|
Join The WineKnitter in exploring the world of Wine, Spirits, Food, Travel and much more! |
|
Susana Balbo Wines is no stranger to my website. I’ve been writing about Susana and her wines since 2017. Susana is the founder and owner of Susana Balbo Wines. It is located in Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, in western Argentina, with a stunning backdrop of the Andes Mountains.  Photo courtesy of Susan Balbo Winery. Susana is not only the most well-known Argentinian female winemaker globally, but she is also the first female enologist in Argentina! With over thirty years of experience in the wine industry, Susana has built an impressive career and produces outstanding wines. (click on ‘Susana Balbo’ under Categories to read more articles and reviews)  Susana Balbo Photo courtesy of Susan Balbo Winery. Susana produces four brands of wine including CRIOS. Susana created the CRIOS brand as a tribute to her son and daughter. CRIOS in Spanish means “offspring”. To quote Susana Balbo Winery, “CRIOS wines express Susana's love and dedication to her children, José and Ana. Today, Susana's CRIOS has grown and matured, just like her children who now work with her at the family winery.” The grapes for this brand are harvested from specific areas in Mendoza and Salta where grapes are optimal for the fruit-forward style of CRIOS. Here are two CRIOS gems to please your palate.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss CRIOS Sustentia Chardonnay 2022 Susana recently introduced this wine to the CRIOS collection. It is a low-alcohol and lower-calorie Chardonnay. The grapes for this 100% Chardonnay are sourced from Valle de Uco, Mendoza. The grapes are harvested early, thereupon allowing the winemaker to obtain a must with low sugar concentration and a naturally low-alcohol and reduced-calorie wine. This wine is aged for three months in stainless steel tanks.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: White stone fruit, tropical notes, lemon, and a touch of floral. Palate: Juicy peach, pineapple, and pear notes with vibrant acidity and a trace of lemon zest on the finish. Alcohol: 9% SRP: $18.99 Pairing suggestions: Enjoy as an aperitif or pair with roasted white meats, seafood, sushi, salads, or mushroom risotto. CRIOS Malbec, 2021 My first taste of CRIOS Malbec was a 2015 vintage. So, I was looking forward to trying the 2021 vintage. And I’m happy to report that my palate was quite pleased! This 100% Malbec is hand-harvested from vineyards in Valle de Uco, Mendoza. Aging is 40% in third and fourth-use French oak barrels for eight months.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Violets, cherry, plum and spice. Palate: Aromas segue onto the palate with pomegranate, pepper, and cocoa. Tannins are nicely balanced with acidity, and the finish is long. Alcohol: 14% SRP: $15 Pairing suggestions: Grilled meat, seared tuna, hearty stews, glazed duck, aged cheese, or dark chocolate mousse. Susana Balbo wines never disappoint my palate. They are consistently good and worth exploring!  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Until next time…
Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com 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 wineknittercomments@gmail.com 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 wineknittercomments@gmail.com 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 wineknittercomments@gmail.com Many tend to drift toward white or rosé wines as the temps begin to climb. However, red wines should not be overlooked during the summer months. Many light-bodied to full-bodied reds are ideal for sipping outdoors while enjoying grilled fare. For instance, unoaked or lightly oaked red wines tend to be lighter and fruitier. And slightly chilling many red wines for no more than 30 minutes can enhance the flavors, minimize the focus on alcohol, and make the wine more refreshing.  Photo credit: Kelsey Knight on Unsplash I recommend staying below 14% in alcohol content when choosing a wine to drink outside on a hot day. Alcohol is a diuretic that contributes to dehydration. And when combined with outside heat, which leads to sweating, one can become dehydrated quickly. Therefore, it is also essential to drink water and stay hydrated! I have chosen five red wines that range from 12.5% to 13.5% alcohol and can be enjoyed with whatever is sizzling on the grill. These wines pair beautifully with grilled red and white meats, game, fowl, tuna, and veggies. And if it’s too hot outside, bring your picnic and wine indoors, and sip away!  Photo credit: Vincent Keiman on Unsplash Trapiche Oak Cask Wines Trapiche Winery is located in Mendoza, Argentina. Grapes for this collection are sourced from vineyards situated 2500 ft above sea level. The wines are aged for nine months in oak barrels. Trapiche Oak Cask Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 This wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Nose: Dark berries, cherries, and spice. Palate: Ripe blackberry, plum, spice, chocolate, and toasty notes with smooth tannins. Nice finish with a hint of tobacco lingering. Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $8.99  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Trapiche Oak Cask Malbec 2021 This is 100% Malbec wine. Nose: Dark cherry, plum, spice, and vanilla. Palate: Ripe dark berries spill onto the palate with a creamy mouthfeel and notes of pepper on a sweet finish. Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $8.99  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Saget La Perrière 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. La Petite Perrière Pinot Noir 2020 This 100% Pinot Noir is mainly sourced from the Saget family’s estate vineyards in Touraine (Loire Valley), and part of the blend is sourced from the South of France through long-term partners. Nose: Cherry, floral, earthy Palate: Blueberry, dark plum, cherry, and balanced acidity with a fruity and long finish. Alcohol: 12.5% SRP: $13.99  Photo credit: Penny Weiss San Felice San Felice estate is located in the heart of Chianti Classico territory in Tuscany, Italy. The estate covers an area of more than 650 hectares in the municipality of Castelnuovo Berardenga, at an altitude of about 400 meters above sea level. Over 140 hectares are devoted to wine vineyards, with about 17,000 olive trees, experimental plantations, and a hotel complex. San Felice Il Grigio Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2018 Grapes for this 100% Sangiovese are sourced from the San Felice estate. 80% of the wine is aged for 24 months in 60 or 90 hectoliters in Slavonian oak casks, and 20% is aged in 225-liter French barriques, followed by nine months or so in the bottle. Nose: Floral, red berries, dark cherry, and earth. Palate: Fresh red fruit spills onto the palate with spice, floral, a hint of herbs, and a lovely balance of acidity and smooth tannins. Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $27  Photo credit: Penny Weiss J. Christopher Winery This winery is located in northern Willamette Valley, Oregon, and is 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. J. Christopher Medici Vineyard Pinot Noir 2018 The grapes for this 100% Pinot Noir are sourced from one of the oldest vineyards in the Chehalem Mountains appellation, and it is just a few miles east of the winery. The oldest blocks were planted in 1976, and in 2015 the vineyards were converted to organic farming. This wine was aged 18 months in barriques (25% new) and is unfiltered. Nose: Strawberry, floral, stone, and a trace of baking spice. Palate: Succulent red berries, cherry, vibrant minerality, and spice. Smooth and well structured with a long finish. Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $60  Photo credit: Penny Weiss In addition to the above wines, Grenache, Cabernet Franc, and Gamay make excellent grilling partners.  Photo credit: Kamil Kalbarcz on Unsplash Until next time…
Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com Some of you might know Casa Gancia, an iconic wine producer located in Piedmont, northern Italy. In addition to making sparkling and still wine, the Gancia family lays claim to producing the first Metodo Classico wine in Italy. So what does this have to do with Argentina and Orfila wines?  Orfila Vineyard Photo courtesy of Orfila In 1905, Spanish immigrant José Orfila founded his winery in Mendoza, Argentina, where he grew grapes and produced wines from premium vineyards. In the meantime, in the 1940s, part of the Gancia family, under the leadership of Camilo Gancia, emigrated to Argentina from Italy. They began planting vineyards in Mendoza, and by 1965, the Gancia family had over 2500 acres of vineyards in the Uco Valley, Lujan de Cuyo, and Maipú. In 2010, the Gancia family acquired the Orfila winery and merged the winemaking traditions of both families. The unique terroir of this wine region combined with European traditions is the essence of Orfila wines. Juan Ruiz, export director for Orfila, said, “Orfila is a story of family winemaking tradition and some of the finest vineyards in Mendoza. We make wines that reflect the great character and quality of the vineyards, and we make them in a style that is easy to enjoy, with beautiful fruit structure and round tannins.” Over 70% of all Argentine wine is produced in Mendoza, and of that amount, approximately 85% is Malbec. Mendoza is located in the eastern foothills of the Andes, where the climate is dry and continental, making it an ideal environment for these high-altitude vineyards during the grape-growing season. Mendoza has several sub-regions that include Luján de Cuyo, Maipü, and the Uco Valley. See the map below.  The Orfila vineyards are located in three sub-regions of Mendoza, Uco Valley, Luján de Cuyo and Maipú. Luján de Cuyo and Maipú are among the best areas in Argentina for making wines. The altitude range is 2625 ft. to 2953 ft., with average temperatures of 46 to 73 degrees. Uco Valley, where Orfila’s most prized vineyards are located, has an altitude range of 3280 ft. to 5250 ft., with average temperatures of 44 degrees to 71 degrees. The high elevations in these regions are beneficial to the grapes due to the high daytime temperatures and cooler nights. This diurnal temperature variation contributes to slowing the ripening process, extending the growing season, and allowing the grapes time to produce balanced sugar and acidity. Alluvial soil dominates the Mendoza wine region with loose sand over clay, allowing good drainage. “We try to preserve what the vineyards give us,” explains Orfila winemaker Guillermo Chavero, who credits the ideal and moderate microclimates, soils, and elevation for the distinctive characteristics of Orfila wines. He adds, “The growing conditions in Mendoza create little need for human intervention. There is a natural balance of the right amount of stress on the vines, which results in wines with beautiful fruit structure and round tannins.” That being said, he is committed to creating easy-to-drink wines crafted in the finest European tradition. The Gancia family practices state-of-the-art winemaking and growing practices. All vineyards are organically farmed, and certification is in process. Biodynamic farming techniques are also employed in some vineyards. The following Orfila wines reflect the elegance and “two winemaking worlds” this wine region offers.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Orfila Estate Selection, Cabernet Sauvignon 2020
The grapes for this 100% Cabernet Sauvignon are sourced and hand-harvested from vineyards in Luján de Cuyo, Maipú, and La Consulta-San Carlos (Uco Valley.) 70% of the wine is aged for six months in French (70%) and American (30%) oak barrels. A final blend is assembled through a careful barrel selection and then bottle aged for three months. Nose: Red and black fruit, spice, smokey notes, and a hint of floral. Palate: Red and black fruit, raspberry, earthy with round tannins and fresh acidity. Alcohol: 13.9% SRP: $15 Orfila Estate Selection Malbec 2019 Grapes for this 100% Malbec are sourced and hand-harvested from vineyards in Luján de Cuyo, and Maipú. 70% of the wine is aged seven months in French (70%) and American (30%) oak barrels. A final blend is assembled through a careful barrel selection and then bottle aged for three months. Nose: Lots of dark fruit, berries, and plum. Palate: Ripe dark fruit, juicy plum, red berries, spice, with crisp acidity and smooth tannins. A touch of anise and dark chocolate linger on the finish. Alcohol: 13.9% SRP: $15 Orfila Malbec Reserva -Uco Valley 2018 This is Orfila’s signature Malbec. Grapes are sourced and hand-harvested from vineyards in Uco Valley and Luján de Cuyo. 80% of the wine is aged for 12 months in French (70%) and American (30%) oak barrels. A final blend is assembled through a careful barrel selection and then bottle aged for four months. Nose: Lush dark fruit, floral, cherry, and baking spice. Palate: Aromas segue onto the palate with mild tannins and integrated acidity. Pepper and blackberry linger on the finish. Alcohol: 13.9% SRP: $20 The above wines will pair nicely with roasted or grilled meat, poultry, seared tuna or salmon, hearty stews, aged cheese, or pasta. Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com It doesn’t matter what time of year it is when it comes to sipping rosé wines. But, a chilled glass of rosé in hand during the warmer months is quite divine! The spring and summer seasons always bring stunning blooms bursting with an array of colors and seductive fragrances. Not to be outdone by mother nature, rosé wines are made in various styles, enticing aroma and alluring shades of pink. And the bottles tend to be beautiful as well. With so many choices on the market, one might be inclined to start a rosé garden!  Photo credit: Penny Weiss In its simplest terms, wine gets its color from the skin of grapes, and there are several methods of achieving this with rosé wine. Limited Skin Maceration Rosé wine is produced from red grapes with limited skin contact during maceration. After harvest, the grapes are crushed, and the juice is allowed time on the skins, which could be just a few hours or up to a week. The less time spent on the skins, the lighter the color of the wine will be. The longer the maceration, the darker and more flavorful the rosé will tend to be. After maceration, the juice is drawn off, and fermentation of the wine begins. Direct Press With this method, the grapes are pressed to remove the skins (such as with white wines), and juice is immediately drawn off, only allowing the juice to contact the skins for a very short time. This process produces some of the lightest-hued rosés. Winemakers often use this method for darker-skinned grapes. Saignée Method This method is also referred to as the “bleeding” method. It was originally a method used to make concentrated red wines. With this technique, red wines are vinified using a standard process, but in the early stages of maceration, the winemaker will “bleed” some of the red wine juice from the tank and then vinify it separately as a rosé. Saignée rosés are richer, darker, and more flavorful. Some winemakers like to age their Saignée rosés in oak barrels. The variety of grapes used, the regions, production techniques, and harvest year all play a significant role in these wines’ style, color, and flavor. Rosé wines can range from delicate to rich, extra-dry to sweet, simple tank fermentation to barrel-fermented, and runs the spectrum of diverse flavors such as light citrus to deeper, fruitier wines. For many consumers, buying rosé wine is motivated by the “pink” wine in a pretty bottle that complements the care-free months of warm weather. For others, it is the country, region, style, and grape variety that influences their purchase. Here are a few pretty shades of pink in both still and sparkling style that I hope inspire you to start your rosé garden!  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Still Rosés  Photo credit: Penny Weiss France Château Puech-Haut Tête de Bélier Rosé AOP Languedoc 2019 The grape blend for this rosé is 99% Mourvédre and 1% Grenache, sourced from Languedoc-Saint Drezery vineyards. Aroma: Citrus, strawberry, floral, and a touch of minerality Palate: Lovely layers of fresh berries, notes of exotic fruit, citrus, and spice. A complex wine with a generous mouthfeel and long finish. Alcohol: 14.1% SRP: $34 Jean-Luc Colombo Cape Bleue Rosé 2020 This is a blend of 67% Syrah and 33% Mourvédre. Grapes are sourced from vineyards in the hills above the bay of Marseille, next to Provence. The saignée method is used, and then the wine juice is fermented in stainless steel tanks for three weeks. Aroma: Rose petals, raspberry, white stone fruit, and watermelon Palate: Crisp and refreshing with notes of raspberry, peach, minerality, and a touch of sour cherry. Alcohol: 12.5% SRP: $14.99 Côté Mas Aurore Rosé Pays d’Oc IGP 2020 Domaines Paul Mas is located in Languedoc, where 20% of the estate vineyards are farmed organically, with the rest farmed using sustainable practices. This rosé is a blend of 50% Grenache, 30% Cinsault 10% Syrah, and 10% Vermentino. The bottle is very eye-catching with its colorful label! Aroma: Floral, strawberry, cherry, and a hint of melon Palate: Ripe red fruit with lush berries and nice acidity with a mineral edge on the finish. Alcohol: 14.2% SRP: $13.99 Spain Inazio Urruzola Getariako Txakolina Rosé DO 2019 This estate is located in the heart of Basque country. The wine is a blend of two indigenous grapes, 50% Hondarr Abi Zuri and 50% Hondarr Abi Beltza. Aroma: Floral, fresh berries, and green apple Palate: Juicy fruit, berries, ruby grapefruit, Vibrant acidity balanced with minerality. Quite refreshing. Alcohol: 10.5% SRP: $20 Italy Bertani Bertarose IGT 2020 The historic Bertani winery is located in the Veneto region of Italy. This rosé is made with 75% Molinaro and 25% Merlot. Grapes are sourced from hillside vineyards above Lake Garda. Grapes are vinified separately, with only the Molinaro having skin contact. The blend is then aged in stainless steel tanks for about three months on the lees. Aroma: Floral, red and dark fruit, pomegranate, and grapefruit. Palate: White flowers, ruby grapefruit, strawberry, and a hint of cherry. Lovely balance between acidity and salinity. Alcohol: 12% SRP: $19.99 Planeta Sicilia DOC Rosé 2020 Planeta has vineyard locations in five territories spread throughout Sicily with six boutique wineries. The grapes for this rosé were sourced from Dispensa Estate in Menfi (western Sicily) and is a blend of 50% Nero d’Avola and 50% Syrah. Aroma: Floral, red berries, melon Palate: Berries, white stone fruit. A refreshing, dry wine with crisp acidity and hints of minerality and salinity. Alcohol: 12.5% SRP: $19.99 Austria Pratsch Niederösterreich Rosé 2020 This wine is made from 100% Zweigelt grapes sourced from organic vineyards in the Weinviertel region bordering Vienna. Aroma: Strawberry, hints of citrus Palate: A delicate and dry rosé with flavors of pear, strawberry, and juicy white stone fruit. Refreshing acidity and lemon zest on the finish Alcohol: 11.5% SRP: $13 Argentina Susana Balbo Signature Rosé 2020 Sourced from Valle de Uco in Mendoza, this rosé is a blend of 60% Malbec and 40% Pinot Noir. Grapes are fermented in stainless steel tanks for 20 days. Aroma: Ripe berries, cherry, citrus, and a hint of minerality Palate: Aromas continue onto the palate with notes of strawberry. Fresh, vibrant, and juicy. Alcohol: 13% SRP: $20 Sparkling Rosés Sparkling rosés are available in a variety of styles produced around the world. They are made in either the traditional method, where the second fermentation takes place in the bottle, or the tank (Charmat) method, where the second fermentation occurs in a steel tank. Sparkling wines go by different names depending on country/region/appellation of origin, such as: Champagne and Crémant – France Sekt – Germany Cava – Spain Prosecco – Italy  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Crémant De Bourgogne Rosé NV Brut AOC This wine is produced by Prosper Maufoux, located in the south of the Côte de Beaune in Burgundy, France. It is a blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Gamay, made in the Traditional Method. Aroma: Ripe red fruit, berries Palate: Crisp and light, soft citrus notes, strawberry, raspberry. Fine bubbles. Alcohol: 12% SRP: $19 Santa Julia Argentina Brut Rosé NV This wine is 100% Pinot Noir. Grapes are sourced from Tupungato vineyards in Mendoza. The direct press was used and wine produced using the Charmat method. Aroma: Nice strawberry and raspberry notes. Palate: Crisp and lively with light notes of fresh berries and pomegranate. Creamy, with a touch of yeast and nice acidity. Alcohol: 12.5% SRP: $13 Prosecco Rosé As of January 1, 2021, the Denomination di Origins Controllata (DOC) consortium gave its final stamp of approval for making Prosecco Rosé, setting these wines apart from other pink sparkling wines made in Italy. The grapes for Prosecco Rosé must be sourced from a specific geographic area that has passed the Italian Government’s quality requirements. Only Glera grapes (85 -90%) and Pinot Noir (10-15 %) are allowed. The DOC guidelines also require that Prosecco Rosé be fermented for at least 60 days in stainless steel tanks. Also, they must be vintage-dated and labeled Prosecco DOC. These sparkling wines range in style from very dry to slightly sweet. If you are a fan of Prosecco, then you will enjoy these sparkling rosé wines.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Gran Passione Prosecco DOC Rosé Millesimato 2019 Extra Dry
It is produced by Botter, located in the Veneto region. 85% Glera, 15% Pinot Noir Wine is made using the Charmat method. After bottling, it is cellared for two years. Aroma: Floral, red berries, and cherry Palate: Fresh and crisp, with notes of pear, citrus, honey crisp apples, and strawberry. Fine perlage. Alcohol: 11% SRP: $13 Il Fresco Prosecco DOC Rosé Millesimato 2020 Villa Sandi produces it. The grapes for this wine come from Treviso, the heart of Prosecco. Wine is made using the Charmat method. Aroma: Floral, berries, apple Palate: Fresh, light, and dry. Red berries, sweet apple, pomegranate, citrus, and a touch of floral. Creamy mouthfeel and fine bubbles. Alcohol: 11% SRP: $17 Riondo Prosecco Rosé DOC Millesimato 2020 Extra Dry This wine is produced by Collis-Riondo, located in the Veneto region. It is a blend of 90% Glera and 10% Pinot Noir. Aroma: Floral, cherry, fresh berries, and apple Palate: Dry and lively with juicy notes of raspberry, peach, cherry, and sweet apple. Creamy mouthfeel and fine bubbles. Alcohol: 11% SRP: $14.99 All of the above wines will drink beautifully as an aperitif or pair nicely with light appetizers, seafood, salads, grilled chicken, Asian and Mediterranean dishes, and desserts. A big thank you to Winesellers, LTD, Folio Fine Wine Partners, and Taub Family Selections for their generous contribution to my rosé garden. Until next time... Cheers! Penina This story was originally published on Santé Magazine. To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com 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 wineknittercomments@gmail.com Over the last few years I have had the pleasure of meeting many dynamic women in the wine industry from around the world. These women hold positions that range from winemakers and winery owners to operations management, business development, marketing and financial planning. They are a rarity in an industry that has been notoriously dominated by men. Happily, the landscape is changing and more women globally are rising to the occasion and making their presence known in the wine world. I was recently invited by Bethany Burke of Taub Family Selections to join a panel discussion and virtual tasting on Zoom, focusing on “The Next Generation of Women In Wine”. Dr. Laura Catena of Bodegas Catena Zapata & Bodegas CARO in Mendoza, Argentina moderated this lively discussion. She was joined by panelists Anne Trimbach, of Trimbach in Alsace, France, Laure Colombo, of Vins Jean-Luc Colombo in Cornas, Rhone Valley, France and Alessia Collauto Travaglini of Travaglini in Gattinara, Piemonte, Italy. These accomplished and talented women were all born into multi-generation family-owned wineries, but their backgrounds and the paths they took before joining the family business are diverse. However, they all share the experience “as women” of assuming an important position and role in their family wineries. Here is an introduction to these amazing women. Also, each panelist selected a wine representative of her family’s estate for us to taste.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Dr. Laura Catena Proprietor, Bodegas CARO Mendoza, Argentina  Photo courtesy of Bodegas CARO Laura is a fourth-generation Argentine vintner, born in Mendoza, Argentina. Her great-grandfather founded the Catena Winery in 1902 after emigrating from Italy. In addition to being the proprietor of Bodegas CARO, Laura is currently managing director of Bodega Catena Zapata. Her path to becoming a vintner in her family’s winery was quite circuitous. Laura graduated magna cum laude from Harvard in 1988 and then earned a medical degree from Stanford University. It wasn’t until 1995 that she joined her father, Nicolas Catena Zapata, in the winery as a winemaker. In addition to authoring two books, Laura splits her time between Mendoza and San Francisco where she practices Emergency Medicine. One of Laura’s many passions is to learn more about high altitude viticulture, the vineyard soil microbiome and wine ageability. In the struggle for female equality in the wine business, Laura said, “There is no male equality either.” As she has witnessed in her winery, “If a man says he needs to go home because his child is ill or he has to make dinner, the boss will respond with ‘Where’s your wife?’ If a woman asks the same thing, it is accepted. There is such a long road still ahead for both women and men. But we are coming from a place of progress and I’m very excited about the future.” Bodegas CARO, CARO 2017 To learn about the collaboration between the Catena family and Domaines Barons de Rothschild that birthed CARO, please read my previous story. Two Cultures + Two Estates = Elegant Wines http://thewineknitter.com/1/post/2020/01/two-cultures-two-estates-elegant-wines.html This wine is a blend of 74% Malbec and 26% Cabernet Sauvignon. The Malbec softens the Cabernet Sauvignon, which is a little bitter. Grapes are selected and hand-harvested from the best blocks of the high altitude vineyards of Mendoza. The wine is aged for 18 months in French oak barrels from Lafite’s cooperage.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Aromas of rich red fruit, berries, baking spice and violet segue onto the palate with dark cherry, black raspberry and a hint of dark chocolate on a long finish. Smooth tannins and refreshing acidity are beautifully balanced. Alcohol: 14% SRP: $70.99 Anne Trimbach, Export Manager for Trimbach Alsace, France  Photo courtesy of Trimbach Anne is the 13th generation and the first woman to “be on the scene” in her family’s winery situated in Alsace, France. Anne grew up in the winery and knew from an early age that she would work there. Her great uncle expressed doubts about her getting into the business. He said, “Oh really, you want to work with us? But you are a woman and how will you manage this? One day you’ll want to have babies.” Anne expressed in relating this story, “I had to prove I was able to.” Her journey involved studying economics in Strasbourg, then spending three years in Dijon. She completed her master’s degree in Burgundy and then interned with a beverage distributor. Anne moved back to Alsace in 2008 and began to formally work as a export manager and Trimbach ambassador. Anne also introduced and developed a presence on social media for the winery. She said, “ The world of wine is about sharing and catching the eye of people. We share our passion for wine and people through videos.” Trimbach “Réserve” Riesling 2017 This is 100% Riesling. Grapes for the Réserve are sourced from old vineyards in Ribeauvillé and surrounding villages with vines 45 to 50 years old. Due to the complexity of the terroir here, some of the finest wines are produced. Anne noted that because of climate change “we are seeing early harvests due to temperatures rising.”  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Beautiful aromas of floral, peach, grapefruit and a hint of diesel set the stage for this classic. dry Riesling. The palate offers nectarine, green apple, lemon and minerality. This is a vibrant and fresh wine with good aging potential. Alcohol: 13% SRP: 34.99 Laure Colombo, Winemaker at Jean-Luc Colombo Rhône Valley, France  Photo courtesy of Jean-Luc Colombo Laure is second-generation and grew up in the small village of Cornas where the vineyards were her playground. Laure said, “I escaped the village and didn’t plan to work in wine, I just wanted to live in big cities. I was anxious to leave and travel.” And so she did. After studying commerce at the University of Lille, she traveled to Florida and worked at Disney World Epcot Food & Wine Festival. Laure also worked as a sommeliers assistant at Alain Ducasse’s restaurant in NYC and traveled to New Delhi, India to work with the Grover vineyard. And the list goes on! When she returned to France, Laure interned at Château Haut-Brion while studying for a bachelor’s degree in Viticulture and Oenology in Bordeaux. She then went on to receive her master’s degree in Oenology from the University of Montpellier. Laure said, “By traveling around the world, I learned my roots and I wanted to come back. I finally joined my family in 2010 and little by little I learned to work with the family.” She has been working alongside her parents ever since. For a glimpse and background of Laure’s parents and where she grew up, please click on the link below to read my story. A Hidden Treasure - The WineKnitter http://thewineknitter.com/1/post/2019/03/day-713-a-hidden-treasure.html Jean-Luc Colombo Saint-Peray AOC “La BelleDe Mai” 2018 This wine is a blend of 60% Roussanne and 40% Marsanne. Grapes are hand-harvested from a single vineyard of the oldest part of this small 10-hectare appellation. Laure said, “The grapes are co-planted, harvested and vinified together. The ratio changes from year to year, but normally one half to two-thirds of the Roussane is used in the blend.” Grapes are fermented in oak barrels and the wine is aged on the lees for six months.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss This is a rich and complex wine with enticing aromas of floral, pear and grapefruit. The palate offers honeysuckle, apricot, peach, a hint of vanilla and citrus zest on the finish. Creamy texture and fresh acidity sate the palate. Alcohol: 14.5% SRP: $29.99 Alessia Collauto, Travaglini Gattinara, Italy  From left to right: Massimo, Carolina, Alessia and Cinzia. Photo courtesy of Travaglini Alessia is the fifth-generation of the Travaglini wine family. “Fourth-generation, Cinzia Travaglini, now runs the estate, along with her husband Massimo Collauto, chief winemaker. Their efforts, like the generations before them, have made Travaglini one of Italy’s most recognizable wines and the #1 selling Gattinara in the world. Their children, Alessia and Carolina, are currently involved in the winery, and will be the next generation to run the estate.” Alessia has a degree in Economics and Business Management. She also received her Certificate of Sommelier in 2017. She spends time tending the vines at Travaglini, working in the cellar with her family and also participates in the administration, marketing, sales and promotion of their wines. Alessia stated, “My parents introduced me to the secrets of the vines and situations of everyday business and little by little transferred to my sister and me the passion for wine.” Alessia said that the experience of being a sommelier made her curious not only to open her mind and try the wines but she also said, “Most importantly it made me curious about the vinification of the wine and the stories behind the wine.” Travaglini Gattinara DOCG 2016 This wine is 100% Nebbiolo and is Travaglini’s flagship wine. The small appellation of Gattinara DOCG is known for its rare soil that produces grapes with a unique flavor profile, high acidity and tannins. Alessia said, “The complexity of this wine comes basically from the rocks. Although the wine is complex, it tastes very delicate on the palate.” The wine is aged for three years, two of which age in used Slavonian oak casks. The wine rests for three months in bottle  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Lovely aromas of rose petals, berries, fennel, baking spice and pepper prep the palate for a rich and inviting wine. Notes of rose, cherries, raspberry, cinnamon, earth and minerality tease the palate. I love the complexity of this wine in addition to its freshness and tannins that talk.
Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $33.99 It was a pleasure and honor to be a part of this discussion and tasting. I loved their stories, anecdotes and, above all, the inspiration and path that they are creating for more women to enter the wine industry! Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com 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 wineknittercomments@gmail.com |
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed