Remy Wines Three Wives Red 2010

Review:

A blend of Syrah, Sangiovese, Barbera and Lagrein from Oregon and Washington vineyards. Dark fruits such as blackberry, black cherry, and plum are balanced by moderate tannins and bright acid. Sweet berry and dark plum flavors are invigorated by juicy acidity and dried roses. There's a hint of sweet cedar and some woodsy notes in the finish.

Intriguingly new and subtly different, the Lagrein grapes add something unique to this captivating wine. Lagrein is grown almost exclusively in the Alto Adige region in northwestern Italy. Remy gets her grapes from the one vineyard in Oregon where it is grown. In Italy, it is often used as a blending grape with Pinot noir.

Three Wives wines are really good everyday quaffers. They started as a recreational label for winemaker Remy Drabkin, and the wine varieties vary with each vintage but the quality of the wine never does. The name comes a from a story of mistaken identity on an Alaskan fishing trip, you have to get Remy or one of her parents to tell you – it's great!

By producing elegant and complex Italian varietals grown in the Pacific Northwest, Remy Wines has earned a reputation as a top producer of non- traditional grape varieties. Winemaker Remy Drabkin started the winery in 2006 choosing to focus on Sangiovese, Barbera, Lagrein, and beginning in 2010, Dolcetto. Located in downtown McMinnville, Oregon this small urban winery creates limited production wines that are sourced from a single vineyard and are 100% varietal.

Three Wives
at the Kitchen Table

"A "Friends of Avalon" Story
By Robyn Lillihei

Wine Reviewed:
Remy Wines
Three Wives Red

Three Wives (Remy Wines) lean towards each other with elbows on the kitchen table, managing the repast. They divide to conquer, creating a blended plan of action. Three grapes: one to greet, one to seat, one for meat. Lagrein extends vibrant air kisses upon first bite. Sangiovese propels into the side dishes and dessert, suggesting that you stay awhile. Syrah cautions you to savor your bison burger.
These three embraced our steamed broccoli florets splashed with a little mayo, a lot of fresh squeezed mandarin juice and a tinge of red pepper and grated parmesan. They conspired through brown rice and triticale grains cooked in vegetable stock and fine shaved mushrooms. They welcomed the tiny after dinner taste of dark chocolate.

These wives get along very well indeed – so, do they share one husband or three? It really doesn't matter to me! I intend to invite them back so we can all be together again soon.

- Robyn

Lagrein is grown almost exclusively in the Alto Adige region in northweastern Italy. Remy gets her grapes from the one vineyard in Oregon where it is grown. In Italy, it is often used as a blending grape with Pinot noir.

Remy makes a very limited 100% Lagrein for $60+. The Three Wives Red is the bargain way to try this very different varietal.

2006 Vintage Tasting Notes

Remy Three Wives Red 06 is a seamless blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Syrah. The character of the Sangiovese - dusty, red cherry and plum - is rounded a beefed up by the splash of Syrah. A great table wine from a producer to watch.