|
Join The WineKnitter in exploring the world of Wine, Spirits, Food, Travel and much more! |
|
We’ve all either been to or seen photos of breathtaking views of wine vineyards nestled among enchanting settings worthy of a picture postcard. So, what makes Ehret Family Winery’s Bavarian Lion Vineyards so unique? It is not only the location and dazzling views, it is also the magical grapes that grow here, the passion and love the Ehret family pours into protecting the environment, and a dedicated team focused on producing outstanding wines.  Drone view of Bavarian Lion Vineyards Courtesy of Ehret Knights Valley Bavarian Lion Vineyards is located in Knights Valley, an AVA in one of Northern Sonoma County’s most prestigious viticultural areas. Knights Valley earned its AVA status in 1983 and has approximately 2000 acres of vineyards. The Knights Valley AVA borders the Alexander Valley AVA to the west, Chalk Hill to the south, and Calistoga (in Napa Valley) to the east. Because of its sheltered location, Knights Valley is one of the warmest areas in Sonoma County. Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varieties thrive in this environment with well-drained soils, abundant sunshine, warm day temperatures, and cool nights. In addition, alluvial gravel soils and volcanic deposits have a direct impact in keeping yields low, which in turn contributes to more concentrated and flavorful grapes.  Knights Valley Map Bavarian Lion Vineyards and Ehret Family Winery The largest estate in Knights Valley is Ehret Family Winery’s 1800-acre Bavarian Lion Vineyards. With a passion and appreciation for fine wine, entrepreneur and German-born Pierre Ehret and his wife Susan purchased 2000 acres of land here in 1978. After selling off 200 acres to a well-known winery in 1995, they were left with 1800 acres of prime land.  Pierre and Susan Ehret Not wanting to disturb the biodiversity of this dramatic nature preserve, Pierre and Susan planted wine vineyards on only 1/4 of the property, covering 500 acres in 1996, and established the Bavarian Lion Vineyards. Pierre said, “It is important that the natural environment co-exists with the vineyards, and that the birdlife, wildlife, trees, insects, and fish are allowed to prosper.” Bavarian Lion Vineyards are Certified Sustainable, and they have a certification in Fish Friendly Farming from the California Land Stewardship Institute. A minimalist approach is practiced in the vineyards. All energy is derived from installed solar panels, and only rainwater run-off is recycled and used in the vineyards, eliminating groundwater irrigation. Since 1996, Pierre has been selling his premium grapes to prestigious wineries throughout Sonoma and Napa Valley. But in 2005, he decided to create his own label, Ehret Family Winery and took several of the best premium blocks for his wines. He continues to sell grapes to wineries at an average of 1800 – 2000+ tons per year and keeps 15-20 tons (approximately 1%) for his brand. I asked Pierre what motivated him to create his brand. Pierre: “I received so much positive feedback from all of our customers. I thought it would be a fun family project to make our own wine. Also, several wineries were putting our name on the back of their wine labels as the designated vineyard. And these same wines were getting high scores which I found intriguing.” In 2006 Ehret Family Winery produced their first vintage of Hillside Cabernet Sauvignon. After harvest, grapes are transported to a custom crush facility where Erin Green, the consultant winemaker, supervises and spins her magic, producing an amazing portfolio of wines for Ehret Family Winery.  Erin Green, Winemaker Erin has been with Ehret starting with the 2015 vintage. She is no stranger to winemaking and has an impressive background dating back to the 1990s. Erin said that she prefers consulting rather than running a winery. “I like the process from farming to production.” When Erin first arrived at Bavarian Lion Vineyards, she searched among the blocks to find the hidden jewels. Her goal was to try and raise the quality of the wine. “My first year, I worked with nine different blocks and was able to grow Cabernet Sauvignon as a very small berry and cluster. The berries were very dark, rich, dense, and concentrated. I like lighter crop levels to obtain more intense flavor and accumulate enough sugar and maturity in the grapes.” In addition to Cabernet Sauvignon, the vineyards are planted to Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec, Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot, Syrah, Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Zinfandel. I asked Erin if climate change has had an impact on the vineyards. Erin: “It can get warm, and we’ve had some drought years, but we have three very large trap water reservoirs to help us. Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is tougher and can deal with the change.” Pierre added, “Knights Valley is known for its temperate and special climate. It is the fires that are our biggest issue, more so than climate change. The smoke from the fires can sit in the vineyards and contaminate the vines and grapes.” Bavarian Lion Vineyards has approximately 79 blocks ranging from 400-800 feet in elevation. All of Ehret’s Cabs are a blend of selected blocks, and the Sauvignon Blanc and Zinfandel are produced from single blocks. Since 2015, Ehret Family Wines has been winning awards, and their wines receive high ratings every year. Here are three gems from their portfolio.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Sauvignon Blanc 2020 This 100% Sauvignon Blanc was aged in stainless steel tanks. Erin said, “The painstaking effort with which we crafted this singular expression of Knights Valley Sauvignon Blanc was worth every last second of the month-long ferment. Utilizing an extremely low-temperature tactic allowed us to enhance and concentrate the fruit expression this grape variety is so famous for.“ Nose: Citrus zest, white stone fruit, minerality, and a dash of floral Palate: Fresh and vibrant acidity with peach, grapefruit, melon, and minerality blended in. Alcohol: 14.5% SRP: $35 Production: 440 cases Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 This wine is a blend of 75.2% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16.61% Cabernet Franc and 8.17% Petite Verdot. The wine was aged for 18 months in 52% new French oak barrels. Nose: Ripe berries, cherry, baking spice, and violet Palate: Silky tannins, dark ripe fruit, black cherry, pomegranate, dark raspberry, toasted oak, and cocoa, ending with a rich and persistent finish. Alcohol: 15% SRP: $75 Production: 505 cases Hillside Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 This is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine aged for 18 months in 78% new French oak barrels. Nose: Violet, dark cherry, and blackberry Palate: Rich and concentrated dark fruit with blackberry, blueberry, dark cherry, herbs, and dark chocolate. Oak and mineral notes dance around the palate with soft tannins and a long finish. Alcohol: 15.5% SRP: $115 Production: 202 cases Concerning the 2021 vintage, this is what Erin had to say. “The 2021 vintage was challenging because of low yields and limited water. It was 20% to 30% down in quantity. However, it is a small but powerful vintage with very tiny and flavorful berries…it is liquid gold! Nature gave us the crops, and we didn’t have to under-crop to attain low yields. It’s what the vines wanted to do this year, and we benefited.” I certainly look forward to tasting the 2021 vintage! So, where can one find Ehret wines? With a small production output each year, these hand-crafted wines are mainly sold online. Ehret Family Winery believes in “quality over quantity” and “passion versus mass production.” They have created an online Wine Club where members receive exclusive access, assurance of obtaining new releases, and special pricing opportunities. At present, there are about 150 members. However, one doesn’t have to be a member to order wine! Also, if you should find yourself in downtown Healdsburg, head over to the Ehret Tasting Room that they opened a few months ago. You won’t be disappointed!  Tasting Room And, if you feel adventurous and would like a customized and personal tour of Bavarian Lion Vineyards, in addition to a wine tasting, they are taking reservations. As Pierre said, “Experience how the natural environment co-exists with the vineyards.” Pierre and Susan have three children, Alex, Christian, and Isabella, born in Santa Rosa, CA. The family likes to divide their time between Sonoma and Europe, instilling in their children a solid European heritage and appreciation for culture, both in the States and abroad.  The Ehret Family I have tasted many of the Ehret Family Winery wines in the past few weeks. They are elegant, expressive, and memorable. My palate is still singing!
Until next time… Cheers! Penny This article was originally published on Santé Magazine To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com October is a beautiful time of year filled with fall festivals, hayrides, and dazzling mum displays. The trees are bursting with color, and the crisp smell of autumn is in the air. It is also Halloween month, a holiday that is enjoyed and celebrated by both young and old. There are pumpkins to carve, costumes to make, parties to plan, and of course, let’s not forget scary haunted houses, spooky trails, and ghost tours!  Photo credit: Cseungiu Lee Halloween is also a time for lots of fun creativity in the kitchen and making many delectable treats for children. Of course, adults enjoy holiday treats as well, especially beverages. If pumpkin lattes and hot apple cider aren’t your thing, there are more “spirited” Halloween-themed drinks such as Poison Apple Cocktail, Boozy Witch’s Brew. Black Devil Martini and Zombie Slime Shooters!  Photo credit: Tastemade.com But if you prefer sipping wine, please step into my "Hallowine" cellar, if you dare, and I’ll tell you a few tales!  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Casillero del Diablo Once there was a winemaker named Don Melchor Concha y Toro who founded the Concha y Toro winery in Chile in 1883. He started his winery with grape varieties that he brought back to Chile from the Bordeaux region of France, with which he made exquisite wines. Don Melchor reserved an exclusive batch of these wines for himself that he kept under lock and key. According to legend, these wines continually disappeared from the cellar. So to stop the theft of these wines, Don Melchor spread a rumor that the devil himself lived in the cellar guarding the wines. Everyone became terrified, and some people claimed that they had seen the devil. The rumor worked, the thefts stopped, and Don Melchor continued to enjoy his wines. To this day, the cellar is known as the “The Devil’s Cellar” and remains protected…forever!  The Devil’s Cellar Photo courtesy of Casillero del Diablo Casillero del Diablo, which means “devil’s locker” in Spanish, is a legendary brand that is part of Concha y Toro’s portfolio with the “devil” logo on every bottle. The cellar is located in Pirque, close to Santiago, and is open for tours. Here are two wines from Casillero del Diablo to add some devilish fun to your Halloween.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Casillero del Diablo Reserva Red Blend DO 2018 The grapes for this red wine are a mysterious blend of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from Rapel Valley. The wine is shrouded in secrecy about its length of aging, but rumor has it that it spent about ten months in French oak. But there is no mystery as to this wine’s aromas and taste! Nose: Dark berries, black cherry, fig, spice, and vanilla Palate: Juicy plum, dark cherry, spice, dark chocolate, and soft tannins Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $11.99 Pair with grilled meat, game, seared tuna, hearty stews, and pasta.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Casillero del Diablo Reserva Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 The grapes for this wine are sourced from Central Valley D.O. Its aging remains a secret closely guarded by the devil in the cellar! Nose: Intense aromas of dark berries, cherries, plum, floral, and spice. Palate: Aromas spill onto the palate with a touch of anise. It is beautifully balanced with firm tannins and dark chocolate and plum lingering on a long finish. Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $11.99 Pair with hearty or spicy cuisine, grilled meat, aged cheese, or stews. Flora Springs Flora Springs is a family-run winery located in Napa Valley, CA, founded in 1978 by Jerry and Flora Komes. Today, their son John and daughter Julie are the proprietors of the estate, and Julie’s husband, Pat Garvey, is the vineyard director and proprietor. The property is situated among vineyards planted in the late 1800s, now part of the estate vineyards. When the Komes bought the estate, it came with a “Ghost Winery.” originally constructed in 1885. “Ghost Winery” is a term used to describe any winery between 1860 and 1900 that was non-functional and in disrepair in the early 20th century due to the Great Depression, phylloxera, and Prohibition. According to Flora Springs, “Before 1919, when Prohibition began, there were an estimated 713 winery businesses in California. Following its repeal 14 years later, only 40 wineries were left. This resulted in a wave of abandoned wineries throughout the next several decades. Many wineries of the time disappeared forever; others were left in ruins.” After his parents bought the property, John completely renovated the old stone winery into a home and lives there with his wife, Carrie.  Before and after photos of the Ghost Winery courtesy of Flora Springs In honor of Flora Springs history, every year around Halloween time, they bottle a small amount of estate-grown Malbec from the vines in front of the old winery as a tribute to the estate’s “ghostly history.” The label is a hand-drawn etching of the historic stone cellar. Ghost Winery Malbec 2019 This wine is 100% Malbec and aged 18 months in French (75%) and American (25%) oak barrels. Nose: Plum, cherry, berries, baking spice, and figs Palate: Lush dark berries, black plum, cocoa, fig, spice, silky tannins, and a long finish. Flora Springs says, “It’s hauntingly delicious.” Alcohol: 14.2% SRP: $60 Pair with stews, hearty soups, grilled meat, seared tuna, or aged cheese.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss In addition to the Ghost Winery Malbec, Flora Springs produces a one-of-a-kind Halloween-themed label and limited edition wine. Every year since 2008, consumers look forward to these whimsical Halloween wine bottles. This year, General manager and third-generation Nat Komes collaborated with New York-based artist Marc Sasso to create the All Hallows’ Eve Cabernet Franc label. The result is an image of witches dancing in the moonlight while brewing a special potion. Hmm, I wonder what that could be! All Hallows’ Eve Cabernet Franc 2019 The grapes for this 100% Cabernet Franc are sourced from a small block of the family’s estate vineyard in Rutherford. It is aged 18 months in French (80%) and American (20%) oak barrels. Nose: Red fruit, baking spice, cherry, and a hint of floral. Palate: Juicy notes of black raspberry, dark cherry, chocolate, spice, and a touch of sour cherry on a long finish. It is a balanced and well-structured wine. Alcohol: 14.2% SRP: $60 Pair with grilled meat, fowl, seared tuna, or a Halloween chocolate treat! And what would Halloween be without adding a little “magical” sparkle to the festivities? Bottega SpA Bottega SpA is headquartered in Bibano, Treviso, in the Veneto region of northern Italy. It is here that the company produces Prosecco DOC and grappa. In addition, they have another winery in Conegliano for the production of Prosecco DOCG. Bottega also manages wineries in Valpolicella and Montalcino. Bottega’s motto is “Fatto A Mano,” which means ‘handmade.” Its mission is to work and achieve the highest levels of quality, design, and sustainability. All of the bottles are beautifully designed and made of hand-blown Venetian glass in Bottega’s glass factory. Academia Prosecco Rainbow Collection is a brand that celebrates the art of Venetian glassmaking and the city’s festive carnival atmosphere. Each colorful bottle of this collection contains Prosecco DOC. There are many colors to choose from, and the bottles can be combined to “create a rainbow of emotions.” In addition, one can mix and match the colors to celebrate specific holidays or events. Bottega SpA has no ghost stories to tell, but they have certainly gotten into the “spirit” of Halloween with their orange and black Halloween pack of Prosecco DOC.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Prosecco Spumante DOC Brut
Made with 100% Glera, these grapes are hand-harvested from manually maintained and sustainable vineyards in Treviso Plains. This wine is produced using the Martinotti (Charmat tank) method. Nose: Floral, apples, citrus Palate: Apple, pear, pink grapefruit, and a hint of floral with a creamy mouthfeel, fine bubbles, and apples lingering on the finish. This is a fresh and lively sparkling wine. Alcohol: 11% SRP: $42 (Halloween pack of two) Pair with a charcuterie board, light salads, fish, risotto, or enjoy as an aperitif. Although Halloween is a great time to let one’s imagination run wild and tap into one’s creative spirit, all of these wines need no special occasion to open and enjoy! Whatever you choose to sip on Halloween, I hope you have some juicy ghost stories to pair with it! Happy Hallowine! Cheers! Penina This article was originally published on Santé Magazine. To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com Read my latest article for Santé Magazine about the wines of Croatia. Click the link below. https://santemagazine.com/wines-of-croatia-an-overview/  Cheers!
Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com Yes, we are making a quick stop to the heart of Douro Valley again to revisit Quinta do Crasto and review three delicious wines!  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Here is a re-cap of Quinta do Crasto from a previous article. Quinta do Crasto is a fourth-generation, family-run business that has been in the family of Leonor and Jorge Roquette for more than 100 years. It is also one of the oldest winemaking estates in the Douro region of Portugal. The earliest written records mentioning Quinta do Crasto and its wine production date back to 1615. One hundred forty years later, in 1756, the Douro became the first-ever demarcated and regulated wine region in the world. And in 2001, UNESCO sanctioned the Douro region as a World Heritage site. Quinta do Crasto is headquartered in the heart of Douro Valley, in Gouvinhas, a municipality of Sabrosa, and is one of the most picturesque parts of the Douro.  Photo courtesy of Quinta do Crasto With the help of Jorge and Leonor’s sons, Miguel and Tomás, and daughter, Rita, they produce top-quality Douro DOC wines, in addition to port and olive oil.  The Roquette family. Photo is courtesy of Quinta do Crasto Quinta do Crasto has four estates that spread across the sub-regions of the Douro Demarcated Region of northern Portugal. The Douro experiences a hot, continental climate, with each sub-region demonstrating its unique topography, soil, and water resources.  Map courtesy of The Society of Wine Educators Quinta do Crasto is a 335-acre estate of which 185 acres are planted to vines located in the Cima Corgo sub-region. Most of the vineyards are on south-facing slopes that extend from the banks of the Douro River to an altitude of almost 600 meters. The soils are of schist complex types that can absorb and retain heat. This, combined with dry conditions and excellent sun exposure, forces the roots to grow dozens of meters deep in search of water. All of these conditions contribute to the complexity and intensity of the wines produced. Small plots of old vines that total 98 acres are located on terraces with stone retaining walls to protect these older vines, some of which are a hundred years old. They recently expanded their vineyards to the Douro Superior sub-region with a new vineyard of 371 acres. So, let’s taste some wine! Crasto Superior Red 2016 Douro DOC The grapes for this blend are sourced from 15-year-old vines in the Douro Superior sub-region and are a blend of Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, and Souzão. The wine is aged for approximately 12 months in French oak barrels.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss The color is royal purple with aromas of ripe berries, a hint of cherry, and baking spice. Dark berries, plum, licorice, spice, and firm tannins abound on the palate. This wine is nicely structured with a long finish. Pair with grilled steak, seared tuna, hearty stews, or a charcuterie board. Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $29 Quinta Do Crasto Reserva Old Vines 2016 Douro DOC The estate has 40 hectares of old vines spread throughout 42 vineyard lots. Among them are the famous Vinha da Ponte and Vinha Marie Teresa. Dozens of mixed varieties are planted in these plots. The grapes for this wine are sourced from old vines averaging around 70 years of age, with mixed plantings of 25 to 30 different grape varieties. This wine is aged in French (85%) and American (15%) oak barrels for 18 months.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss This is an elegant wine with a dark ruby color. An expressive nose of berries, anise, spice, and earth give way to a layered palate of dark fruit, berries, spice, a hint of minerality, and firm tannins. The finish is long, with notes of dark berries and cocoa lingering. Serve with game, hearty stews and soups, or grilled dense fish. Alcohol: 14.5% SRP: $45 Quinta Do Crasto Touriga Nacional 2016 Douro DOC The grapes for this 100% Touriga Nacional are sourced from the best Touriga Nacional plots of Quinta do Crasto estate and only bottled in the best years when the highest levels of quality and excellence are achieved. This wine ages for 18 months in French oak barrels.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Touriga Nacional’s signature bouquet of violets is present in this deep purple-colored wine. Other aromas include fresh berries, spice, and oak that segue onto the palate with notes of dark chocolate and blackberries lingering on a long finish. This wine has excellent structure and smooth tannins. If allowed to age another year or so, it will develop even more complexity. However, it is ready to enjoy now. Serve with hearty cuisine.
Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $78 All of these wines are amazingly fresh with beautifully concentrated flavors. I used my Coravin system on all three bottles and am looking forward to opening them within the next year! Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com Sad to say, summer is coming to an end, and it seems to have gone by in a blur. With autumn just around the corner, it’s time to start exploring a few red wines. However, I can assure you that I will be writing about white, rosé, and sparkling wines all year long! Today, my virtual plane takes us to Flora Springs Napa Valley Estates to taste some delightful red wines.  Photo courtesy of Flora Springs Flora Springs is a family-run winery founded in 1978 by Jerry and Flora Komes. In 1977 they purchased 325 acres of land and 60 acres of vineyards which needed attention, including rebuilding the winery. The property is situated among vineyards planted in the late 1800s and is now part of the estate vineyards. Today, their son John is the president, and both he and his sister Julie, are the proprietors of the estate. In addition, Julie’s husband, Pat Garvey, is the vineyard director and proprietor.  Jerry & Flora Komes Photo credit: Flora Springs Since Jerry and Flora’s retirement and subsequent passing, (Jerry died in 2001 and Flora died in 2012), the Komes-Garvey family, including the third generation, have carried on the family legacy and expanded the estate to include over 500 acres of land, of which 350 acres are planted to vines. The estate properties extend from the cool, rolling hills of Carneros to the renowned sub-appellations of Oakville, Rutherford, and St. Helena. The family is all about sustainable practices in the vineyards that promote healthy vines and soil. In January of 2020, Daniel and Florence Cathiard, the owners of Château Smith-Haut-Lafitte in Bordeaux, purchased Flora Springs. However, the Komes-Garvey families will retain the brand name and tasting room in St. Helena. In addition, they still own 200 acres of other vineyards throughout Napa Valley including vineyards where grapes are sourced for their flagship wines, Trilogy and Soliloquy. Here are two elegant wines from the estate.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Trilogy, Red Blend 2018 This is Flora Spring’s flagship wine. The first vintage was produced in 1984. Sourced from the best lots of the Komes Ranch Napa Valley vineyards, this Bordeaux-style wine is 83% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Malbec, and 9% Petit Verdot. It is aged for 18 months in 80% French oak and 20% American oak.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss It opens with beautiful aromas of soft floral notes, dark berries, plum, and spice. The palate offers black and red fruit, emphasizing dark cherry, plum, and black raspberry. This is an elegant but lively wine with just the right amount of acidity. Spicy notes with vanilla and cocoa linger on a long finish. Alcohol: 14.2% SPR: $85 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 2018 This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced and hand-harvested from the Komes Vineyard in Rutherford and Crossroads Vineyard in Oakville. All lots were aged for 18 months in 70% French oak and 30% American oak barrels.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Beautiful aromas of red and dark fruit, spice, and a hint of herbs spill onto the palate with layers of dark cherry, plum, anise, baking spice, and dark chocolate. The acidity keeps this wine on the lively side, but it always maintains its sophistication.
Alcohol: 14.2% SRP: $50 You can tuck these wines away until 2035 or open now! Pair with grilled meat, seared tuna, stews, or hearty soups. Enjoy! Until next time…. Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com Every bottle of wine has a story, whether it’s the history behind the winemaking, the grapes, region, or the memory attached to drinking it. This is a story of an Albanian family who has striven and succeeded in making a difference in war-torn Kosovo.  The story begins with Rrustem Gecaj, an Albanian American who immigrated from Yugoslavia in 1974 to escape communism and the hardships that came with it. After living in Italy and then Canada, Rrustem was granted a visa to the United States in 1976. He made his home in New York City, became a United States citizen, and with his wife raised their children in the surrounding suburbs. Through wise real estate investments and other fruitful business ventures, Rrustem amassed an impressive portfolio. However, the ravages of the Kosovo War that raged from 1998-1999 weighed on him, and he longed to return to Kosovo to help rebuild the economy and create jobs for those less fortunate who had survived the war. It was also his dream to reconstruct the family kulla (“stone house” in Albanian) that was destroyed in the war. Kullas were created by the countrymen and date back hundreds of years. A kulla is traditionally made of four-cornered walls, each three feet thick and usually two to three stories tall. They are mostly windowless towers/fortresses that were built as a social center for the extended family, as well as for defense.  Rrustem Gecaj – Photo courtesy of Stone Castle Many businesses and wineries in Kosovo were once state-owned properties, including Stone Castle. Built in 1953 by the Yugoslavian government, the winery was originally known as NBI Rahoveci. When many businesses became privatized in 2006, Rrustem saw an opportunity to fulfill his dream. So, with enthusiasm and determination, Rrustem returned to Kosovo with the Gecaj family and purchased the NBI Rahoveci winery renaming it Stone Castle Vineyards and Winery. In 2008, Kosovo was recognized as an independent state. Kosovo is located in the Balkan region of southeastern Europe, and Stone Castle is situated in the heart of the Rahovec Valley, Kosovo’s premier, and dominant wine region.  This region enjoys a Mediterranean climate with sunny days most of the year and ample rainfall during the summer. It is, therefore, an ideal area for growing grapes. The soil is rich in clay and limestone with elevations that can reach 1700 feet above sea level. Avdi, Rrustem’s son, said, “Our soil is fertile with no need for irrigation systems due to the sufficient amount of rain.” In Kosovo, two-thirds of vineyard plantings are red grape varieties that include Cabernet Sauvignon, Gamay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and indigenous varieties such as Vranç, Prokupac, and Zhameta. White grape varieties include Chardonnay and Riesling, with the most planted and indigenous white grape variety, Smederevka. I recently sat down with Rrustem’s three sons, Avni, Avdi, and Arben. These amazing young men, who inherited their father’s passion for Kosovo and tenacity and vision for the wine business, have taken over the reins of Stone Castle. In 2015, Avdi took over the winery’s operations, and he spends approximately nine months of the year in Kosovo. Avni is the importer, distributor, and manager of the family wines. And Arben, the youngest brother, is finishing his Master’s degree in marketing and joining his brothers in the family business.  From left to right: Arben, Avni & Avdi Gecaj. Photo credit: Penny Weiss I was curious why their father chose to buy a winery instead of a factory or other business. Also, is there a history of winemaking in the family? Avni replied, “My father had no background in wine.” He explained that his family came from generations of farmers, such as cattle farmers, sheepherders, and basically anything that had to do with farming. With all the factories and businesses that had become privatized, his father saw the greatest opportunity and potential in revitalizing the winery. Avdi said, “It is one of the only companies still operating since privatization. There are 32 registered wineries in Kosovo, and they are micro-wineries. Stone Castle is the largest.” When the winery was first purchased, there were only 250 hectares of vines, and all were uncultivated and neglected. Before the war, Kosovo had over 9000 hectares of vineyards with over a 2000 year history of winemaking. Advi explained that the Yugoslavian government ordered the farmers to rip out most of the vines, and in so doing, self-destructed the wine industry. With determination and lots of help, their father revitalized and saved the vines at Stone Castle. My next question was, who helped guide the family with the renovation of the winery and restoration of the vineyards? “We had winemakers come from countries such as Germany, America, Australia, and England to consult with us. Our three head winemakers have been at the winery for 35 to 40 years, since before the privatization. We also have two new winemakers from this region, three chemists in the house, and a certified lab.” Avdi added, “In fact, we have more certifications in the lab than the government of Kosovo! Our up-to-date technology allows us to better analyze the wine.” Avdi went on to say, “My father’s main objective, along with his nephew, was to give the people of Kosovo jobs and hope. We want to take the original business plan and expand it. We’re operating at one-third capacity and need to grow. We need to plant new seeds, open new markets and give the people of Kosovo more hope, more jobs and push the industry forward.” Avni said, “We want to put Kosovo on the map as a great wine region. We’ve already won over 100 awards for our wines from all over the world.” Since the purchase, they have planted close to 500 hectares of new vineyards. Seeds were planted in 2017, covering 50 hectares for their organic joint project with the European Commission, and they introduced Stone Castle’s first organic vintage in 2020. A small portion of the Stone Castle estate is certified organic, and they are slowly making their way into converting the older vineyards. The winery is committed to sustainable practices and is currently working on its Kosher certification.  Stone Castle Vineyard In addition to the state-of-the-art facilities, their underground wine cellar has an impressive storage capacity of 50,000 HL wooden barrels.  Part of Stone Castle cellars Stone Castle is transitioning from bulk market to bottle. They use entirely different tanks for the estate as opposed to locally grown grapes. And they have created a 3-tier system for the farmers to encourage them to reach the first-class level and produce the best quality grapes possible.  Stone Castle grows 19 varieties of grapes, including Vranç, an indigenous variety genetically related to Zinfandel, and Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz (this spelling is used in deference to the Australian winemaker who they consulted with), and Chardonnay. Stone Castle is now distributing these premium varieties in the United States. With over 250 people employed full-time and up to 700 part-time seasonal workers at Stone Castle, Rrustem is fulfilling a dream of giving jobs and hope to the people of Kosovo. In addition, the winery is producing some very impressive wines. Here is a sampling of six wines from the estate.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Ancient Vranç Gjergj Kastrioti 2018 This wine is 100% Vranç and pays tribute to Gjergj Kastrioti, the Albanian prince and symbol of national unification whose name is featured on the label. Grapes are hand-harvested from the Lisdrevish vineyard that sits at an altitude between 1148 ft. and 1475 ft. The wine is aged in Hungarian oak barrels for nine months. This was my first experience drinking Vranç, and it was delicious! Aromas of red berries, baking spice, and earth segue onto the palate with notes of dark cherry, pomegranate, plum, blackberry, and spice. It is a rich wine that will pair well with grilled meat, hearty stews, and seared tuna. Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $16  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Shiraz 2018 The grapes for this 100% Shiraz are hand-harvested from the estate’s Izbishte vineyard located in the northeastern part of the property. The micro-climate here contributes to the production of high-quality grapes with optimal acidity. The wine is aged for 12 months in American and Hungarian oak barrels. There are many berry aromas with dark plum and blueberry dominating the palate, with soft tannins and a touch of pepper on a lengthy finish. Serve with game, fowl, fish, or pasta with vegetables. Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $16 Merlot Selection 2018 The finest grapes for this 100% Merlot are hand-harvested from the Fushe – Zoqisht vineyard, which has high sun exposure sitting at an altitude of 1475 ft. This wine is aged in French oak barrels for 20 months. Lovely aromas of dark fruit and violet spill onto the palate with notes of cherry, berries, earth, and a touch of minerality. It is smooth and easy to drink. Pair with appetizers, spicy cuisine, pasta, or grilled chicken. Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $16 Chardonnay Reserve 2018 The best Chardonnay grapes from the estate are hand-harvested from two high-altitude vineyards, Sapniq and Izbisht. The wine is aged for six months in French oak barrels. The nose offers a lovely floral bouquet and a hint of baking spice. This is a clean, crisp wine with tropical fruit, citrus, peach, and a soft creamy texture. It is fresh and balanced. Serve as an aperitif or pair with assorted cheese, grilled fish, seafood, or light pasta dishes. Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $24  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2017 The grapes for this 100% Cabernet are hand-harvested from the Nashpall mountainside vineyard during late harvest. Vineyard exposure to prolonged sunlight contributes to quality grapes. This wine is aged in French oak barrels for 18 months. A bouquet of dark fruit and a touch of earth segue onto the palate with silky tannins and notes of plum, black raspberry, and cherry. A touch of herbs and pepper linger on a long finish. Pair with grilled meat, hearty soups or stews, seared tuna, and grilled vegetables. Alcohol: 14.3% SRP: $24 Gecaj Estate Owners Choice 2017 This is the signature wine of Stone Castle. And, what is more fitting than to have an eagle, the symbol of Kosovo, on the wine label? It is a 50/50 blend of the estate’s finest Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes. The fruit is hand-harvested from the Izbisht vineyard at an altitude of 1640 ft. and receives 10 to 12 hours of sun each day. The wine is aged for 24 months in American and Hungarian oak barrels. This is a vibrant and elegant wine with seductive aromas of red fruit, vanilla, and spice. The palate is layered with black raspberry, plum, cherry, anise, fig, pepper, and hints of dark chocolate. Silky tannins add to the wine’s complexity and depth. Pair with grilled meat, hearty stews, game, pasta, or a charcuterie platter. Alcohol: 14.3% SRP: $80  Photo credit: Penny Weiss I asked why their father chose “Stone Castle” as the winery name. Avdi said, “In my house, we had a kulla that went back four generations. Kullas are made of mountain rocks in the region, and Kosovo has an abundance of granite and marble. Kullas were created as fortresses, but also where rules and regulations of the towns were made. If a rule was broken, it was discussed and judged in the kulla. When the Serbs invaded Kosovo during the Yugoslavian War, they were ordered to destroy as many kullas as possible using rockets and grenades. In 2001, my father went back to Kosovo and rebuilt the family kulla, which is the largest in the region right now. It is a historic site, and he did it for the people to show that you can’t destroy us; we will build back up! My father knew that one day Stone Castle would be an international enterprise, and so he named it in honor of the destroyed kullas and for the people of Kosovo. The Stone Castle Winery entrance is new, and a tribute to the kullas destroyed in the war.”  Stone Castle Entrance  Aerial View of Winery As Rrustem’s sons continue to fulfill their father’s vision by growing, expanding the business, and providing more jobs and opportunities for a recovering Kosovo, they also have some impressive plans in the making. They are building a beautiful resort, a fairy tale stone castle, on the premises. It will be seven stories tall, with 82 guest rooms, a world-class restaurant, pools, golf course, bicycle and horseback riding, vineyard trails, and wine tastings. They said, “It is a destination spot for the Balkans.” I’m ready to book my reservation!
As we concluded our interview, I asked if there might be anything else they would like to say. Without hesitation, Avdi answered, “Kosovo is ready for the world!” Avni and Arben nodded in agreement. And, I concur! I will end this article with a quote from Rrustem. “For us, Stone Castle Vineyards and Winery convey a special sense of place, history, and growing traditions. Our wines will help share positive images of Kosovo, our people’s potential and capabilities.” Until next time... Cheers! Penina This article was originally published in Santé Magazine. To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com It’s time to board the plane and fasten your seatbelt. We are heading to Spain on my virtual private jet to explore Jumilla and the Monastrell grape.  Photo credit: Discover more Spain Vineyards-in-Spain Jumilla (pronounced who-ME-ah) is a small wine region located in southeastern Spain. “The area begins in Tobarra mountains, a natural crossroad located between Alicante, Albacete, and Murcia, around 50 miles inland from the Mediterranean Sea. The vines stretch out across more than 19,000 hectares of land, and over 2,000 viticulturists painstakingly care for each and every one. There are 45 registered wineries in the provinces of Murcia and Albacete, of which 40% are located in the town of Jumilla.” This quote is taken from Jumilla.com  Jumilla is the birthplace of Monastrell, a red grape variety (known as Mourvèdre in France). Jumilla also boasts being home to Europe’s single largest collection of 90-year-old ungrafted bush vines. Viticulture and winemaking have been a fundamental part of Jumilla for over 5000 years, and it is one of the oldest DOPs (denominación de origin Protegida) in Spain, established in 1966. Jumilla climate is considered Continental even though it is close to the Mediterranean Sea. It experiences over 3000 sunny hours a year, with frequent dry winds. This high altitude and arid area with scorching days in the vineyards benefit from the cool evenings due to the high elevation. The soil is mainly comprised of gravel and limestone with good soil depth and a high capacity to retain water, all of which are conducive to vine-growing.  Monastrell grapes Photo credit: Bodegas Xenysel The Monastrell grape is a late-ripening grape that thrives in this intense heat. It has adapted to these hot, arid conditions, making it a resilient variety and resistant to drought. Monastrell makes up approximately 70% of the Jumilla DOP vineyard surface. In addition, sustainable farming has been in practice for generations, with 70% of the surface area certified in organic viticulture.  Photo credit: Bodegas Xenysel The wines produced here tend to be bold with fruit-driven flavors and characterized by intense aromas, powerful tannins, and medium acidity. Here are three wines representing a range of expressions to delight the palate. All of these wines are made with 100% Monastrell and are hand-harvested.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Jumilla Rosado, DOP 2020 Bodegas Alceño, producer Grapes were harvested from 40-year-old vines in an organically farmed vineyard at 2690 feet altitude. This organic rosé presents lovely floral, strawberry, and raspberry notes on the nose. A palate of refreshing acidity and juicy berries continue to an impressively long finish. Drink as an aperitif or serve with seafood, grilled fish, light pasta, or sushi. Alcohol: 13% SRP: $10-12  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Jumilla Tinto Joven, DOP 2020 Bodegas Xenysel, producer The grapes for this wine were harvested from 25-year-old vines growing in sandy-clay and limestone gravel soils at 2,133 feet altitude. This wine is unoaked and certified organic. Aromas of violet, dark berries, and cherry segue onto the palate with blackberry, spice, and grippy tannins. It is balanced and structured with a lengthy finish. Pair with cheese and meat appetizers, grilled meat, or chicken. Alcohol: 14% SRP: $10-14  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Jumilla Tinto Crianza, DOP 2018 Bodegas Olivares, producer Grapes were harvested from vines of over 60-years-old. The vineyard is situated at approximately 2,706 feet altitude. This wine was aged 12 months in 300-litre French oak barrels and 10,000 litre oak vats before bottling. Succulent aromas of dark fruit, baking spice, and fig set the stage for this expressive wine. The palate offers blackberry, dark cherry, tobacco, balsamic, spice, and a hint of cocoa, ending with a long finish. Serve with hearty stews, grilled meat, game, aged cheese. or seared tuna. Alcohol: 14.5% SRP: $15-18  Photo credit: Penny Weiss These are excellent wines at incredible prices! I’m looking forward to exploring more styles from Jumilla.
Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com It is an intriguing name for a wine, ‘The Paring.’ And if seen on a wine shelf, it is rather hard to walk by this collection of wines without checking them out.  Photo courtesy of The Paring The brand was created by winemaker, Matt Dees whose focus and intent was to produce a line of wines that would complement a multitude of foods, from decadent feasts to casual fare. And, he succeeded. The knife depicted on the label is a paring knife, a versatile knife known for its infinite number of kitchen uses that no respectable chef would be without. The paring knife is a clever logo for these wines.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss In a nutshell, Matt Dees, who is in his early forties, was born in Kansas City, studied plant and soil science in Vermont, where he helped kick start a winery, and then returned to Kansas for a short time to work at another winery. He eventually worked as a winemaker for Staglin Family Vineyard in Napa and Craggy Range in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand. However, his chance to really shine came in 2004 when he took on the position as winemaker for JONATA, The Hilt, and The Paring in Santa Barbara County, owned by billionaire Stanley Kroenke. Kroenke also happens to own Screaming Eagle and the Los Angelos Rams.  Matt Dees, Winemaker Photo credit: The Paring JONATA is their premium wine and is based in Ballard Canyon in the Santa Ynez Valley. The Hilt, a more moderately priced brand, is located in the Sta. Rita Hills. The wines for The Paring, created in 2006, are a cut from each estate and produced from AVA vineyard blocks that are either too young or don’t fit into the vintage style of JONATA and The Hilt wines. The grapes for The Paring are sourced primarily from three Santa Barbara regions on the vanguard: Santa Ynez Valley, Sta. Rita Hills, and Santa Maria Valley. Here are three of The Paring wines sent to me for review. These wines are produced with minimal intervention out of the belief that “90% of the winemaking happens in the vineyard.” They are a true expression of Californias style wines.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss The Paring Sauvignon Blanc 2019
100% Sauvignon Blanc aged in 1/3 new French oak, 1/3 neutral French oak, and 1/3 stainless steel tanks for ten months. This wine is unfined and unfiltered. Beautiful notes of melon, white stone fruit, and citrus segue onto the palate with refreshing acidity and a touch of lemon zest. Texture, depth, and character define this wine. Enjoy as an aperitif or pair with spicy cuisine, grilled fish, or bbq chicken. Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $25 The Paring Syrah 2018 Grapes for this 100% Syrah are sourced from the Santa Ynez Valley. The wine is aged in French oak, 35% new, and 65% neutral for 22 months. This wine is unfined and unfiltered. This wine is all that you would expect of a Syrah. The nose offers violet notes, dark berries, and pepper. A lush palate of juicy dark berries, earth, baking spice, and pepper are accompanied by silky tannins and a long finish. Fire up the grill and be confident that anything you cook, this wine will pair well with. Alcohol: 14.5% SRP: $25 The Paring Red 2017 This Bordeaux style wine is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, 20% Merlot and 10% Petit Verdot. It is aged in French oak, 55% new, and 45% neutral for 22 months. It is unfined and unfiltered. Lovely aromas of dark fruit, herbs, and earth set the stage for this smooth and structured wine. A rich, multi-layered palate of lush ripe fruit, dark plum, spice, anise, tobacco, and cocoa add character to a delicious experience and palate-pleasing wine. Pair with appetizers, cheese, grilled meat, fish, stews, and vegetables. Alcohol: 14.1% SRP: $25 These are expressive and all-around wines for the price tag. I’m impressed! Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com Many of us are longing to travel again. I know that I certainly am! I miss the excitement of exploring new places, tasting local cuisine, and sipping wine while walking through the vineyards. For the past year, and then some, we have all had to abide by “stay at home” orders and limited travel excursions.  Photo credit: Massimo Virgilio During the pandemic, I have been fortunate to be part of many Zoom tastings from around the world. I’ve met with winery owners and winemakers to taste their products from the comfort of my living room. Of course, it doesn’t compare to physically traveling, but it does allow my palate to be transported out of my home. I’ve been able to virtually experience the climate, soil, and history that awaits me in each glass of wine. Recently my palate took a trip to southern Italy, often referred to as the Mezzogiorno (Midday region) due to the intense sunshine at midday. Southern Italy is located in the lower part of the Italian “boot,” where some of Italy’s oldest and most important historical towns are located. The Adriatic Sea borders it on the east coast, the Tyrrhenian Sea on the west or Mediterranean coast, and the Ionian Sea to the south.  Southern Italy is noted for its expression of quality wines produced throughout its wine-growing regions of Molise, Campania, Basilicata, Puglia, Calabria, Sicily, and Sardinia. Recently, an Italian wine magazine, Cronache di Gusto launched a wine competition called Sud Top Wine, dedicated to awarding southern Italian wines produced in Sicily, Puglia, Basilicata, Campania, and Sardinia. I received three of these awarded wines, two from Sardinia and one from Sicily.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Quartomoro di Sardegna Vermentino di Sardegna DOC VRM 2016 Piero Cella, winemaker, and owner for Quartomoro, initially used the winery, which he bought in 2009, to experiment and test ideas to learn more about his grapes and wine. This lab eventually evolved into what it is today, “a workshop of ideas” where new wines are created. Piero has over 30 years of experience as a winemaker. This wine is 100% Vermentino sourced from the Marrubiu vineyards, where vines were planted in 1978. The wine spends two years in steel, of which 5% is in oak tonneaux. “This semi-aromatic white grape was introduced in Sardinia 150 years ago from the Iberian Peninsula via Corsica. In Sardinian, it is called ‘Axina de mesa’ or ‘Axina bionda’. The production of Vermentino has steadily increased since the 1960s, especially in Gallura (thanks to the DOCG appellation), becoming the most important Sardinian white grape variety.” Quartomoro  Photo credit: Penny Weiss The color of this wine is lemon yellow with vibrant aromas of floral, white stone fruit, spice, and citrus. The aromas segue onto the palate with a tapestry of minerality and a touch of floral. Nutty notes and lemon zest linger on the finish. Enjoy as an aperitif or with seafood, grilled chicken, and spicy Asian cuisine. Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $30 Giuseppe Sedilesu Cannonau di Sardegna DOC Riserva Ballu Tunda 2015 Giuseppe Sedilesu is a family-owned and operated winery. It is internationally known for its production of Cannonau. Giuseppe founded the winery over 35 years ago, beginning with one hectare of vineyards. It has expanded over 12 times since then. Cannonau is a member of the Grenache family, but whether it is indigenous to Sardinia is debatable, especially among Sardinians! This wine is 100% Cannonau and made with organic grapes. Fermentation takes place spontaneously for 30-45 days in barrique at controlled temperatures. The wine is then aged in bottle for nine months before being released on the market.  Photo credit: Penny Weis This wine is ruby red with aromas of red fruit and spice. The palate offers lush notes of raspberry, plum, sour cherry, herbs, spice, and balsamic notes with a hint of tobacco on the finish. It is beautifully balanced between sweet and savory. Serve with grilled meat, chicken, seared tuna, and aged cheese. Alcohol: 15% SRP: $45-$50 Cantine Pellegrino Pantelleria DOC Bianco Isesi 2018 Cantine Pellegrino was founded in 1880 and is based in Marsala. It is a family-owned and run winery that is now in its sixth generation. They have vineyards in four territories of Sicily, one of which is Pantelleria Island. Zibibbo (Muscat of Alexandria) is an indigenous white grape of Sicily and is primarily grown on Pantelleria Island. Zibibbo is made in both a sweet and dry wine. The grapes for this 100% Zibibbo wine are hand-harvested and aged for 12 months on lees in steel tanks.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss This is a dry and refreshing wine with a pale yellow color. The aroma is heavenly with honeysuckle and jasmine floral notes, white stone fruit, tropical fruit, and a hint of herbs. The palate offers white peach, apricots, herbs, mineral notes, and a touch of sapidity. Serve as an aperitif or with fish, light pasta, or appetizers.
Until we can all travel again, which I hope is very soon, let’s pour a glass of wine and let our palate do the traveling. Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com Leave it to Terlato Wines to give you seats behind home plate from the comfort of your living room!  Photo courtesy of Chicago Cubs It was quite a treat to receive a sample of their Limited Edition ‘The Federalist Cabernet Sauvignon 2018, a Yeti cocktail tumbler, a tin of Garrett popcorn, and a collectible Federalist baseball.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss The Federalist is a wine brand created by wine producer Terlato Wines, launched in 2010. It features a range of wines sourced from several AVAs such as Lodi, Sonoma County, and North Coast in California. All the wines are cellared and bottled by Federalist Vineyards. The Federalist pays homage to the Founding Fathers, Statue of Liberty, and the American Bald Eagle with etched portraits on each bottle. “Born from the virtues of every forward-thinking, hard-working, red-blooded American, this is The Federalist. This Is American Craft Wine.” And what better way to honor a national pastime? Turlato wines’ The Federalist has teamed up with the Chicago Cubs and will be offering their wines at stadium concession stands and restaurants during baseball season. Or you can buy a bottle of The Federalist and watch baseball from the comfort of home.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss The Federalist Lodi Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 The wine is rich and flavorful with dark fruit notes, plum, baking spice, and smoke. It is well-balanced with smooth tannins and a long finish. Alcohol: 13.9% SRP: $23.99 However you decide to participate in the MLB 2021 season, please be smart and stay safe!  Photo courtesy of Chicago Cubs 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