Gallo goes barefoot

E & J Gallo's new Barefoot range should sell well over the summer months, writes Helen Coburn.

Carl Dennison of E & J Gallo was in town recently to launch the company’s new Barefoot range and show some Family Vineyard and Turning Leaf bottlings. All were well targeted to their market sector, with the Barefoot Pinot Grigio being the best, having a decent palate of slightly spicy apple and pear and it should sell well over the summer months. Turning Leaf Chardonnay 2008 was a toast and spice style with pleasant ripe citrus and the kind of white that can go well with some cheeses. Two Rock Sonoma Chardonnay 2007 was classier but it is more expensive.

Now, I regularly find Gallo tastings a bit frustrating in that the best wines, often from the family ranches, are rarely if ever available in Ireland, and so it was here. The finest wine of the bunch was Barrelli Creek Cabernet 2006. This was beautifully structured with well defined, leafy blackcurrant flavours and some laying down potential. It’s $25-30 on the US market so it’s not too over the top for a fine wine. Independents who reckon they could sell some should make enquiries. All details from Cassidy Wines at contact@cassidywines.com.


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