***Ernest & Julio Gallo***

This is still to date a family run business with the 3rd generation of Gallo's still growing grapes and producing fine wines for us to enjoy.
Ernest and Julio Gallo founded their winery in sunny California. The began with nothing but sheer love for wine and determination to make this dream a success.

***Taste***

Ernest & Julio Gallo White Grenache is a wonderful medium dry white wine. The taste is not too harsh as I find with many wines I have tried previously. I would usually go for white zinfandel, but have definatley been converted to grenache. I find that this wine is far more easier to drink than others. Which I suppose could be classed as a con rather than a pro if you are unable to gauge your alcohol consumption as I sometimes find when amongst a good group of friends. This wine is very tasty, with lots of different fruits to tickle your taste buds. With the fruity ingredients containing grenache grapes, strawberries watermelon and a dash of floral and spice flavourings this an excellent wine choice.

***Food Combination***

The inspiration for this review comes from having an evening in with my friend Lauren. Lauren made a fantastic meal and the Ernest & Julio Gallo White Grenache was a lovely compliment. For starters we had crusty rolls with a balsamic vinegar and olive oil dip. Then for the main we had, home-made turkey meatballs, filled with mozzerella cheese and tomato and herb based sauce, served on a bed of brown spagetti. We did also plan on having some 'after eight' chocolates to follow, however after a a couple of bottles of white grenache we were deep in conversation and forgot all about the chocolate. Any wine that has women forgetting about chocolate must be quite magical in my book. Lauren and I also had this little get together on a school night. I know. Bad Girls. Although, when waking up for work the following morning, I felt fresh as a daisy. I was very impressed with this as I am not usually a happy chappy after having a few drinks and having to wake up early. But the white grenache left now horrible feeling to wake up with, always a plus.

***Cocktail Ideas***

I had a look at the Gallo Family website :

http://www.gallofamily.co.uk

And found some recipes for cocktails that I thought may be a nice idea to share with you. These recipes were devised exclusively for the Gallo family. I definatley will be trying these recipes out myself, maybe as part of a dinner party or just a night in with the girlies.

Gallo Rosito - For this drink you will need a 100ml serving of white grenache, 30ml serving of ginger ale, mixed with 2 strawberries and 2 raspberries, shake well and pour over ice. Garnish this with more strawberries.

Gallo Summer Fruit Spritzer - For this creation 100ml of white grenache and 30ml of soda water or lemonade is required. Although this is a pretty average wine spritzer combination. Why not be creative and add a slice of cucumber and a sprig of mint?

Gallo california Cosmo - This is a great girly drink and really easy to make. Just adding 35ml of white grenache, 25ml vodka citron, 12.5ml cointreau, 10ml fresh lime juice and 30ml soda water, give it a shake and a strain and add a lemon twist for this great creation.

***Tasting***

When tasting wine, if you give your glass a good swirl the more wine that sticks to the glass indicates a higher alcohol content.
When smelling wine, give your glas another good swirl, firstly have a short sniff and then a deep one, see what kinds of smells you can pick out, fruit? flowers?
When tasting the wine you should rinse the wine around your mouth, picking out the individual tastes. Deciding if you find the wine fruity or more acidic. Or if the wine leaves an after taste.
This way you can tell what wine you prefer and what you would rather have for each occasion. Obviously, my suggestion would be a good bottle....or two of Gallo White Grenache for a meal in with friends.

***Price***

The bottles Lauren and I purchased were under £5.00 and this is the general prices for these at all stores. You can purchase Gallo at pretty much every store as it is such a popular wine.
Ernest & Julio Gallo White Grenache is available in 3 different sizes. You can buy it in a box in a bag containing 3L, which would be perfect for a party with friends, there is also a 750ml bottle available which is perfect for 2 as you will get a good 2 medium glasses each out of a bottle. But if you prefer a single serve bottle and just do not like to share there is always a 250ml bottle available.

***Facts***

Body : Light
Alcohol Content : 9.5%
Serving temperature : 10-12C

Thank you for reading :)