The 2009 "Ugly Hanako" is a beautiful wine made from Aglianico grapes and named for our daughter. (Both the wine and daughter are complex). Originally an Italian varietal, these grapes came from across the border in Mexico's Guadeloupe Valley. It is a full bodied red wine, 13% alcohol, complete with strong tannins. The grapes were cold soaked for 4 days before fermentation to extract fruit flavors, which are present in the wine, which expresses the soil of Mexico where it was grown (some people are able to detect a touch of brine). The wine was bulk aged for almost 2 years before bottling in August, 2011. The wine will continue to mellow as time passes by. Only 30 cases produced. This wine is meant to be enjoyed with meals. We suggest meat dishes and / or cheese. Contact us at justice (at) alliance-intl (dot) com with any questions or on Twitter @bluemerlewinery |