When we think of a French Appellation - or, as its more technically known, as Appellation d'Origine Controlee - wine is the first, and usually the only, thing that comes to mind. But in 1925 a southern region in France known for its salty ewe's milk blue cheese was the first cheese-making region to receive a formal AOC seal - a credential that all the wineries are hoping for in France.

Well, Roquefort, the blue-cheese, is now a 87 year old establishement and pairs beautifully with the classic French Sauternes. Located near France's cooler Atlantic coast, the appellation Sauternes is known for its sweet dessert wines made from Semillon, sauvignon blanc, and muscadelle grapes. These intensely honeyed, opulent wines have come to be viewed as an iconic match for Roquefort' pungent blue-viened cheeses. One of the nicest (but not so pocket-friendly) Sauterne's Chateau d'Yquem can be picked up at the B-Bar at Select City mall in Saket along with the delicious Roquefort cheese.

Something very interesting and delicious i came across through my French friends, who introduced me to Pineau des Charantes. It is a traditional local vin de liqueur of the cognac region in France and is often served as a sweet apertif in wine bars in Bordeaux.

The wine is made by adding young Cognac straight from the barrel to a fermenting wine, thereby halting fermentation. Thus, Pineau des Charantes, in the simplest sense, brandy mixed with grape juice.

If you like the malbec wines coming out of Argentina, you should try Spanish Tempranillo. Both are deeply flavored and earthy, with touches of cocoa, vanilla, and spice, and both have great structure. Malbec was orignally one of the six red blending grapes of Bordeaux, but in warmer climates like Argentina's wine made from it tends to be fuller body and more lush.

Wines made from Spanish tempranillo are labeled by where they come from - Rioja, Ribera del Duero, Toro, and so on. Like malbec, modern versions of these wines are rich and smooth. Often both Argentinean malbec and Spanish tempranillo-based wines possess an endearing rustic charm thats's worth trying, especially if it's a cold fall night and there's a roast in the oven.

I have yet to open the Trapiche malbec but i did try San Ramon Tempranillo last night and will post the tasting notes under the Wine Reviews section. Its a must love one! 

Chinese New Year began on Jan 23, 2012 and will go on until Feb 9, 2013 i.e. exactly one year from now. This year brings us the year of the dragon, a creature of legend, of power, and of fortune. People who are born under this most potent symbol can be intense and passionate, although at times a bit stubborn. But they’re standing on principle, not ego. They’re also loyal and giving, offering aid to others but never asking for help in return. It may take some time to get to know then, but patience will often be rewarded with a friendship of depth.  

Now lets look at from the Wine Horoscope point of view - If people are born in a dragon year were a wine, they’d be a Barolo, that fierce, vibrant, and robust red from northern Italy, renowned for its power and the patience needed to age it – a patience that will often be rewarded with a wine of depth.