Alasia Barolo 2014

Comprised of varietals that flourish in Paso Robles’ distinct growing region, Troublemaker consists of Syrah, Grenache, Petite Sirah, Mourvèdre and Zinfandel. Syrah is the backbone of the wine, setting the stage for a fruit-forward style and a full body. Petite Sirah contributes to the deep ruby color. Sweet and bright red fruit flavors of Grenache blend with the rustic and lively flavors of the Mourvèdre, while Zinfandel adds its signature zing to round out the blend. Troublemaker Blend 11 has an opaque purple-black color and is bursting with jammy black fruits like boysenberry and blackberry, along with a spicy raspberry note. The juicy fruit notes are accentuated by underlying tones of smoke, pink peppercorns, green tobacco leaves, dark roasted coffee and dark chocolate. Velvety tannins and balancing acidity bring out the vibrant fruit character of this complex blend. Hope Family Wines

Blend: 100% Tannat Location: Canelones Tasting Note: Winter flowers, Madagascar vanilla bean, chocolate and tiramisu. Polished tannins, honey like texture and a lovely sweetness accompanies by a long finish Vinification: Made by combining two different Italian winemaking techniques, Barolo Chinato (where wine is infused with herbs) and Marsala (fortified with grape spirit). Inspired in these techniques the winemakers aromatises and fortifies the base wine, that has been aged in oak barrels for several years Food Match: Any chocolate based dessert, including coffee, vanilla and dark cherries such as tiramisu, black forest gateau or chocolate fondant

Memorably described at a tasting as '1/2 Tawny Port, 1/2 Vin Santo, and 1/2 Amontillado Sherry, and yes I know that makes 3', this is exquisite. Made from the Narince grape (incidentally the most widely plant vine in Turkey, but mainly for it's edible vine leaves) the wine is fortified and then spends 12 years maturing barrel before bottling. An initial whiff of rancio notes leads into a palate bursting with sweet baked apple and before the sugar becomes overpowering a long dry finish emerges. Trust me,even a banquet, not a drop of this will be left undrunk...