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Blame it on the snow and frigid temperatures, but I’ve been popping the cork on many delicious red wine wines of late. As you may know from past posts, I enjoy white, rosé, and sparkling wine all year round. However, this winter, I’ve been indulging my palate with some very expressive red wines.  Photo credit: Max Tutak Unsplash Here are eight reviews of red wines that will surely have your palate singing! Australia McGuigan Wines, ‘The Plan’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 McGuigan Wines is a major wine producer in Australia. Their family roots date back to 1880 in Hunter Valley with Perc McGuigan, who set the standard for future generations. Grapes for this 100% Cabernet are sourced from top-quality vineyards in South Eastern Australia, including McLaren Vale, Langhorne Creek, and Barossa Valley. The fruit is harvested at night, and after fermentation, it is matured in stainless steel tanks and oak before final blending.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Aromas of blackberry, cherry, chocolate, and hints of baking spice segue onto the palate with a hint of cranberry and herbs. This fruit-driven wine has refreshing acidity and firm tannins with hints of warm toasted oak. It is a steal at this price! Serve with roasts, grilled tuna, and dark chocolate desserts. Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $10.99 Italy Bertani Valpolicella DOC 2018 Bertani has been producing wine for over 150 years and has an impressive 200 hectares of vineyards in the most ideal areas of Verona province in the Veneto region, which is famous worldwide for wines such as Valpolicella, Soave, and Amarone. This wine is a blend of 80% Corvina Veronese and 20% Rondinella. Grapes are harvested from the heart of the Valpolicella Classico area and the Valpantena vineyards near the municipality of Grezzana. The wine is aged for eight months in concrete vats covered with glass bricks to allow slow and gradual aging. It is then further aged for a minimum of three months in the bottle.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Aromas of plum, sour cherry, red berries, pepper, and baking spice continue onto the palate. This wine has nice acidity and a good balance between juicy fruity and savory. Sour cherry and raspberry linger on the finish. Pair with hearty stews, braised meat, pasta, and semi-aged cheese. Alcohol: 12% SRP: $16.49 Spain Bela, Ribera del Duero DO 2017 One of Rioja’s most iconic wine producers, CVNE (pronounced coo-nay), is an acronym for Compania Vinicola del Norte des Espana. CVNE has expanded its territory to include a 182-acre estate in Ribera del Duero in northern Spain with the focus of bringing their Rioja elegance to the rugged Ribera del Duero region. Grapes for this 100% Tempranillo are sourced from Ribera del Duero region. The climate here leans toward continental with a complexity of soils throughout the region. This wine is aged for six months in American and French, new and one-year-old oak barrels.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Intense aromas of dark fruit, floral, baking spice, and a touch of earth set the stage for this terroir-driven wine. The palate is layered with dark berries, dark cherry, plum, spice, anise, and a hint of minerality. Vanilla and pepper linger on a long finish. This is a graceful wine with soft tannins and brimming with character. It is an easy wine to pair with a wide range of cuisine. Alcohol: 14% SRP: $19 Portugal Esporão Reserva Red 2016 Alentejo wine region is situated in the southern half of Portugal and covers one-third of the country. It is one of Portugal’s largest wine production areas. Herdade Do Esporão, whose history dates back over 750 years ago, first introduced this wine in 1985. It is a blend of Aragonez, Trincadeira, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Alicante Bouschet. Grapes are sourced from vineyards with soil of granite/schist origin and clay/loam structure. This wine is aged for 12 months in American oak (60%) and French oak (40%) barrels, and then an additional six months in the bottle.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss It begins with a rich bouquet of cherry, raspberry, blackberry, plum, and baking spice. The palate is entertained with lush dark fruit jam, spice, and a hint of plum. Smooth tannins and a long berry finish add to the richness of this wine. Pair with grilled or braised meat and game, stews, tapas, and codfish. Alcohol: 14.5% SRP: $24 Sicily Donnafugata Sherazade Sicilia DOC 2018 The Rallo family owns the iconic Donnafugata, and their family history of winemaking dates back to 1851. They have several wineries and over 405 hectares of vineyards located throughout Sicily, including historic aging cellars at their Marsala winery. Nero d’Avola is an indigenous grape that is considered Sicily’s most important red wine grape. Sherazade is 100% Nero d’Avola and the grapes are sourced from Donnafugata’s Contessa Entellina Estate and nearby vineyards, which are located in the southwestern part of Sicily. The wine is aged for about four months in tanks and then a minimum of three months in the bottle.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Delectable aromas of violets, red fruit, and spice open to a lovely palate of cherry, plum, berries, and spice. Well-balanced tannins and acid add to the character of this fresh and lively wine, along with a touch of pepper and tartness on a long finish. Serve with mature cheese, pasta and red sauce, seared tuna, and calamari. Alcohol: 13% SRP: $25 California Au Contraire Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast 2019 Sonoma County’s Au Contraire winery was inspired by Taub Family vineyards company founder, David S. Taub. The grapes for this Pinot Noir are sourced from top Sonoma Coast vineyards, from Sebastopol to the Fort Ross Seaview AVA. Although these are warmer vineyard sites, they sit above the fog line generating a cool-climate style Pinot Noir with highly concentrated fruit flavors. The wine is aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, 35% new.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Juicy aromas of cherry, red berries, plum, and a hint of floral segue onto the palate with strawberry and cherry leading the parade of flavors. This is a silky wine with lots of ripe fruit and bright acidity. Serve with roasted meat, fowl, spicy Asian cuisine, and soft cheese. Alcohol: 14.2% SRP: $26.99 Argentina Bodegas Salentein Numina Gran Corte 2016 Bodegas Salentein is located in the Uco Valley of Mendoza, Argentina. Many of their vineyards are situated at some of the highest elevations in the world. This privately-owned estate was established in the late 1990s and boasts almost 5000 acres, of which 1,124 acres are planted to vine. The Numina Gran Corte is a blend of 61% Malbec, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot, and 3% Cabernet Franc. Grapes are hand-harvested from small selected plots. Fermentation takes place in 7000-liter oak casks and then aged for 16 months in French oak barrels.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss This wine opens with subtle violet aromas, plum, dark berries, spice, and a trace of vanilla. The palate offers a fresh and elegant layering of blackberry, raspberry, plum, baking spice, and a touch of earth. This is a beautifully integrated blend with a silky mouthfeel and a long finish. Pair with grilled meat, seared tuna, hearty stews, and casseroles. Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $40.99 France Jean-Luc Colombo Cornas “Terres Brûlées” 2018 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 here that are balanced by the cool nights. Grapes are hand-harvested from 30+ -year-old vines. The wine is aged for 21 months in oak barrels (10% new, 90% one-to-five-year old barrels).  Photo credit: Penny Weiss This 100% Syrah wine has enticing aromas of dark cherry, dark berries, dark plum, spice, and hints of baking spice. The palate is 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. A truly noteworthy wine! Pair with white meat, game, seared tuna, and hearty stews.
Alcohol: 14.5% SRP: $63.99 No matter what time of year,, these wines will pair beautifully with any season! Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com This story was originally published on Santé Magazine. We all have rituals that we perform day in and day out without batting an eye. I kick start every morning with a ritual of pouring a cup of coffee and then crawling back into bed with it to peruse the news. Rituals can be as simple as a morning run, yoga meditation, telling your child a bedtime story, or prayers over a meal. Many of our rituals go beyond ourselves and transcend to our families, religion, spiritual practices, and holidays.  Photo courtesy of Unsplash.com With Covid lurking around every corner, many life rituals and daily routines have been disrupted and are now temporarily on hold. Many of us have established new rituals and routines to take their place. Breathing is something I always took for granted until Covid brought it to my attention. And now, one of my new daily rituals is 10 minutes of deep breathing exercises to strengthen my lungs and calm my soul. For others, it might be inventing new ways to celebrate rites of passage, or writing in a journal. Since getting together online has become the “new norm”, several of my friends and colleagues have established cocktail hour rituals. Of course, one of my favorite rituals that I can continue despite Covid is pouring a glass of wine or spirits at the end of the day and doing a big exhale! So, I was most delighted when I recently received a shipment of wines named Ritual! I love the name and how fitting for this new chapter we are living in.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Ritual wines are produced from the Viñedos Veramonte organic estate. It is located in the extreme eastern end of Chile’s Casablanca Valley wine region.  Photo courtesy of Ritual Wines With respect to Chile’s other wine regions, Casablanca Valley is relatively new. The first vineyards were planted here in the 1980s during Chile’s revitalization of its viticulture industry.  Casablanca Valley wine region is about 20 miles long from east to west and is close to the Pacific Ocean. The vineyards for Ritual wine benefit from the cool morning fog and cloud cover. In addition, the cool sea breezes of the Pacific Ocean alleviate the heat of the day.  Photo courtesy of Ritual Wines Soil composition is a combination of decomposed granite soil, with a top layer of red volcanic clay. This soil allows the vines to go deep and absorb minerality, which reflects in the wines. With hot days and cold nights and a lengthier ripening period, the white grapes have more time to develop more complexity, flavor and maintain a good balance of sugar and acidity. These are ideal growing conditions for cool climate wines, and Casablanca Valley is noted for producing outstanding Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Cool climate red grapes also do very well here, such as Pinot Noir and Syrah. Fortunately, Covid has not interrupted the winery’s rituals and organic practices from the vineyard to the winemaking process. To quote from their website, “Crafting fine wine is steeped in Ritual and grounded in terroir. We endeavor in creating beautiful wines that are a reflection of this special place. Ritual is a labor of love. It connects us to the land we farm, to healthy living soil, and to the daily rituals of artisanal winemaking.”  Photo courtesy of Ritual Wines All the vineyards of the Viñedos Veramonte estate have organic certifications. Using low-impact farming methods, they make their own compost from the stems and pomace gathered during harvest season and manure from local animals to promote a balanced and self-regulated ecosystem. Cover cropping and seeding are practiced for revitalizing the soils. Sheep are used to “mow the grass” and also function as natural fertilizers.  Photo courtesy of Ritual Wines Grapes are hand-harvested in small batches, and once in the winery, only native yeasts are used to obtain a” natural balance and greater purity”. Different containers are used in the winemaking process, each one adding a unique characteristic to the wines. Oak barrels are used for structure, concrete eggs for texture, stainless steel drums for freshness, and stainless steel tanks for aromatics. Winemaker Sofia Araya produces Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Noir. These wines are aged in combinations of neutral oak, concrete eggs, and stainless steel tanks. Ritual Sauvignon Blanc 2019 30% of this wine is fermented in concrete eggs, 30% in neutral oak, and 40% in stainless steel tanks. The wine is then aged in each of its containers for eight to ten months, with each vessel contributing aromatics, flavors, and textures.  Photo credit: Penny Wess This is a fresh and aromatic wine with aromas of floral, citrus, and white stone fruit that segue onto the palate with vibrant acidity, and hints of minerality. Citrus and nectarine linger on a long finish. Drink as an aperitif or pair with seafood, light pasta, and salads. Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $19.99 Ritual Chardonnay 2018 This wine is fermented in 20% concrete eggs, 20% new 400-liter barrels, and 60% neutral oak.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Amazing aromas of lemon curd, white stone fruit, and a touch of vanilla, spill onto the palate with a hint of oak. It is beautifully balanced with acidity and notes of salinity and minerality. This wine is fresh, lively, and elegant! Serve with cheese, light pasta, seafood, grilled fish, or chicken. Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $20.99 Ritual Pinot Noir 2017 This wine is fermented with wild yeasts to enhance its depth, intensity, and complexity. It is aged for 11 months in French oak barrels, 20% new.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss From aroma to the palate, this wine delivers “fresh and juicy”. One is greeted with aromas of cherries, berries, and floral. The palate offers raspberry, strawberry, cherry, notes of integrated oak, and a silky smooth mouthfeel. This is a fresh, well-balanced, and expressive wine. Serve with seared tuna, pasta, fowl, and spicy Asian cuisine. Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $20.99 In addition to the wines, I was gifted a “Rituals and Wellness” journal. Written on the cover are these words, “An Intentional Journal For Mindful Rituals & Wellness Intentions”. It is a perfect journal for an imperfect time. We are embarking on a new year that will surely bring more changes in our lives. We will find more new rituals, and hopefully, rediscover old ones again. Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com My virtual plane recently flew me to the picturesque wine-growing region of the Russian River Valley in Sonoma County, CA.  Photo courtesy of Gary Farrell Winery The Russian River Valley was granted AVA status (American Viticultural Area) in 1983 and is considered a premier region for cultivating cool- climate grapes. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Zinfandel are the most planted vines here. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Sauvignon Blanc follow. Within the valley, many established vineyards produce distinctively different wines from each other. Gary Farrell Winery is located in the heart of the Russian River Valley. It was while working with Russian River Valley vintners in the mid-1970s that winemaker Gary Farrell developed a reputation for producing elegant Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines. In 1982 and under his own label, Gary produced his first Pinot Noir from grapes grown in the iconic Rochioli Vineyard and the adjacent Allen Vineyard. Gary and his winery became renowned for producing small-lot Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays in the Russian River Valley. He identified and secured grapes from only the best sites in this AVA. Gary built the winery in 2000, with a focus on his obsession for cleanliness, attention to detail, natural process flow, small tank fermentation, and top-flight French oak cooperage.  The winery. Photo courtesy of Gary Farrell Winery. Gary sold the winery in 2004, but to this day his legacy continues with collaborative partnerships with top growers and dedication to making wines that capture the essence and unique character of each distinctive vineyard. In 2012, winemaker Theresa Heredia joined Gary Farrell Winery. Her specialty is small-lot, single vineyard wines. Theresa said, “Coming to Gary Farrell was ideal for me with 36 different vineyards to work with. My primary goal is respect for the fruit and the vineyards.” She further stated, "I strongly believe in the Russian River Valley's capacity to consistently produce world-class wines. The key is cool breezes and fog from the nearby Pacific Ocean blanket."  Winemaker, Theresa Heredia Photo courtesy of Gary Farrell Winery The Russian River Valley boasts a long, consistent growing season, allowing for a slow ripening process and good levels of acidity. In addition to the fog and cool breezes that relieve the summer heat, the 35-40 degree drop in temperature at night also contributes to the long growing season. Volcanic, sandstone and alluvial soils add to the aromas, vibrancy, intense flavor, and balance of the wines.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss With wine samples poured, Theresa walked us through a tasting of three Chardonnays and four Pinot Noirs representing seven different single vineyards.  It was a stellar lineup of the 2017 vintage. Every wine shows the uniqueness and expression of their respective vineyards. Theresa said, “Vintage and site designation is the most important in making quality wine. We use gentle pressing and the use of light to medium toasted French oak barrels for all of our wines, allowing the fruit to shine through.” Theresa uses gentle, whole-cluster pressing, which produces a much finer and less bitter wine. Chardonnays  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Olivet Lane Vineyard Chardonnay This vineyard is exposed to regular fog, and is moderated by cool breezes, crisp nights, and well-drained loam, clay soils that create a perfect environment for this well-balanced Chardonnay with rich acidity and minerality. Fermentation and aging took place in 35% new French oak for nine months on its primary lees. Lovely aromas of pear, lemon, melon, and honeysuckle spill onto the palate. Vibrant acidity, hints of baking spice, lemon curd, and toasty notes add to the dimension of this wine, with honeysuckle lingering on the finish. Alcohol: 13.8% SRP: $45 Ritchie Vineyard Chardonnay The legendary Ritchie Vineyard sits on a northwest-facing hillside in the heart of the Russian River Valley and is regarded as one of the best Chardonnay sites in all of California. The soil profile is comprised of *Goldridge series sandy loam and volcanic ash deposits, which contributes to the wine’s intensity and expressive characteristics. Fermentation and aging took place in 35% new French oak for nine months on its primary lees. * ”The predominant soil type of the AVA is called Goldridge—a fine sandy loam covering about 60% of the area. The soil has a dark, yellowish, fine, sandy loam surface over a subsoil of golden yellow, sandy loam and fractured sandstone. It is derived from the remains of an ancient inland sea that slowly emptied into the Pacific three to five million years ago. It is particularly valuable for high-quality wine grape production because of its excellent drainage and low soil fertility. These characteristics allow it to be initially managed from a “low vigor” situation that may be readily customized with more water and/or nutrition, which directly contributes to wine quality”. Source: Paul Anamosa, Ph.D., Soil Science & Viticulture This is a vibrant and refreshing wine with aromas of citrus, tropical notes, and floral. The palate offers fruit-driven flavors of white stone fruit, lemon, pink grapefruit, nutty notes, and bright acidity. It has so much depth and character. Alcohol: 14.3% SRP: $60 Rochioli Vineyard Chardonnay The Rochioli Vineyard is a historic site that grows both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Fertile, gravely soils and warmer daytime temperatures in this vineyard contribute to the wine’s flavor and complexity. Fermentation and aging took place in 35% new French oak for nine months on its primary lees. Compared to the other Chardonnays that I tasted, this one has more citrus, fewer tropical notes, and more minerality. The palate is treated to juicy white stone fruit, lemon, white flowers, and toasted nuts. Crisp acidity and hints of baking spice add dimension to this beautifully textured wine. Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $65 Pinot Noirs  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Bacigalupi Vineyard Pinot Noir
In 1964, the Bacigalupi family was among the first to plant Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the area. In fact, their Chardonnay grapes became famous when they were used to make Chateau Montelena’s 1973 winning entry in the Paris Wine Tasting of 1976. The soil in this vineyard is gravelly sandy loam. Its unique climate features cool mornings and warm afternoons. This wine was aged for 15 months in 40% new French oak. Inviting aromas of cherry, red berries, and spice are mouth-watering. Ripe, juicy fruit greets the palate with dark cherry, raspberry, herbal notes, and a touch of tobacco. Beautifully balanced, soft, and quite engaging. Alcohol: 14.1% SRP: $65 Hallberg Vineyard Pinot Noir This vineyard is located in the Green Valley sub-appellation. The marine influence brings invigorating daytime breezes, followed by cool evening temperatures. The blend for this Pinot is a composition of many of the best blocks here, which produces fruit with deep, dark color and great structure. This wine was aged for 15 months in 40% new French oak. It has intoxicating aromas of floral, dark cherry, blackberry, and ripe strawberries. The palate is layered with earthy notes, dark cherry, spice, raspberry, and a hint of vanilla. This is a fresh and intense wine with soft tannins and a long finish. Alcohol: 13.8% SRP: $55 McDonald Mountain Vineyard Pinot Noir This vineyard is close to the border that divides the Russian River Valley from the Petaluma Gap. This is where the fog first arrives inland from the Pacific Ocean in the morning and where it burns off last in the afternoon. The vines are planted in one to four feet of Goldridge sandy loam underlain with clay. The climate and soil produce small, but flavor-packed clusters and berries that have lots of natural acidity. This wine was aged for 15 months in 40% new French oak. Seductive aromas and flavors abound in this complex yet light wine. Pomegranate, cranberry, strawberry, and earth fuse with hints of anise, pepper, cherry, and baking spice. Fruit and acidity meld together in this elegant and expressive wine. Alcohol: 13.3% SRP: $70 Martaella Vineyard Pinot Noir This vineyard is located in an area called Laguna de Santa Rosa, which is in the heart of the Russian River Valley. The climate is influenced by the fog that rolls in from the Pacific Ocean. It can cool the region down by as much as 40 degrees. High vine density planting exists here, much like that of Burgundy and the result is smaller berries and smaller clusters, which produce overall concentration and balance. This wine was aged for 15 months in 40% new French oak. Wonderful aromas of cherry, dark raspberry, blueberry, floral and herbal notes segue onto the palate. The wine is a dance of savory and sweet with firm tannins and good acidity. This is a beautifully structured Pinot Noir with deep fruit concentration. Theresa recommends decanting this wine. Alcohol: 13.2% SRP: $65 If you love Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, then you must indulge yourself in these wines. The grapes may be sourced from different vineyards, but the wines all share one thing in common, the purity of the fruit and simple elegance. Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com “We’re embarking on a multi-generational adventure, exploring three of the best things in life: fathers, daughters, and wine.” Quote from fanddcellars.com The Fathers & Daughters Cellars represents three generations of fathers and daughters. The patriarch is Kurt Schoeneman, his daughter Sarah, Sarah’s husband Guy Pacurar, their daughter, Ella, and Guy’s older daughter, Taylor. The winery is located in Anderson Valley of the coastal region of Mendocino County in Northern California. Their story began in 1996 with Sarah Schoeneman helping her father Kurt Schoeneman research the perfect area to grow grapes. She found a parcel of land in the Anderson Valley, the Ferrington Vineyard, which was long neglected. Kurt, who was a builder, knew nothing about wine. So he wisely sought out the expertise of vineyard managers and winemakers in the industry while also taking courses in viticulture. With love and determination, the Ferrington Vineyard was restored and is today recognized for its premium quality grapes  Ferrington Vineyard Photo courtesy of F&D. They have 72 acres under vine that include Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Gewürztraminer. The vineyard is especially noted for its signature fruit, Pinot Noir, in addition to a block of 40+ year-old Sauvignon Blanc vines. Most of the grapes for their wines are sourced from this vineyard. However, grapes for their rustic sparkling wine are sourced from Roederer’s Estate Vineyard. For many years F&D has sold their grapes to high-end labels without producing or bottling their own wine. However, that all changed with the first vintage for their own label in 2012. It also happened to be the birth year of Ella, Sarah and Guy’s daughter and the inspiration behind creating the label. Phil Baxter, a well-known and talented winemaker, was consulted about wine production. Not only did Phil oversee the production of their inaugural vintage of Ella’s Reserve Pinot Noir, he now oversees the winemaking for F&D’s successive vintages. To quote Guy regarding production, “Fathers & Daughters is a high-touch, small production family venture. You will find our fingerprints on every step of the process, from the harvest to the press, to the bottle. We produce all of our wines at Baxter Winery.” Here are three impressive wines that I received from Fathers & Daughters Cellars.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Sarah’s Rustic Bubbles Sparkling Chardonnay 2018 The grapes for this 100% Chardonnay were sourced from the Roederer Estate. It is produced using the Pétillant-Naturel method (pét- nat), a very old technique for making natural wines. It is often referred to as Méthode Ancestrale, which predates the “traditional method”. Unlike traditional-method sparkling wines that go through two fermentations, Pétillant-Naturel goes through only one fermentation. The wine is allowed to ferment naturally in stainless steel barrels. When the sugar has dropped significantly, the wine is bottled, crown-capped and unfiltered to allow the yeast to complete fermentation in the bottle and under pressure. The result is an intense array of aromas, flavors, effervescence and yeast. F&D suggests serving the wine “deeply chilled”. And I suggest uncapping it gently over a sink with a wine glass close by. The foam that spews forth is both festive and quite aromatic! Apples, baked bread, floral and citrus tantalize the nose while the palate is entertained with a fine mousse texture and hints of lemon, apricot, tropical notes and a touch of minerality. Alcohol: 13.9% SRP: $21 Sauvignon Blanc 2019 The grapes for this wine were harvested from vines originally planted in the late 70s in the Ferrington Vineyard. Lovely aromas of floral, citrus and melon segue onto the palate with notes of ruby grapefruit, lime, sweet apple, a touch of minerality and herbs. This is a refreshing wine that blends sweet and savory with just the right amount of acidity. Alcohol: 12.8% SRP: $25 Ella’s Reserve Pinot Noir 2017 Twenty-five acres of Ferrington Vineyard is dedicated to multiple clones of Pinot Noir, the signature grape of this vineyard. The clones used for this wine are Pommard, known for its dark color, intense fruit and fragrant spice components and Waldenswil, known for its floral, spice and bright red fruit. The wine is aged 20 months in 25% once used and 75% neutral French oak barrels before bottling. This wine starts out with heady aromas of floral, baking spice, dark plum, berries and dark cherry. The palate offers juicy plum, strawberries, cherry, and a touch of toasted herbs rounded out with a dash of earth, nutmeg and minerality. It is vibrant, smooth, complex and beautifully balanced.
Alcohol: 13.8% SRP: $52 Fathers & Daughters has succeeded in bottling the very essence of Ferrington Vineyard and is obviously a labor of love! I look forward to tasting their other wines! Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com I am on the virtual road again, this time visiting Viña Ventisquero Winery with seven prime vineyards located throughout many of Chile’s wine regions.  Photo courtesy of Ventisquero Winery Gonzalo Val, President of Agrosuper, one of Chile’s largest agro-industrial companies, owns the winery. Founded in 1998, Ventisquero was first established in the Maipo Valley, which is one of Chile’s most important wine-producing regions. Since then, Ventisquero has expanded and diversified its holdings to include vineyards in Casablanca, Colchagua and Leyda Valleys and the Atacama Desert.  Felipe Tosso, head winemaker, along with winemakers Alejandro Galaz and John Duval make up an adventurous team that endeavors to explore, experiment and make an exception to the rule when producing wine. Their main quest is to preserve and honor the origins, the earth and its fruit. Above photos are courtesy of Ventisquero. From left to right: Felipe Tosso, Alejandro Galaz and John Duval Some of you might be asking, “What is a single block wine?” A vineyard is usually divided up into blocks/parcels. A single block wine is made from a single variety that is sourced from a single block within a single vineyard. I recently received four bottles of Ventisquero Grey Line Single Block wines for review.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss I asked Felipe Tosso what the motivation was behind making single block wines. He replied, “The main vision for creating single block wines was to add more value to the concept of "origins" and uniqueness of our vineyards. We found in our vineyards certain blocks with unique characteristics. We delimited and isolated these vineyards and created unique wines for our Grey Line, a commitment to terroir and a wine that is outstanding. Our main goal at Ventisquero is always to express the concept of origin and our Grey Single Block line is exactly the expression of Maipo, Colchagua and Atacama.” Grey Line Single Block Carménère 2017 This 100% Carménère is sourced from Block 5 of the Trinidad Vineyard in the Coastal Maipo Valley. The vineyard has atypical soil, sandy-clay in origin. The wine was aged for 18 months in extra fine-grain French oak barrels and then further aged in the bottle for eight months.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Tantalizing aromas of dark fruit, dark raspberry, spice and earth make their way onto the palate. Notes of plum, black cherry, pepper and a hint of baking spice add to its complexity with lush dark fruit lingering on a long finish. This is an elegant wine that is beautifully balanced with smooth tannins and fresh acidity. Pair with grilled meat, game, hearty stews and seared tuna. Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $24 Grey Line Single Block Pinot Noir 2017 This wine is 100% Pinot Noir. Grapes are sourced from Block 22 in the Las Terrazas vineyard located only four miles from the Pacific Ocean in the Leyda Valley. The soil here is a combination of granite, red clay and granite rock. A maritime influence contributes to minerality in the wines. It is aged for 12 months in French oak barrels.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Subtle floral aromas mix with red berries, sweet spice and sour cherry. The palate offers juicy plum, black raspberry, spice and mineral notes. Excellent acidity and soft tannins make this a very food-friendly wine. Enjoy with seafood, pasta, fowl, salads and cheese. Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $24 Grey Line Single Block Cabernet Sauvignon 2014 This is a blend of 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc sourced from Block 38 in the Trinidad Vineyard of the Maipo Valley. Cool climate and granite soils contribute to this expressive wine. It was aged for 18 months in extra fine-grain French oak barrels.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Delectable aromas of red fruit, dark berries, spice, earth and a hint of tobacco set the stage for this impressive wine. Intense flavors of red plum, red berries, spice, pepper and a touch of floral add to the character of this wine. It is nicely balanced with silky tannins and good acidity. Serve with aged cheese, grilled meat and hearty stews. Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $24 Grey Line Single Block Garnacha Cariñena Mataro (GCM) 2017 Grapes for this wine were sourced from Block 28 in the La Roblería, Vineyard in Apalta sub-region of Colchagua Valley. The vineyard is a short distance from the River Tinguiririca, and benefits from the mesoclimate and stony-sandy, red clay soils. This typical Mediterranean-style blend is 62% Garnacha, 19% Cariñena and 19% Mataro. It is the only red wine blend in the Grey Line. The wine is aged in extra fine-grain French oak barrels for six months, followed by a minimum of one month in the bottle.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Aromas of fresh red fruit, savory notes, strawberry, sour cherry and spice segue onto the palate with plum, red berries, herbs, spice and tobacco. A touch of minerality blends nicely with the acidity and smooth tannins, adding to the wine’s complexity. This wine was not filtered or clarified, so natural sediment may appear over time. The winemaker recommends decanting this wine for 30 minutes prior to serving. Enjoy as an aperitif or with aged cheese, grilled meat, chicken, or seared tuna.
Alcohol: 14% SRP: $24 The talented winemakers of Ventisquero have successfully bottled the Chilean terroir! These are expressive wines that capture the essence of the various vineyards and blocks they represent. I asked Felipe what goals in winemaking he might still be looking to achieve. Felipe said, “This December marks 20 years for me working at Ventisquero, a very important milestone in my career as a Winemaker. Throughout these 20 years, the winery has given me the liberty and the chance to experiment, propose, and create amazing wines. I am quite lucky for that. Having the chance to plant in terroirs so special and different such as the Atacama Desert, for example for TARA Wines, and in the altitudes of Apalta, passing through Maipo Valley, Leyda and Casablanca. Working with one of the most talented winemakers in the world, and my friend, John Duval, has been a great achievement and an amazing adventure for me. I think I have achieved all of my goals as a winemaker. For my years to come, I wish to keep making wines, which reflect our diverse and wonderful Chilean terroir in each and every bottle. My approach to winemaking will always be to reflect the places where these grapes were born.” 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 almost upon us, and many will be celebrating either alone or with immediate family. But that’s no reason to curb the festivities. In fact, this year, more than ever, it is important to embrace our traditions and be thankful for family and friends that are still with us. In addition to sparkling wines, which I will be talking about in the next week or so, here are a few light still wine suggestions for your holiday table. These versatile and food-friendly wines will pair nicely with poultry, fish, vegetarian cuisine and latkes!  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Cavit Pinot Noir IGT 2018 The grapes for this 100% Pinot Noir come from the vineyards of Provincia di Pavia in the Lombardy region of Italy. After fermentation, the wine rests on its lees in large oak barrels until release.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Aromas of floral, cherry and cranberry segue onto the palate with dark cherry notes, red berries and a hint of spice. This is a well-structured wine with silky tannins and a long finish. Serve as an aperitif or with your favorite meal! Alcohol: 12% SRP: $9.99 Nik Weis St. Urbans-Hof Wiltinger Kabinett Riesling 2018 Wiltinger is a village located in the Saar valley of Germany. The vineyard is on a site called Schlangengraben. It is noted for its reddish slate soil, a color that is derived from the iron content that adds minerality and spice to the wines. The vineyard was planted in 1905 and is one of the oldest in the entire Mosel region. These old vines have deep roots and produce small berries that create intense, lively, aromatic and complex wines. This wine has a VDP Ortswein classification, meaning that it comes from a village’s best vineyards.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Intoxicating aromas of floral, stone fruit, spice and a touch of smokiness set the stage for this succulent wine. The palate offers peach, apricot, pear, spice and slate minerality blended with crisp acidity. It has depth and structure with a restrained residual sweetness. Serve as an aperitif or with fish, Asian cuisine and white meat. Alcohol: 9% SRP: $19.99 Mandrarossa Costadune Frappato Terre Siciliane IGT 2017 According to Wines of Sicily, “Frappato is believed to have its origins in the Ragusa province of Sicily around 300 years ago. It is characterized as a light and refreshing wine. Nose: full bouquet, cherry Palate: mild tannins violet, strawberries.” Grapes for this 100% Frappato wine were sourced from vineyards at 820 ft. above sea level in Menfi, southwest Sicily. The wine matures for eight months in steel vats.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Lush red fruit aromas, floral and spice set the stage for this light-bodied wine. The palate offers a juicy array of cherries, strawberry, a hint of red plum, sweet spice and a touch of sour cherry that lingers on the finish. It is beautifully balanced between sweet and savory and ideal for a variety of food pairings. Try serving it slightly chilled. Alcohol: 13% SRP: $17.99 Pfaffl Grüner Veltliner Weinviertel DAC Zeisen, 2018 Austria’s most significant and indigenous white grape variety is Grüner Veltliner. This dry wine is known for its vibrant acidity and flavors of pepper and citrus. The grapes for this 100% Grüner Veltliner are harvested from 43-year-old vines located in the Weinviertel appellation of Austria. The wines are bottled after spending four months in stainless steel tanks. As per Austrian Wine, ““DAC” stands for “Districtus Austriae Controllatus” and is the legal abbreviation for special region-typical quality wines. Thus, if a label states the winegrowing region followed by the letter combination DAC, we are talking about a region-typical quality wine.”  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Citrus, herbs, spice and pepper delight the nose. This is a very crisp and juicy wine with flavors of key lime, pepper, spice, herbs, a touch of minerality and a zingy and peppery finish. It is a refreshing wine and will leave your palate craving for another sip. Serve as an aperitif or pair with poultry, smoked salmon and oysters. Alcohol: 13% SRP: $18.99 Saget La Perrière “La Perrière” Sancerre 2019 Sancerre is a small wine appellation in the Loire Valley wine region of France. It is famous for its production of white wines made from Sauvignon Blanc. As cited by Loire Valley Wines, “Centre-Loire region is at the center of France. It is the original home of Sauvignon Blanc and of Sancerre, the world’s most prestigious Sauvignon Blanc wine that sets international standards for the grape.” This 100% Sauvignon Blanc is sourced from vineyards in the Centre-Loire region. The wine is aged on fine lees for three to four months, then bottled and aged for at least five months in the cellar.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Lovely aromas of white stone fruit and floral mingle with citrus and a touch of minerality. The palate is lush, rich and creamy with added notes of melon, lemon, pink grapefruit, pear, a hint of herbs and a flinty finish. It is a beautiful marriage of flavors and vibrant acidity. Drink as an aperitif or pair with fish, poultry, seafood and appetizers.
Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $39.99 The above wines are meant to be enjoyed all year round. Indulge your palate and have fun mixing and matching with your favorite food pairings. Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com "Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the number of moments that take our breath away." -Maya Angelou. My first thought after being invited to explore the sparkling wines of Breathless Wines was that it was a rather unusual name for a winery. By its very definition, one might immediately think of not being able to breathe. Having just recovered from Covid-19, I admit that my thoughts did wander in that direction. But other definitions for “breathless” are anticipation, excitement, or the act of experiencing a strong emotion. And after tasting these enchanting sparkling wines, they did take my breath away but in a very positive way! The box that the wine arrived in was an eye-catching presentation with a lot of thought and love poured into it and certainly captured my attention!   Photo credits: Penny Weiss Breathless Wines, a female-led winery, was founded in 2008 and is located in Healdsburg, CA in the heart of Sonoma County’s wine country. It is owned and run by three sisters, Sharon Cohn, Rebecca Faust and Cynthia Faust. The winery was born out of a desire to honor their mother who passed away from a rare lung disease. I asked the sisters why the name “Breathless”. Sharon replied, “We are honoring our mom, Martha, who encouraged dreaming big. Our mom lived her life taking no breath for granted, even before her diagnosis, so the name Breathless fit her to a tee.” Their mother’s passion for life, to dream big and live life to the fullest was passed down to her daughters and is evident in every aspect of Breathless Wines The sisters, who refer to each other as sister 1, 2, and 3, each bring their unique expertise to Breathless. Sharon, (sister 1) Is the “glitz, glamour and panache” behind the bubbles of Breathless and handles all of their Marketing. Rebecca, (sister 2) brings her business savvy to Breathless with over 20 years of experience in the wine industry. She is co-founder of Rack & Riddle and has been the CFO of several wineries. And Cynthia, (sister 3) who is the ambassador for Breathless, has also been in the restaurant and catering area with her husband.  From left to right, Cynthia, Rebecca and Sharon. Photo courtesy of Breathless Wines I asked them why they decided to focus on sparkling wines. Sharon said, “ Sparkling wine has always been a favorite “go-to” over the years for all of us. Rebecca (sister 2) and her business partner Bruce Lundquist, started what has become the second-largest producer of sparkling wines, only behind Korbel. Custom crush for bubbles has increased in demand as they built the business from the ground up and so we had the perfect launching pad and with Penny, their executive winemaker willing to take us on, we began our quest.” Breathless winemaker, Penny Gadd-Coster, and honorary 4th sister brings her expertise and passion for producing Méthode Champenoise (traditional French method) sparkling wines. She was awarded Winemaker of The Year in 2013, just one of many awards in her 35 years of winemaking.  Penny Gadd-Coster, Winemaker Photo courtesy of Breathless Wines Breathless Wines works with select vineyards throughout the North Coast of Sonoma County and Mendocino County. Their focus is on sustainability and finding the best grape clones within these choice vineyards. Sharon said, “Penny has worked with our vineyard partners, for over 13 years. She has a love for the Pommard Clone (Pinot Noir) and searches it out as she can. Her profiling and blending of the grapes to make the Breathless wines is spot on to what the sisters are looking for time after time!” And, indeed, these wines are “spot on”!  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Breathless Brut NV Sourced from vineyards in Sonoma County, this is a blend of 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir. Aging is 24 months.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Deep gold in color, wonderful aromas of brioche, tart apples, and a touch of floral emanate from the glass. Fine bubbles and a refreshing mouthfeel lead to a palate of melon, pear, citrus notes and a hint of vanilla that lingers on the finish. Alcohol: 12.5% SRP: $27 Breathless Blanc De Noirs NV Grapes for this wine were harvested from Sonoma County and is a blend of 93% Pinot Noir and 7% Pinot Meunier. Aging is 24 months.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss A soft salmon color sets the stage for succulent aromas of berries, brioche and a hint of spice. This is a refreshing wine with fine bubbles that enhances the flavors of strawberry, cranberry, cinnamon and a hint of spice. A touch of citrus zest lingers on the finish. Ooh, la la! Alcohol: 12.5% SRP: $32 Breathless Blanc De Blancs NV Sourced from Sonoma County, this 100% Chardonnay is aged for 32 months.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Pale lemon in color this sparkling wine opens to delightful aromas of sweet apple, baking spice, citrus and tropical fruit notes that spill onto the palate with a creamy and fine effervescence. Pear and a touch of vanilla linger on the finish that begs for another sip. Alcohol: 12.5% SRP: $34 I love wine labels and this one is certainly an attention-getter. Sharon explained how they chose this particular label. “We searched high and low for a label for Breathless. Our vision was of the hikes we took with our parents while backpacking in Yosemite and Yellowstone and every day hikes in Sonoma County. We would reach the summit and turn around to admire the view and were always reminded of how lucky we were to live and experience the beautiful nature all around. We were breathless from the hike and the view. We just couldn’t translate that to the bottle no matter how hard we tried. Our sister Cynthia found this beautiful 1915 vintage poster while googling champagne under Wikipedia. We all agreed it perfectly embodied our mom and her spirit. This label represents how our mom, Martha, lived life every day, always celebrating large and small accomplishments and time together. The woman on our label is not only a tribute to our mother but to all the men and women who teach and remind us to take each breath we are given as a gift to be cherished.” Have a glass of Breathless sparkling wine and enjoy the journey it takes you on. And remember, just breathe.  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 A few years ago I reviewed Hess Select Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 and Pinot Noir 2016. They were impressive wines with a lot of character at a very friendly price! So, I was delighted to receive new vintage releases of these memorable wines.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss For those of you who may have missed my story on Hess wines, here is a quick recap. Donald Hess is the founder of Hess Wines, a family-owned, fifth-generation company in Napa Valley, CA. In the 1970s, Donald made a business trip to Napa Valley and it was during this visit that he took an interest in mountain winegrowing. He learned that the Mount Veeder mountain vineyards were an ideal area for growing grapes, which produce unique character and flavor due to the microclimate and soils.  In 1978 Donald made his first land purchase on Mount Veeder, a property in which winemaking and farming go back as far as 1876. This property is now the site of the Hess Collection Winery. By 1982, Donald had acquired 900 acres and in 1986 he opened the Hess Collection Winery to the public. Dave Guffy became Director of Winemaking in 1999 and Donald formally retired in 2011, passing on the baton to son-in-law Timothy Persson as CEO and daughter Sabrina, the fifth generation of the Hess family.  Tim & Sabrina with their children. Photo courtesy of Hess Collection Hess Wines focuses on sustainable farming practices and state of the art winemaking. In addition to its mountain vineyards, Hess Wines has estate vineyards in areas such as Pope Valley and near the Carneros region of the Napa Valley. They also produce wine in Argentina and South Africa. Hess Select Central Coast Pinot Noir 2018 The grapes for this 100% Pinot Noir are harvested from the Sarmento Vineyard in the Santa Lucia Highlands region of the Central Coast. Sarmento Vineyard is located on the benchlands of the Gabilan Mountains in Monterey, where the Pacific breezes cross the range each afternoon to cool the vineyards, resulting in extended ripening over a long, moderate growing season. (Benchland is a thin stretch of level ground at the foot of slopes or mountains.)  Aging of this wine took place in French oak for up to 12 months. It opens with alluring aromas of berries, cherry, spice and vanilla. The palate offers lush layers of dark cherry, dark plum, raspberry and a lingering hint of baking spice and cherry. A beautiful marriage of silky tannins and acidity complete this irresistible Pinot Noir. Pair with grilled meat, fish, light pasta and appetizers. Alcohol: 14.5% SRP: $19  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Hess Select North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 This is a blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Petite Sirah, 7% Malbec, 5% Merlot and 1% Syrah. The grapes are harvested from the North Coast, which is known for its mild Mediterranean climate and well-drained volcanic and gravelly soils. These prime vineyard sites produce flavorful fruit with layers of natural acidity and balanced tannins.  This wine is aged in 27% new French and American oak for 18 months. It has succulent aromas of dark berries, cherry, spice and earth. Mouthwatering flavors of rich dark fruit highlighted by plum and blackberry blend with spice, vanilla, clove and cocoa that linger on the palate. Pair this wine with grilled meat, BBQ fare, hearty fish, pasta and pizza. Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $19  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Both wines are perfect for year-round pouring and will pair beautifully with a myriad of cuisine!
Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com It’s summer and weather permitting, spending time outdoors is heavenly after sheltering in place for so many months. Reading a good book, gardening, playing lawn games, swimming or chilling with family and close friends is just what we need. For many of us, our backyards are where we will be spending our summer vacation. So, let’s make the most of it! Whether you’re firing up the grill or cooking indoors, here are some lovely red wines to sip while dining.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss In warm weather, one tends to reach for chilled white, rose or sparkling wines. I’ve never thought of wine as seasonal and tend to drink a variety of styles all year long. And, sipping red wine with grilled steak or seared tuna during the summer months is more than acceptable and shouldn’t be dismissed! These are five note-worthy and summer-friendly red wines to satisfy your palate. Fontanafredda Briccotondo Barbera Piemonte DOC 2018 Fontanafredda, whose origins date back to 1858, is a 305-acre estate located in the Langhe region of Piedmont, Italy. 250 acres of vineyards spread throughout Serralunga d’Alba, which is a cru site of Barolo. Additional properties are situated in the communes of Barolo and Diano d’Alba. Fontanafredda is the largest contiguous wine estate in the Langhe. In 2009, Piedmont native Oscar Farinetti bought Fontanafredda and with this new ownership, sustainability became a special focus. Today, Fontanafredda is the largest certified organic company in Piedmont, beginning with the 2018 harvest.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss This is 100% Barbera harvested from vineyards across Monferrato and Langhe. It is aged partly in new Allier oak barrels and partly in large Slavonian oak casks for six months. Perfume scents mingle with dark berries, plum, cherry and spice. These aromas segue onto the palate with sweet blackberries, sour cherry, pepper, anise and a hint of baking spice. Supple tannins and bright acidity make this wine an easy-drinking addition to grilled meat, fowl, cheese and pizza! Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $16 Bottega Vinaia Pinot Noir Trentino DOC 2017 Anselmo Martini is the lead winemaker for Cavit Winery located in northern Italy, in the province of Trentino. They have been producing wines for more than 50 years. In the 1990s, Martini realized the potential for a handful of exceptional vineyards in the Trentino region. These family-farmed vineyards are the source of Bottega Vinaia estate-bottled wines that express the Trentino terroir.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss This wine is 100% Pinot Noir. “After traditional fermentation, the juice macerates for eight days to extract color and body from the skins. Malolactic fermentation is then carried out in wood for increased aromatics.” Lovely aromas of floral, cherry, cranberry and spice lead to a palate of cherry, pomegranate, red plum and spice. It is dry, light-bodied, has silky tannins and is nicely balanced with the fruit. Pair with red meat, poultry, appetizers and salads. Alcohol: 13% SRP: $17.99 Salentein Reserve Malbec 2018 Bodegas Salentein is located in the Uco Valley of Mendoza, Argentina. Many of their vineyards are situated at some of the highest elevations in the world. This privately-owned estate was established in the late 1990s and boasts almost 5000 acres of which 1,124 acres are planted to vine.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss The grapes for this 100% Malbec are hand-harvested from vineyards of 1,110 to 1,300 meters above sea level. The wine is aged for 12 months in French oak barrels. It opens with delicious aromas of violet, dark berries, plum and tobacco. The palate offers lush fruit flavors of dark cherry, blackberry, dark plum and a touch of baking spice and vanilla. This wine is well structured, has soft tannins and will pair beautifully with grilled meat and poultry, hearty pasta and aged cheese. Alcohol: 14.5% SRP: $18.99 Rocca delle Macìe Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2016 The estate of Rocca delle Macìe is nestled in the gently rolling hills of Tuscany in the heart of the Chianti Classico zone. This is a family-run estate that was purchased by the late Italo Zingarelli in 1973. At the time of purchase, there were only two acres out of 230 acres under vine. Today, the family has six estates throughout Tuscany comprised of 1500 acres with a total of more than 500 acres under vine.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss This is a blend of 90% Sangiovese, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot. It is aged for two years in French oak and then rests for three months in bottle. Intense aromas of dark berries, dark cherry, plum and spice lead to a layered palate of rich fruit, anise, earth and spice. Fine tannins and good structure make this a noteworthy and expressive wine and a perfect choice for grilled meat, game, seared tuna and aged cheese. The winemaker suggests decanting for one hour before serving and serve at room temperature. Alcohol: 14.5% SRP: $27.99 Château Greysac Médoc Cru Bourgeois 2015 Château Greysac is located in the Médoc hamlet of Begadan, north of St. Estephe, in the Bordeaux wine region of France. It was built in the 1700s and passed ownership a few times while consistently paying homage to the terroir, winemaking and making improvements. Jean Guyon, the owner of Domaine Rollan de By, purchased Château Greysac in 2012. The vineyard sits on 150 acres with vines that are 20+ years old.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss This is a beautiful blend of 65% Merlot, 29% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot. It is aged for 12 months: 50% in new barrels and 50% in used wine barrels, all 100% French oak. It opens with heady floral aromas, dark berries, spice, and a touch of earth. An explosion of dark, rich fruit entertains the palate with dollops of spice, herbs, earth, tobacco and fine tannins with the bonus of a lengthy finish. It is expressive with structure and sophistication. Put aside a few bottles and open again in a few years. It is a great wine to pair with grilled meat, poultry, hearty fish and aged cheese.
Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $29.99 Impressive…right? (don’t walk…run to a store to buy a case!) Most of the above wines can be served slightly chilled. Don’t chill beyond 30 minutes or the wine might get dull and lose character. I hope this entices you to reach for red wine the next time you fire up the grill or pack a picnic meal. Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com In case you haven’t heard, Willamette Valley AVA in Oregon is an ideal place for growing and producing cool-climate varieties of wine, in particular, its award-winning Pinot Noir, which the region is best known for. Other grape varieties that do well here include Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay and Riesling.  Photo courtesy of Willamette Valley Wineries Willamette Valley is located in western Oregon and is Oregon’s largest AVA stretching over 150 miles long and 60 miles wide. It borders the Columbia River to the north and runs south to the Calapooya Mountains outside Eugene. Willamette Valley has seven appellations within its borders and has the largest concentration of wineries and vineyards in Oregon. There are approximately 23,524 vineyard acres planted and it is home to 564 wineries.  This is a cool-climate, maritime region named after the Willamette River that runs through the heart of it. The region is cushioned from Pacific storms on the west by the Coast Range and borders the Cascades to the east with a series of hill chains to the north. Willamette Valley enjoys a long and gentle growing season with warm summers and cool evenings. This diurnal temperature variation allows the grapes to slowly develop flavor and complexity while retaining their natural acidity. Many of the region’s vineyards are planted on hills consisting of soil derived from an old volcanic and sedimentary seabed. The major soils are marine sedimentary, volcanic and windblown loess. Jory, (red volcanic soil) is the most common soil here and runs four to six feet deep allowing for excellent drainage for these quality wine grapes. Ponzi Vineyards Ponzi Vineyards is one of Oregon’s original winegrowers and will be celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year. It began with a passion for wine and a spirit for adventure that motivated Dick and Nancy Ponzi to purchase 20 acres southwest of Portland in 1970. As founder Dick Ponzi said, “it was about the adventure of doing something we truly believed in.”  Dick and Nancy Ponzi Photo courtesy of Ponzi Vineyards Having moved to Willamette Valley with their young family in the 1960s, they did extensive research to find an ideal location to make world-class Pinot Noir. By 1974, the first barrels of Pinot Noir were produced. Over the next 30 years, Ponzi purchased more vineyards in premium appellations while winning awards and recognition for their wine.  For over 25 years now Dick and Nancy’s daughters, President and Director of Sales and Marketing, Anna Maria and Winemaker & Co-owner Luisa have continued their parents’ legacy with the methods, philosophies and winemaking passion established 50 years ago. Anna Maria and Luisa acquired ownership of the winery in 2012 and it became one of the country’s few sister-run wineries and one of Oregon’s few second-generation wineries.  Anna Maria and Luisa Ponzi Photo courtesy of Ponzi Vineyards Today, Ponzi has over 140 acres of family-owned vineyards, which are LIVE Certified Sustainable. (Low Input Viticulture & Enology) It is the world’s highest standard for sustainable viticulture and enology. “Driven by the concept that the varietal must match the terroir and climate, Ponzi Vineyards continue to set the bar for Oregon.”  Ponzi Estate Photo courtesy of Ponzi Vineyards I was very excited to receive a bottle of Ponzi’s Pinot Noir Reserve 2016. Luisa Ponzi said, “I would liken 2016 to the 2006 vintage where we saw lush, beautiful wines with unexpected elegance and acidity. Truly, a stellar vintage for Oregon.”  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Ponzi Pinot Noir Reserve 2016 Grapes for the Reserve were sourced entirely from Laurelwood soils in the Chehalem Mountains AVA. Selected barrels are from Ponzi’s prized Aurora, Abetina and Avellana Vineyards, which make up the majority of the blend with a few barrels from Linda Vista Vineyard. This wine did not go through filtration and was aged for 20 months in French oak barrels (30% new) and then aged for an additional five months in bottle before release.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss This wine has a ruby-red color with succulent notes of red fruit, cherry, raspberry, violets, baking spice, chocolate and hints of earth on the nose. It is silky and beautifully structured with concentrated layers of red cherry, pomegranate, red plum, refined tannins, and a touch of graphite on the palate. Hints of candy apple, chocolate, nutmeg and a dash of white pepper linger on a long finish. Drink now or hold for a few years.
Alcohol: 14.4% SRP: $65 I used my Coravin system to pour a glass of this heavenly wine and I plan to cellar the bottle for a year or so before popping the cork. However, I might be tempted to open it much sooner! 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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