The New Hot Wine Brands - Picked by Wine Business Monthly Magazine

THE NEW HOT WINE BRANDS

Each year, a leading wine industry magazine, Wine Business Monthly, recognizes ten wine brands from across the nation for “doing something special, innovative, curious, adventurous and, of course, delicious.”  It’s worth searching for a bottle of these wines.  I tasted them at the recent Unified Wine and Grape Symposium in Sacramento and they are truly delicious.    

Rusty Folena, winemaker, (l),
 and Bobby Gullett of Vino Noceto

Vino Noceto, located in the Sierra Foothills region of Amador County, has had a pioneering role in establishing the noble Tuscan varietal, Sangiovese, in California. For 27 years, the owners of Noceto have worked this notoriously finicky varietal and produced consistently delicious results. Try the Noceto Sangiovese. It is medium-bodied, fruit-packed, easy-drinking and well-balanced and a highly versatile wine with food.  One of my favorites. 14.2 percent alcohol. $18 the bottle.  www.noceto.com

Rotie Cellars,  Walla Walla, WA, prides itself in making old world wines from new world vines.  Their 2011 Southern Blend features 65 percent Grenache, 23 percent Mourvedre, 6 percent Syrah and 6 percent Cinsault.  Winemaker Sean Boyd says of this blend:  “notes of white pepper, black currant, and raspberry on the nose. Being Grenache dominant, bright red fruits with rhubarb and cranberry prevail on the mid-palate, following through to anise and pepper in a long, smooth finish.” 14 percent alcohol.  $40 the bottle.  www.rotiecellars.com

 

Penny Gadd-Coster,
winemaker, Rack & Riddle

The sparkling Blanc de Noirs from Rack & Riddle, Sonoma County, is a tribute to winemaker Penny Gadd-Coster.  This scrumptious North Coast bubbly is produced from 100 percent Pinot Noir, and features flavors of Brioche and a hint of berry, with bright citrus in the aromas.  Fine bubbles enhance these flavors in the mouth, and there is a lingering finish of citrus.  12.5 percent alcohol.  $22 the bottle.  www.rackandriddle.com

Frogtown Cellars, Dahlonega, GA, was lauded for its 2009 Petit Verdot, but sadly, no more seems to be available!  Based on the terroir, if you want to try a wine from this winery, I’d suggest the Frogtown Applause.  This is primarily a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Tannat, and Touriga Nacional. “Dark fruit aromas and tastes of blackberry and cassis are bound together with a hint of vanilla and tobacco. This is a very supple wine. It is delicate and complex and easy to drink,” says the winemaker. $21.99 the bottle.  www.frogtownwine.com

Lake Sonoma Winery featured its 2010 Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel.       The classic ripe and jammy aromas have nice toasted oak notes, and rich black fruit flavors. It’s a tannic wine, but has nicely balanced acidity.  15.3 percent alcohol.  $35 the bottle.  www.lakesonomawinery.com

 

Molly Drew of
Drew Family Cellars

Drew Family Cellars produced its 2011 Syrah from grapes grown in the Valenti Vineyard on top of Greenwood Ridge, in the Mendocino Ridge AVA which is a challenging place to grow winegrapes. Daily maritime winds and cooler temperatures give notable results, as this wine also was declared a Top 100 Wine of the Year 2013 by Wines & Spirits Magazine. There are flavors of boysenberry, blackberry, white pepper and dark chocolate in this wine, with a pleasant minerality. Firm and velvety tannins lead the way to a long finish. Yummy. 12.8 percent alcohol. $40 the bottle. www.drewwines.com

 

Cowhorn Vineyard & Garden, Applegate Valley, Oregon, produces the 2012 Spiral 36, a blend of 50% Viognier, 305 Marsanne and 20% Roussanne.  The tropical and citrus fruit flavors persist on the palate and this wine is great for sipping alone or with full-flavored dishes and strong cheeses. 13.5 percent alcohol.  $28 the bottle.  www.cowhornwine.com

Steve Matthiasson, Winemaker,
Matthiasson

Matthiasson’s 2012 Napa Valley Chardonnay, Linda Vista Vineyard, is a small-production wine crafted lovingly by Steve Matthiasson.  Only 1200 cases were produced.   It is juicy with notes of Bartlett pear, green apple, white peach and Crenshaw melon, with a touch of lemon.  Nice and bright with minerality and acidity that are beautifully balanced.   13.5 percent alcohol.  $25 the bottle.  www.matthiasson.com

 

Lange Twins Family Winery and Vineyards showcased its 2012 Estate Grown Sauvignon Blanc.  It’s hard not to love Lodi wines, particularly the jammy Zinfandel grown there, and this Lodi Sauvignon Blanc is absolutely delicious and very affordable.   I liked the bright aroma of lemon that makes it refreshing, and the melon hints add to that impression.  Crisp and clean citrus notes and a tropical touch too make this mouth-watering and with a nice acid bite.  13.2 percent alcohol.  $15 the bottle.  www.langetwins.com

Riverbench Vineyard and Winery, Santa Maria, CA, produced a 2011 Estate Pinot Noir that is a great representative of Santa Barbara County’s Pinot Noir.  2011 presented cool temperatures throughout the fall in Santa Barbara County, and the low yields meant complex grape flavors.  This is a full=bodied Pinot Noir that’s deep purple, with juicy flavors of strawberry, raspberry and a touch of smoke and clove.  13.7 percent alcohol.  $28 the bottle.  www.riverbench.com

 

These notes appeared in the February 13 and February 27 issues of my column "Wine Time", written for The Tahoe Weekly.   For on-line versions, go to  http://thetahoeweekly.com/2014/02/new-hot-wine-brands/  and  http://thetahoeweekly.com/2014/02/new-hot-wine-brands-part-ii/ 

 

Zinning in Summer and in Winter too

For lovers of Zinfandel from California, there are two important functions on the “must do” list.  Zinfest, sponsored by the Lodi Wine Commission (www.lodiwine.com) is generally a May event in Lodi.  The Zinfandel Experience, usually held in San Francisco in January, is sponsored by Zinfandel Advocates and Producers (www.zinfandel.org).  Between these two events, you can taste some marvelous wines and learn about the variety of Zinfandel styles from our California vineyards and winemakers.  I’m focusing here on Lodi Zinfandels to encourage you to go to Zinfest.

Some of my favorite Zinfandels are designed “Old Vine.”  Those are wines made from vines planted pre-prohibition, before 1930.  Some old vine roots go as deep as 25 feet so there is consistent access to moisture regardless of whether the year is wet or dry.  Roots which reach through several layers of soil yield special fruit and this is reflected in the wines.

 

Macchia’s 2012 Old Vine Zinfandel “Michievous” comes from five different old vine vineyards near the winery in Acampo, Lodi AVA.  This wine has the classic fruit-forward characteristic of Lodi Zinfandel, and is a lovely deep-hued wine.  There are rich ripe berry flavors and a hint of soft vanilla. 15.5 percent alcohol.  $20 the bottle.  www.macchiawines.com

McCay Cellars 2009 Truluck’s Jupiter comes from a vineyard on the west side of Lodi with 80 year old vines inter-planted with 40 year old vines.  The resulting wine is beautifully structured with layers of flavors like blackberry, black cherry and cola.  It is both spicy and fruity, and round on the palate. This well balanced Zinfandel has soft tannins, a nice acidity, and a long finish. 14.6 percent alcohol.  $32 the bottle.   www.mccaycellars.com

d'art Winery, located in Lodi, is known for its hand crafted wines.  Dave Dart, an artist who is also the winemaker at d’Art, sourced fruit from vines 85 to 125 years old for his 2011 Zinfandel. It is a peppery, fruity Zinfandel that spent 18 months in American oak barrels.  16 per cent alcohol.  $24 the bottle.   www.dartwines.com

Toasted Toad Cellars fruit for its 2010 Zinfandel came from the Clements Hills area of Lodi, near the Mokelumne River  This yummy Zinfandel is bursting with ripe berry flavor, vanilla and spice, and has a deep red color and lasting finish.   Despite the high alcohol (17.2 per cent), which winemaker Jeff Werter purposely decided to not water back to a lower rate, this wine is perfectly balanced. $24 the bottle. www.toastedtoadcellars.com

Zinfandel can be a blending grape too.  Harney Lane Winery, Lodi, does a nice job with its 2012 Dry Rose, using Zinfandel, Tempranillo and Petite Sirah.  Warm weather is not far away.  Grab some of this.  13.9 percent alcohol. $17 the bottle.  www.harneylane.com

 

What could be more perfect than tasting these wines in Lodi in the summer?   Note to self: hats and suntan lotion a must!

Great Wines from Family Wineries featured at San Francisco Event

The Family Winemakers of California annual tasting in San Francisco is a first-class tasting event, focusing on the many good wines that come from small and medium sized wineries. I tasted dozens of wines and recommend the following.  Most are available directly from the winery, some are available in wine shops, and a few sell out quickly – so don’t delay ordering if these sound good to you.

Diane of Auriga

Diane Stading of Auriga Wine Cellars poured their 2010 Zinfandel among other wines.  This wine, made from El Dorado County grapes grown on 35 year old vines on the ridge of the Sumu Kaw Vineyard near Placerville, features an intense fruitiness.  It is big and bold and juicy, well balanced with bright notes and good acidity.  The flavor also had notes of Bing cherry, with deep grape flavors, nice spices and pepper tones along with vanilla and oak on the finish. “This is one of my finest zinfandels,” said the winemaker. 15 per cent alcohol. $24/ bottle.  www.aurigawines.com

Larry of Frog's Tooth, left,
pours for a taster

Another nice Zinfandel made from El Dorado grapes, in this case the Gold Hill Vineyards, is the 2010 Zinfandel from Frog’s Tooth Vineyards, Murphys, CA.   15 percent alcohol.  $26/bottle.   www.frogstooth.com

Marilee of Urban Legend

Marilee Shaffer of Urban Legend Winery poured a 2010 Dolcetto made with grapes from the LBS Ranch/Lava Cap vineyards near Placerville.  Aroma of black cherry and plum, and cherry flavor dominates. There’s a bit of red raspberry flavor too, and on the finish a tad of mocha and hint of almond. This 2010 Dolcetto, of which 125 cases were produced,  sells at $25 a bottle. 14.6 percent alcohol.  www.ulcellars.com

Suzi of Vino Noceto

Suzy Gullett of Vino Noceto, Amador County, poured the 21^st vintage of their Sangiovese, made in a Chianti style. Flavor is fruit forward cranberry and cherry character, and a hint of chocolate. Highly versatile with food, and lauded as the best Sangiovese in California!  14% alcohol.  $18.  www.noceto.com



C. G. DiArie featured their new Summer Breeze, an El Dorado blend of Zinfandel, Primitivo and Barbera.  This wine was served chilled  “on the tap” via a  bladder system within the barrel developed by Chaim Gur-Arieh, a well known food scientist.    A huge hit with consumers at the tasting, and although to date Summer Breeze is only available in the keg-with-tap system, I suspect it will be in their regular wine offerings soon.  www.cgdiarie.com





Jana Harvey of Scott Harvey Wines



 

Jana Harvey of Scott Harvey wines, Amador County and Napa, poured their 2010 Zinfandel from Ancient Vines, the “1869”.  This Amador wine is a briary zin with flavor of deep blackberry, fig, pomegranate, and violets. The hint of coffee and currant make it truly delicious.  14.5% alcohol, $45 the bottle.  www.scottharveywines.com.

 

 

 

This review first appeared in my Wine Time column in The Tahoe Weekly on September 4, 2013.

http://theweeklymagazineonline.com/2013/09/great-wines-from-family-wineries/

Wine Festival at Tahoe's Squaw Village showcases Affordable and Varied Wines

There is always something to do at the Village at Squaw Valley, and a favorite wine tasting opportunity is the Art, Wine & Music Festival held each year during the summer.  The date changes, but the fun and good wines are always there.  Wine tasting stations are scattered throughout the Village in a number of tents so you can enjoy music at many points, and look at art while you taste wines.  Here are a few that I enjoyed.

Reynolds Family Winery
2009 Chardonnay

Reynolds Family Winery poured its 2009 Chardonnay, Napa Valley.  The aroma is of apricot and caramel and there is a bit of effervescence to this wine.  These tiny bubbles reveal taste of lemon custard, honeydew and tangerine.  14.5 per cent alcohol.  $29 the bottle.   www.reynoldsfamilywinery.com

Rod Moniz

Of the wines featured by Moniz Family Wines, I enjoyed the 2010 “Cuvee Olivia”, which winemaker owner Rod Moniz named after his daughter.  (There is also Cuvee Alexandra.)  The grapes for this wine are from Sonoma County and it is a Bordeaux style blend of 50 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, 19 percent malbec, 14 percent Cabernet Franc, 10 percent Petit Verdot and 7 percent Merlot.  Really yummy, a lively wine with taste of dark berry fruit and hint of spice and vanilla.  It has balanced acidity, a solid structure, and soft tannins.  13.9 per cent alcohol.  $18 the bottle.   www.monizfamilywines.com

Mary Tye pours
for Clarksburg Wine Co.

The Clarksburg Wine Company presented its 2011 Chenin Blanc that has a touch of Viognier to add to smoothness.   Chenin Blanc is, for the most part, an under-appreciated wine in America.  It is wildly popular in South Africa, and truly delicious.  Here are the winemaker’s notes: “ a medley of fruits and floral scents. Impressions of ripe pear, apple, and white nectarine intermingle with jasmine and apple blossom. On the palate this wine displays a rich, round mouth feel with a burst of fresh, crisp acidity and slate. Tastes of peach, nectarine, melon, and spice abound. As the wine finishes, a hint of Asian pear and lime will linger during the long crisp finish.”   12.5 percent alcohol.  $16 the bottle.  www.clarksburgwineco.com

White Hart’s 2011 Pinot Noir, Central Coast, is a great tasting and well-priced Pinot Noir.  Michael Filice, Proprietor & Winegrower, believes in making wines that are not over-extracted, over-oaked, or over-handled.  14.5 per cent alcohol.  $24 the bottle.  www.whitehartwine.com

The 2012 Rutherford Sauvignon Blanc from Round Pond winery is 100 percent Sauvignon Blanc.  It has delicate and yet vibrant aroma of white peach, apricot, citrus and a taste of  honeydew melon, lemon and kiwi.  This Sauvignon Blanc is fresh and bright, and is a true reflection of the winery’s focus on purity of fruit and their terroir.  14.5 per cent alcohol.  $24 the bottle.  www.roundpond.com

Uncorked at Squaw works hard with the event organizers to suggest wineries that are varied, and to assure that the wines are affordable and yet tasty.  Visit this wine shop next time you are at Squaw, and put the festival on your watch-list for next year.

This information first appeared in The Tahoe Weekly newspaper, where I write the Wine Time column, in August 2013 

Tastes from the 2012 Barbera Festival

The 2012 Barbera Festival, held in early June at  Cooper Ranch in the Shenandoah Valley near Plymouth, CA, brought 1,700 wine aficionados together to taste Barbera from more than 80 wineries from Camarillo north to Kelseyville, with the majority of participants coming from the Sierra Foothills and Lodi.  This second annual Festival was sold out three months early!

Barbera is a lesser-known, and often overlooked, varietal of wine grape. The Barbera grape was first imported into California in 1884, and was used by the Italian Swiss Colony winery in its table wines. The first Barbera varietal (a wine with the name of the dominant grape on the label) was brought to market in 1954 by Louis Martini. Today in California, some 7,000 acres are planted in Barbera, and nearly 200 wineries make at least one style of the varietal.

Barbera originated in the Piemonte region of northern Italy. On the nose, Barbera is typically lush and juicy, with aromas of black fruits. Depending on the terroir and the winemaker, Barbera vintages can convey bright flavors of raspberry, spice, and tart cherry, or more supple notes of black cherry, blueberry, and vanilla.

Urban Legend "trio"

Marilee Shaffer, co-owner of Oakland’s Urban Legend Cellars noted that Barbera is a “Cinderella” of a grape that has been in large part relegated to use as a blending grape.  But when treated property, she said, “Barbera can really become the Belle of the Ball.” Urban Legend presented a trio of Barbera, including a refreshing 2010 Rosatto and 2009 red from Holland Landing vineyard, and a 2009 Amador Barbera.  The 2009 Amador Barbera is bright cherry and cassis on the nose, dark cherry and cola on the palate. 15.2 percent alcohol. $26. www.ulcellars.com

The 2010 Boa Vista Reserve Barbera, from Oakstone Winery in Fair Play delivered a surprisingly Zinfandel-like punch of black pepper, following plum and blackberry aromas. 14.7 percent alcohol. $28. www.oakstone-winery.com

Sherri Compton pours
Easton Wines.  Plymouth
(Amador County)

Plymouth-based Easton Wines plured a 2005-2007 vertical from the same four rows of Cooper Ranch fruit. The older vintage tasted plump and jammy, while the younger two were bright and full of spice. The Easton 2007 Shenandoah Valley Barbera is rich, balanced and juicy, with a pleasing spiciness. 14.5 percent alcohol. $24. www.eastonwines.com

The 2009 and 2009 Barbera from  Lodi’s D’art winery is made from grapes grown by Leland Noma .  Both vintages exhibit related-but-not-identical flavor characteristics. The D’art 2010 Lodi Barbera has bright cherry, earth and berry-like flavors, with a long finish. 15.4 percent alcohol. $24. www.dartwines.com

Other photos from the event:


Crystal Basin Winery, Placerville
(El Dorado County)- Jack Wohler pours

Margie Runquist of Jeff Runquist Winery,
Plymouth (Amador County)

Michael Havill of Bella Grace,
Plymouth (Amador County)



Tom & Thomas Dillian,
Dillian Wines (Amador County)














Peter Nowack

Barbara’s fellow blogger, Peter Nowack, is today’s guest columnist.  He is the wine lover behind the BungRCooper.com wine blog, and is founding partner of northern-California based WEmarketwine.

Trying and Buying: SF Vintners Market performs for Sierra Foothill Wines

“It’s the only event I will always pour at,” said Larry Aderman, owner and marketing director of Frog’s Tooth Vineyards, Calaveras County. 

He’s talking about the San Francisco Vintners Market events held at the Fort Mason center in San Francisco.  Billed as “a farmer’s market approach to wine shopping”, this is one of the rare events where consumers can both taste wines and buy them on the spot at tasting room prices, and without having to make the drive to the tasting room.

This was the 5^th Vintners Market, and the crowds at the two day event (April 14-15) were testimony to its popularity.  Started by Cornelius Geary and Jeffrey Playter, founders of Wine 2.0,  in April 2010, these twice-yearly events offer a good opportunity to combine tasting and buying into one convenient trip. 

“With market conditions enormously difficult for many smaller wineries, we realized the need for vintners to get even closer to their customers and offer their wines to larger auidiences than can be found in small tasting rooms in wine country”, the organizers said.  “So the idea was born to bring the tasting room to San Francisco and help smaller brands find even more wine lovers in the city.”

General admission tickets are priced high enough to keep out the I-wanna-just-get-a-buzz-on crowd, and a surcharge on the ticket allows consumers to access a “reserve section” where wines priced at $50/bottle or higher are poured.  Oh yes, you do get to keep the commemorative wine glass.

Most important,  this format works for small wineries.  I talked to, and tasted, at the tables of three Sierra Foothill wine enterprises:  Clos Saron (Yuba County), Murphy Vineyards (sources grapes from Placer County), and Frog’s Tooth (Calaveras County).

Larry Aderman,
Frog's Tooth Winery

Larry Aderman of Frog’s Tooth was pouring his 2010 Torrontes, which won “Best in Class” at the California State Fair in 2011.  Delicious, light, aromatic.  “It’s low in alcohol and has aromas very characteristic of Viognier with subtle flavors of peach and apricot,” said Larry.  “A great  pairing with spicy foods.”  11.5% alcohol, $16/bottle.   

He also shared some of his 2009 Barbera Sierra Foothills.  He only produced 230 cases of this yummy Barbera, which is a nice ruby-red color, with flavors of berry.  A very food-friendly wine and nice for upcoming BBQ events you might be thinking about for the summer.   15.3% alcohol, $24/bottle.    www.frogstooth.com

Frog’s Tooth winery will be pouring at the Barbera Festival at Cooper’s Vineyards on June 9, by the way…. A festival NOT TO MISS!

VIP blogger "LusciousLushes"
tastes Gideon Bienstock's wines

Gideon Bienstock of Clos Saron is known for his innovative blends and his flavorful wines.  He has a fervent group of followers who bring themselves to Yuba county for his events.   He poured a 2011 Carte Blanche, which is comprised of 30% Albarino, 30% Verdelho, 30% Chardonnay and the remainder Petit Manseng.  This is his first release of what is basically a new wine: Organically grown, sourced in Lodi and south of Marysville.   Only 988 bottles bottled,unfined.  It’s part of Gideon’s “Unique Cuvee” series, and website notes this wine to be:  “Light, lively, and brightly aromatic, with a concoction of flowers and fruits. Dry & elegant, very food friendly. 12.5% Alc. Total amount of sulfur added: 10 mg/l. No inoculation, adjustments, or new oak.”  $25/bottle.

Gideon also poured his “A Deeper Shade of Blue”, a blend of Cinsault, Syrah and Roussane.  Not on his website yet, it has taste of pepper, black brambly fruits, and is a bit tannic.  75 cases produced.  12.8% alcohol, $32/bottle.    www.clossaron.com

Peter Murphy,
Murphy Vineyard

A relative newcomer in the Sierra Foothill grape scene is Peter Murphy, whose basic business is vineyard management in Napa and the Sierra Foothill.  He brought a 2005 Syrah Sierra Foothill to the Vintners Marketplace.  These grapes were sourced from Placer County:  “I’m very impressed with the quality of grapes in the Sierra Foothills, and so decided to produce some wines with them.  My hunch was right – and I already have an award winner.”   He made 400 cases of this Syrah, and won a Gold Medal in the 2008 Riverside International Wine Competition, and a silver at the 2007 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.  80% Syrah Sierra Foothills (Auburn’s Monarch Mine Vineyards), 18% Cabernet Franc Sierra Foothills(Loomis).  Smokey aroma with clove and cherry notes, flavor of black cherry and allspice.  Medium body, made in a light style.   14.4% alcohol, $16/bottle.

I also tasted Murphy Vineyard’s Sierra Red 2005.  This is a 50/50 Syrah/Cabernet Franc blend.  300 cases made… and a great barbeque wine!   14% alcohol.  $16/bottle.   www.murphysvineyards.com

Didn’t get to the Vintners Market?  Try the winery websites and let your fingers do the walking until the next Vintners Marketplace.

p.s. Couldn't resist this photo opp from the Spirits tasting section...this guy is SERIOUS about staying close to his beverage of choice...

A rose might be a rose might be a rose, but a Rosé wine… now those are different from one another! Here are some you might try.

Rodney, a recent dinner guest, brought a Rosé from Uncorked in Tahoe City: Juliette’s Dazzle, a 2010 Pinot Grigio Rosé from Colan & Weiss Cellars. Grapes came from Horse Heavens Hills and the Wahluke Slope, Columbia Valley, WA. I wasn’t wild about the wax overcap on this bottle (a real pain to remove!) but the wine was fantastic. Bottle notes:”A special block of Pinot Grigio at the Benches Vineyard was left to hang until it developed a bright tint, then slowly fermented.” A nice dry rose, 13.0 percent alcohol. $20 the bottle at Uncorked.

The recent Rosé Avengers and Producers tasting in San Francisco featured a number of Rosés you might want to experience.

A perfect beginners Rosé was the 2010 Isabel Mondavi Deep Rosé, a real cotton-candy of a wine made from Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. Alcohol is 13 percent. $15 the bottle. http://www.imwines.com/

A nice fizzy Rosé, perfect for an aperitif, is the Elyssia NV Pinot Noir Brut from Freixenet USA. Yep, the same folks who make that nice champagne! This is a blend of 85% Pinot Noir and 15% Trepat. This Spanish Cava is easy going, nicely balanced and medium in body, with a strawberry-raspberry-spice taste and a dry and refreshing finish. The Freiexenet website notes that Trepat is an indigenous grape to the region, with only 1,000 hectares of thie grape grown. “Trepat needs a specific soil and can be found close to the coastal regions of the Penedés due to the unique climates there. It is used only for rosado cavas.” 11.5 percent alcohol. $18 the bottle.


Left to Right, Urban Legend and
Six Sigma winemakers.



Six Sigma Ranch, Lower Lake, CA, produces 2010 Marianne’s Rosé, using only Syrah grapes from the vineyard planted in 2008 near the winery’s Diamond Mine Vineyard, Lake County. It has an amazing bright red color, and after a bit of time in French oak, the flavor reflects bright red fruits and spices, candied apples and raspberries. A nice crisp finish. Only one barrel was produced. This wine is limited to the winery’s wine club members… and that might be a good reason to join. 14.5 percent alcohol. $24 the bottle. www.sixsigmaranch.com

Urban Legend Cellars poured its 2010 Rosato di Barbera. Grapes for this wine were sourced in Clarksburg; the winery is in Oakland. “The flavor is all about strawberries. It’s not sweet but not too tart with a surprisingly silky feel. There’s a little bit of lemonade on the finish that keeps it incredibly refreshing,” notes the website. 13.8 percent alcohol. $18 the bottle. www.ulcellars.com

Finally, Terre Rouge Vin Gris d’Amador: This is a dry rosé that’s excellent as an aperitif and with a variety of appetizers. You might try this easy recipe for Goat Cheese Spread with sun-dried tomatoes and capers, concocted by Jane O'Riordan, an owner at Domaine de la Terre Rouge, Amador County.



Jane O'Riordan of
Terre Rouge

 Sun-dried Tomato Goat Cheese Spread
Makes about 3 cups. Keeps 4-5 days in refrigerator.

3 cloves garlic, minced
3 Tbl. sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil
6-8 oz. fresh-style goat cheese, Montrachet or California log

12 oz. cream cheese

1 Tbl. Capers

In bowl of food processor fitted with a steel blade, puree the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Cut the cheeses into small hunks and add to bowl. Pulse/process until all the cheese is blended into a smooth spread with no white lumps. Add the capers and pulse briefly to mix. Scrape into a pretty serving bowl. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Serve surrounded by crackers, toasted baguettes or sliced bread.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

© 2011 Barbara Keck

For more information on dining and the wide range of activities around Lake Tahoe, see the online version of The Tahoe Weekly. This article appeared in my column "Wine Adventures" in late July 2011.

Book in Process: "Mountain High Wine: The Sierra and Its Foothills".


 

 

Wines of Portugal

Every once in a while, I attend a tasting in San Francisco that features wines that might not otherwise be front of mind. This is the instance at the recent 5th Annual Grand Tasting of Portuguese Wines. 45 wineries displayed the diversity of this country’s wine, ranging from the dry red of Bairrada to the delicious whites of the Minho, and from the newly-renamed Tejo and Lisbon regions to the progressive offerings from Alentjo and Duoro.

There are many great Portuguese wines with retail prices in the $10-$20 range. Most importers of these wines are located on the East Coast, so you may have some trouble finding them locally. My advise: if you do see a Portuguese wine on a local wine store shelf, give it a try. If you want to source the ones I mention below, you might have to contact the importer, and so I’ve given their web addresses. A good overall importer who offers many Portuguese wines and will take phone orders is Melanie at http://www.vinosunico.com/ or 415 674 6958 in California.

With so many to choose from, the tasting was difficult. I did not taste a wine that I did not like.


Joao Tamagnini Belo,
Sales Director-Valle Pradinhos 

 The wines from Valle Pradinhos come from an historic family-owned 350 hectare estate established in 1913. They produce wines that are blends of grape varieties that are native to the region: Touriga Nacional, Tina Roriz, Tina Amarela and Mavasia Fina, as well as wines from international grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Gewurztraminer and Riesling. I enjoyed the Valle Pradinhos 2009, a white wine from the Trás-os-Montes region that is 90% Riesling and the remainder Gewurztraminer and Malvasia Fina. The predominance of Gewurtz makes it a well balanced wine with good acidity that is very food friendly. Tastes of peach and apple, with a bit of rose aroma, and a medium finish. 13.5% alcohol. $22/bottle. Imported by aidilwines.com

Carm Reserva 2009 is a white wine from Douro. With a nice bit of minerality, it has intense fruit, elegant oakiness and its bright citiric yellow color from the grapes in the blend: Verdelho, Siria, and Rabigato. $25/bottle. Imported by grapemoments.com

Cortes de Cima Family Vineyards is owned by a Danish-American couple who embarked on a sailing trip to find a place to start a winery. They concluded that the Alentejo region of Portugal was just the place, midway between Lisbon, the Algarve, and Seville. It’s been a wine growing area since the time of the Romans. On 130 hectares of vineyards, they produce several delicious wines, and it has been an adventure. Carrie Jorgensen, founder, noted that when they planted Syrah in their vineyards, they were not allowed to call it that, and so it became somewhat of a cult wine in Portugal. Now the wine is well established and the Cortes De Cima Incognito 2008 is a 100% Syrah red that is deep purple in color with ripe blackberry and plum flavors and aroma, a dark chocolate note, oak and herbs, and sweet tannins. 14.5% alcohol, $50/bottle. Imported by vinumimporting.com

No tasting of Portuguese wines would be complete without a port. The Barros L.B.V. Porto 2005 is my choice. It’s made from traditional grapes from the Duoro: Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinto Cao. There is a deep ruby color, a nice mineral touch, and intense fruit flavors with a silky mouthfeel. An aroma that shows its complexity greets your nose, and the finish is superb. 20% alcohol $22/Bottle. Imported by sogevinus.com

For an extensive review of Portuguese wines from this Grand tasting, visit the website of fellow taster Richard Jennings at http://www.rjonwine.com/


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© 2011 Barbara Keck

For more information on dining and the wide range of activities around Lake Tahoe, see the online version of The Tahoe Weekly. This article appeared in my column "Wine Adventures" in May 2011.

Book in Process: "Mountain High Wine: The Sierra and Its Foothills".

The Essentials of Food, Wine Pairing as Taught by Chef Saad

Photo:Cuvee Corner Wine Blog

“If the pairing works, you’ll be in taste heaven.”

Who would like a glass of milk with their pizza? Blecch. Now you get the essence of food and wine pairing. This is the summer for you to experiment with opening your palate.

A few weeks ago, a keynote address given at the Wine Bloggers Conference featured Chef Jeffrey Saad. Chef Saad was the 2009 runner-up on season five of the TV show, “The Next Food Network Star.” He had a few tips about wine and food pairings, and then 300 bloggers converged on tables holding an assortment of new and old world style wines, each with a perfect pairing.

“Think of wine as an additional condiment,” said Chef Saad. French fries with ketchup – the condiment concept – helps you get the sense of what he means. “The whole idea of pairings is the balance of those tastes coming together.”

The ritual Chef Saad recommends to truly appreciate a wine and food pairing are: 1) sip the wine, 2) take a bite of the food, and 3) while the food is still on your tongue, take another sip of the wine. If the pairing works, you’ll be in taste heaven.

A few no-brainer pairing tips are these:

• The protein and fat in meats mean that the tannin in red wines always complement those foods.
• Pairing sweet with sweet always works, such as dessert with dessert wines.

• Aged cheeses go well with red wines, or try a soft creamy cheese with a Beaujolais.

• Red wines and chocolate, particularly dark chocolate. Try pairings with a Zinfandel, a wine from the southern Rhone area or a Grenache, syrah and mourvèdre blend.

• A brilliant pairing is an oloroso style of sherry with marcona almonds. You can find these almonds at Whole Foods. They are a bit pricy, but worth every penny.

• Artichokes and Grüner Veltliner.

• Roasted bell peppers with Cabernet.

• Whole roast pig, served perhaps with a tomatillo salsa? Try a Sangiovese or a Tempranillo.

If in doubt, go with geography. If you are in an Italian restaurant and uncertain, then order an Italian wine. “There’s a reason they grow up together,” Chef Saad says.

What wines can you look to for a palate-opening experience this summer?

Chef Saad gives this list below as an “all time safe no-brainer” list:

• Viognier. Wonderful with practically everything. But not steak.

• Dry Rosé . It has just enough acid, just enough fruit and a bit of a tannic nature.

• Champagne. Particularly off-dry champagne. Try a Prosecco with caviar. It’s a low alcohol wine, so it doesn’t get in the way of salt. And, it has a bit of sweetness.

• Barbera. This is one wine that is off the beaten track and surprising.

• Grüner Veltliner. It can pair with practically anything, so long as it is not a heavy food.

For more on Chef Saad’s food and wine pairings, visit http://jeffreysaad.com/.

What do you serve to a discerning group like wine bloggers? Chef Bear of the Marcus Whitman Hotel in Walla Walla, Wash., prepared some wonderful bites, matched with interesting wines suppliled by Winebow. The list:

Kris Pinot Grigio 2009, Tre Venezie, Italy, served with spot prawn salsa with white peach and peppercorn caramel.

Cousino Macul Sauvignon Grist 2009, Maipo Valley, Chile, paired with a chicken skewer with white balsamic vanilla marinade, on chayote slaw with micro cilantro.

Tilia Torrontes 2009, Mendoza, Argentina, paired with Phyllo bouchee with monteillet chevre, pistachio and chestnut honey.

Yealands Sauvignon Blanc 2009, Marlborough, New Zealand, served with gravlox on endive, garnished with crème fraiche, ikura and fried capers.

Clean Slate Riesling 2009, Mosel, Germany, paired with Ahi Poke, and white soy on an apricot namusu.

Rioja Vega Reserva 2004, La Rioja, Spain, served with pork belly and pea vines with saffron scented stock.

There were more. I could go on, but I’m still on the treadmill trying to work off the calories...

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© 2010 Barbara Keck

For more information on dining and the wide range of activities around Lake Tahoe, see the online version of The Tahoe Weekly. This article appeared in my column "It's Grape" in July 2010.

Watch for my forthcoming book: "Wineries of the Sierra and Its Foothills". Publication date early Summer 2011, Wine Appreciation Guild Publishing.