Here are two great reds to ease the holiday hangover and take the mind off of dieting and paying down credit card debt! Tiger Woods doesn’t have to be our only distraction.

Take solace in Tenuta San Guido’s

2006 Le Difese Toscana IGT $25

a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Sangiovese that shows the breeding, if not depth, of parent wine SASSICAIA, one of the most counterfeited wines in the world. The Le Difese is structured and somewhat formal as you would expect with a serious old world Cabernet, but the little hint of Sangiovese gives a sexy, sweet cherry edge.

California Malbec is a growing category, as the varietal soars in popularity thanks to the success stories coming out of Argentina left and right, and the

2008 Ryland Malbec Contra Costa County $24

is a top example, showing deep blueberry fruit, violet, and about half the sweet oak one would expect from a California version. Excellent, balanced, supple, and very drinkable.  Visit www.CanaWines.com or the parent winery, Tamayo Family Winery in Brentwood, California.

Basil Magazine

January 2010

DRINKS Column

Grape Variety: Malbec

grape goddess Catherine Fallis profiles the dark, voluptuous Malbec grape in its various interpretations around the world.

 http://basilmagazine.com/cms2/view.htm/58/915/Drink