Mirassou: the name may be French but the wines are definitely Californian.
The Mirassou family had been growing grapes and making wine in California for more than 150 years before being bought out by E. & J. Gallo in the early 2000s. Mirassou developed and matured during the century and a half since its founding, and it was this family that was instrumental in helping to develop the California style of fruit-forward winemaking.
As an added feature, Mirassou wines have continued to remain in the very affordable price range.
Mirassou 2010 Merlot ($12)The Mirassou 2010 Merlot has a brilliant amethyst color and a full, almost overpowering varietal flavor and aroma.
The wine presents a bold blackberry flavor with a background of black cherries and oak. There is also a fascinating under-flavor that vintners describe as earthy, which adds an extra layer of character and complexity to the wine.
All of these factors combine to make this wine an enjoyable and affordable choice. If you have tired of run-of-the-mill merlot wines, we can assure you that this one is a cut above many in the same price category.
Mirassou 2010 Chardonnay ($12) This wine exudes "California," and it is loaded with an abundance of elegant fruit aromas and flavors.
The Mirassou 2010 Chardonnay is a brilliant combination of the European style and the open and fruity California style.
The aroma is a melange of summer fruits with peach and nectarine being the most prominent. It finishes in a modest undertone of oak and just a hint of vanilla.
It is a very fine wine displaying everything that a great chardonnay should display.
Mirassou 2011 Sauvignon Blanc ($12)Sauvignon blanc grapes can produce wines in the California style, with a melon and citrus flavor - as well as wines in the classical style, with a prominent herbaceous (grassy) flavor.
The Mirassou 2011 Sauvignon Blanc lives in both worlds. It has the classical grassy component, but it is held in check, allowing the California fruit-forward style to stand out. The quality of this wine belies its very reasonable price.
Mirassou 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon ($12)The Mirassou 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon displays all the charm and quality of wines selling for considerably higher prices.
It is a wine that is heavy with the flavor of cassis, cherries and plums, a background of oak and a hint of mint.
It is a delightful wine that permits one to enjoy a high quality cabernet sauvignon without destroying the budget. It is not hard for us to recommend this cab; it is a great buy for the money.
Mirassou 2011 Pinot Noir ($12)Take one of the great soft and smooth French pinot noir wines, add a load of fruit and you have the Mirassou 2011 Pinot Noir.
The true California fruit-forward style is there but also present is the finesse and character of a French classic.
We are unabashed pinot noir lovers and can safely call this wine a true modern classic.
Mirassou 2011 Pinot Grigio ($12)If you like pinot grigio, you will love this wine. If you have never tried this variety, you have missed a great treat.
This is a soft, straw-colored dry wine with a rich fruity bouquet, a lively raisin/grape flavor and a long, fruit-filled finish that can accompany almost any meal.
Mirassou 2011 Riesling ($12) Who said you have to be German to make a really fine riesling?
The Mirassou 2011 Riesling offers a superb treatment of the grape variety.
It is a wine that exhibits a broad spectrum of flavors and aromas - with peaches, apricots, pineapple and apple being the most prominent. The fruit acid is finely balanced and adds a modest background of citrus to this very enjoyable wine.
Nixa resident Bennet Bodenstein is a wine columnist and helps manage ArticlesOnWine.com with his wife, Sheila. He can be reached at frojhe@suddenlink.net.[[In-content Ad]]
