|
Join The WineKnitter in exploring the world of Wine, Spirits, Food, Travel and much more! |
|
Spring is in full swing, with flowers blooming against a background of vibrant green foliage bursting from trees. Birds are nesting, and butterflies are reaping the benefits of sweet floral nectar. It is the season of renewal and the promise of new beginnings.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss With warmer weather upon us, I believe we are all ready to embrace the outdoors. I certainly am! As most of my readers know, what type of wine I drink is not dictated by the weather, but what my palate is in the mood for. Billy Joel’s lyrics from the song “Scenes From An Italian Restaurant” ring true for me. “A bottle of white, a bottle of red Perhaps a bottle of rose instead” “A bottle of red, a bottle of white It all depends upon your appetite” So, with that in mind, here is a sampling of four wines I received, which will please your palate and pair well with spring, and all year round!  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Domaine Bousquet Reserve Organic Chardonnay 2023 Domaine Bousquet is no stranger to my website. I have reviewed and thoroughly enjoyed all of their wines throughout the years. This family-owned estate is in the Gualtallary Valley, high up in the Tupungato district of the Uco Valley in Argentina’s Mendoza region. This 100% Chardonnay comes from certified organic estate fruit and is hand-harvested from low-yield vineyards located at the foot of the Andes at an elevation of 4000 plus feet. 50% of the wine is fermented in oak for 15 days, and the other 50% in tanks. The wine is aged for six months in 3rd use French oak barrels on the lees for a Burgundian style.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Lovely floral and tropical notes, with apples, lime, freshly baked bread, and a hint of vanilla. Palate: Creamy mouth-feel with beautiful acidity, oak aromas transcend on the palate with pear and tropical notes of pineapple and pink grapefruit. Oak and acidity persist on a long and delicious finish. Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $18 Pairing suggestions: Enjoy as an aperitif or with seafood, salads, cream-based pasta, mushroom risotto, or cheese. Herzog Lineage Pinot Noir Clarksburg 2023 Herzog Wine Cellars has a long family history of winemaking that spans nine generations. From Europe to New York to the vineyards of California, the Herzog family gave rise to the American kosher wine industry, including premium kosher winemaking in California. Today they have eight brands of wine, one of which is the Lineage brand. This 100% Pinot Noir is harvested from vineyards in Clarksburg, CA. Try as I might, I could not find any technical data or the aging process of this wine.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Cherries, pomegranate, cocoa, and baking spice. Palate: Silky mouth-feel with cherries, strawberry, earthy, and a hint of baking spice lingering on the finish. Alcohol: 13% SRP: $20 Pairing suggestions: Roasted leg of lamb, duck with cherry glaze, grilled portobello burgers, or seared tuna. Attems Pinot Grigio Ramato Friuli DOC This wine is produced by Attems, a historic estate located in Friuli, in northeast Italy. In 2000, the estate was sold to the Marchese Vittorio Frescobaldi. Pinot Grigio, aka Pinot Gris, is a white wine grape that thrives in a cool climate. The vineyards for this grape are situated in the middle area of the property, known as “manine” or “little hands” which is a primarily flat area set between Collio and Isonzo. This 100% Pinot Grigio gets its coppery/coral color from slight contact of about ten hours with the purple skins before pressing and fermenting. Following fermentation, the wine rested for four months on noble lees.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: White fruit, melon, cherry, citrus, and wildflowers. Palate: Crisp fruit with nice acidity, pink grapefruit, melon, cherry pie, and minerality lingering on the finish. I love the dance between tart and juicy. Alcohol: 12.5% SRP: $20 Pairing suggestions: Seafood, goat cheese wrapped in prosciutto, cream-based pasta, grilled veggies, or enjoy as an aperitif. Darom by Yatir Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 Yatir Winery, founded in 2000, is located at the southern tip of the Judean Hills, and built at the foot of the Israelite Tel Arad Fort (an archeological site) in the heart of the Negev desert. The vineyards of the Yatir Forest are just 10 minutes away. Vineyards are planted at an altitude of up to 900 meters above sea level and are dispersed throughout different locations in the forest, each with its own distinct feature. The dry desert climate and cool nights contribute to producing exceptional wine grapes. The grape blend for this wine is 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Syrah, and 5% Shiraz. Grapes are hand-harvested; the wine is aged for eight months in small oak barrels.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Dark fruit, cherry, baking spice, forest floor, and a hint of violet.
Palate: Rich and fruit-forward with lots of berries, cherry, spice, earthy, and slate. Alcohol: 13% SRP: $35 Pairing suggestions: Prime ribs, Mediterranean cuisine, risotto, and chocolate desserts. Whatever the season, occasion, or “just because” moment, these wines are price-approachable, and your palate will thank you! “A bottle of red, and a bottle of white Whatever kind of mood you're in tonight” Billy Joel Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected] The holidays are quickly approaching, and menus are in the making. Why not get in the spirit with a glass of bubbly? Opening a bottle of good quality sparkling wine that retails for $18 is a no-brainer, especially when pouring a glass just for me! Domaine Bousquet is no stranger to my website. It is a family-owned winery and Argentina’s largest producer and exporter of organically grown wines. It is located in the Gualtallary Valley, high up in the Tupungato district of the Uco Valley, where altitudes can reach up to 5,249 ft. I’ve met and dined with Anne Bousquet (co-owner) several times, written numerous articles, and reviewed most of their palate-pleasing wines.  Photo is courtesy of Domaine Bousquet. So, let’s explore a few of Domaine Bousquet’s sparkling wines without further ado!  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Both of these sparkling wines are produced using the Méthode Traditionnelle, where the second fermentation takes place in the bottle. The Brut is fermented on the lees in bottle for six months before disgorgement. 100% certified organic grapes are hand-harvested from the estate’s vineyards by the foothills of the Andes at an altitude of 4000 ft. The high altitude imparts cool nights and hot days, contributing to the grapes’ fresh fruit flavors and acidity. Domaine Bousquet Traditionnelle Chardonnay-Pinot Noir Brut NV This sparkling wine is made with 75% Chardonnay and 25% Pinot Noir.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Floral, yeast, tropical fruit notes with apple. Palate: Creamy mouth-feel with fine bubbles, lemon, green apple, and soft berries. Fresh, with lively acidity. Alcohol: 12% SRP: $18 Domaine Bousquet Traditionnelle Pinot Noir-Chardonnay Brut Rosé NV This sparkling wine is made with 75% Pinot Noir and 25% Chardonnay.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Floral, strawberry, sweet apples, and cherry. Palate: Refreshing acidity with persistent bubbles. Aromas segue onto the palate with citrus, cranberry, and lemon on the finish. Alcohol: 12% SRP: $18 Pairing suggestions: Enjoy these wines as an aperitif or with seafood, quiche, roasted chicken, and desserts! These wines are priced well and are a great way to kick off the holidays or to pop open for a “just because” moment!"  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Until next time…
Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected] New vintages of Gaia reds have arrived! And, yes, I’m giving another shout-out to these consistently tasty wines from Domaine Bousquet’s Gaia collection!  Photo is courtesy of Kate Corcoran at Creative Palate. Domaine Bousquet is a family-owned winery and Argentina’s largest producer and exporter of organically grown wines. It is located in the Gualtallary Valley, high up in the Tupungato district of the Uco Valley, where altitudes can reach up to 5,249 ft. The winery was founded in 1997 by winemaker Jean Bousquet, originally from Carcassonne in Southwest France, where his family expanded four generations of winemaking. Please select from the menu at right for a more in-depth look at Domaine Bousquet. The label for these wines is a striking portrayal of Gaia, who in Greek mythology is the mother goddess presiding over the earth. It is a fitting name for wines produced from all organic grapes!  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Gaia Organic Cabernet Franc 2020 This vintage is 100% Cabernet Franc. Grapes are hand-harvested from vineyards at 4000 ft. altitude. The wine is aged in French oak for ten months.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Dark berries, floral, and baking spice. Palate: Juicy notes of blackberry, plum, pomegranate, spice, and minerality. It is fresh and lively! Alcohol: 14.5% SRP: $20 Gaia Organic Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 Grapes for this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon are hand-harvested from vineyards at 4000 ft. altitude. This wine is aged in French oak between eight and ten months.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Intense aromas of dark berries, dark cherry, baking spice, and a touch of minerality set the stage for this expressive wine: Palate: Aromas segue onto the palate with plum, vanilla, and a hint of chocolate. Smooth tannins and a lengthy finish beg for another sip. Alcohol: 15% SRP: $20 Gaia Organic Malbec 2019 This wine is 100% Malbec. Grapes are hand-harvested from vineyards located by the foothills of the Andes at 4000 ft. altitude. The wine is aged in French oak between eight and ten months.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Floral, dark berries, baking spice, and hints of plum. Palate: Aromas segue onto the palate with a touch of dark cherry, earthiness, firm tannins, and a lengthy finish. Alcohol: 14.5% SRP: $20 Gaia Organic Red Blend 2020 This red blend is the first wine that launched the Gaia collection. The blend is 50% Malbec, 45% Syrah and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. The best grapes are used for this wine and are harvested manually from Domaine Bousquet’s organically farmed vineyards. Wine aging takes place in French oak barrels for ten months.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Aromas of violet, dark berries, and spice are inviting and heady.
Palate: Dark cherry and plum, blackberry, and spice entertain the palate with a hint of vanilla lingering on a long finish. It is juicy, fruity, smooth, and complex. Alcohol: 14.5% SRP: $20 Pairing suggestions for these wines: Grilled meat, BBQ, roasted chicken, hearty stews, cheese, pasta, seared tuna, and chocolate desserts! Gaia wines are a great value and never disappoint the palate! Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected] This month features treats from Argentina! The sultry tango dance might come to mind when one thinks of Argentina. And when it comes to wine and food, Malbec and chimichurri sauce lead the way in creating an enticing dance on the palate! Domaine Bousquet is a family-owned winery and Argentina’s largest producer and exporter of organically grown wines. It is located in the Gualtallary Valley, high up in the Tupungato district of the Uco Valley, where altitudes can reach up to 5,249 ft. The winery was founded in 1997 by winemaker Jean Bousquet, originally from Carcassonne in Southwest France, where his family expands four generations of winemaking.  Domaine Bousquet Photo courtesy of the winery. Domaine Bousquet is noted for its use of French and Argentinian winemaking techniques. French-born Anne Bousquet, daughter of Jean and President and CEO of the company, stated, “The objective of the Bousquet family was to unite our tradition of European winemaking with the ideal agricultural conditions in Mendoza.”  Anne Bousquet Photo courtesy of Domaine Bousquet. Domaine Bousquet is the only estate with sand as its primary soil. Sandy soil drains well and retains heat that helps to produce highly aromatic wines. With minimal rainfall, water delivery to the vines is controlled by an irrigation process through a drop-by-drop system with pure mountain run-off. This creates lower pH in the grape, resulting in higher acidity and more color in the wine. All Domaine Bousquet wines are made from 100% organic fruit ever since the first vines were planted. Special attention is always taken to preserve the purity of the organic fruit. The benefits of a cool climate, sandy soil, controlled water irrigation, and healthy organic grapes, set the stage for quality wines. Domaine Bousquet Reserve Organic Malbec This wine is a beautiful blend of 85% Malbec, 5% Merlot, 5% Syrah, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon. The grapes are harvested from the estate’s best plots with low yields. And the wine is aged for ten months in French oak.  Nose: Plum, dark berries, spice, and a hint of floral. Palate: Layered with blackberry, raspberry, dark cherry, chocolate, and pepper with a long finish. Nicely balanced with soft tannins and good acidity. Alcohol: 14.5% SRP: $15-18 Pairing suggestions: Grilled meat, pasta, stews, and seared tuna.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Argentina is the original home of chimichurri sauce, and it is considered a household staple and always made with fresh, natural ingredients. It can be served as a stand-alone condiment or used as a marinade. Every Argentine household claims its own version of the chimichurri recipe. But broadly speaking, green chimichurri (chimichurri verde), the most familiar version, is a combo of finely chopped fresh green herbs and garlic blended with olive oil and red wine vinegar or lemon juice. The following is a classic chimichurri recipe, although Anne Bousquet suggests you “feel free to play around a bit and make it your own -- just like we do in Argentina!” Chimichurri With Grilled Flank Steak  Ingredients:
1 small shallot cut into wedges 2 garlic cloves ¼ cup of red wine vinegar – or lemon juice if you prefer ¾ cup flat-leaf parsley, stems removed and finely chopped – or a 50/50 blend of parsley and cilantro 1 tbsp fresh oregano, stems removed. ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil 1 ½ tsp kosher salt 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper (or you can amp up the heat with a little paprika or cayenne) Instructions: Combine shallot, garlic, vinegar, and salt in a bowl and let it sit for 10 minutes. Stir in parsley (and/or cilantro) and oregano, and mash together gently with a pestle. Whisk in olive oil using a fork, then season with salt and pepper. In Argentina, half the chimichurri recipe is usually set aside and reserved as a sauce. The remainder is combined with the beef in a covered dish and chilled for at least three hours or overnight before grilling. When ready, remove beef from the chimichurri marinade, pat dry, and grill. Serve beef with reserved chimichurri sauce on the side. And don’t forget the wine! “There’s a reason why Malbec is Argentina’s most beloved red wine,” says Anne. “Not only does Malbec thrive in the high desert growing conditions of Mendoza, especially in our high-altitude vineyards in the Uco Valley, but when it comes to pairing with steak, few wines can hold a candle to the bold aromatics, abundant fruit flavor, and smooth tannins of Malbec, especially with leaner cuts such as top sirloin and flank steak. Nothing spices up a nice, juicy steak like a generous dash of chimichurri sauce and a glass of Malbec!” Until next time… Saludos y disfruta de tu comida! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected] The curtain has finally lifted, and the summer of 2022 will be filled again with festive outdoor concerts, fairs, and picnics. So whether you’re headed to an event, the beach, or enjoying leisure backyard time at home with family and friends, apply the sunscreen and grab a cooler because I’ve got you covered with some easy-to-transport wines and a few other thirst-quenching treats.  Photo credit: Ethan Robertson Grand View Research said, “The global canned wines market size was valued at USD 211.4 million in 2020. The rising demand for convenient, portable, and single-serve beverages is the key driver for the market growth.” According to a new report from Grand View Research in May 2021, “The global canned wines market size is expected to reach USD 571.8 million by 2028, registering a CAGR (compound annual growth rate)of 13.2%. Canned beverages are highly convenient due to the compact size of cans. Moreover, there has been a growing demand for portable and less fragile wine containers than glass. These factors are projected to support the market growth.” Francis Ford Coppola Sofia Brut Rosé Canned Wines Located in Sonoma County, this iconic winery produces more than 40 wines on-site and is now offering brut rosé in Mini Cans! Sofia Brut Rosé (a tribute to Coppola’s only daughter.) is an off-dry, light, effervescent wine and a perfect addition to the picnic basket.  This rosé is a blend of 40% Pinot Grigio, 22% Zinfandel, 20% Grenache 15% Pinot Noir and 3% Chardonnay. It is refreshing and crisp with notes of floral, peach, strawberries, and a touch of lemon zest on the finish. Alcohol: 11.5% SRP: $20 for a 4-pack Each can holds 187-ml of wine. Pairings: Enjoy as an aperitif or with BBQ fare, paté, cheese, and dessert. Domaine Bousquet Le Petit Canned Wines These certified organic wines are produced from grapes grown in the cool Argentine foothills of the Andean mountains. Domaine Bousquet is Argentina’s leading producer and exporter of certified-organic wines. They are the first to present canned wines from Argentina made from certified organic grapes. “Le Petit” is “The Little One” in French. The fruit for both wines is from the 2021 harvest sourced from vineyards in Tupungato, Alto Gualtallary, at 4000 ft. altitude.  Le Petit Bubbly Rosé This wine is a blend of 50% Pinot Noir, 30% Syrah, 10% Pinot Gris, and 10% Viognier and is made using the Charmat method. It has lots of fresh berry aromas, and the palate offers a dry, crisp wine with refreshing fruit and soft bubbles. Alcohol: 12.5% SRP: $13 for a 4-pack/$3.50 per can. Each can holds 250-ml of wine. Pairings: Enjoy as an aperitif or with shellfish, salads, and fruit. Le Petit Malbec This 100% Malbec oozes juicy black and red berry aromas that segue onto the palate with a bit of earthiness and fig. A touch of spice lingers on the finish. Alcohol: 14% SRP: $13 for a 4-pack/$3.50 per can. Each can holds 250-ml of wine. Pairings: It’s a perfect match for BBQ or hard cheese and fruit. In addition to premium single-serve wines, premium boxed wines are also gaining popularity. Their portability and the lure of a smaller carbon footprint are appealing. Boxed wines usually come in 3-liter to 5-liter sizes, making it easy to accommodate your entertaining needs. Also, boxed wines are easy to transport and unbreakable, and each 3L box is equivalent to four bottles of wine! And the wine will stay fresh for 30 days or longer in the refrigerator if it’s in a vacuum pack. Sandy Giovese Vino Rosso Boxed Wine Amy Ezrin is the founder of Sandy Giovese wines and teases that the character name “Sandy Giovese” is her alter ego. The name is a playful spin on the Sangiovese grapes used to make this boxed wine, which is 85% Sangiovese and 15% Trebbiano. It is produced from organically-farmed grapes sourced from vineyards in Italy’s Le Marche region, located on the Adriatic Sea.  Nose: Red fruit, violets, and a hint of herbs. Palate: Cherry, cranberry, crisp acidity, refreshing and light, an easy-drinking wine. Alcohol: 12% SRP: $34.99/3L box Pairings: Aperitif, pasta, pizza, BBQ, grilled chicken, fruit & cheese platter. Domaine Bousquet Natural Origins Rosé 2021 Boxed Wine Along with bottled and canned wines, Domaine Bousquet also produces a line of organic “bag in a box” boxed wines. Fruit for Natural Origins line is sourced from the upper reaches of the Tupungato Valley, known for producing grapes with an abundance of aroma, flavor, and freshness thanks to large day-night temperature differentials and the intense Andean sunlight. The box states that the wine will stay fresh for 90 days after opening!  Photo credit: Penny Weiss The organic grapes for this rosé are a blend of 50% Pinot Noir, 30% Syrah, 10% Pinot Gris, and 10% Viognier. Nose: Red berries, cherry, and a hint of floral. Palate: Strawberry, cherry, and a touch of spice with fresh acidity. Refreshing and perfect for an outing. Alcohol: 12% SRP: $20/3L box Pairings: Aperitif, seafood, shellfish, salads, grilled chicken, or fruit and dessert. And, if you’re looking for festive and unusual single-serve, low-alcoholic beverages, these treats from SQZ will brighten the party. SQZ SQZ is located in Lanark, Illinois, and is owned by Anthony Curcio, CEO, and mastermind behind these low-alcoholic beverages. Anthony’s grandfather, Lorenzo Curcio, was known for his fruit wines made in the region of Calabria, Italy. And so, this family tradition was passed on from generation to generation, with Anthony taking it to another level.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss The packaging for these low-alcohol fruit wines is unique and whimsical. And if you don’t mind using glass outside, the concept of Mason jars is brilliant, and they are reusable!  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Each Mason jar contains 375 ml of wine. The fruit wines are hand-crafted and made in small batches using only natural ingredients. Lemon juice, water, cane sugar, and yeast are used as the base. All added flavors are sourced from real juice, with no extracts or preservatives. The water is locally sourced deep well water that is triple filtered to ensure consistency in each batch made. The juice is naturally fermented and blended in stainless steel tanks. All six flavors, including the newest, Key Lime-Jalapeno, are refreshing and range from crisp and tart to mildly sweet or spicy! Drink as is, or get creative and use SQZ in cocktails! Alcohol: 9% SRP: $29.99 for a six-jar pack. (equivalent to three bottles of wine) Single jar-$4.99 each For those who prefer to pour from a bottle instead of canned or boxed wine, here are a few premium screw-top rosés to pack in the cooler. No corkscrew needed!  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Bodegas Salentein Portillo Rosé 2021 Bodegas Salentein is located in the Uco Valley of Mendoza, Argentina. This privately-owned estate was established in the late 1990s and boasts almost 5000 acres, of which 1,124 acres are planted to vine. Many of their vineyards are situated at some of the highest elevations in the world. The grapes for this 100% Malbec are sourced from Valle de Uco appellation. Nose: Red berries, cherry, and floral. Palate: Fresh strawberry and raspberry with nicely balanced acidity. Light and refreshing! Alcohol: 13% SRP: $10.99 Diora La Belle Fête Rosé of Pinot Noir 2021 Diora is a brand of Delicato Family Wines, owned and run by the Indelicato family. Based in Monterey’s AVA, on Californias’s Central Coast, they have 1800 acres planted with vines. The grapes for this rosé are sourced from their estate San Bernabe Vineyard, and the wine is a blend of 88.2% Pinot Noir, 6.1 % Syrah, and 5.6% Grenache. The majority of the blend was fermented in stainless steel, with a small portion in neutral oak for a touch of creaminess to the palate. After two months, the wine was bottled. Nose: Cherries, red berries, and a hint of grapefruit. Palate: Aromas segue onto the palate with crisp acidity and notes of watermelon. It is dry and light, another great wine for the picnic basket. Alcohol: 12% SRP: $19.99 Saget La Perrière “La Petite Perrière” Rosé 2021 La Perrière is a family-run company located in the Loire Valley, France. With 890 acres of vines in the finest appellations and six estates, it carries on the tradition of nine generations dedicated to producing fine wines. This 100% Pinot Noir is sourced mainly from their estate vineyards in Touraine (Loire Valley), and a part of the blend is sourced from the South of France through their long-term partners. Nose: Fresh fruit notes of strawberry, floral, and a hint of minerality. Palate: This is a lively wine with juicy strawberry, raspberry, and a touch of grapefruit to balance it. Alcohol: 12% SRP: $13.99 Pairings for these three rosés: Enjoy as aperitifs or serve with seafood, salad, light pasta, BBQ, grilled chicken, or fruit and cheese platter. All the canned, boxed, and bottled wines should be served chilled. If iced tea is your go-to beverage, then here is a delightful collection of all-natural teas to brew and sip over ice while lazing in the hammock or sailing around the lake. Adagio Teas This family-owned company is aptly named Adagio (a musical term meaning “slow” or “at ease.”). Relaxing and slowing down the pace while drinking these refreshing teas works for me!  Photo credit: Penny Weiss They have two facilities, one in New Jersey and one in the UK. And all of the teas come directly from farmers around the world.  The full-leaf, pre-measured pouches make the tea easy to prepare. Add water to a quart-size pitcher, toss in the pouch, and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight. There is an abundance of flavors to choose from, and sampler boxes are available. There are 40 varieties, such as herbal blends, chai, black, oolong, and the list goes on! One of my favorites is the Purple Papayaberry Iced Tea. It is blended with Hibiscus, Butterfly Pea Flower, Apple Pieces, Rose Hips, Orange, Papaya Flavor, Blueberries, Strawberries & Natural Blackberry Flavor. It’s perfect for a hot summer day. SRP: Iced tea sampler sets are $14 for six pouches that make one quart of tea per pouch. Purple Papayaberry is $8 for six pouches.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Summer is in full swing, and it’s time to kick off your shoes, embrace the outdoors and indulge your palate!
Until next time… Cheers! Penina This article was originally published to Santé Magazine To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected] Whether celebrating Easter, Passover, or a “just because” moment, I have a few wines and recipes to grace your table and please your palate. Easter Jean-Luc Colombo Cornas “Terres Brûlées” 2018  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Jean-Luc Colombo winery is located in the northern appellation of Cornas in the Rhône Valley, France. Cornas is the smallest appellation in the Rhône Valley, consisting of approximately 325 acres, and is dedicated to producing only red wine from the Syrah grape. The Mediterranean climate and decomposed granite soils contribute to the richness and character of these wines. Terres Brûlées means “burnt earth,” which refers to the long hot days balanced by the cool nights. Grapes for this 100% Syrah are hand-harvested from 30+ -year-old vines. The wine is aged 21 months in oak barrels (10% new, 90% one-to-five-year old barrels). Nose: Dark cherry, dark berries, plum, and baking spice. Palate: Rich with blackberry, plum, and black cherry, reminiscent of exotic jam. Notes of vanilla, cocoa, spice and a trace of minerality linger on a long finish. An exceptional wine! Alcohol: 14.5% SRP: $63.99 Pairings: Roasted white meat, game, lamb, seared tuna, and hearty stews. I was seven years old the first time I tasted lamb and after that I insisted that my mother make lamb chops for me at least once a week. Seven years later, our family was invited to a traditional Greek Easter meal where I feasted on leg of lamb for the first time. I was hooked! Roasted Leg Of Lamb With Vegetables (serves 8 to 10)  The beauty of this recipe is that you can add any vegetables you like to the pan. My favorites are small potatoes, baby carrots, and onions. Ingredients: One 5 to 6 pound trimmed bone-in leg of lamb 4 to 5 garlic cloves minced One tablespoon of olive oil Chopped fresh parsley, thyme, rosemary (a tablespoon of each) One tablespoon of Dijon mustard Kosher salt and pepper to taste. Cut up veggies such as new potatoes, carrots, zucchini, and onions. Directions: Line a large roasting pan with aluminum foil and preheat the oven to 350℉. Pat lamb dry and using a sharp knife, score the top side of the lamb, making shallow cuts all over. Combine the rest of the ingredients in a small bowl. Place lamb fat side up on a rack in the prepared roasting pan. Spread the garlic mixture evenly over the lamb, making sure to rub it into the scored cuts. (I like to use my hands to rub the mixture into the lamb.) Add a small amount of dry white wine to the bottom of the pan, and then add cut-up vegetables of your choice. Place pan in preheated oven and roast until it reaches an internal temperature of 135℉ or until desired doneness. Occasionally baste the vegetables and add more liquid to the pan if necessary. Let rest 15 to 20 minutes before slicing. Note: Consult a chart for roasting time per pound to achieve doneness as to rare, medium-rare, etc. Passover Having sat through many family seders growing up, I endured the wine that was always served. It was a sickeningly sweet wine that managed to insult my palate even in my early youth. There had to be a better kosher wine! And over time, wine producers began making quality kosher wine. Alavida Malbec Organic and Kosher 2021  Photo credit: Penny Weiss This 100% Argentine reserve-level Malbec is the latest release from Origins Organic Imports, owned by Anne Bousquet and her husband, Labid al Ameri. who also own Domaine Bousquet. They have been producing certified organic wines since 1997. This wine is USDA-certified organic and kosher, a first from Argentina. “Alavida” is a riff on “to life” in Spanish - itself a riff on the traditional Hebrew toast “L’chaim!”. Grapes for this wine are sourced from vineyards in the Andean foothills at 4000+ feet. 90% of the wine is aged in used oak and 10% in new oak. Nose: Dark cherry, dark berries, baking spice, earthy mushrooms, and floral. Palate: Aromas segue onto the palate with vibrant fruit, plum, smooth tannins, and a hint of fennel. Alcohol: 14.5% SRP: $19 Pairings: Charcuterie board, grilled or roasted meat, fowl, pasta, or veggie casseroles. Savory Passover Noodle Kugel (Serves 6 to 8) courtesy of 1,000 Jewish Recipes by Faye Levy  This is a delicious kugel, unlike the sweet kugels you might be accustomed to. Ingredients: 8 oz. Passover noodles 4 to 5 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 large onions, chopped Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste 1 teaspoon paprika, plus a little more for sprinkling 2 large eggs, beaten Directions: Preheat the oven to 350℉. Cook noodles in a large pot of boiling salted water for about 3 minutes until almost tender. Drain, rinse with cold water, and then drain again. Transfer to a large bowl. Heat 3 to 4 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add onions and sauté for 15 minutes or until very tender and light brown. Add salt, pepper, one teaspoon paprika, and sauté for about 5 minutes or until well browned. Cool slightly. Stir onion mixture into noodles. Adjust seasoning; mixture should be seasoned generously. Add eggs and mix well. Oil a 2-quart baking dish and add noodle mixture. Sprinkle with the remaining tablespoon of oil, then dust with paprika. Bake uncovered for one hour or until set. Serve from the baking dish. Note: For a heartier kugel add sautéed mushrooms and/or broccoli. Just Because! Saget La Perrière Blanc Fumé De Pouilly 2018  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Saget La Perrière is a family-run company located in the Loire Valley, France. With 890 acres of vines in the finest appellations and six estates, it carries on the tradition of nine generations dedicated to producing the best wines. More commonly known as “Pouilly Fumé,” the “Blanc Fumé de Pouilly” appellation is the original name of this 100% Sauvignon Blanc wine. Its classification is one of the oldest in France and goes back to 1937. The term “Blanc Fumé” (smoky white) refers to the thin smoke-colored layer covering the grapes at the time of harvest and the unique aromas of gunflint famous in the wines of Pouilly sur Loire. This wine is aged on fine lees for six months, then bottled and aged for six to eight months in the cellar. Nose: Floral, citrus, minerality, and a hint of herbal. Palate: Floral notes continue with ripe fruit, grapefruit, flint, minerality, and lemon zest on the finish. It is fresh and lively! Alcohol: 13% SRP: $34.99 Pairings: Enjoy as an aperitif or serve with seafood, grilled chicken, goat cheese, or light appetizers. Scallops with Cannellini Bean Purée (serves two) Double or triple the recipe to make more servings.  This recipe is done in three stages but is worth the time and effort.
1) Bean Purée Ingredients: 1/2 cup canned cannellini beans, rinsed and well-drained. 1 teaspoon unsalted butter Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Directions: Place drained beans and butter into a food processor fitted with a metal blade and process until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and process again for 30 seconds. 2) Coulis Ingredients: 1 red bell pepper, seeded and diced 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 clove garlic, finely chopped (about 1/2 teaspoon) Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste Directions: Combine diced pepper, olive oil, garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a food processor. Blend until liquefied. 3) Scallops Ingredients: 2 tablespoons coriander 2 tablespoons mustard seed 2 tablespoons black peppercorns 2 tablespoons pink peppercorns 2 tablespoons olive oil 4 dry sea scallops 1/2 cup of baby greens Directions: Preheat the oven to 400℉ Combine all spices in a spice or coffee grinder and grind to a powder. Pour into a shallow bowl. Heat olive oil in a nonstick ovenproof skillet over high heat until it sizzles. Dip both sides of the scallops in the spice blend and place them into the skillet in a single layer. Sear for about 3 minutes per side or until golden brown. Transfer the skillet to the oven and heat for 5 minutes. Divide and scoop the white bean puree into the center of each dish, and arrange two scallops on top of each mound. Drizzle with red pepper coulis and garnish each plate with greens. Of course, one can enjoy these wines and recipes all year round! Until next time… Cheers and bon appétit! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected] Every now and then, I receive wine samples from producers that I have written about previously. They might be new vintages, new blends, or an introduction to a new brand. Because I always like to tell a story about the winery, history, the land, the winemaker, etc. along with my review, it can get a little repetitive. With that in mind, please select from the menu at right for a more in-depth look at Domaine Bousquet, Argentina’s largest exporter of organically grown wines. The winery is located in the Gualtallary Valley, situated high up in the Tupungato district of the Uco Valley. Altitudes here reach up to 5,249 ft.  Photo is courtesy of Domain Bousquet. Domaine Bousquet has an impressive portfolio of wines that include their nicely priced Gaia collection. I have reviewed several wines from the Gaia line, but here are two new and noteworthy red wines from this collection.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss The label for these wines is a striking portrayal of Gaia, who in Greek mythology is the mother goddess presiding over the earth. It is a fitting name for wines produced from all organic grapes! Gaia Cabernet Franc 2018 This vintage is 100% Cabernet Franc. Grapes are hand-harvested from vineyards that sit at 4000 ft. altitude. The wine is aged in French oak for ten months. It is quite aromatic with notes of dark berries, plum, and floral. The palate offers blackberry, dark plum, pomegranate, spice, and a hint of minerality. Medium tannins and acidity round out this juicy wine. Serve with grilled meat, hearty stews, cheese, and chocolate desserts. Alcohol: 15% SRP: $20  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Gaia Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Grapes for this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon are hand-harvested from vineyards that sit at 4000 ft. altitude. This wine is aged in French oak between eight and ten months. Intense aromas of dark berries, dark cherry, vanilla, and a touch of minerality set the stage for this expressive wine. The palate offers red and black berries, dark plum, baking spice, and a hint of chocolate. This is another juicy wine with beautiful structure, smooth tannins, and a lengthy finish. Serve with grilled meat, seared tuna, hearty pasta, and cheese. Alcohol: 15% SRP: $20 Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected] In my home, one doesn’t need a special occasion or excuse to pop open a bottle of sparkling wine. And these days, the gentle sound of a cork being coaxed from a bottle of bubbly, is music to my ears! With the holidays upon us, having a few bottles of sparkling wine on hand will most certainly add a little sparkle to the festivities! And I highly endorse those occasional “just because” moments as well!  Here are a few suggestions of sparkling wines from around the world ranging in price from $11 to $54.99  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Casas del Mar Blanc de Blancs NV Cava Brut This Cava is produced by Casas del Mar estate located in Catalonia, Spain. It is a blend of 40% Xarello (from 70-year-old vines, 30% Macabeu and 30% Parallada. Grapes are harvested from the Penedès appellation in the Catalonia region. It is made using the Méthode Traditionnelle, the same method used in the Champagne district of France, where the second fermentation takes place in the bottle. This Cava is aged on the lees between 18 & 24 months before disgorgement.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Apples, citrus and pleasant yeast aromas Palate: White stone fruit, melon, floral, and a touch of spice Alcohol: 12% SRP: $11 Roscato Rosso Dolce IGT This is a delicately sweet and refreshing wine from the Lombardy region in northern Italy and is produced in the Moscato d’Asti style. It is a blend of three indigenous grapes, Croatina, Teroldego and Lagrein, in addition to a few international grapes. Each variety is vinified separately before blending. It has a screw cap, no cork to pop, but it is still a festive wine to pour!  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Dark berries, cherry, red raspberry Palate: This wine is frizzante (gently sparkling wine) with notes of berries and has a nice balance between sweetness and acidity. Not only will it complement desserts, but this wine will also pair beautifully with spicy cuisine! Serve chilled. Alcohol: 7% SRP: $12.99 Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Rosé Brut NV The grapes for this rosé are harvested from vineyards in Tupungato, Alto Gualtallary in Argentina at the foothills of the Andes at 4000 ft. altitude. It is a blend of (organic) 75% Pinot Noir and 25% Chardonnay and made using the Charmat Method.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Cherry, red berries, citrus, a touch of floral Palate: Strawberry, ruby grapefruit, red berries, delicate bubbles. Alcohol: 12.5% SRP: $13 Paul Cheneau Lady of Spain Cava Brut NV Giró Ribot is the producer of this wine located in the heart of the Penedès appellation in Catalonia, Spain. They own 247 acres of vineyards of the indigenous Macabeo, Xarel·lo and Parellada grapes, with which Cavas are produced. This wine is made using the Méthode Traditionnelle and is a blend of 45% Macabeo, 40% Xarel·lo and 15% Parellada. It is bottle aged for 12-15 months.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Citrus, light peach, brioche Palate: Dry, fine and persistent bubbles, fresh fruit, stone fruit. Nicely balanced between acidity and alcohol with a long finish. This is an eye-catching bottle that doesn’t disappoint when opened. Alcohol: 12% SRP: $14.99 Côté Mas Crémant de Limoux Brut NV This sparkling wine is produced by Domaines Paul Mas located in the southern French region of Languedoc. The grapes for this wine are sourced from Crémant de Limoux appellation. It is a blend of 60% Chardonnay, 20% Chenin Blanc, 10% Pinot Noir, and 10% Mauzac. It is produced using the Méthode Traditionnelle. After primary fermentation, the “Liqueur de Tirage,” a blend of sugar and yeast, is added to the juice a few hours before bottling. After one year of aging, the lees are expelled and the “Liqueur de Dosage” is added and aged an additional twelve months.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Apples, peaches, melon, honeysuckle Palate: Citrus, candied lemon, tart apple and crisp acidity with a touch of citrus zest on the finish. Alcohol: 12% SRP: $’’19.99 Bottega Gold Prosecco DOC NV This wine is produced by Bottega SpA, headquartered in Treviso in the Veneto region of northern Italy. 100% Glera grapes are hand-harvested from manually maintained and sustainable vineyards in Treviso Plains. It is produced using the Martinotti (Charmat, tank) method. “The gilded bottle also protects the wine from light, preserving the wine's clean and refreshing aromas.”  Image courtesy of Bottega SpA Nose: Floral, apples and citrus Palate: Pear, apple, pink grapefruit, floral. Creamy mouthfeel, fine and persistent perlage with apples and a touch of honey lingering on the finish. Alcohol: 11% SRP: $32.99 Champagne Boizel Brut Réserve NV This Brut Réserve is produced by the Boizel House, established in 1834 and located in Épernay, in the heart of Champagne. The grapes for this cuvée is a blend of 55% Pinot Noir, 30% Chardonnay and 15% Pinot Meunier. “The still wines (vins clairs) from the year are blended with 30% of reserve wines kept from the previous two harvests, ensuring consistency. By using reserve wines within two vintages only, Boizel is able to preserve freshness in their wines, a signature trait of their winemaking style. “ The wine is aged for three years on its lees, in the bottle.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Floral, white stone fruit, citrus and pastry Palate: Peach, apricot, toast, citrus notes, minerality, nice acidity and persistent mousse. Alcohol: 12% SRP: $49.99 Champagne Vollereaux Rosé de Saignée Brut NV Champagne Vollereaux produces this 100% Pinot Noir rosé. They are a sixth generation family winery located in Pierry, France. “Vollereaux is one of the very few champagne wineries to use the traditional saigne method of maceration for its Rosé Champagne, which involves bleeding off a portion of pink juice during red wine production (as opposed to blending red and white wine together). This process occurs after a short contact with the grape skins and seeds.” The juice spends three years on lees, more than twice the time required by appellation rules.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Strawberry and juicy red berries, vanilla and bread dough.
Palate: Strawberry, kirsch and citrus mingle with berries and cream. It is dry with fine bubbles, vibrant acidity and a hint of brioche and minerality that linger on a long finish. Alcohol: 12% SRP: $54.99 Pair the above wines with your favorite cheese, desserts, and holiday meals, or enjoy as an aperitif. And if you are stuck on what to give the 21+ drinkers on your “holiday/birthday/just because” list, these wines make beautiful gifts! If you would like more information on the regions and wine production methods, please visit the menu on the right and click on the category of interest. 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 for a red wine to go with summertime grilling, this red blend produced by Domaine Bousquet will definitely make your palate sing!  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Domaine Bousquet is Argentina’s largest exporter of organically grown wines. The winery is located in the Gualtallary Valley, which is situated high up in the Tupungato district of the Uco Valley. Altitudes here reach up to 5,249 ft. To read about the winery’s history, the climate, terroir and more, please click on the menu at right. The label on this wine is a striking portrayal of Gaia, who in Greek mythology was the mother goddess that presided over the earth. She is considered the personification of the Earth.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Gaia Red Blend 2018 50% Malbec, 45% Syrah and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon make up this blend. The best grapes are used for this wine and are harvested manually from Domaine Bousquet’s organically farmed vineyards. Wine aging takes place in French oak barrels for ten months. Photo credit: Penny Weiss Delectable aromas of dark berries, spice and violet are the opening act for this tantalizing wine. The palate is entertained with blackberry, dark cherry, dark plum, spices and a touch of vanilla all of which lingers on a lengthy finish. A silky mouthfeel and fresh acidity add to the richness and complexity of this wine. In addition to grilled meats, appetizers and pasta, this wine goes well with fish. Try Gaia with a chocolate dessert. It is a great finale! Alcohol: 14.5% SRP: $20 The wine paired beautifully with this grilled swordfish surrounded by red grapefruit and peaches.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Note: The photos taken at the restaurant are pre-COVID-19.
Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected] Spring has finally arrived and quietly entered a world filled with chaos and uncertainty. Most of us have barely noticed that a new season has begun, but spring brings with it a time of renewal, rebirth and hope. Although many of us are sequestered right now, Mother Nature is not. Soon, the trees and flowers will be blooming, birds will be building nests, hummingbirds will return to the north and we will all eventually get back to “normal”. We will once again enjoy picnics, outdoor concerts, dining in restaurants and travel!  So, with that in mind, here are some delicious rosés from around the world to usher in spring. Let’s bring the celebration indoors and toast Mother Nature and us!  Photo credit: Penny Weiss La Fiera Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo Rosé DOC 2018 This wine is 100% Montepulciano. The grapes are sourced from the Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo DOC appellation in Abruzzo, Italy. A lovely bouquet of strawberry, cherry and floral segue onto the palate with a perfect blend of crisp acidity and fresh, ripe fruit and a delightfully long finish. This is a great wine to serve as an aperitif or with summer fare. Alcohol: 12.5% SRP: $8  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Mont Gravet Rosé 2019 This wine is from Pays d’Oc, France and is made with 100% Cinsault. Berry aromas lead to a fresh, fruit-forward palate with cherry, berries and a hint of peach and pears. Nice structure and balance. Drink as an aperitif or serve with light fare. Alcohol: 12% SRP: $10  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Santa Julia Malbec Rosé 2018 This wine is from Santa Rosa & Maipu Vineyards in Mendoza, Argentina. It is made with 100% Malbec organic grapes. Wonderful aromas of berries and dark cherry segue onto the palate with juicy fruit and a trace of baking spice. Nicely balanced. Drink as an aperitif or serve with light fare. Alcohol: 14% SRP: $11  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Mas Fi Cava Brut Rosé NV This sparkling wine is produced by the Masachs family. The grapes are 100% Trepat and sourced from DO Cava (Penedes) in the Catalan region of Spain. This Brut Rosé undergoes a second fermentation in the bottle (Metode Tradicional) and is aged for 11 months. Red fruit aromas of mostly berries and a trace of floral open to a palate of fine bubbles, red berries, cherry and pomegranate. It is nicely balanced with good structure. Drink as an aperitif or pair with a myriad of cuisines. Alcohol: 11.5% SRP: $12  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Hess Select California Rosé 2019 Made with 100% Pinot Noir, this juicy and crisp wine has red berry and floral aromas. The palate offers strawberry, red cherry and peach balanced nicely with acidity. Drink as an aperitif or serve with light fare. Alcohol: 13.5%. SRP: $12  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Domaine Bousquet Rosé 2019 This wine is made with organic grapes and is a blend of Pinot Noir, Tempranillo, Pinot Gris and Viognier. The grapes are sourced from vineyards in Tupungato Alto Gualtallary in Mendoza, Argentina. Aromas of nectarine and berries set the tone for this lively wine. A palate of red berries, cherry and a splash of citrus are enriched by the fresh acidity. Drink as an aperitif or serve with light fare. Alcohol: 13% SRP: $13  Photo credit: Penny Weiss All of these wines are under $15 and are quite impressive. I’m looking forward to sipping rosé at an outdoor concert soon. But for now, I’ll settle for a glass or two of wine on my front porch or in my cozy house.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Be safe, be smart and stay well!
Until next time, Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected] |
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed