Top 10 wines in the US press

Kaltern-Caldaro, Alto Adige DOC, Campaner Schiava 2014, Italy

Rebecca Murphy of the Dallas Morning News kicks off our US press round-up this week.

Schiava (ski-AH-vah) is considered native to the northeasternmost region of Italy, called Sudtirol in German and Alto Adige in Italian.

It is a red grape that yields light-colored, juicy berry wines like this one from the cooperative winery Kaltern-Caldaro.

Slightly floral aromas introduce festive red cherry, cranberry and raspberry flavors zapped with tangy acidity. Serve this light-bodied wine with your favorite charcuterie or a cold pasta salad.

2014 Toad Hollow Merlot, Russian River Valley, Sonoma, California

“Drinking this merlot is fun,” writes San Diego Union-Tribune wine writer Michele Parente in her column this week.

“I loved its currant, black cherry and red berry notes, its plumpness in the mouth, yet sturdy structure.

“It’s not trying to be a Napa merlot, which lives in the shadow of King Cab. Instead, this is a lively, medium-bodied, berry-licious wine that will defy any attempt to make it more ponderous than that.”

Carrick Unravelled Pinot Noir 2013, Central Otago, New Zealand

Next, Dave McIntyre at the Washington Post takes us through his top wine tips for the advent of spring.

“Central Otago is known for two things: the scenery in the Lord of the Rings films and some of the world’s best Pinot Noir.

“This is a rich, spicy one, nicely balancing the earth of the mountains, the wind of the island climate and the fire within. Well, okay, it’s a darn nice wine.”

Waitsburg Cellars Three 2013, Yakima Valley, Washington

“Delightful”. It’s as simple as that for McIntyre and his next pick.

“This is a blend of three white grapes from southern France: Grenache Blanc – which is trendy in California – plus Marsanne and Picpoul.

“Winemaker Paul Gregutt has crafted a wine combining exotic tropical fruit and the aromas of a secret garden on a cool summer evening.

“Try this with seafood salad, shrimp off the grill or even by itself.”

Weinert Carrascal 2010, Mendoza, Argentina

“This blend of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot is more Old World in style than most Argentine wines”, McIntyre continues.

“It offers savoury, smoky aromas and flavours rather than bold fruits.

“Grill some steak and compare this with a more modern-style Mendoza wine, and I’d wager you’ll favour the fruitier wine at first, then gravitate toward this one.”

“In the glass, the wine is yellow with green tints. Floral and citrus aromas lead to an intense flavour.

“Athiri adds the aroma, while the intense flavours are typical of the Assyritiko grape. Refreshing acidity and a mineral aftertaste come from the volcanic soil found throughout the island.”

K Vintners Walla Walla Syrah the Beautiful 2013

Next, Aric Asimov of the New York Times gives a terse assessment of his favourite Washington Syrahs, beginning with K Vinters offering which is described as “well balanced, with aromas and flavours of roasted meat, flowers and red fruit.”

Reynvaan Walla Walla Syrah In the Rocks Vineyard 2013

“Old World style, with smoky, meaty, floral aromas; juicy and compelling”, is how Asimov sums up this Syrah.

Chateau Vartely “Individo” Feteasca Neagra Moldova 2014

“This elegant dry red made from the native Feteasca Neagra grape offers smooth tannins, creamy texture and flavours of dark berries and plum that intensify the longer it sits in the glass,” writes Sandra Silfven of the Detroit News.

“Chateau Vartely models itself after a French Chateau – growing all its own grapes and making the wine in their cellar.”

Albastrele Pinot Grigio Moldova 2014

Finally, Silfven picks this Moldovan wine to sum up our round-up: “Closed with a screw cap and dressed in an elegant label, this Grigio has spot-on varietal character with lime, pineapple, melon and herbal notes braced with sturdy acidity.”