

Community discussion guidelines: Our sponsored columns are written by members of the local business community. While we encourage a robust and open discussion, we ask that all reviews of the businesses — good or bad — be directed to another venue, like Yelp. The comments section is intended for a conversation about the topic of the article.

Editor’s Note: This weekly sponsored column is written by Arash Tafakor, owner of Georgetown Square Wine and Beer (10400 Old Georgetown Road).

One of the most common questions I get from customers is, “What’s the difference between Shiraz and Syrah?” The simple answer from a wine merchant is nothing, there’s no difference, same grape just a different name. While Australia and some other regions call the grape Shiraz, other regions such as France, California and Washington State call the grape Syrah. But there are definitely differences in styles and taste profile; all based on the climate the grape is grown in. It has almost become industry standard in warmer climates such as Australia and South Africa to call the wine is called Shiraz. In cooler climates, such as Northern Rhone, Northern California, and Washington State the wine is called Syrah.

Saint Cosme Cote Rotie 2010, Cote Rotie, France

Syrah wine is originated in the Rhone region of France. Appellations in Northern Rhone such as Cote Rotie and Hermitage use only Syrah grapes for their red wines while Syrah in Southern Rhone is used to blend. Syrah from Northern Rhone tend to have more earthy tasting notes than your typical red. Premium Syrah typically come from Cote Rotie, Hermitage, and Saint-Joseph. These regions produce Syrah that contains an intense level of tannins, complex flavors and a long wonderful finish.

Made by one of Rhone’s top producers, this Syrah is a very well balanced wine with hints of violet, bacon, earthy flavors and roses.

This wine is extremely impressive and is sold out throughout the market. It received 95 points Wine Spectator, as well.

Torbreck Woodcutters Shiraz 2011, Barossa Valley, Australia

In the early 2000s Australian Shiraz sales were booming. American wine consumers couldn’t get enough. The brand Yellow Tail was created and, along with other quirky animal labeled Australian Wines, took over grocery store’s wine shelves. Winemakers in Australia realized this and started producing high-end Australian Shiraz like crazy, flooding the market. Wine consumers probably have noticed wine shelves containing less and less Australian Shiraz the past few years. People are simply not buying these wines anymore, for whatever reason.

Despite that fact, the wine is much better than what it was ten years ago. Australian wine makers have perfected their craft and make top quality wines. Australian Shirazes are grown in Australia’s hot, dry climate. The warm climate produces powerful wines with dark ripe fruit, jammy, and silky smooth taste. Top quality Shiraz producing regions in Australia are the Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale and Coonwarra.

This wine comes from the Barossa Valley, arguably the best Shiraz producing region in Australia. This wine encompasses the best of Australian Shirazes have to offer, full bodied, fruit forward black fruit, medium tannins, perfect amount of spice and extremely smooth.

K Vintners “The Beautiful” Syrah 2010, Walla Walla, Washington

Syrah from North America is a tough sell to consumers. Our North American Syrah section is minimal. Consumers are not buying them nor are they looking to buy them. This is unfortunate because North American Syrah is very good.

The Syrah market in California has been stagnant for sometime now, but its northern neighbor Washington State has seen a boom of Syrah producing wineries.  Top quality regions for Syrah in Washington State are the Columbia Valley and Walla Walla. The climate of these regions typically means sunny warm dry days and cool nights, making it perfect for the Syrah grape. Syrah from these regions produce a plump, full-bodied, ripe wine with a perfect amount of acidity.

Winemaker Charles Smith is literally a rock star in the Washington State wine community. A former band manager turned self-taught wine maker, Smith has been making premium Syrah since 2001. Smith’s high-end wines often sell out immediately and are very hard to get, “The Beautiful” being one of them.

The views and opinions expressed in the column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of BethesdaNow.com.

Community discussion guidelines: Our sponsored columns are written by members of the local business community. While we encourage a robust and open discussion, we ask that all reviews of the businesses — good or bad — be directed to another venue, like Yelp. The comments section is intended for a conversation about the topic of the article.

Editor’s Note: This new weekly sponsored column is written by the staff of Georgetown Square Wine and Beer (10400 Old Georgetown Road).

Merlot could be the world’s most misunderstood wine varietal. Sales have decreased and planted acreage of Merlot has plummeted in California all since… a movie came out.

Yup, a 2004 movie called Sideways, which had one of the main characters blast Merlot the entire movie. Since the release of Sideways, Merlot sales in the U.S. have steadily declined.

Merlot’s problems are not a quality and taste issue. It’s a marketing problem. When was the last time a sommelier at a restaurant recommended a Merlot to pair with your dinner? It’s probably been a while.

Most people have it in their head that Merlot is a non-quality grape. This couldn’t be further from the truth. California still grows Merlot in it’s top wine producing regions but use most of it for blending purposes, almost hiding Merlot from standing alone. One region has done the opposite the past few decades and has embraced Merlot as a regional wine, Washington state.

The marriage between Washington state and Merlot is a perfect one. Most believed Washington could not become a high quality wine producing region due to it’s cold climate, but with days filled with sunshine and great soil for wine-making, Washington state has become a major region producing great white wine and supple reds.

Merlots from Washington state struggle to grow through the volcanic and glacial soils, this struggle is a good thing when it comes to wine growing. Along with the warm sunny days and cool nights, winemakers turn these Merlot grapes into bold lush wines that can stand up to a California cab any day of the week.

Here are a few of my favorite Washington state Merlot we have in stock.

Columbia Crest Grand Estates Merlot 2008

Columbia Crest is one of Washington state’s most well-known wineries. Situated in the state’s biggest wine growing region, the Columbia Valley, this Merlot is an excellent value wine. 89 points “Best Value” from Wine Spectator.

Chateau St Michelle Indian Wells Merlot 2008

From Chateau St Michelle’s Indian wells vineyard this Merlot offers a fantastic full-bodied wine that will pair nicely with any pasta dish or grilled meats. 90 points from Wine Spectator.

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Editor’s Note: This new weekly sponsored column is written by the staff of Georgetown Square Wine and Beer (10400 Old Georgetown Road).

It’s the holiday season more and more customers are asking for a great gift recommendation for their loved ones. Any wine lover would be perfectly content with a nice high-end Cabernet or even a bottle of champagne. However, if you want to get a wine that someone special can enjoy for a few winter nights, port is definitely the way to go as some ports can keep up to a month after opening.

Port is a fortified wine from the mountainous Douro Valley in Northern Portugal. Under strict guidelines of the European Union protected designation of origin, only wines from Portugal may be labeled Port or Porto. The grapes used to make ports are a variety of grapes grown in the Douro region that are blended together.

After this process winemakers let the fermentation process begin as the yeast starts to convert sugar into alcohol (some wineries still do traditional foot pressing). A few days later, winemakers add in a neutral grape spirit or brandy to stop the fermentation process, leaving the wine with a load of residual sugar and higher alcohol content (18% – 22% a.b.v.). This sweetness and heavy alcohol content is why port is considered a dessert wine, after dinner wine, or (for me) a nightcap.

Port wine comes in many different styles. Each style is dependent on all how the port has been vinified, stored, and aged. The two main categories of port are wood aged and bottle aged, and each has many subcategories. For the purpose of simplicity and this article, I am going to write about the most popular and best-selling styles ports.

Tawny Port

Tawny port is the most bought and served port in Portugal and the rest of the world. Tawny ports are made from red grapes that are aged in wooden barrels that allow a slight amount of oxygen inside allowing the wine to slowly oxidize. As the wine oxidizes in the barrel the color of the wine turns from a dark red color to a beautiful golden brown color. Tawny ports come in four official categories — 10 year, 20 year, 30 year, and 40 year — all based on the average age of the blends used. The longer these wines spend in wood, the more complexities are derived from the wine. Tawny’s typically have a distinct nuttiness with butterscotch and vanilla flavors that make this style of port absolutely delicious. Here are two of my favorite Tawny ports.

Quinta De La Rosa Tawny Porto

This is house port of a small family owned vineyard in Northern Portugal. This port has been aged a minimum of two years, and offers complexity not found in ports in the same price range. Great for anyone trying port for the first time, and can be served over ice.

Graham’s 20 year Tawny Porto

“20 year” does not indicate actual age of the wine but indicates average age. So this particular wine has older wine that adds complexity and younger, fresher wines that add vibrant fruit flavors that make this port an incredible blend. This port is also very rich and elegant. Makes a perfect gift for the holidays or an anniversary.

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Editor’s Note: This new weekly sponsored column is written by the staff of Georgetown Square Wine and Beer (10400 Old Georgetown Road).

As Thanksgiving rapidly approaches, the most important thing to remember is that the holiday is a time to reflect on what we are thankful for.

And we certainly can be thankful for holiday food and wine!

Whether you are making the meal or visiting someone else’s table, serving or bringing a bottle of wine takes skill in choosing to compliment the cook’s feast.

A typical Thanksgiving meal offers up many dishes other than a giant turkey. We’ve decided to recommend some great wines that are known for pairing well with white meat, while being versatile enough to pair with any other dish on a Thanksgiving table. When eating turkey, wine experts usually recommend Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay for whites and Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Syrah/Shiraz and Beaujolais Nouveau (just arrived!) for reds.

Here are some of our favorite wines that will pair nicely with your Thanksgiving feast.

Paraiso Pinot Noir-2009-Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey California

Pinot Noir is the dominant grape grown in the Santa Lucia Highlands. The highlands cascade off the eastern shoulders of the Santa Lucia Mountains around the city of Soledad.

The Highlands are known for producing slightly higher-octane pinots than cooler regions.

Paraiso Vineyards is owned and operated by the Smith family who has been producing wines here since 1973 on their 400-acre estate. It is SIP certified meaning it is a sustainable winery meeting the environmental requirements outlined in the rules to reach such standards.

This particular Pinot has a beautiful deep berry color with a powerful aroma, rich, slightly dry, jammy and bold with a peppery finish.

This wine would compliment the dark meat of the turkey, a bold stuffing such as sausage or ham corn bread with fennel, or a rich bread pudding, au-gratin potato casserole, mac and cheese with gruyere, Brussels sprouts or cauliflower, turnips an array of salty olives, strong cheeses.

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Editor’s Note: This new weekly sponsored column is written by the staff of Georgetown Square Wine and Beer (10400 Old Georgetown Road).

With the holiday season right around the corner, wine consumption will definitely be on the rise. For some people, buying a bottle of wine from a store with a large selection can be a daunting task. With so many different wines with different labels from various regions throughout the world, it’s difficult to know what wine to choose. Without going into specifics about grapes, I’m going to give you some tips on how to buy a perfect bottle of wine for any occasion.

What are you willing to spend?

This is always the first question we ask when assisting a customer buy a bottle of wine. These days you can find a nice bottle of wine in any price range depending on what kind of complexity of flavors you are looking for.  We typically recommend three price ranges to our customers, under $10, $10-$15 dollars or over $20.  As a consumer, you should be aware of your wine allowance before you walk into a store and stick to your budget. You do not want to go into a wine shop with a budget of $20 and leave with a bottle that is $30-$40. Even if the wine is great, you won’t be walking out happy and will not find the same enjoyment in the wine. You can find a fantastic wine under any budget for any occasion.

What are your tastes and preferences?

Next question we simply ask is, what kind of wine do you like? First time wine buyers usually reply with: “Wines that tastes good.” This is true for all us wine drinkers but figuring out the exact type you enjoy, paired with certain foods, will go a long way in creating a wonderful wine-drinking experience. Simple questions to ask yourself in regards to your wine preferences include:

• Do you prefer white wine or red wine?
• Do you like dry or sweet?
• Light, medium or full-bodied?

It is important to know your tastes and likes rather than a wine publication’s or wine merchant selling you wine. They may recommend a perfectly good wine that most people like, but that is not exactly your preference or taste. Another issue that comes up quite often is a consumer having a wine they enjoyed at a dinner party or at a restaurant but can not remember the name. To combat this issue, take a picture of the wine or write the wine maker, type the year down on a notepad (or in these times, your phone). A friendly wine merchant will be able help you locate that particular bottle or something similar to the wine you were looking for. Best rule: Buy the wine you will drink.

What’s for Dinner?

When buying wine for a meal or dinner party, you have to consider the best wine pairing for the main dish. There are some basic guidelines and questions you should ask yourself before buying a wine for a meal:

• Is the meal going to be light or heavy?
• Is the meal going to be fatty or lean?
• Is the meal going to be rich or acidic?

With these characteristics in mind, you must try and keep flavors of the wine and meal in balance. Pair light foods with mild light wines, pair big, heavy, flavorful foods with big, heavy wines, and pair acidic food with acidic wines. If you are eating a meal with a heavy acidic content, you should go with an acidic wine to maintain the acids in the food. However, you should not mix acidic foods with a heavy creamy wine. They simply do not mix and will give off a metallic taste that no one likes.

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Editor’s Note: This new weekly sponsored column is written by the staff of Georgetown Square Wine and Beer (10400 Old Georgetown Road).

With fall weather approaching, I’ve been suggesting Zinfandels to customers looking for suggestions. Most of the time the customer says, “No, no, no, I don’t want sweet or a white Zinfandel.” I have to quickly point out I’m talking about a red Zinfandel, which are fruit forward medium bodied delicious red wines.

Zinfandel happens to be California’s oldest grape. Although not originally from California, its roots have been traced to be from Croatia or Italy’s Puglia region depending on whom you ask.

Zinfandel is also the same grape as the Italian red wine called Primitivo. The word Primitivo in Italian means “early one”. The red wine and its grapes are called Primitivo because of its early ripening nature. Classic Primitivos from Italy tend to have a darker color with rich and concentrated black fruit notes, which is different from California Zinfandels that tend to have bright juicy red fruit flavor notes. This difference in style is directly correlated with the difference in climate.

Northern California, like most Zinfandel growing regions, has cooler temperatures, and Puglia (Southern Italy) has much warmer temperatures. Both styles are easy drinking red wines with great fruit that offer an alternative to your everyday Cabernet Sauvignon.

Here are a few of my favorite Zinfandels:

Campus Oaks Old Vine Zinfandel 2008, Lodi California

This Zinfandel is sourced from vines that are over eighty years old, which yields grapes with a more concentrated flavor. Most Old Vine Zinfandels retail well over twenty dollars, but not this great value Zin. For around fifteen dollars you are going to get a very well made wine. With great red fruit, a hint of vanilla, and pepper with medium tannins this wine will pair well with an array of BBQ meats to satisfy the Saturday and Sunday football crowd.

Seghesio Sonoma Zinfandel 2010, Healdsburg, California

Easily one of my favorite wines we carry. Originally from Italy, the Seghesio family vineyard has been around for over one hundred years! This Sonoma Zin has the perfect balance of old world techniques from Italy with vines that have the pleasure of being in Sonoma County, California. Wine Enthusiast rated this wine a 93 out of 100 points, which is very rare for a California Zin under thirty dollars. This wine is more full-bodied than your normal Zin and gives off amazing red fruit notes with hint of blueberry towards the finish. Finishes absolutely delicious.

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Editor’s Note: This new weekly sponsored column is written by the staff of Georgetown Square Wine and Beer (10400 Old Georgetown Road).

Since our economy’s latest recession in 2008, there hasn’t been a hotter wine varietal than Malbec. Sales have soared in the U.S. and some Malbec-producing regions have increased their production by almost 50%. Why?

Value and quality. Not many wines can give you high-end quality at an affordable price. Malbecs under $20 consistently score 90 points or higher in many of the top wine publications. Malbecs also give you the perfect balance between a Cabernet Sauvignon and a Merlot: not too dry with a perfectly soft, smooth, sure-to-please taste.

Here are a few of my favorite Malbecs from three countries that offer different styles: Argentina, California, and France

Cedre Heritage Malbec, Cahors, France

Malbec was one of the original grapes found in Bordeaux. But due to a frost that killed 75% of the crop, the region of Cahors, situated in southwest France, became the stronghold of French Malbec. This particular one from Cahors offers a full body with ample tannins for a great price. Cahors offer a much bolder style of Malbec than most people are used to. I would definitely recommend pairing with hearty meat and some good, fragrant French cheeses.

Andeluna 1300 Malbec, Ucco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina

Malbec put Argentina on the world wine map. Now Argentina owns the Malbec market and there’s a reason: Argentinian Malbecs are awesome. After trailing Chile in wine exports for years, Argentinian wineries led by Nicholas Catena began focusing on quality, not quantity. After this shift from making jug wine to premium wines for export, Argentina has taken advantage of its perfect climate and high-altitude terrain for Malbec growing. This Andeluna is a perfect example of a quality 90-point (Wine Enthusiast) wine for around $15. Andeluna is a terrific plush, smooth wine. It’s the perfect balance of quality without being overpowered with tannins – something typical of many Argentinian Malbecs.

Chancewater Malbec, Lake County, California

When I was first asked if I would like to sample a Malbec from California, I was very skeptical. Malbec grapes from California were mostly used to make red blends such as Meritage, and were not known for great quality. My palate could not have been more surprised when I first tasted this Californian Malbec. Its style is not as fruit-forward as the Malbec from Argentina, nor as dry and full of tannins as the Cahors, but a perfect balance between both regions. I can honestly say the smooth, rich finish reminds me of a high-end Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, but only costs around $20.

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