Mike Asimos is a wine importer and exporter based out of Portland, but first and foremost Michael is a wine aficionado. It was Mike's passion for wine, which led him to the industry and not the other way round. Another important thing about Mike's choices is that he is far more interested in local wine sources and products from smaller unique vineyards than those from bigger commercial wineries. This is since, in Michael's opinion, bigger commercial wineries with their already reputed lines of brands can't or are loathe to take as many risks as compared to smaller vineyards.
The reason for stating all these is that when you follow Mike Asimos' choices, you can scarcely go wrong. In the present article, we will discuss about some of Asimos' top wine choices for the winter months.
Now, it is common knowledge, and any experienced sommelier would testify to it, that when the temperatures plummet, people look for fuller-bodied wines---wines that are spicier, bolder, richer and have more layers to them and plus plush, in short. Out go the Rosés, the stainless-fermented wines as well as all the lighter-bodied reds such as Pinot Noir, Beaujolais and the like. However, without further ado, here's Mike's top wine choices for winter months.
2014 Kay Brothers Basket Pressed Shiraz
This is a McLaren Vale Shiraz which comes with luscious spice and cassis notes. The owner of the winery, Mr. Colin Kay, states without reserve that no state-of the-art technology goes into the making of this particular product. On the other hand, this Shiraz, as its name suggests, uses a 1928 antique basket press to extract the juice for this wine. And the result is incredible! Just the kind you'll like to pair with that massive steak or grilled lamb of yours. And at $25, it's a steal!
2012 Acinum Amarone Della Valpolicella
This is a heavily layered wine with the alcohol percentage hovering around that 15% mark---just about strong enough for the colder climates?! As a matter of fact, all Amarone products come with a higher than normal potency courtesy their method of drying the grapes before fermentation which also furnishes the wines with unique baking-spice and dried-fruit characteristics. The price tag is $57, so nothing to throw off any wine lover!
2014 Napa Valley Black Chicken Zinfandel from Robert Biale
This is a single-vineyard Zinfandel with a notable dark and spicy savor. Biale's wines have characteristically been of the kind of no holds barred rich and full-bodied. However, what Mike especially appreciates about this product is that, apart from being bold, dark and rich, the wine also happens to be incredibly nuanced. A bottle at $42.
2012 Allegrini Amarone Della Valpolicella Classico
Amarone product and this time from Allegrini---one of the most revered names in this category. The wine is potent, rich, complex and is saturated with a variety of flavors and on a frosty day, you will like nothing better to stand against your steaming cassoulet bowl than this incredibly awesome Amarone. $85 a bottle.
If you want to stay up-to-date with Mike Asimos’ travels and wine suggestions, follow him on Facebook and Twitter. He also has an in-depth blog that is a great guide for anyone interested in learning more about wine.