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Last week, Fifth Avenue Grill sommelier, Glenn Fiedler, made suggestions on alternative white wines to try. This week, we’ve got his choices for great alternative red wines. So forget what you know about Cabernet and Merlot and get ready to try some unique and exciting wines from lesser known varietals and regions.


Alto Moncayo Grenache, Campo de Borja, Spain ($39.99 at ABC Fine Wine & Spirits)

Fiedler suggests Grenache to those who like deeper, berry fruit-driven Pinot Noirs. We tracked down a few bottles of this wine at the North Palm Beach ABC Wine, but Crown can also order it.

Domaine Lazuridi Amethystos. Greece ($45/bottle at Fifth Avenue Grill)

Fiedler challenges those who turn their noses up at Greek wine to try this beautiful Bordeaux style blend. This wine is made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and a splash of a Greek grape called Limnio. It is a very food-friendly wine and goes especially well with steak.

Amethystos is a pretty rare wine in South Florida. Those who want to try it can share a bottle over dinner at Fifth Avenue Grill.

Guelbenzu Evo, Navarra, Spain ($64/bottle at Fifth Avenue Grill)

This is another Bordeaux style blend of Cabernet and Merlot, but this time, it’s blended with the Spanish grape, Tempranillo. This is another wine you’ll have trouble finding in local retail stores, although Crown Wine may be able to order it.

Cloud 9 Composition, California ($70/bottle at Fifth Avenue Grill)

Fiedler calls this wine a “wild blend of grapes” that includes Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Petite Verdot, and Barbera. It’s a beautiful, complex, and well-balanced wine that goes well with a multitude of foods. Fiedler suggests that traditional Cabernet and Merlot lovers break out of the box and try this wine.

Dominio de Tares Bembibre, Bierzo, Spain ($59.99 at Crown Wine & Spirits)

This big, beautiful wine is made with a lesser-known Spanish grape called Mencia. Fiedler suggests trying this wine with grilled fare like barbeque.

Klinker Brick Old Ghost Old Vines Zinfandel, Lodi, California ($95 at Fifth Avenue Grill)

Fiedler calls this a “massive proportioned zinfandel” that would go well with the biggest grilled meats, rich sauces, and spicy foods. You can try this wine at Fifth Avenue Grill with a spicy steak au poivre, or you can order it from the winery’s website and make a meal at home.

This big, beautiful, jammy wine is another great compliment to rich or spicy foods. This wine is also available online from the winery.

~ Dry ( J. Gwen Berry)

1 Comment

Tomassina Alari-beach on November 15, 2009 at 15:02

Love the presentation of wines nice to be told where they come from and the specific Grapes used and apleasure to listen to. Will be trying the Reds.

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