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It’s time to wine and dine! So, fire up the grill and toss on your favorite meat or tuna steak. I have two delicious reds to pair with your feast! A few months ago, I reviewed a delectable Sauvignon Blanc from Oberon Wines, part of the Michael Mondavi Family portfolio based in Napa Valley, CA. The head winemaker for Oberon Wines is Tony Coltrin, a lifelong resident of Napa. With over a half-century of winemaking experience, Tony knows every expression of the valley and, specifically, which sub-zones produce exceptional classic Bordeaux grapes, including the Paso Robles wine region.  Tony Coltrin Photo courtesy of Oberon Wines Tony’s enduring relationships with growers throughout Napa Valley are the very essence of Oberon’s quality and consistency. Tony selects top-quality fruit year after year from the finest wine-growing regions throughout Napa Valley and Paso Robles.  Photo courtesy of Oberon Wines A short time ago, I received samples of Oberon’s Napa Valley Merlot and Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon, two noteworthy wines.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Oberon Napa Valley Merlot 2021 The grapes for this Merlot were sourced from Napa’s renowned Oakville district. Oakville lies on the valley floor in the heart of Napa. The deeper, well-drained alluvial soils in the vineyards, along with the perfect balance of cool mornings and warm afternoons, make this the ideal location for growing Bordeaux varietals. In addition, Tony sources Syrah and Zinfandel in small lots specifically for this blend as they merge well with the Merlot and bring out the rich character of this expressive Oakville fruit. It is aged 12 months in French oak barrels.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Ripe berries, plum, and baking spice. Palate: Dark cherry, strawberry, and red plum, with a hint of cocoa and mild tannins. It is a vibrant and nicely layered wine. Alcohol: 13.9% SRP: $28 Pairing suggestions: Grilled meat, seared tuna, porcini risotto, and grilled veggies. Oberon Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 Tony created this Cabernet Sauvignon by sourcing grapes from a few distinct vineyards in Paso Robles, including Santa Margherita Ranch, originally planted by the Mondavis, and the San Juan Creek Ranch. The blend for this wine is 85.7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petite Sirah, and 5.3% proprietary red field blends. Tony said, “Layering fruit from these distinct Paso Robles ranches provides for a wine with greater complexity and a more dynamic flavor profile.” This wine was aged for 12 months in 45% new French oak.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Floral, red berries, plum, herbs, and baking spice. Palate: Ripe dark berries, bing cherry, and a touch of thyme. Vanilla, dark chocolate, and candied fruit linger on a long finish. Alcohol: 13.7% SRP: $25 Pairing suggestions: Just about anything charred, seared or grilled will work! This wine is also a great sipper before or after a meal. Happy grilling and happy sipping!  Photo credit: Paul Hermann Until next time…
Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected] Honig Vineyard and Winery is a family-owned and operated winery situated in the picturesque town of Rutherford in Napa Valley, CA.  Honig Vineyard courtesy of Honig In 1964, Louis Honig purchased a 68-acre vineyard in Rutherford from the Wagners’, who are owners of the nearby Caymus vineyards. Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc were the two varieties planted in the vineyard that they bought. The Honig family grew and sold these grapes to nearby wineries until 1980 when they decided to try producing their own Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc. It was a great success! Realizing the potential of the grapes growing in their vineyards, they built a winery that was completed in 1982. Even though the wine they produced was good, they still struggled with sales and marketing. Michael Honig, grandson of Louis, saw great possibilities and stepped up to the plate in 1984 at the age of 22. Michael and his family slowly transformed their marketing approach. Sales grew, and today, their wines are sold in all 50 states and internationally.  Michael Honig Photo courtesy of Honig winery. Michael and his team are committed to the environment, practice sustainable wine growing, and use solar energy. They have California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance and Fish Friendly Farming certifications.  Photo courtesy of Honig winery In addition to hawks and owls that keep the rodent population down, they use sheep (aka Wooly Weeders) as natural lawnmowers, eliminating chemical weed killers.  Photo courtesy of Honig winery By only focusing on the production of two varietals, they have achieved the “true expression of the vineyard.” Michael recently sent me a bottle of each varietal to taste. He said, “We specialize and only make Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon. These two wines are the bottlings that we sell all over the world.”  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Honig 2023 Sauvignon This bottle is very eye-catching, with a beautiful view of the vineyard. It’s like looking through a window! The wine is 98% Sauvignon Blanc, 1% Semillon, and 1% Muscat. The grapes are sourced from Honig’s sustainably farmed vineyard in Rutherford (58%) and Lake County vineyards (42%.) Fermentation and aging take place in stainless steel tanks.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Floral, white stone fruit, citrus, and a hint of tropical notes. Palate: Pear, grapefruit, honeysuckle, and a touch of key lime make for a lively whirl and a juicy finish. It is fresh and bright! Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $23.99 Pairing suggestions: Enjoy as an aperitif or serve with seafood, salads or sushi. Honig 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley The first vintage for the Cabernet Sauvignon was in 1987. The grapes for this wine are 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5.3% Merlot, 4% Malbec, 2.4% Petit Verdot, 1.4% Cabernet Franc, and 1.2% Petit Syrah. Grapes are sourced from the Rutherford vineyard and local Napa Valley vineyards. The wine was aged 18 months in French and American oak barrels (25% new American oak, 20% new French oak.)  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Dark berries, cherry, a hint of cranberry, and baking spice. Palate: Lush notes of dark cherry covered in mocha, dark berries, sweet spice, and minerality. It is a sweet and savory dance on the palate with a silky, long finish. Nicely balanced. Alcohol: 14.9% SRP: $46.95 - $56.00 Pairing suggestions: Grilled meat, hearty stews, seared tuna, and mushroom risotto. As the song says… A bottle of red, a bottle of whites Whatever kind of mood you're in tonight… Billy Joel’s “Scenes From An Italian Restaurant”  Photo courtesy of Honig winery Until next time…
Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected] The shortest day of the year is finally behind us, but winter has officially begun. Although I enjoy the beauty of a winter wonderland, I’m not a fan of the slush, ice, and frigid weather accompanying it.  So, let’s chase the winter blues away with some white wines and dream of tropical beaches and warmer weather! Trenel Mâcon Villages AOP 2021 Maison Trenel was founded in 1928 by Henri Claudius Trénel and is in the heart of the South Burgundy and Beaujolais wine regions. The grapes for this 100% Chardonnay are sourced from vineyards in Mâcon and 26 villages in the area. The Mâcon Villages Trénel is produced on parcels facing south and southeast in Charnay-lès-Mâcon and Viré. This blend of different clayey soils with variable limestone ratio bestows the right balance on the wine, rich and subtle at the same time.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: White flowers, citrus, and apple. Palate: Aromas segue onto the palate with a rich mouthfeel, crisp acidity, and a refreshing finish of lingering citrus notes. Alcohol: 12.5% SRP: $28.99 Feudi di San Gregorio Greco di Tufo, DOCG 2020 Feudi di San Gregorio was established in 1986 by the Capaldo family and is one of Campania’s premier wine estates, located in southern Italy, near Mount Vesuvius in the tiny village of Sorbo Serpico within the Irpinia DOC. This wine is made with 100% Greco, a white grape variety grown mainly in Campania. The grapes for this wine are sourced from the chalky soils of Tufo, contributing to the wine’s minerality, freshness, and persistence.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Beautiful floral notes, melon, citrus, and herbs. Palate: Lush notes of pink grapefruit, juicy pear, and lively acidity, with a touch of mint and balsamic mingling with the fruit on the finish. Alcohol: 12.5% SRP: $28 Oberon Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2022 Oberon Wines is part of the Michael Mondavi Family portfolio. Tony Coltrin is the winemaker for Oberon Wines and is celebrating 50-plus harvests. Having the advantage of being a lifelong resident of Napa, Tony knows every expression of the valley and, specifically, which sub-zones produce Bordeaux grapes that are exceptional. His lifelong relationships with growers throughout Napa Valley are the very essence of Oberon’s quality and consistency. Tony selects top-quality fruit year after year from the finest wine-growing regions throughout Napa. This wine is a blend of 81% Sauvignon Blanc and 19% Sauvignon Musqué. The grapes are sourced from the warm Pope Valley and cool Carneros appellations. Both cold tank fermentation and 14% barrel fermentation are used to maximize the overall fruit expression. “The cold-fermentation in-tank helps us maintain the pureness of fruit and aromatics, and barrel fermentation adds a subtle creaminess and length.”  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Notes of tropical fruit, apple, minerality, and herbs. Palate: Aromas segue onto the palate with white stone fruit, honeydew, and nice acidity. Minerality and citrus linger on the finish. Alcohol: 13.7% SRP: $20 Mandrarossa Urra Di Mare, DOC 2021 Mandrarossa is a brand created by Cantine Settesoli, located in Menfi, Sicily, on the island’s southwestern side. Cantine Settesoli was founded in 1958, and it is the largest winery in Sicily and a source of ongoing research and innovative ideas. Mandrarossa is Settesoli’s top brand, which emerged in 1999. This wine is 100% Sauvignon Blanc sourced from vineyards that stretch along south and southwest-facing hills with clay and limestone soils, “a wine created from sea breezes.” 2010 was the first vintage for this wine.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Floral, citrus, white stone fruit, and a hint of herbs. Palate: This refreshing wine is layered with citrus, apricot, peach, herbal notes, crisp acidity, sapidity, and minerality. Apricots linger on a long finish. Alcohol: 11.5% SRP: $19.99 Pairing Suggestions Enjoy the above wines as an aperitif or serve with raw fish, grilled fish, salads, sushi, white meats, light pasta dishes, and cheese platters. These white wines will drink beautifully all year long. And, if you’re missing warmer weather during the winter months, a glass of white wine and a little imagination can transport you anywhere!  Photo credit: Nataliya Melnych Until next time…
Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected] Four years ago today, on October 1, 2019, my husband and father of our children passed away. I have occasionally written about Robert, always referring to him as “The Restaurateur.” In addition to three successful restaurants in NYC, Robert had a small theater nightclub and recording studio. He was a true “Renaissance Man,” embracing all he could with boundless energy. And it is Robert who gets the credit for introducing me to the world of wine and encouraging me to explore my palate.  Robert and Penny -still smiling after six months of dating! The first wine Robert ever poured for me was on our second date, a 1969 Petrus. It was an “aha” moment for me. I fell in love with wine! I have one bottle left of the 1969 Petrus, and I can’t bring myself to open it yet. But I have a feeling that the moment will choose me!  Photo credit: Penny Weiss For 44 years, we cataloged many memories, some of which were not the best. I’m sure those who knew us and are reading this now are shaking their heads remembering a few notable and movie-worthy scenes! However, we did create beautiful memories with our sons and a shared passion for wine, food, and music that endured through the years. Our collection of wine grew over the years, and when Robert passed away, I inherited the bulk of the wine left over from his last restaurant. There are some gems in this collection that I haven’t touched. And I can hear Robert saying, “What the hell are you waiting for?” So, I’ve decided to open two wines today in his memory. They are old vintages and likely not good, but let’s explore!  Poto credit: Penny Weiss Far Niente Estate Bottled Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 1987 John Benson, a forty-niner of the California gold rush, founded Far Niente Winery in 1885, which is situated in western Oakville, Napa Valley. Far Niente fell victim to Prohibition in 1919 and soon was abandoned. In 1979, Gil Nickel purchased the vineyard and winery. The property took three years of restoration, but the hard work led to placement on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1982, the winery’s first Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay were harvested. The Cabernet Sauvignon grapes are grown in the Martin Stelling Vineyard behind the winery, encompassing 57 acres. With a moderately warm climate and gravelly loam soil, the stage is set for producing complex, richly textured, fruit-forward wines. This wine was aged in new Bordeaux Chateau French oak barrels for 18 months. Alcohol: 13.5%  Photo credit: Penny Weiss The color was ruby red. I decanted the wine and tasted it immediately, then let the wine sit for a few hours. My first impression was quite good. Dark berries, cherry, and spice on the nose, with the palate offering sour cherry, a hint of plum and silky tannins.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss My second aroma and taste sample took place about four hours later. Instead of opening up a bit more, the wine, unfortunately, took a turn south. Although the aromas were still pleasant with blackberry, cherry, tobacco, and earth notes, the palate did not improve. Drinkable? Yes, but not enjoyable. In 2018, I opened the 1990 vintage, and it was excellent. I still have 1983, 1986, 1988, and 1989 vintages to explore!  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Château Beychevelle Grand Vin Saint-Julien 1976 Château Beychevelle is a historic property dating back to the 1500s and is considered one of the most beautiful castles in the Médoc, in the Bordeaux wine region of France. Château Beychevelle vineyards are spread over 90 ha of vines composed of Fourth Growth Bordeaux Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss The 1976 Château Beychevelle is a Bordeaux red blend from the Saint-Julien appellation. This wine was aged in French oak barrels, 53% new barrels, for 18 months. Alcohol: 12%. I was not expecting this wine to be good since the cork crumbled immediately. I decanted the wine through a sieve and was surprised the color was a touch more red than tawny, but it was also cloudy. As I was decanting the wine, aromas of sweet red fruit, plum, and musty forest floor wafted my way.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Being an optimist, I took this as an encouraging sign. I took a sip, and it was not drinkable. I waited for several hours in the hope that the wine might open. The second test showed a significant waning of aromas with only a hint of red fruit. Unfortunately, it was not drinkable.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Some of the old vintages from my collection have stood the test of time and are still drinkable; others are not. I will continue to open bottles; hopefully, a few gems will still be sip-worthy. My lesson for the day is to listen to Robert and “open all the damn wine!” Sometimes, when I open a bottle of wine, I wonder, “What would Robert think of this?” or “Wow, he would have loved this wine!.” And then there are the wines I open that bring back all the good memories of our journey together. Here is a slideshow of part of our journey. Maroon 5 has a hit song called “Memories Bring Back You.” Whenever I hear it on the radio, I smile, think of Robert, and sing along. Here is the first verse of the song. … Here's to the ones that we got Cheers to the wish you were here, but you're not 'Cause the drinks bring back all the memories Of everything we've been through Toast to the ones here today Toast to the ones that we lost on the way 'Cause the drinks bring back all the memories And the memories bring back, memories bring back you. Cheers to you, Robert! We miss you! ❤️  Until next time…
Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected] This morning I woke up in a “pink” mood inspired by a recent sample delivery. The box contained two bottles of rosé, one from California, the other from Languedoc Roussillon, and a variety of tinned fish sourced from Galicia, Spain.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Perhaps canned fish has taken a backseat to eating freshly caught fish, but this writer happens to like tinned fish, especially sardines. Although it has been a while, I used to prepare sardine salad made from packed sardines in olive oil or mustard sauce and served it on crackers or toast as an appetizer with white wine. So, this sampling has inspired me to think outside the box again! Let’s talk about the wines. Josh Cellars Rosé 2022 Joseph Carr formed his own wine company in Napa Valley after spending a decade as a world-class sommelier and another decade as a wine industry executive. His dream was to have his own family-owned winery, so in 2005 he began making wines under the label ‘Joseph Carr.’ In 2007 Carr launched Josh Cellars as a tribute to his dad, Josh. Grapes for the Josh Cellar wines are sourced from top California wine-growing regions to create wines with character and complexity. This wine is a rosé blend made with undisclosed grape varieties.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Flowers, red berries, and white stone fruit. Palate: Light and dry with notes of strawberry, citrus, white peach, and crisp acidity. Alcohol: 12.5% SRP: $14.99 Pairing suggestions: Enjoy as an aperitif, or serve with light appetizers, ceviche, fresh fruit, and tinned tuna straight from the tin, mixed in a salad or on crackers. Fleurs de Prairie Rosé 2022 Made by the family-owned Les Grands Chais de France, "Fleurs de Prairie" is named in celebration of the free-spirited wildflowers carpeting their vineyards in the South of France. The grapes for this wine are sourced from vineyards throughout the Languedoc region, some of which have vines that are 50+ years old. The blend for this wine is 43% Grenache Noir, 40% Syrah, 9% Carignan, 5% Cinsault, and 3% Mourvèdre.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Floral, ripe red berries, citrus, and a hint of minerality. Palate: This is a dry, fresh and lively rosé with aromas segueing onto the palate with strawberry and a hint of melon. Crisp acidity and a touch of citrus linger on a long finish making this the perfect sipper at the end of the day. Alcohol: 13% SRP: $20 Pairing suggestions: Drink as an aperitif, or serve with light appetizers, salads, seafood, grilled chicken, and tinned sardines on toast. And now a word about the tinned fish!  Photo courtesy of Siesta Co. The Siesta Co. is based in California, but all of its tinned seafood is sourced from fisheries in Galicia, Spain. The fish is wild-caught and sustainably fished, such as using line poles to prevent overfishing. And each tin contains all-natural ingredients packed in organic extra virgin olive oil. White Tuna in Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil  Photo courtesy of Siesta Co. Ingredients: Albacore tuna, organic extra virgin olive oil, sea salt Sustainably line caught through pole fishing to preserve the flavor and texture of the tuna while ensuring the seabed is not damaged. Sardines in Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil  Ingredients: Sardines, organic extra virgin olive oil, sea salt
Sustainably caught off the coast of Galicia, Spain, these wild, all-natural, bone-in scale-free sardines are hand packed individually. Siesta Co. products are available in 3-pack/5-pack and variety packs. There are five fish types to choose from. Pour a glass of rosé and enjoy these fish pairings. Your palate will thank me! Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected] The month of April is ending with her classic “April showers” all weekend long. And we all know what May brings! I’m looking forward to May flowers, warmer weather, spending more time outdoors, and taking the kitchen outside for the grilling season. Photo credit: Paul Herman Just because the warmer months are almost upon us does not mean one has to pack away the red wines along with mittens and boots. On the contrary, red wines are to be enjoyed year-round and are a great accompaniment to many summer dishes. So to kick off the season, I’ve rounded up a selection of six red wines that will pair beautifully with whatever you might have on the grill. The wines range from $13.99 to $25.00 and will not disappoint your palate.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Bodegas Valdemar Conde Valdemar Crianza 2018 Bodegas Valdemar Winery is located in Oyon, Alava Spain, and has a history of winemaking dating back to 1889. They have 300 hectares of vineyards throughout Rioja and are considered one of the largest estates in Rioja. Grapes for this wine are a blend of 89% Tempranillo, 7% Mazuelo, and 4% Graciano sourced from estate vineyards in Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Alta. The wine is aged in American oak barrels for 17 months.  Nose: Fragrant notes of blueberries, cherry, and baking spice. Palate: Juicy dark berries, cherry, vanilla, and earthy. Tannins and acidity are well-balanced, with dark fruit lingering on a long finish. Alcohol: 14% SRP: $19 Pairing suggestions: Cheese platter, grilled meat, tuna, veggies, pasta, stews, and pizza. Veramonte Pinot Noir 2020 Viñedos Veramonte is an organic estate located at the extreme eastern end of Chile’s Casablanca Valley. The Veramonte vineyards are in both Casablanca Valley and Colchagua Valley. This wine is made with 100% Pinot Noir organic grapes from Casablanca Valley. It is aged for eight months in natural oak.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Red berries, bing cherries, a hint of spice, and earthy. Palate: Strawberry, raspberry, and plum dance on the palate. Fresh with good acidity, silky tannins, and a long, savory finish. Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $13 Pairing suggestions: Grilled meat and poultry, risotto, pasta, or seafood salad. Cline Eight Spur Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley 2020 This California wine is produced by Cline Family Cellars, established in 1982, a family-owned and operated winery. The grapes for this 100% Zinfandel are sourced from Dry Creek Valley in Sonoma County, one of the oldest growing areas in California. The valley holds the daytime heat, ripening grapes until sundown when cool ocean breezes whistle through the canyon, extending the growing season to increase varietal complexity. The wine is aged in 40% new French oak for 15 months.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Berries, dark cherry, plum, and baking spice with a hint of lavender. Palate: Aromas segue onto the palate with notes of raspberry, blackberry, blueberry, and vanilla. It is rich, smooth, and well-structured, with sour cherries and vanilla lingering on the finish. Alcohol: 14.5% SRP: $25 Pairing suggestions: Grilled anything! BBQ ribs, spicy cuisine, pizza, seared tuna, or roasted leg of lamb. Graffigna Glorious Collection Malbec 2020 Graffigna was established in 1870 when Santiago Graffigna left Italy and arrived in San Juan, Argentina, bringing with him his passion and wine expertise. It is considered one of the oldest wineries in San Juan. Today, Santiago’s vision and spirit are honored with each bottle produced, and care is taken to maintain the quality and character of the grapes. The grapes for this 100% Malbec are sourced from the Uco Valley in Mendoza. 70% was aged in French oak for 12 months, and 30% in concrete and stainless steel vats.  Nose: A touch of violet, plum, sour cherry, and baking spice tease the senses. Palate: Concentrated and juicy fruit, with aromas spilling onto the palate. Blackberry and plum linger on the finish, with soft tannins and nice acidity. Alcohol: 14.5% SRP: $18.99 Pairing suggestions: BBQ, grilled meat and veggies, mushroom risotto, stews, or a charcuterie board. Cantine Ermes Epicentro Nero d’Avola Riserva Sicilia DOC 2018 Cantine Ermes was founded in 1998 in the heart of Belice Valley in Sicily. It is a cooperative “born from the idea of young Italian minds.” They produce wines from Sicily, Veneto, and Puglia, with an impressive 10,592 hectares of vineyards spread across these territories, with the majority of vineyards in Sicily. This wine is 100% Nero d’Avola aged in 500-liter tonneaux for 18 months.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Lovely bouquet of dark fruit, plum, berries, and baking spice. Hints of toasted oak and minerality waft through the fruit. Palate: Aromas continue onto the palate with strawberries, cherry, clove, and pepper. Soft tannins and well-balanced with a rich blackberry jam finish. Alcohol: 14% SRP: $17 Pairing suggestions: BBQ, grilled meat and fowl, marinated lamb, pasta, stew, or mature cheese. Talosa Rosso Di Montepulciano DOC Toscana 2020 Talosa is a boutique winery with 33 hectares of vineyards in the heart of Montepulciano in Tuscany and has been owned by the Jacorossi family since 1972. Their historic aging cellar dates back to the 16th century, which is in the old town center of Montepulciano, in an underground area between two of the oldest buildings in the city, Palazzo Tarugi and Palazzo Sinatti. The brick passageways contain a series of vaults and niches where the barrels are placed. The grapes for this wine are 85% Sangiovese, Merlot and Canaiolo, 15%. It is aged in stainless steel, tonneaux, and large barrels for a minimum of three months.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Floral, strawberries, blueberries, cherries, and a hint of spice. Palate: Fresh and lively, with notes of plum and sweet cherry, a balsamic undertone, and a touch of spice on the finish. Very nice. Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $25 Pairing suggestions: Grilled red and white meat, appetizers, seared tuna, spicy cuisine, or risotto. I hope these wines pique your interest! Below is a delicious recipe for marinated tuna steaks. It is an easy recipe to make and works using the grill, broiler, or a quick sear on the stovetop. I love it! And all of these wines will pair beautifully with it! Marinated Tuna Steaks For The Grill Courtesy of allrecipes.com  Ingredients (for four servings)
 If you try any of the above wines, please share your thoughts and pairings!
Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected] Daylight savings has begun, and spring is just around the corner!  Fuedo Arancio vineyard in April. (Sicily) Photo credit: Penny Weiss As a rule, my mood dictates what wine to open, not the weather. And as I’ve mentioned many times in articles I’ve written, I’m not a “seasonal” wine drinker. I enjoy red, white, and rosé all year round. But of late, I’ve been looking forward to sitting outside amongst the budding trees, being serenaded by the birds, enjoying the scent of blooming lilacs, watching the sunset, and sipping a white or rosé wine! Pure bliss!  Photo credit: Joel Holland And as much as I love all the seasons, I have a soft spot for spring because it is the season of renewal. And as Gustav Mahler, the composer, said, “Spring won’t let me stay in this house any longer! I must get out and breathe the air deeply again!” So without further ado, here are three white and three rosé wines to kick off the spring season and to enjoy while embracing the longer days and Mother Nature’s gift of renewal. Hat Strap Chardonnay, Los Carneros AVA 2021 This California wine is produced by Cline Family Cellars, established in 1982, a family-owned and operated winery. The grapes for this 100% Chardonnay are sourced from the Cline family’s J. Poppe sustainably farmed vineyard, the oldest Sonoma vineyard on the winery’s estate. Grapes are fermented in a mixture of stainless tanks and French oak barrels. The wine is aged for ten months in 35% new French oak barrels, 35% in neutral barrels, and the rest in stainless.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Sweet apples, white stone fruit, tropical notes, and a hint of lemon. Palate: Juicy peach, pineapple, a hint of herbs and spice with a creamy mouthfeel, and lively acidity balanced with a savory finish. Alcohol: 14.5% SRP: $25.00 Pairing suggestions: Enjoy as an aperitif or pair with salads, light pasta, grilled seafood, or roasted chicken and veggies. Herdade Do Esporão Monte Velho Rosé 2021 Herdade Do Esporão, whose history dates back over 750 years, has vineyards located in the Alentejo wine region in the southern half of Portugal. Monte Velho means “old mound.” and refers to a high point on Herdade Do Esporão estate capped by the ancient square fortress depicted on the label. Blending is a significant part of wine production in Alentejo, and this rosé is a blend of Touriga Nacional, Aragonez, Tinta Caiada, Syrah, Trincadeira, and Arinto, a white grape. The wine is certified vegan by the European Vegetarian Union.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Floral, red berries, and pomegranate. Palate: Aromas segue onto the palate with a nice balance of fruit and acidity. This wine is fresh and lively and is an easy sipper to enjoy while watching the sunset! Alcohol: 12.5% SRP: $12 Pairing suggestions: Enjoy as an aperitif, or serve with charcuterie or light fare. Mandrarossa Grillo Sicilia DOC 2021 Mandrarossa is a brand created by Cantine Settesoli, located in Menfi, Sicily, on the island’s southwestern side. Cantine Settesoli was founded in 1958, and it is the largest winery in Sicily and a source of ongoing research and innovative ideas. Mandrarossa is Settesoli’s top brand, which emerged in 1999. This wine is 100% Grillo, a grape well-suited to Sicily’s hot, dry climate. It is a light and easy-drinking wine.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Floral, stone fruit, lemon zest, herbs, and pear. Palate: Aromas segue onto the palate with citrus, vibrant acidity, salinity, and minerality. Alcohol: 13% SRP: 15 Euros (may not be available in the US) Pairing suggestions: Fresh ricotta, grilled veggies, seafood pasta, and grilled swordfish. Villa Gemma Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo Superiore Rosato DOC 2021 Masciarelli Tenute Agricole, a family-owned winery, was founded in 1981. They have 350 hectares of vineyards located in all four provinces of Abruzzo, Italy. They are committed to sustainability in the vineyards as well as the winery. This rosé is 100% Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, with grapes sourced from a single vineyard of five hectares.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Intense aromas of floral, red berries, cherry, and a hint of citrus. Palate: A juicy and dry wine with strawberry, raspberry, vibrant acidity, a creamy mouthfeel, a touch of herbs, a hint of pomegranate, and a long finish. I love this wine! Alcohol: 14% SRP: $21 Pairing suggestions: Serve as an aperitif, or pair with fish, risotto, fowl, veggie pasta, or seared tuna. CRIOS Torrontés 2021 Susana Balbo is the founder and owner of Susana Balbo Wines, located in Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, in western Argentina, close to the Andes Mountains. Susana produces four brands of wine that include CRIOS. The CRIOS brand was created as a tribute to her son and daughter. CRIOS in Spanish means “offspring.” It is 100% Torrontés and hand-harvested from vineyards in Cafayete (Salta) and Uco Valley (Mendoza) regions at an elevation of 5,600 ft.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Floral, pear, citrus, and white stone fruit. Palate: Fresh and lively with green apple, citrus, pear, crisp acidity, and minerality. Alcohol: 12.5% SRP: $15 Pairing suggestions: Enjoy as an aperitif or serve with light pasta, seafood, salads, or Asian cuisine. Château D’Esclans Rosé Côtes de Provence 2020 Château d’Esclans is located in the heart of Provence, France. Sacha Lichine purchased this magical estate in 2006 with a determination to create the greatest rosés in the world. The Cháteau d’Esclans is the estate wine made with Grenache and Rolle (Vermentino), sourced from the estate’s vineyard. Vinification takes place in both stainless steel and barrels, adding to the wine’s freshness and complexity.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Floral, strawberry, vanilla, and hints of stone fruit. Palate: Smooth, creamy, rich, and fresh, with berry, pear, minerality, sweet spice, and a long finish. Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $60 Pairing suggestions: Enjoy as an aperitif or serve with charcuterie, salads, grilled veggies, quiche, goat cheese, smoked salmon, or sushi. Winter or spring? I am more than ready to step into the photo on the right! Photo credits: Penny Weiss Happy sipping!
Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected] Clif Family Winery, owned by husband and wife team Gary Erickson and Kit Crawford, is located in Napa Valley, California. It is a small-production estate committed to paying its respects to the land and environment and honoring the planet.  Photo courtesy of Clif Family Winery All their 90 acres of estate vineyards and farms are certified organic and certified Napa Green, a “soil-to-bottle” sustainability program.  Gary and Kit Photo courtesy of Clif Family Winery Clif Family Winery recently sent me three wines to taste, and I must say, they are good!  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Rosé of Cabernet Franc 2021  Photo credit: Penny Weiss The grapes for this 100% Cabernet Franc are hand harvested from their new CCOF-certified Valle Di Sotto vineyard in the heart of the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley. 25% of the wine is aged in neutral French oak barrels and 75% in stainless steel for four months. Nose: Beautiful floral notes, white stone fruit, and strawberries. Palate: Delicious notes of berries, a hint of nectarine, citrus, and pear. A touch of creaminess with crisp acidity adds character to this refreshing wine. Alcohol: 12.5% SRP: $34 Pairing suggestions: Enjoy as an aperitif or serve with light appetizers, seafood, shellfish, salads, and light pasta dishes. Oak Knoll District Sauvignon Blanc 2021  Photo credit: Penny Weiss The grapes for this 100% Sauvignon Blanc are also hand harvested and sourced from the Clif Family’s new CCOF-certified Valle Di Sotto vineyard in the heart of the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley. 88% of the wine is aged for four months in neutral French oak barrels and 12% in new French oak. Nose: Aromas of floral, citrus, white stone fruit, and a slight hint of baking spice and pineapple. Palate: Complex, fresh, juicy, and balanced with lively acidity. Aromas come together on the palate with notes of lemon zest and a long fruit finish. Alcohol: 13.6% SRP: $38 Pairing suggestions: A great aperitif, or serve with salads, fish, white meat, and savory dishes. Estate Zinfandel 2019  Photo credit: Penny Weiss This wine is 100% Zinfandel. Grapes are hand harvested and sourced from the estate’s Home Vineyard at the Clif Family Farm. The elevation is 1170 ft on the north side of Howell Mountain. They named the site “Le Colline,” which means “the hills” in Italian. The wine is aged 15 months in 20% new French oak barrels.
Nose: Cherry, berries, earthy, and a hint of cedar. Palate: Well-balanced wine with juicy notes of cherry, red berries, smooth tannins, and a shot of pepper. Subtle baking spice and fennel linger on a long finish. Lip-smacking good! Alcohol: 14.9% SRP: $65 Pairing suggestions: Smoked cheese, barbecue, white meat, grilled game, seared tuna, or mushroom risotto. Enjoy these wines all year round! No special occasion is needed! Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected] If you are looking to dazzle your palate, celebrate a special occasion, or seek something beyond the usual wine gift this holiday season, consider these wines.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss And yes, they are pricey. However, if it is within your budget, these wines are worth exploring and will surely impress the discerning palate. Château d’Esclans Garrus 2020 This luxury cuvée is made in the heart of Provence, France, and it is considered Château d’Esclans’ finest wine. The estate refers to it as “the essence of 100-year-old vines.” It is a blend of Grenache, Vermentino and Syrah. The grapes are sourced from a single vineyard of 100-year-old vines, with fermentation and aging taking place in large French oak barrels.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Beautiful notes of floral, peach, berries, and spice. Palate: Lush, ripe red berries, white stone fruit, vibrant acidity, and a hint of minerality. The finish is long, with baking spice, vanilla, and a touch of citrus lingering. Magnifique! Alcohol: 14% SRP: $110 Pairing suggestions: Enjoy as an aperitif or serve with appetizers, seafood, grilled chicken, Ceviche, goat cheese salad, creamy pasta, or grilled vegetables. Famiglia Pasqua Mai Dire Mai Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG 2012 Pasqua Vigneti é Cantine, established in 1925, is located in Verona, Italy. In 2019, I met with third-generation Ricardo and Alessandro Pasqua for an informative and delightful lunch and wine tasting. Included in the tasting was the 2011 Famiglia Pasqua Mai Dire Mai Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG, an unforgettable experience! So, I was very excited when I recently received the 2012 vintage! This wine is a blend of 65% Corvina, 15% Corvinone, 10% Rondinella, and 10% Oseleta. The grapes are hand-harvested and dried in crates for four months. Aging occurs in new French oak casks (70% barrels of 225 liters and 30% 500 liters) for 24 months.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Heady aromas of plum, dark cherry, earth, spice, oak, and cocoa beans. Palate: Aromas segue onto the palate of this complex and opulent wine. Dark fruit merges with baking spice and dark chocolate for a rich, silky, well-balanced wine. The finish is long and elegant. Alcohol: 16.5% SRP: $113 Pairing suggestions: Aged cheese, grilled meat, stews, risotto, and dark chocolate desserts. To learn more about Pasqua, click on the menu at right. (Please note some stats and info have changed since the 2019 article was published.) M by Michael Mondavi Napa Valley Red Blend 2018 The new label on this bottle is a “stop-in-your-tracks” stunner. And what is inside is superb! This wine is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, 16% Merlot, and 4% Petit Verdot sourced from a select block within volcanic hillside vineyards sitting on top of Atlas Peak. The vineyards for M by Michael Mondavi Family are sustainably farmed with a focus on biodiversity, allowing each vineyard block’s unique attributes to shine through. Michael’s son, head winemaker Rob Mondavi, Jr, crafts M by Michael Mondavi to “express the balance personified by the great Bordeaux houses, while embracing the rich opulence and plushness of Napa Valley.” Winemaker Sabrina Massola brings her expertise to the blend, inspired by Michael’s palate and guidance. The wine is aged in 60% new French oak for 20 months.  Nose: Floral, dark berries, blueberries, plum, baking spice, and herbs set the stage for this rich wine.
Palate: Dark cherry, juicy plum, berries, a touch of violet, and a hint of forest floor, with complexity and fine tannins. The finish goes on forever. This is a seductive and luxuriant wine. Alcohol: 14.5% SRP: $200 Pairing suggestions: Roasted meats and stews, mushroom risotto, hearty soups, seared tuna, or roasted duck. One doesn’t need to deplete their bank account to enjoy a bottle of wine. There are many excellent wines for under $30. However, there are times when one might feel like splurging, and these three wines are a delicious option for those “sumptuous” urges! Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected] "It’s Halloween and time to celebrate! I’ve compiled some tasty "hallowines" from past articles and a few spine-tingling stories to share on this spooky but fun holiday!  Photo credit: David Menidrey Flora Springs Flora Springs is a family-run winery in Napa Valley, CA, founded in 1978 by Jerry and Flora Komes. Today, their son John and daughter Julie are the the estate proprietors, and Julie’s husband, Pat Garvey, is the vineyard director and proprietor. The property is situated among vineyards planted in the late 1800s, now part of the estate vineyards. When the Komes bought the estate, it came with a “Ghost Winery.” originally constructed in 1885. “Ghost Winery” is a term used to describe any winery between 1860 and 1900 that was non-functional and in disrepair in the early 20th century due to the Great Depression, phylloxera, and Prohibition.  Before and after photos of the Ghost Winery courtesy of Flora Springs According to Flora Springs, “Before 1919, when Prohibition began, there were an estimated 713 winery businesses in California. Following its repeal 14 years later, only 40 wineries were left. This resulted in a wave of abandoned wineries throughout the next several decades. Many wineries of the time disappeared forever; others were left in ruins.” After his parents bought the property, John completely renovated the old stone winery into a home and lives there with his wife, Carrie.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Ghost Winery Malbec 2019 This wine is 100% Malbec and aged 18 months in French (75%) and American (25%) oak barrels. Nose: Plum, cherry, berries, baking spice, and figs Palate: Lush dark berries, black plum, cocoa, fig, spice, silky tannins, and a long finish. Flora Springs says, “It’s hauntingly delicious.” Alcohol: 14.2% Pairing Suggestions: Stews, hearty soups, grilled meat, seared tuna, or aged cheese. In addition to the Ghost Winery Malbec, Flora Springs produces a one-of-a-kind Halloween-themed label and limited edition wine. Every year since 2008, consumers look forward to these whimsical Halloween wine bottles. For the 2019 bottle, general manager and third-generation Nat Komes collaborated with New York-based artist Marc Sasso to create the All Hallows’ Eve Cabernet Franc label. The result is an image of witches dancing in the moonlight while brewing a special potion. Hmm, I wonder what that could be! All Hallows’ Eve Cabernet Franc 2019 The grapes for this 100% Cabernet Franc are sourced from a small block of the family’s estate vineyard in Rutherford. It is aged 18 months in French (80%) and American (20%) oak barrels. Nose: Red fruit, baking spice, cherry, and a hint of floral. Palate: Juicy notes of black raspberry, dark cherry, chocolate, spice, and a touch of sour cherry on a long finish. It is a balanced and well-structured wine. Alcohol: 14.2% Pairing Suggestions: Grilled meat, fowl, seared tuna, or a Halloween chocolate treat! Casillero del Diablo Once there was a winemaker named Don Melchor Concha y Toro who founded the Concha y Toro winery in Chile in 1883. He started his winery with grape varieties that he brought back to Chile from the Bordeaux region of France, with which he made exquisite wines. Don Melchor reserved an exclusive batch of these wines for himself that he kept under lock and key. According to legend, these wines continually disappeared from the cellar. So to stop the theft of these wines, Don Melchor spread a rumor that the devil himself lived in the cellar guarding the wines. Everyone became terrified, and some claimed that they had seen the devil. The rumor worked, the thefts stopped, and Don Melchor continued to enjoy his wines. To this day, the cellar is known as the “The Devil’s Cellar” and remains protected…forever!  The Devil's Cellar Photo courtesy of Casillero del Diablo Casillero del Diablo, which means “devil’s locker” in Spanish, is a legendary brand that is part of Concha y Toro’s portfolio with the “devil” logo on every bottle. The cellar is located in Pirque, close to Santiago, and is open for tours. Here are two wines from Casillero del Diablo to add devilish fun to your Halloween.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Casillero del Diablo Reserva Red Blend DO The grapes for this red wine are a mysterious blend of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from Rapel Valley. The wine is shrouded in secrecy about its length of aging, but rumor has it that it spent about ten months in French oak. But there is no mystery as to this wine’s aromas and taste! Nose: Dark berries, black cherry, fig, spice, and vanilla Palate: Juicy plum, dark cherry, spice, dark chocolate, and soft tannins Alcohol: 13.5% Pairing Suggestions: Grilled meat, game, seared tuna, hearty stews, and pasta. Casillero del Diablo Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon The grapes for this wine are sourced from Central Valley DO. Its aging remains a secret closely guarded by the devil in the cellar! Nose: Intense aromas of dark berries, cherries, plum, floral, and spice. Palate: Aromas spill onto the palate with a touch of anise. It is beautifully balanced with firm tannins, dark chocolate, and plum lingering on a long finish. Alcohol: 13.5% Pairing Suggestions: Hearty or spicy cuisine, grilled meat, aged cheese, or stews. Sipping Sherry With Halloween Treats  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Sherry is a fortified wine produced in Andalucía, located in the southwest area of Spain. With over 40,000 hectares of vineyards in Andalucía, more than half of the wine produced here is in DO (denomination de origin) areas. Sherry can only be made from Palomino, Muscatel, and Pedro Ximénez white grapes. To learn about the terroir of Andalucía, how sherry is made, and all the sherry styles available, please click on the link below that will take you to an article on my website. http://thewineknitter.com/1/post/2017/10/day-606-sherry-fest.html Harveys Bristol Cream DO Jerez Xérés Cream Sherry is usually a blend of Oloroso, PX (Pedro Ximénez), or Moscatel styles but can be made in various styles. It is a semi-sweet wine that is aromatic and dark in color with classic notes of nuts and caramel. This cream sherry is a blend of 80% Palomino and 20% Pedro Ximénez grapes. It is a unique combination of Fino, Amontillado, Oloroso, and Pedro Ximénez styles of sherry that have been aged separately in the solera system, averaging seven years of aging. Harveys Bristol Cream is the only sherry made up of a blend of four different styles that exist.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss This sherry is dark amber with intoxicating aromas of dried fruit, raisins, nuts, and toffee. The palate is layered with raisins, caramel, fig, toasted almonds, and a creamy mouthfeel. This is a nice sherry to drink as an aperitif or serve with desserts, cheese, and fruit. Pour it over ice cream or serve with ice and a twist of orange. It also goes well with pumpkin muffins! Serve well chilled. Alcohol: 17.5% González Byass Alfonso Oloroso DO Jerez Xérés Oloroso (‘scented’ in Spanish) intentionally never develops flor (yeast). Aging through oxidation of up to 40+ years produces a full-bodied, aromatic, dark, and rich wine. Oloroso contains the most amount of alcohol in sherry, with levels of 18% to 20%. This dry sherry is 100% Palomino Fino. The wine is fortified to 18% alcohol and then is aged for an average of eight years in American oak casks following the traditional solera system.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Mahogany in color, this dry sherry exudes aromas of nuts and toffee. The palate offers dried figs, salted nuts, especially peanuts, and traces of toffee and vanilla on the finish. Serve chilled. It will pair well with meats, stews, mild cheese, and dark chocolate laden with nuts. Add a splash while cooking soup or sautéing seafood. Alcohol: 18% González Byass Nectar Dulce Pedro Ximénez DO Jerez Xérés Pedro Ximénez (PX) is an intensely sweet wine and is the sweetest of the sherry styles. The grapes are dried in the sun allowing the juices to concentrate before pressing. This sherry is 100% Pedro Ximénez. The wine is fortified to 15% alcohol and then enters the Nectar solera. It is followed by an average of eight years of aging in American oak casks.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss This dark brown colored sherry emanates intoxicating aromas of raisins, prune, fig and honey. The palate is rich and unctuous, with raisins, baking spice, and toasted notes of caramel, toffee, and espresso. A hint of nuts accompanies a long finish. Enjoy it chilled as a dessert wine on its own or poured over ice cream or berries. Heavenly!
Alcohol: 15% Whether it’s a “Hallowine” or non-alcoholic “spirits” celebration, wishing you a devilishly fun-filled and safe Halloween! Until next time... Cheer! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected] |
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