Labor Day has come and gone, and we have flipped the calendar page to September. However, summer isn’t officially over until September 22nd. We still have more beach days, picnics, grilling, outdoor concerts, and summer sunsets to enjoy! With that in mind, here are four wines that will take you through the end of summer, into the fall, and even winter! Moser 51.151 Trentodoc Brut Sparkling Wine NV Moser Winery, located in Trentino, Italy, was established in 1979 by Diego and Francesco Moser. Today, the winery is run by third-generation Carlo and Matteo, who combine family traditions with innovative and modern winemaking techniques. Moser winery sits among the Dolomites in the Trentodoc appellation, with vineyards benefiting from micro-climates and diurnal variations. This sparkling wine is produced in the Metodo Classico method, with 100% Chardonnay grapes grown on limestone soils in the Trento DOC Bianco appellation. Secondary fermentation and aging occur in bottle for 15 months on the lees. Nose: Floral, apples, citrus zest, white stone fruit, and baked croissant. Palate: A crisp and lively wine with fine perlage and notes of minerality, sapidity, and a touch of lemon zest on the finish. Alcohol: 12.5% SRP: $23 Pairing suggestions: Enjoy as an aperitif or with light appetizers, seafood, mushroom risotto, and dessert. Bolla Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie DOC 2023 Bolla Winery was founded in 1883 by Alberto Bolla in Soave. In 1931, he opened a winery in Pedemonte, a town in the province of Vicenza, Veneto, Italy. And in 2006, Gruppo Italiano Vini purchased the company. In 2016, Pinot Grigio attained DOC status in the geographical area of Veneto, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, and Trentino for the production of Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie DOC. The DOC Delle Venezie covers almost 28 thousand hectares of vineyards, encompassing the entire northeast area of Italy! The grapes for this 100% Pinot Grigio are sourced from hillside vineyards in Delle Venezie. Nose: White stone fruit, citrus, green apple, and melon. Palate: Light with crisp acidity, minerality, and hints of melon and peach lingering on the finish. Alcohol: 12% SRP: $11.99 Pairing suggestions: Enjoy as an aperitif or with seafood (especially oily fish) or shellfish. Also, white meat, light pasta, salads, and vegetable risotto pair nicely. Avivo Rosé Wine 2023 Avivo Wines is led by Ridgely Evers, Founder & CEO, and Daniel Fitzgerald, Director of Winemaking and owner. Their mission and goal is to make “clean wines.” They are committed to transparency and regenerative agriculture that reaches beyond sustainability in the vineyard and winery. In addition, AVIVO packages its wines in lightweight glass and uses Nomacorc Ocean corks made from recycled marine plastic waste. The blend for this rosé is 95% Sangiovese and 5% Syrah. The grapes are sourced from Ledbetter Family Vineyards in Lodi, CA. Fermentation took place in neutral oak and was aged in neutral French oak barrels for five months. Nose: Floral notes, red berries, vanilla, and a dash of citrus. Palate: Expressive! Dry, racy acidity, raspberry, melon, and a touch of cherry and pepper on the finish. Oh my! Alcohol: 12.8% SRP: $24 Pairing suggestions: Enjoy as an aperitif or with appetizers, seafood, crab quiche, light pasta, or grilled chicken. San Pedro 1865 Selected Vineyards Carmenère 2019 Viña San Pedro is situated in Maule Valley, Chile. It was founded in 1865, hence the name of the wine. Today, it is one of the largest and oldest exporters of Chilean wine. The grapes for this 100% Carmenère were sourced from San Pedro’s vineyards in Pencahue in the Maule Valley, and production took place at their Molina Winery in the Curicó Valley, 200 km south of Santiago. After fermentation, the wine was aged 12 months in French oak barrels (90%) and American oak (10%). 20% of the barrels were new. Nose: Intoxicating notes of dark fruit, cherry, baking spice, herbs, and pepper. Palate: Smooth tannins, rich and savory, with juicy blackberry and cherry leading the parade, followed by a hint of plum and a grand finale of cherry fusing with subtle herbs and pepper on a long finish. Alcohol: 14.5 % SRP: $20 Pairing suggestions: Get the grill going and enjoy this wine with seared tuna, steak, and fowl. Or serve with hearty stews, pasta, charcuterie, or cheese boards. Cheers to embracing the last few weeks of summer and looking forward to a stellar autumn! Until next time…
Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com Summer has ended, but autumn brings its magic with mother nature’s dramatic foliage display, crisp “sweater” weather, and a season filled with apple picking, pumpkin carving, and grape harvests! With temperatures beginning to drop, I’m focusing on red wines a bit more. Of course, I’ll be drinking white and rosé wines all year long, but with cooler weather in the forecast, I predict red wines paired with stews and hearty soups will start to replace lighter fare. And who can resist sipping a lovely Pinot Noir, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Carménère, or a Sangiovese from Chianti Classico? It’s a perfect way to welcome autumn. Here are seven palate-pleasing wines from Spain, California, Chile, Italy, and Oregon to pair with fall cuisine. Bodegas Montecillo Reserva Rioja 2013 Bodegas Montecillo is Rioja Spain’s third-oldest winery and the second oldest in Rioja Alta, dating back over 150 years. This wine is a blend of 90% Tempranillo, 8% Garnacha, and 2% Mazuelo. It was aged for two years in handcrafted oak barrels followed by 18 months in bottle. Nose: Juicy, red fruit, clove, herbs, and floral hints. Palate: Plum, cherry, baking spice, silky tannins, hints of cedar, and a touch of fennel on the finish. A fantastic wine for the price! Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $15 Pairing suggestions: Charcuterie, stews, hearty soups, grilled or braised meats and game, or seared tuna. Cune Organic Rioja 2020 CVNE (pronounced coo-nay) is an acronym for Compania Vinicola del Norte des Espana, and it is one of Rioja’s most iconic and historic wine producers. Two brothers founded the winery in 1879, and within six years, they began receiving international awards for their wines. The current owners are direct descendants and represent the fifth generation. This wine is a blend of 60% Garnacha, 30% Tempranillo, and 10% Graciano. It is aged for six months in oak barrels. Nose: Floral, wild berries, herbs, and spice Palate: Juicy and fresh with aromas carrying through to the palate with cherry, anise, and spice notes. Delicious! Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $17 Pairing suggestions: Cheese platter, meats, pasta, risotto, or stews. Josh Cellars Lodi Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 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 a 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, who inspired and influenced the man Carr is today. “Every bottle of Josh Cellars wine produced honors and acknowledges his father.” In honor of his father, a volunteer firefighter in upstate NY, Carr created the “Lodi Cabernet Sauvignon” as a tribute. The winery donates $1 for every bottle of the Lodi Cab sold to either the National Volunteer Firefighter Council or local firefighter charities nationwide. Nose: Dark cherry, berries, spice, and chocolate Palate: Dark berries mingle with cherry, plum, espresso, and baking spice- firm tannins and beautifully structured with a long finish. Alcohol: 14% SRP: $21.99 Pairing suggestions: Grilled meat, game, mushroom risotto, hearty soups, stews, or pumpkin chili. Viña Maquis Gran Reserva Cabernet Franc 2018 The Hurtado family, owns the Maquis estate, now in its fourth generation. Practicing sustainability, the grapes for this wine are sourced from vineyards in Colchagua Valley, Chile, where the winery is located. The blend for this wine is 90% Cabernet Franc, 7% Carménère, and 3% Petit Verdot. It is aged for 12 months in French oak barrels. Nose: Red berries, floral notes, baking spice, and a bit earthy. Palate: Lush fruit with strawberry plum, cherry, herbs, and spice. Complex and rich, but not overpowering. Alcohol: 14% SRP: $24 Pairing suggestions: Barbecued ribs, seared tuna, spicy Asian cuisine, grilled or braised meat, stew., or glazed breast of duck. TerraNoble CA1 Andes 2018 TerraNoble, founded in 1993, is located in the Maule Valley of Chile. TerraNoble initially presented itself as a boutique winery specializing in Merlot. However, in 1994 Chilean Merlot was identified as Carménère, So, TerraNoble committed to this rediscovered variety. And since then, they have extended viticultural experimentation and innovative winemaking practices to the Colchagua and Casablanca valleys. The grapes for this 100% Carménère are handpicked from their best vineyard plots in the Colchagua Valley at the foot of the Andes. 70% of the wine was aged in new and previously used 300-L French oak barrels, and 30% in untoasted foudre for 12 months. It was then further aged for six months in bottle. Nose: Lush dark fruit, spice, earth, dark coffee beans, and herbs. Palate: Dark berries, herbs, and spice blend with silky tannins that are nicely balanced with acidity. The finish is long, with dark chocolate, espresso, and a hint of herbs lingering. Alcohol: 14.5% SRP: $24.99 Pairing suggestions: TerraNoble suggests thick ribs, oven-roasted beef brisket, risotto, or seasoned foods. Querciabella Chianti Classico DOCG 2018 Querciabella was founded in 1974 with a commitment to quality, sustainability, and authenticity. Querciabella has continually sharpened its approach to biodynamic viticulture for over a decade. With vineyards throughout Tuscany’s Chianti Classico and Maremma areas, Querciabella exemplifies the respectful preservation of tradition through forward-thinking, albeit completely natural winemaking. This 100% Sangiovese wine is vegan. No animal products or byproducts are used in the production of this wine. It is aged for 12 months in fine to extra fine-grained oak barriques (225L) and tonneaux (500L) which 10% is new. Nose: Floral, red cherry, red berries, baking spice, and a slight hint of licorice. Palate: This is a fine and silky wine that is fresh, juicy, vibrant, and elegant. Aromas segue onto the palate with hints of chocolate, plum, and sour cherry on the finish. Alcohol: 14.5% SRP: $33 Pairing suggestions: Classic Tuscan dishes, seared tuna, mushroom risotto, salmon burgers, or Asian cuisine. J. Christopher Volcanique Pinot Noir 2018 J. Christopher Winery is a small winery in northern Willamette Valley, Oregon, owned by well-known winemaker Erni Loosen, creator and owner of Germany’s Dr. Loosen and Villa Wolf estates. Following his passion for Pinot Noir, Erni set his sites on J. Christopher, eventually purchasing 40 acres and planting the Appassionata Vineyard. Ernie and his team are proactive when it comes to sustainability. Maintaining healthy soil and vines is a priority. The grapes for this 100% Pinot Noir cuvée are sourced from vineyards in Dundee Hills with volcanic soil. The wine is aged 18 months in barriques (25% new), with no fining or filtration. Nose: Floral, cherry, red berries, cranberry, baking spice, and minerality.
Palate: Fresh, juicy, and elegant, with aromas spilling onto the palate along with notes of raspberry, pomegranate, and hints of oak and spice. Fine tannins and a silky mouthfeel add to this dry and savory wine. Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $40 Pairing suggestions: Grilled meat, barbecued chicken, veal marsala, casseroles, stews, or pizza. Enjoy and happy autumn! Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com It was June of 2016 while attending the Descorchados NY South American wine event that I first met Felipe Ortiz. Felipe is Chief Winemaker for Casa Donoso located in the Maule Valley of Chile. I remember being caught up in his enthusiasm and passion as he introduced me to his very intriguing wines. Felipe said that the Maule Valley had a “multiplicity of characters” and then gave a general description of the wines. “White wines are very fresh with mineral traces, in particular our Sauvignon Blanc. Red wines with short maturity cycles show a very good balance between alcohol and acidity, like Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. And above all, a nice and silky Carménère is a tricky and demanding variety which is hard to mature properly in other valleys”. One year later we met again at the same event. And once again, my palate was treated to Felipe’s expressive wines. We have stayed in touch throughout the last few years with the hope that I might visit Casa Donoso one day. I have not had the opportunity to travel to Chile yet, and now with travel on hold for most of us, it is unlikely that I will visit there any time soon. So, Felipe sent Casa Donoso to me with a bountiful shipment of wines and a candid long-distance conversation. Chile is a long and narrow country bordering the Pacific Ocean to the west, and to the east lie the Andes Mountains, which is among the world’s highest mountain range in the Western Hemisphere. Chile spans 2700 miles running from north to south and is only 100 miles wide. Its numerous wine regions are then divided into sub-regions. Due to the expansive range of terroirs, the style of wines made here has an equally wide range, with most of the climatic variations in the wine-growing regions running from east to west due to the influence of the ocean and mountains. Casa Donoso is located in the sub-region of Talca, which is in the heart of the Maule Valley and is part of the DO Central Valley region. Maule Valley is the largest wine-producing region and also the oldest wine-growing region in Chile. Some of the countries’ oldest vines that were planted over 100 years ago still exist here. It is also one of the southernmost wine-growing areas of Chile. The soils throughout Maule Valley are of sedimentary origin, such as sandy and deep clay loam and the climate is Mediterranean. The main grapes grown here are Cabernet Sauvignon, Carménère, Merlot, Carigñan, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay. Casa Donoso was created 30 years ago by a group of French investors who saw the potential of this unique terroir. They made it their mission to focus on the production of premium wines from the onset. They were among the first foreign investors to introduce modern technology to the winemaking industry in Chile. In 2014 the Selume family, a national group, took over. Felipe said, “They continue to follow the line of quality in the wines. We have a French heritage from the beginning as well as a new world winemaking vision, which allows us to generate high-level wines. Casa Donoso is a classic and elegant concept in the Maule Valley.” Felipe Ortiz joined Casa Donoso in 2008. I asked Felipe how he became interested in winemaking and where he received his training. Felipe: “I think my first approach to the wine world was thanks to my father. He always showed me varieties of wine pairings with food when I was young. Then at the university, I studied Agronomy Engineering in Chile. To be a winemaker here, you must first study agronomy. During the last years of my studies, I leaned towards viticulture and enology, a branch of agronomy. In Chile, before I finished the university, I started working during the vintage season at Los Vascos for a total of four vintage seasons. Then I also worked at Viña San Pedro during another harvest season.” Felipe graduated with a degree in Agronomy Engineering and Enology. From 2006 to 2008 he went on to develop his career working with wineries in California, Provence and Barossa Valley in Australia. It was the middle of 2008 when he joined Viña Casa Donoso where he is now the chief winemaker. Felipe is a member of the Chilean Association of Engineering Agronomists Enologists. (ANIAE) Casa Donoso has 400 hectares of vineyards located throughout Maule Valley from central Maule to the coastal and pre-mountain zones. The altitude on average is 100 meters (328 ft) above sea level. One of their vineyards, La Oriental Estate, is in central Maule and one of the oldest estates in Talca with 123 hectares and vines that are more than 60 years of age. The Donoso portfolio of wines is diverse and has several different brands representing a range of traditional and atypical red blends. When I met Felipe in 2016, the very first wine he poured for me was Sucesor Romano Limited Release 2015. Sucesor is considered “the avant-garde line of the Donoso group.” It is also a project that has inspired Felipe and allowed his creativity to shine through with these daring blends. Felipe, tell me about Sucesor and its inception. Felipe: “Successor was created with the need to seek oenological innovation. In 2013 we started working with Carigñan with a more friendly and assembled concept called Successor BLUE. Then in 2014, we developed Sucesor Romano, a challenging project made with the César noir grape that was almost extinct in the world. Jean-Michel Boursiquot is a renowned ampelographer, who rediscovered what is now Chile’s flagship grape variety, Carménère. He also discovered the César noir grape (Romano, colloquial name) in our fields in the ‘90's. He later helped us with the information process to register the grape in Chile. We have just 0.5 hectares of this variety in our vineyard and we are the first winery in Chile to commercialize this grape. We continued our project with Sucesor RED, which is Carménère assembled with Malbec, also an unusual mix in Chile and the world. And, starting in the year 2019, we began developing a new project with Sucesor, using the grape, Portuagais Bleu. We hope to release this project in the coming year.” What is the most challenging grape for you to work with? Felipe: “I think with relevance to the Sucesor project, it is César noir. It is a very delicate grape, which we have to cut at the right time without losing freshness. Then in the winemaking process we try not to over-extract it too much. Finally, the wine rests for short storage in Spanish amphoras and another part in used barrels (not new), which increases its potential. César noir originates from Burgundy, strongly planted in the Irancy area, where history tells that it is mixed with fine Pinot noir to improve its concentration. In Chile, it is estimated that it arrived during the year 1945. But there is information that it may have even arrived earlier.” Has climate change affected your approach to winemaking? Felipe: “Undoubtedly! Ten years ago, the Maule Valley (160 miles from Santiago in southern Chile) was much colder and we had to wait longer than normal for grapes to mature. For example, Carménère harvesting took place at the end of May. Today climate change has affected an increase in temperatures where the same Carménère is harvested 30 to 45 days earlier. Unfortunately, together with climate change, we have had to adapt to drought and low rainfall over time. So we have to generate new ways to advance in winemaking. Each year is different; there are no recipes to produce good wine.” The Wines D Icon Limited Edition 2015 This is an unfiltered, Bordeaux-style wine blended with 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Carménère, 20% Malbec and 10% Cabernet Franc. Grapes are harvested from 70-year-old vines. Wine is aged for 24 months in French oak barrels, of which 25% is new oak. Aromas of dark berries, spice and a touch of floral lead to a luscious palate of plum, blackberry, spice and vanilla. It is beautifully blended with silky tannins and a long finish. A trace of herbs and vanilla linger. Felipe: “It is a very elegant and aromatic wine, not very concentrated, Bordeaux style, but with a lot of character of our terroir. For me, it shows a very elegant and classic concept of Maule valley!” Alcohol: 14% SRP: $55-$65 1810 Super Premium Cabernet Sauvignon- Carménère 2017 The blend for this wine is 50/50. Grapes are harvested from 40-year-old vines and the wine is aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, of which 15% is new oak. The name for this wine honors an important part of Chilean history. Talca was the site where the Chilean Act of Independence was signed in 1810. Dark berries, plum and spice aromas segue onto the palate with notes of fig, toast and vanilla. This is a subtle and smooth wine with firm tannins and a lengthy finish. It is very elegant. Felipe: “It shows what is done with these two varietals in Chile, a lot of country image in this wine and another of our classic wines. It is of the classic line, but with a very marked concentration and intensity.” Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $30-$35 Bicentenario Gran Reserva Carmenere 2018 This wine is 100% Carménère. Grapes are sourced from 30-year-old vines. 70% of the wine is aged for 12 months in French and American oak barrels and the remaining 30% is kept in stainless steel tanks. The name and label are a tribute to 200 years of independence for Chile. Subtle floral aromas mix with fresh red fruit that gently spills onto the palate with notes of raspberry, dark berries, spice and soft tannins. It finishes nicely with a hint of toasted oak. Felipe: “This Carménère follows a line that is NOT overripe or high alcohol but is a very fresh Carménère. Red fruit, mild spices, and an elegant mouth. One of the characteristics of the Maule Valley is the freshness of the wines (different to other valleys in Chile)” Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $16-$20 I love what the back label for the Sucesor wines says. “Sucesor is the disordered line of Casa Donoso Winery where our winemaker proposes daring and innovative blends that step out of the classic style of the winery. These wines have been created for all wine lovers who are each day bolder.” Sucesor Blue Limited Release 2015 This is a blend of 60% Carigñan, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc. Grapes are harvested from 80-year-old vines in the coastal vineyards of Loncomilla. 30% of the wine is aged in Spanish amphoras for 18 months and 70% in French oak barrels for 15-18 months. Lush dark and red berry aromas leap out of the glass with a touch of floral and dark cherry added. This wine is smooth and delicious with berries, plum and mocha dancing on the palate. Subtle notes of minerality blend well with this refreshing red. Felipe: “This shows the Carigñan in another face from the normal. it is a fruity, fresh wine style, assembled with Cabernet and Cab Franc. It also does not pursue a lot of alcoholic degrees and is a very friendly concept of Carigñan. Part of its aging is using Spanish amphoras, which reflects a very powerful fruit.” Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $35-$45 Sucesor Red Limited Release 2016 This is a blend of 80% Carménère and 20% Malbec. Grapes are harvested from 40-year-old vines. 30% of the wine is aged in Spanish amphoras for 18 months and 70% in French oak barrels for 15-18 months. Heady aromas of floral mingled with red fruit and spice spill onto the palate to reveal notes of strawberry and cherry that blend nicely with spice and a trace of red plums. Silky tannins and a long finish with vanilla and spice lingering will make any palate sing. Felipe: “This wine shows a very different face of Carménère mixed with a Malbec. It has floral notes and generates a very interesting nose. In the mouth, there is a bit more concentration and intensity but without losing the elegance of the Carménère (soft tannins). Sucesor plays with amphoras in the aging, which is characteristic of the line.” Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $35-$45 Sucesor Romano Limited Release 2018 This is the first time I have tasted a wine made with César noir. It is a blend of 90% César noir and 10% Carménère. Grapes are harvested from 70-year-old vines. 50% of the wine is aged in Spanish amphoras and 50% in French oak barrels for a period of eight to ten months. Seductive floral aromas with notes of red fruit, raspberry and spice set the stage for this delicious wine. Floral notes continue onto the palate with layers of rich berries, spice and plum. Minerality, hints of herbal and nice acidity add depth to this juicy wine. The finish is long with violet, vanilla and mocha lingering on the palate. Felipe: “Cesar noir has been a rediscovery of this variety in Chile, which we found in our fields. It is a project that started in 2013 and the first vintage was 2015 and introduced around the world (USA, EU, ASIA, Brazil). We were the first winery in Chile to show this wine. It is a very fresh wine, red fruit, medium body and characteristic juiciness of this Maule Valley. It is a very different proposal and an invitation to the innovation of all this Sucesor line.” Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $35-$45 After tasting through these wonderful wines, I’m eager to know what the Donoso Group has in the pipeline for the future. What goals in winemaking are you still looking to achieve? Felipe: “I think to continue doing work with grapes that are little worked on or lost in the world such as Cesar noir and Portugais Bleu. The innovation side I think is very challenging as a winemaker. Also, Donoso Group supports these developments and I feel very pleased about it. My pursuit is to make wines that fully reflect the terroir that they come from, always generate a unique character independent of the variety and finally make wines that the consumer remembers and enjoys always.” Of course, I can’t end this conversation without asking what your personal favorite wine is to drink? Felipe: “I think my favorite wine depends on the moment. For example, for a barbecue I look for wines with a higher concentration such as Cabernets or mixtures based on cabernet, it can also be a Carigñan. If we talk about seafood, what better wine than a rich Sauvignon blanc from the Maule foothills. For milder or spicy foods there are many alternatives such as Carménère, Romano, Malbec, among others.” Felipe has definitely captured the essence of the terroir in these wines and sipping them has brought me a tad closer to Chile. However, I can’t wait until the doors open once again for traveling. I’m looking forward to a 360-degree tour of Casa Donoso and another wine tasting with Felipe! Until next time…
Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com |
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