TasteMaker HOU

GOT WORLD CUP FEVER? - WHAT'S IN YOUR CUP?

World Cup fever has caught the US by storm. The bars are packed, lunch meetings require a television and people traveling on airplanes have their noses glued to their seat front. It's all-out mayhem! To celebrate the world's most popular sporting event, I picked a spectacular wine from eight countries involved in this year's tournament. Though some of the teams mentioned didn't fare too well against their competition, I promise these bottles are all serious contenders for taking home the cup. Game on!!!

USA
2012 Morgan "Metallico" Un-oaked Chardonnay Santa Lucia Highlands
~ $22/bottle
Our home team might be underdogs, but we'll bet on 'em any day of the week. Apparently this Chardonnay is also one you should bet on, as Wine Spectator just gave it 90-points and the lead spot on its "Top Values" in this month's issue. Stone fruit, melon, spiced ginger and steely minerality deliver the winning shot as time runs out. ~ 90-points Wine Spectator

GERMANY
2012 Ehlen "Erdener Treppchen Kabinett" Riesling Mosel
~ $20/bottle
The Germans won their group and are looking like a lean, mean fighting machine. This Riesling from the Mosel follows their lead and is going full speed ahead. High-toned notes of citrus, apricots, petrol and slate strike the palate with precision. This all-star bottle is one you best not ignore if you're looking to advance to the next round.

PORTUGAL
2013 Quinta da Raza Vinho Verde
~ $13/bottle
A big thanks to Portugal for beating Ghana and helping us advance into the next round. To help send them on their early vacation, we've dialed up this crisp, clean and delicious Portuguese white that's the perfect poolside companion for beating the summer heat. Don't overthink it... this is just seriously groovy juice that delivers the goods in the glass.

ITALY
2012 Tenuta Ca' Bolani "Aquilis" Sauvignon Blanc
~ $33/bottle
Italy may have forgotten to bring their A-game in recent weeks, but this Sauv. Blanc from Friuli is dominating the pitch from the word go. Electric notes of lime blossom, chalk, tropical fruits, ginger and a steely crunch hit the goal from wherever it shoots. Honestly, one sip and you'll be celebrating your palate's victory for days on end.

FRANCE
2011 Frédéric Magnien Cote de Nuits-Villages Blanc Coeur de Pierres
~ $35/bottle
Le Bleu are firing on all cylinders and are looking to make quite a splash in the upcoming rounds. This Chardonnay from one of my favorite Burgundians also knows how to deliver the knockout blow. Succulent layers of citrus and chalk catch lightning in the bottle. Given its pedigree, this is one of the best bargains... Period.

SPAIN
2013 Palacio de Fefiñanes Albariño Rias Baixas
~ $30/bottle
The reigning champions didn't even get on the bus this year, but you'd probably fight for an early exit too if you got to drink Albariño like this every day. Peach custard, green apples, lime and white flowers are on full display, and will have you swooning for your liquid summer siesta in no time. Some fresh fish on the grill and call it a day!

ARGENTINA
2010 Hand of God "Stolen Horse Vineyard" Old Vine Malbec Mendoza
~ $75/bottle
The only red to make this list, it's only fitting I suggest this bottle of purple divine intervention to remember the last time Argentina won the World Cup in 1986. This is just decadent South American goodness that packs some serious punch. Vamos Argentina! ~ 92-points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

AUSTRALIA
2012 Mr. Riggs "Cold Chalk" Chardonnay Adelaide Hills
~ $28/bottle
Australia gave it the old college try but just didn't have the firepower to make it to the next round. Fortunately, this golden goddess from the Adelaide Hills is packed with the ammunition the team lacked. Crisp notes of green apple and lemon custard dive into a flinty pool of steely minerality. You deserve a red card if you don't grab as much of this as you can!

(Wines sold currently by Bounty Hunter and on occasion at Spec's)

I served the Firework Salad w/ Green Goddess Dressing (previous post) and White Peach Sangria on Sunday for Father's Day and so many friends asked for the recipes, so here ya' go...

WHITE PEACH SANGRIA

• 1 (750 ml) bottle of Muscato
• 1 cup peach nectar (popular brands are Jumex or Kern’s)
• 3/4 cup peach liqueur
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (although to be fancy I substituted with mango juice)
• 2 white peaches, pitted and sliced, plus more for garnish
• 1 orange, cut into half wheels, plus more for garnish
• Ice cubes

Combine all of the ingredients in a 2-quart pitcher and stir gently. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours. Serve over ice and garnish with the fresh peach and orange slices. Drink Up! Then call a cab for all your friends :-P