Wine
Until its recent surge in popularity with Argentinian offerings, malbec was known primarily as a great blending grape. It still is, and Exhibit A is the 2011 Famiglia Meschini Malbec-Syrah ($13), a rich, just-ripe-enough red with equal amounts of each grape. The dark-berry and plum flavors are punched up with some baking spices and nice doses of tannins and mineral, producing a harmonious finish. Slabs of beef, lamb or duck, slow-cooked in a braise or quick-cooked on the grill, make for swell accompaniments.
Available at Century, Tonka Bottle Shop, the Wine Shop, France 44, South Lyndale, North Loop, Sorella, Thomas and Solo Vino.
Bill Ward
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More From Star Tribune
More From Variety
Business
Finding an apartment may be easier for California pet owners under new legislation
California pet owners struggling to find a rental that accepts their furry, four-legged family members could have an easier time leasing new housing under proposed state legislation that would ban blanket no-pets policies and prohibit landlords from charging additional fees for common companions like cats and dogs.
Variety
4/20 grew from humble roots to marijuana's high holiday
Saturday marks marijuana culture's high holiday, 4/20, when college students gather — at 4:20 p.m. — in clouds of smoke on campus quads and pot shops in legal-weed states thank their customers with discounts.
Nation
Mandisa, Grammy-winning singer and 'American Idol' alum, dies at 47
Mandisa, a contemporary Christian singer who appeared on ''American Idol'' and won a Grammy for her 2013 album 'Overcomer', has died. She was 47.
Variety
How to get rid of NYC rats without brutality? Birth control is one idea
New York lawmakers are proposing rules to humanely drive down the population of rats and other rodents, eyeing contraception and a ban on glue traps as alternatives to poison or a slow, brutal death.
Variety
Not a toddler, not a parent, but still love 'Bluey'? You're not alone
A small blue dog with an Australian accent has captured the hearts of people across the world.
