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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 [email protected]  Photo courtesy of Casa Donoso It was June of 2016 while attending the Descorchados NY South American wine event that I first met Felipe Ortiz. Felipe is Chief Winemaker for Casa Donoso located in the Maule Valley of Chile. I remember being caught up in his enthusiasm and passion as he introduced me to his very intriguing wines. Felipe said that the Maule Valley had a “multiplicity of characters” and then gave a general description of the wines. “White wines are very fresh with mineral traces, in particular our Sauvignon Blanc. Red wines with short maturity cycles show a very good balance between alcohol and acidity, like Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. And above all, a nice and silky Carménère is a tricky and demanding variety which is hard to mature properly in other valleys”. One year later we met again at the same event. And once again, my palate was treated to Felipe’s expressive wines.  Feilipe Ortiz 2016 Photo credit: Penny Weiss We have stayed in touch throughout the last few years with the hope that I might visit Casa Donoso one day. I have not had the opportunity to travel to Chile yet, and now with travel on hold for most of us, it is unlikely that I will visit there any time soon. So, Felipe sent Casa Donoso to me with a bountiful shipment of wines and a candid long-distance conversation.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Chile is a long and narrow country bordering the Pacific Ocean to the west, and to the east lie the Andes Mountains, which is among the world’s highest mountain range in the Western Hemisphere. Chile spans 2700 miles running from north to south and is only 100 miles wide. Its numerous wine regions are then divided into sub-regions.  Due to the expansive range of terroirs, the style of wines made here has an equally wide range, with most of the climatic variations in the wine-growing regions running from east to west due to the influence of the ocean and mountains. Casa Donoso is located in the sub-region of Talca, which is in the heart of the Maule Valley and is part of the DO Central Valley region. Maule Valley is the largest wine-producing region and also the oldest wine-growing region in Chile. Some of the countries’ oldest vines that were planted over 100 years ago still exist here. It is also one of the southernmost wine-growing areas of Chile. The soils throughout Maule Valley are of sedimentary origin, such as sandy and deep clay loam and the climate is Mediterranean. The main grapes grown here are Cabernet Sauvignon, Carménère, Merlot, Carigñan, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay. Casa Donoso was created 30 years ago by a group of French investors who saw the potential of this unique terroir. They made it their mission to focus on the production of premium wines from the onset. They were among the first foreign investors to introduce modern technology to the winemaking industry in Chile. In 2014 the Selume family, a national group, took over. Felipe said, “They continue to follow the line of quality in the wines. We have a French heritage from the beginning as well as a new world winemaking vision, which allows us to generate high-level wines. Casa Donoso is a classic and elegant concept in the Maule Valley.” Felipe Ortiz joined Casa Donoso in 2008.  Photo credit: my guide chile I asked Felipe how he became interested in winemaking and where he received his training. Felipe: “I think my first approach to the wine world was thanks to my father. He always showed me varieties of wine pairings with food when I was young. Then at the university, I studied Agronomy Engineering in Chile. To be a winemaker here, you must first study agronomy. During the last years of my studies, I leaned towards viticulture and enology, a branch of agronomy. In Chile, before I finished the university, I started working during the vintage season at Los Vascos for a total of four vintage seasons. Then I also worked at Viña San Pedro during another harvest season.” Felipe graduated with a degree in Agronomy Engineering and Enology. From 2006 to 2008 he went on to develop his career working with wineries in California, Provence and Barossa Valley in Australia. It was the middle of 2008 when he joined Viña Casa Donoso where he is now the chief winemaker. Felipe is a member of the Chilean Association of Engineering Agronomists Enologists. (ANIAE) Casa Donoso has 400 hectares of vineyards located throughout Maule Valley from central Maule to the coastal and pre-mountain zones. The altitude on average is 100 meters (328 ft) above sea level. One of their vineyards, La Oriental Estate, is in central Maule and one of the oldest estates in Talca with 123 hectares and vines that are more than 60 years of age. The Donoso portfolio of wines is diverse and has several different brands representing a range of traditional and atypical red blends. When I met Felipe in 2016, the very first wine he poured for me was Sucesor Romano Limited Release 2015. Sucesor is considered “the avant-garde line of the Donoso group.” It is also a project that has inspired Felipe and allowed his creativity to shine through with these daring blends. Felipe, tell me about Sucesor and its inception. Felipe: “Successor was created with the need to seek oenological innovation. In 2013 we started working with Carigñan with a more friendly and assembled concept called Successor BLUE. Then in 2014, we developed Sucesor Romano, a challenging project made with the César noir grape that was almost extinct in the world. Jean-Michel Boursiquot is a renowned ampelographer, who rediscovered what is now Chile’s flagship grape variety, Carménère. He also discovered the César noir grape (Romano, colloquial name) in our fields in the ‘90's. He later helped us with the information process to register the grape in Chile. We have just 0.5 hectares of this variety in our vineyard and we are the first winery in Chile to commercialize this grape. We continued our project with Sucesor RED, which is Carménère assembled with Malbec, also an unusual mix in Chile and the world. And, starting in the year 2019, we began developing a new project with Sucesor, using the grape, Portuagais Bleu. We hope to release this project in the coming year.” What is the most challenging grape for you to work with? Felipe: “I think with relevance to the Sucesor project, it is César noir. It is a very delicate grape, which we have to cut at the right time without losing freshness. Then in the winemaking process we try not to over-extract it too much. Finally, the wine rests for short storage in Spanish amphoras and another part in used barrels (not new), which increases its potential. César noir originates from Burgundy, strongly planted in the Irancy area, where history tells that it is mixed with fine Pinot noir to improve its concentration. In Chile, it is estimated that it arrived during the year 1945. But there is information that it may have even arrived earlier.” Has climate change affected your approach to winemaking? Felipe: “Undoubtedly! Ten years ago, the Maule Valley (160 miles from Santiago in southern Chile) was much colder and we had to wait longer than normal for grapes to mature. For example, Carménère harvesting took place at the end of May. Today climate change has affected an increase in temperatures where the same Carménère is harvested 30 to 45 days earlier. Unfortunately, together with climate change, we have had to adapt to drought and low rainfall over time. So we have to generate new ways to advance in winemaking. Each year is different; there are no recipes to produce good wine.” The Wines  Photo credit: Penny Weiss D Icon Limited Edition 2015 This is an unfiltered, Bordeaux-style wine blended with 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Carménère, 20% Malbec and 10% Cabernet Franc. Grapes are harvested from 70-year-old vines. Wine is aged for 24 months in French oak barrels, of which 25% is new oak. Aromas of dark berries, spice and a touch of floral lead to a luscious palate of plum, blackberry, spice and vanilla. It is beautifully blended with silky tannins and a long finish. A trace of herbs and vanilla linger. Felipe: “It is a very elegant and aromatic wine, not very concentrated, Bordeaux style, but with a lot of character of our terroir. For me, it shows a very elegant and classic concept of Maule valley!” Alcohol: 14% SRP: $55-$65 1810 Super Premium Cabernet Sauvignon- Carménère 2017 The blend for this wine is 50/50. Grapes are harvested from 40-year-old vines and the wine is aged for 18 months in French oak barrels, of which 15% is new oak. The name for this wine honors an important part of Chilean history. Talca was the site where the Chilean Act of Independence was signed in 1810. Dark berries, plum and spice aromas segue onto the palate with notes of fig, toast and vanilla. This is a subtle and smooth wine with firm tannins and a lengthy finish. It is very elegant. Felipe: “It shows what is done with these two varietals in Chile, a lot of country image in this wine and another of our classic wines. It is of the classic line, but with a very marked concentration and intensity.” Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $30-$35 Bicentenario Gran Reserva Carmenere 2018 This wine is 100% Carménère. Grapes are sourced from 30-year-old vines. 70% of the wine is aged for 12 months in French and American oak barrels and the remaining 30% is kept in stainless steel tanks. The name and label are a tribute to 200 years of independence for Chile.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Subtle floral aromas mix with fresh red fruit that gently spills onto the palate with notes of raspberry, dark berries, spice and soft tannins. It finishes nicely with a hint of toasted oak. Felipe: “This Carménère follows a line that is NOT overripe or high alcohol but is a very fresh Carménère. Red fruit, mild spices, and an elegant mouth. One of the characteristics of the Maule Valley is the freshness of the wines (different to other valleys in Chile)” Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $16-$20  Photo credit: Penny Weiss I love what the back label for the Sucesor wines says. “Sucesor is the disordered line of Casa Donoso Winery where our winemaker proposes daring and innovative blends that step out of the classic style of the winery. These wines have been created for all wine lovers who are each day bolder.” Sucesor Blue Limited Release 2015 This is a blend of 60% Carigñan, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc. Grapes are harvested from 80-year-old vines in the coastal vineyards of Loncomilla. 30% of the wine is aged in Spanish amphoras for 18 months and 70% in French oak barrels for 15-18 months.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Lush dark and red berry aromas leap out of the glass with a touch of floral and dark cherry added. This wine is smooth and delicious with berries, plum and mocha dancing on the palate. Subtle notes of minerality blend well with this refreshing red. Felipe: “This shows the Carigñan in another face from the normal. it is a fruity, fresh wine style, assembled with Cabernet and Cab Franc. It also does not pursue a lot of alcoholic degrees and is a very friendly concept of Carigñan. Part of its aging is using Spanish amphoras, which reflects a very powerful fruit.” Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $35-$45 Sucesor Red Limited Release 2016 This is a blend of 80% Carménère and 20% Malbec. Grapes are harvested from 40-year-old vines. 30% of the wine is aged in Spanish amphoras for 18 months and 70% in French oak barrels for 15-18 months. Heady aromas of floral mingled with red fruit and spice spill onto the palate to reveal notes of strawberry and cherry that blend nicely with spice and a trace of red plums. Silky tannins and a long finish with vanilla and spice lingering will make any palate sing. Felipe: “This wine shows a very different face of Carménère mixed with a Malbec. It has floral notes and generates a very interesting nose. In the mouth, there is a bit more concentration and intensity but without losing the elegance of the Carménère (soft tannins). Sucesor plays with amphoras in the aging, which is characteristic of the line.” Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $35-$45 Sucesor Romano Limited Release 2018 This is the first time I have tasted a wine made with César noir. It is a blend of 90% César noir and 10% Carménère. Grapes are harvested from 70-year-old vines. 50% of the wine is aged in Spanish amphoras and 50% in French oak barrels for a period of eight to ten months.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Seductive floral aromas with notes of red fruit, raspberry and spice set the stage for this delicious wine. Floral notes continue onto the palate with layers of rich berries, spice and plum. Minerality, hints of herbal and nice acidity add depth to this juicy wine. The finish is long with violet, vanilla and mocha lingering on the palate. Felipe: “Cesar noir has been a rediscovery of this variety in Chile, which we found in our fields. It is a project that started in 2013 and the first vintage was 2015 and introduced around the world (USA, EU, ASIA, Brazil). We were the first winery in Chile to show this wine. It is a very fresh wine, red fruit, medium body and characteristic juiciness of this Maule Valley. It is a very different proposal and an invitation to the innovation of all this Sucesor line.” Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $35-$45 After tasting through these wonderful wines, I’m eager to know what the Donoso Group has in the pipeline for the future. What goals in winemaking are you still looking to achieve? Felipe: “I think to continue doing work with grapes that are little worked on or lost in the world such as Cesar noir and Portugais Bleu. The innovation side I think is very challenging as a winemaker. Also, Donoso Group supports these developments and I feel very pleased about it. My pursuit is to make wines that fully reflect the terroir that they come from, always generate a unique character independent of the variety and finally make wines that the consumer remembers and enjoys always.” Of course, I can’t end this conversation without asking what your personal favorite wine is to drink? Felipe: “I think my favorite wine depends on the moment. For example, for a barbecue I look for wines with a higher concentration such as Cabernets or mixtures based on cabernet, it can also be a Carigñan. If we talk about seafood, what better wine than a rich Sauvignon blanc from the Maule foothills. For milder or spicy foods there are many alternatives such as Carménère, Romano, Malbec, among others.” Felipe has definitely captured the essence of the terroir in these wines and sipping them has brought me a tad closer to Chile. However, I can’t wait until the doors open once again for traveling. I’m looking forward to a 360-degree tour of Casa Donoso and another wine tasting with Felipe!  Felipe and Penny in 2017 Photo credit: Felipe Ortiz Until next time…
Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected] Over the last few years I have had the pleasure of meeting many dynamic women in the wine industry from around the world. These women hold positions that range from winemakers and winery owners to operations management, business development, marketing and financial planning. They are a rarity in an industry that has been notoriously dominated by men. Happily, the landscape is changing and more women globally are rising to the occasion and making their presence known in the wine world. I was recently invited by Bethany Burke of Taub Family Selections to join a panel discussion and virtual tasting on Zoom, focusing on “The Next Generation of Women In Wine”. Dr. Laura Catena of Bodegas Catena Zapata & Bodegas CARO in Mendoza, Argentina moderated this lively discussion. She was joined by panelists Anne Trimbach, of Trimbach in Alsace, France, Laure Colombo, of Vins Jean-Luc Colombo in Cornas, Rhone Valley, France and Alessia Collauto Travaglini of Travaglini in Gattinara, Piemonte, Italy. These accomplished and talented women were all born into multi-generation family-owned wineries, but their backgrounds and the paths they took before joining the family business are diverse. However, they all share the experience “as women” of assuming an important position and role in their family wineries. Here is an introduction to these amazing women. Also, each panelist selected a wine representative of her family’s estate for us to taste.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Dr. Laura Catena Proprietor, Bodegas CARO Mendoza, Argentina  Photo courtesy of Bodegas CARO Laura is a fourth-generation Argentine vintner, born in Mendoza, Argentina. Her great-grandfather founded the Catena Winery in 1902 after emigrating from Italy. In addition to being the proprietor of Bodegas CARO, Laura is currently managing director of Bodega Catena Zapata. Her path to becoming a vintner in her family’s winery was quite circuitous. Laura graduated magna cum laude from Harvard in 1988 and then earned a medical degree from Stanford University. It wasn’t until 1995 that she joined her father, Nicolas Catena Zapata, in the winery as a winemaker. In addition to authoring two books, Laura splits her time between Mendoza and San Francisco where she practices Emergency Medicine. One of Laura’s many passions is to learn more about high altitude viticulture, the vineyard soil microbiome and wine ageability. In the struggle for female equality in the wine business, Laura said, “There is no male equality either.” As she has witnessed in her winery, “If a man says he needs to go home because his child is ill or he has to make dinner, the boss will respond with ‘Where’s your wife?’ If a woman asks the same thing, it is accepted. There is such a long road still ahead for both women and men. But we are coming from a place of progress and I’m very excited about the future.” Bodegas CARO, CARO 2017 To learn about the collaboration between the Catena family and Domaines Barons de Rothschild that birthed CARO, please read my previous story. Two Cultures + Two Estates = Elegant Wines http://thewineknitter.com/1/post/2020/01/two-cultures-two-estates-elegant-wines.html This wine is a blend of 74% Malbec and 26% Cabernet Sauvignon. The Malbec softens the Cabernet Sauvignon, which is a little bitter. Grapes are selected and hand-harvested from the best blocks of the high altitude vineyards of Mendoza. The wine is aged for 18 months in French oak barrels from Lafite’s cooperage.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Aromas of rich red fruit, berries, baking spice and violet segue onto the palate with dark cherry, black raspberry and a hint of dark chocolate on a long finish. Smooth tannins and refreshing acidity are beautifully balanced. Alcohol: 14% SRP: $70.99 Anne Trimbach, Export Manager for Trimbach Alsace, France  Photo courtesy of Trimbach Anne is the 13th generation and the first woman to “be on the scene” in her family’s winery situated in Alsace, France. Anne grew up in the winery and knew from an early age that she would work there. Her great uncle expressed doubts about her getting into the business. He said, “Oh really, you want to work with us? But you are a woman and how will you manage this? One day you’ll want to have babies.” Anne expressed in relating this story, “I had to prove I was able to.” Her journey involved studying economics in Strasbourg, then spending three years in Dijon. She completed her master’s degree in Burgundy and then interned with a beverage distributor. Anne moved back to Alsace in 2008 and began to formally work as a export manager and Trimbach ambassador. Anne also introduced and developed a presence on social media for the winery. She said, “ The world of wine is about sharing and catching the eye of people. We share our passion for wine and people through videos.” Trimbach “Réserve” Riesling 2017 This is 100% Riesling. Grapes for the Réserve are sourced from old vineyards in Ribeauvillé and surrounding villages with vines 45 to 50 years old. Due to the complexity of the terroir here, some of the finest wines are produced. Anne noted that because of climate change “we are seeing early harvests due to temperatures rising.”  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Beautiful aromas of floral, peach, grapefruit and a hint of diesel set the stage for this classic. dry Riesling. The palate offers nectarine, green apple, lemon and minerality. This is a vibrant and fresh wine with good aging potential. Alcohol: 13% SRP: 34.99 Laure Colombo, Winemaker at Jean-Luc Colombo Rhône Valley, France  Photo courtesy of Jean-Luc Colombo Laure is second-generation and grew up in the small village of Cornas where the vineyards were her playground. Laure said, “I escaped the village and didn’t plan to work in wine, I just wanted to live in big cities. I was anxious to leave and travel.” And so she did. After studying commerce at the University of Lille, she traveled to Florida and worked at Disney World Epcot Food & Wine Festival. Laure also worked as a sommeliers assistant at Alain Ducasse’s restaurant in NYC and traveled to New Delhi, India to work with the Grover vineyard. And the list goes on! When she returned to France, Laure interned at Château Haut-Brion while studying for a bachelor’s degree in Viticulture and Oenology in Bordeaux. She then went on to receive her master’s degree in Oenology from the University of Montpellier. Laure said, “By traveling around the world, I learned my roots and I wanted to come back. I finally joined my family in 2010 and little by little I learned to work with the family.” She has been working alongside her parents ever since. For a glimpse and background of Laure’s parents and where she grew up, please click on the link below to read my story. A Hidden Treasure - The WineKnitter http://thewineknitter.com/1/post/2019/03/day-713-a-hidden-treasure.html Jean-Luc Colombo Saint-Peray AOC “La BelleDe Mai” 2018 This wine is a blend of 60% Roussanne and 40% Marsanne. Grapes are hand-harvested from a single vineyard of the oldest part of this small 10-hectare appellation. Laure said, “The grapes are co-planted, harvested and vinified together. The ratio changes from year to year, but normally one half to two-thirds of the Roussane is used in the blend.” Grapes are fermented in oak barrels and the wine is aged on the lees for six months.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss This is a rich and complex wine with enticing aromas of floral, pear and grapefruit. The palate offers honeysuckle, apricot, peach, a hint of vanilla and citrus zest on the finish. Creamy texture and fresh acidity sate the palate. Alcohol: 14.5% SRP: $29.99 Alessia Collauto, Travaglini Gattinara, Italy  From left to right: Massimo, Carolina, Alessia and Cinzia. Photo courtesy of Travaglini Alessia is the fifth-generation of the Travaglini wine family. “Fourth-generation, Cinzia Travaglini, now runs the estate, along with her husband Massimo Collauto, chief winemaker. Their efforts, like the generations before them, have made Travaglini one of Italy’s most recognizable wines and the #1 selling Gattinara in the world. Their children, Alessia and Carolina, are currently involved in the winery, and will be the next generation to run the estate.” Alessia has a degree in Economics and Business Management. She also received her Certificate of Sommelier in 2017. She spends time tending the vines at Travaglini, working in the cellar with her family and also participates in the administration, marketing, sales and promotion of their wines. Alessia stated, “My parents introduced me to the secrets of the vines and situations of everyday business and little by little transferred to my sister and me the passion for wine.” Alessia said that the experience of being a sommelier made her curious not only to open her mind and try the wines but she also said, “Most importantly it made me curious about the vinification of the wine and the stories behind the wine.” Travaglini Gattinara DOCG 2016 This wine is 100% Nebbiolo and is Travaglini’s flagship wine. The small appellation of Gattinara DOCG is known for its rare soil that produces grapes with a unique flavor profile, high acidity and tannins. Alessia said, “The complexity of this wine comes basically from the rocks. Although the wine is complex, it tastes very delicate on the palate.” The wine is aged for three years, two of which age in used Slavonian oak casks. The wine rests for three months in bottle  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Lovely aromas of rose petals, berries, fennel, baking spice and pepper prep the palate for a rich and inviting wine. Notes of rose, cherries, raspberry, cinnamon, earth and minerality tease the palate. I love the complexity of this wine in addition to its freshness and tannins that talk.
Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $33.99 It was a pleasure and honor to be a part of this discussion and tasting. I loved their stories, anecdotes and, above all, the inspiration and path that they are creating for more women to enter the wine industry! Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected] Despite the restrictions on travel during this pandemic, I have been virtually touring the world with a glass of wine in hand. Of late, I’ve been yearning to visit and experience the beautiful island of Sicily again.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Fortunately, I have a few bottles of Sicilian wine that will happily transport me back to the island. Accompanying me on this trip are two very special bottles of Donnafugata wine.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Please click on “Donnafugata” from the menu on the right to learn about this winery, their vineyards throughout Sicily and numerous wine reviews.  Map courtesy of Donnafugata Sherazade Sicilia DOC 2018 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 Donnafugata suggests the following recipe to pair with Sherazade. Pasta With Tuna and Caper Leaves  Photo courtesy of Donnafugata Time 1 hour 40 minutes Difficulty Low Ingredients
Cut a thick slice of fresh tuna in small cubes. Brown the cubes in a pan with the olive oil, garlic, mint and caper leaves. As soon as they have browned, remove the ingredients from the pan and put them in a smaller pan. Brown half an onion, finely chopped, in the oil in which the tuna was fried. Add the tomato pulp, the browned tuna, 1 cup white wine and 3 cups water. Flavor with 4 more caper leaves, a pinch of cinnamon and a small pinch of pepper. Cook for about 45 minutes. Do not let all the liquid cook off. Cook the busiati (pasta) and pour it into the pan with the tuna and flavorings. Cook over high heat for a few seconds while stirring the pasta energetically. Decorate with toasted slices of bread and caper leaves. Recipe from Chef Peppe Giuffrè – Giardino Eden – Trapani Floramundi Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG 2017 This wine is a blend of Nero d’Avola and Frappato. Grapes are sourced from vineyards in the Vittoria area, located in southern Sicily. Donnafugata has 18 hectares of vineyards in production here consisting of 11 hectares of Nero d’Avola and 7 hectares of Frappato. Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG is considered one of the most noteworthy wines produced in Sicily and it is the only wine in Sicily with a DOCG status! Only Nero d’Avola and Frappato are allowed in the blend. Cerasuolo means ‘cherry-colored’ in Italian. Frappato is light-bodied with low tannins and flavors of cherries and strawberries. Nero d’Avola has weight and is full-bodied with a rich texture and dark red fruit flavors. Together, they complement and bring out the best in each other. The wine is aged in tanks for eight months and then a minimum of seven months in the bottle.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Intense floral aromas envelop the senses with notes of cherry, red berries, plum and spice that segue onto the palate. This is a juicy wine that has lots of personality. Hints of rose, strawberry and spice linger on the finish. Soft tannins and a crisp finish add to the entertainment. Serve with pasta, seafood, shellfish, white meat and light appetizers. Alcohol: 13% SRP: $30 Donnafugata suggests this recipe to pair with Floramundi. Swordfish with Citrus Fruit and Pistachios  Photo courtesy of Donnafugata Time
20 minutes Difficulty Intermediate Ingredients
Cover and continue cooking, if necessary adding citrus juice. Serve with the reduced sauce and a handful of pistachios covering the fish, garnishing the platter with two orange slices. Treat your palate to these noteworthy wines and recipes. And enjoy your trip to Sicily! Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected] After enduring many sultry days, I enjoyed waking up this morning to 53-degree temperatures and no humidity! And yes, it put me in the mood for red wine, even though I have some lovely white and rosés chilling. I selected Domaine Bila-Haut, which is produced by Michel Chapoutier.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Michel is a fourth-generation oenologist and head of Maison M. Chapoutier, founded in 1808. It is located in the Rhône wine region in southeastern France. Michel is one of Rhône’s most famous wine producers and is known worldwide for such wines as Hermitage, Chateauneuf du Pape and Côte Rôtie.  Photo is courtesy of Maison Chapoutier In 1999, Michel purchased the 190-acre estate Domaine Bila-Haut located in the region of Côtes de Roussillon, Languedoc in Southwest France. It was a neglected property but showed promise due to the Mediterranean climate and a mix of schist, gneiss and clay soils. With Michel’s knowledge, expertise and passion he turned the land into a perfect growing environment for Syrah, Grenache and Carignan. Sustainable farming and low yields along with Michel’s belief of “emphasis should be on quality, not quantity” have led to producing the highest quality fruit and concentrated flavors in these expressive wines. Les Vignes de Bila-Haut Rouge Côtes Du Roussillon Villages 2017 This Syrah-dominated wine is blended with Grenache and Carignan. Grapes are hand-harvested from plots located on the slopes of the high Agly Valley.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Vibrant aromas of plum, dark berries, spice and cocoa set the stage for this succulent wine. Michel Chapoutier adds that it has “the smell of summer rain on stone.” The palate offers layers of plum, dark cherry, spice and pepper that tease and linger on a long finish. This is a beautifully blended and well-balanced wine with silky tannins. Enjoy with grilled fish, meat and dessert! Alcohol: 14% SRP: $15 Domaine de Bila-Haut L’esquerda Côtes Du Roussillon Villages 2017 This is a single vineyard wine made from old vines. Syrah dominates the blend with small amounts of Grenache and Carignan added. The percentages of the blend vary from vintage to vintage. The grapes are hand-harvested from the 67-acre L’esquerda vineyard comprised of 40 to 60-year-old vines that grow in granite and schist soils.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Earthy aromas mix with dark fruit, spice, floral notes and mocha. The palate offers juicy notes of black cherry, blackberries, plum, spice and a hint of wet stone. The finish is long with a touch of chocolate and herbs lingering. Delicious! Serve with grilled meat, tuna, poultry and hearty stews.
Alcohol: 14.5% SRP: $28 These Rhône wines are elegant and expressive and Michel Chapoutier never disappoints! Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected] Every now and then I like to take inventory of my wine cellar. Many of the wines are what remain from my days with the “Restaurateur”. These special wines quietly wait for me to open them, always tempting me to pour bittersweet memories into my wine glass. So, without much thought and for no particular reason other than curiosity, I chose to open this wine.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Château Cap De Faugères is situated in the Côtes de Bordeaux Castillon appellation at the very eastern end of Bordeaux.  Map courtesy of Cotes de Bordeaux  Map courtesy of Castillon-Cotes-de-Bordeaux The estate covers 46 hectares of limestone and clay slopes that border on St. Emilion. Grape varieties grown here are 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon with an emphasis on natural sustainable viticultural methods. The vines on average are 30 years old.  Photo courtesy of Château Cap De Faugères In 1823 the Esquissaud family took possession of the terroirs of Château Cap De Faugères, Faugères and Péby Faugères. Pierre-Bernard Guisez, a cousin of Philippe Esquissaud, inherited the estates in 1987. He and his wife Corinne Guisez managed the three estates and began promoting vintages of the finest quality. A new fermenting and storage cellar was built in 1992. In 2005, Silvio Denz, a winemaker, bought the estates. And, with the same team in place, they continuously make improvements running the estate with an emphasis on quality. In addition to winemaking, Silvio is a perfume designer and owner of Lalique! Climate plays a key role in the outcome of any vintage. And when the weather is extreme the vines can suffer. The record-breaking heat wave and dry season of 2003 in France had a profound effect on the vineyards of Bordeaux and many of the wines that were produced. Vines were stressed and shut down from lack of water and grapes shriveled on the vines. Much needed rain finally brought some relief to the vineyards around mid-August. It was the earliest harvest on record and although it was too late for many vineyards, others were able to salvage the harvest and produce some memorable wines. Here are the notes from Château Cap De Faugères for the 2003 vintage. “A rare vintage in every sense. The summer brought a heat wave with record sunshine hours and a number of days over 30°C that was well above average. The vintage was marked by quite a cold winter with many days of frost, a mild spring with greater than average differences in temperature and extremely hot summer, particularly June (+5.3°) but above all August (+6°) with record temperatures: 20 days over 30° and several days over 40°C. These weather conditions brought about a drop of 30% in production compared with normal years. Harvesting began 10 days earlier than the previous year, on 12 September. Plot selection was very thorough with the aim of making up perfectly homogenous vats in tannic and organoleptic terms.” My expectations weren’t high concerning how this wine would hold up and taste. So, I decided to pour a glass using my Coravin and save the rest to decant and share with friends another time.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss I allowed the wine to open and tasted it in 30-minute increments.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Château Cap De Faugères 2003 Côtes de Castillon This wine is showing its age and is the color garnet. First aromas and palate impressions are disappointing. Dried fruit and “fortified wine” dominated although there is a hint of dark cherry. 30 minutes Subtle aromas of berries are starting to emerge. The palate exhibits cooked fruit with black cherry on the finish. One Hour There is no marked improvement. So a fellow wine writer suggested I “shake things up a bit” and aggressively dump the wine back and forth from one wine glass to another a few times, aka ‘hyper decanting’. After doing this, I waited a few minutes and then tasted the wine again. It actually worked! There is more pronounced fruit on the nose and most of the cooked fruit has dissipated. The palate offers more subtle notes of berries and a trace of plum and earth. 90 minutes It is taking a long time for this wine to open, but I am enjoying the process. Spice notes are now mingling with the fruit as the wine becomes more expressive. I am looking forward to decanting this wine soon. I have a feeling that there are more hidden treasures in this bottle that need a little coaxing and time to emerge.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Many of the wines that I have recently opened from our restaurant days have been spectacular. Some of these wines include a 1969 Petrus, 1961 and 1967 Chateau Haut-Brion, an amazing collection of Far Niente Cabernet Sauvignon vintages dating from 1983-1990 and the list goes on! Check out my stories on the menu at right. As always, thank you to the “Restaurateur” for leaving me with an endless inventory of memories. We miss you.  The Restaurateur and Penina Until next time…
Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected] There is much to be said about the expressive wines of Alentejo. Over the last year or so, I have reviewed many Alentejo wines and written several stories about this diverse wine region.  Photo courtesy of Esporão Today, my attention is directed to the Sustainability Program (WASP, Wines of Alentejo Sustainable Program) and five wines from producers who are active members in this program.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Alentejo covers one-third of Portugal located in the southern half of the country and enjoys a typically Mediterranean climate with some Atlantic influence.  The soil of Alentejo varies throughout its eight sub-regions. In fact, it has the most diverse soil of any region in Portugal. Interspersed amongst the mountains, hills and valleys, one can find soil with clay, limestone, quartz, granite, schist, sandstone and marble. Most of the soils are non-calcareous, meaning they are neutral or more acidic. Alentejo has 51,000 acres of planted vines that enjoy 3000 hours of sunshine annually. More than 80% of the grapes grown here are red, but whites are gaining momentum, especially Antão Vaz. The wines produced here come in a range of styles, influenced by the diversity of the climate and soil. The Sustainability Program was launched in 2015 by CVRA (Comissão Vitivinicola Regional Alentejana). It’s objective is to reduce costs and increase economic viability through a proactive approach to environmental pressures and social concerns. Some of these initiatives include biodiversity and ecosystems, soil management, renewable energy and water conservation. In just five short years, the WASP program has established Alentejo as one of the world’s most progressive sustainability regions and is being recognized internationally for this award-winning program. WASP began with 96 members in 2015 and has grown to 396 members representing about 45% of Alentejo’s vineyard area. There are currently 1800 grape growers and 260 wineries in Alentejo. According to João Barroso, WASP Director of Sustainability, “Sustainability is the new paradigm of the 21st century. Producers who do not make sustainability a core part of their business model will become progressively outdated, side-lined by consumers and possibly through new intentional policies.” Each wine review ends with a “WASP Highlight”. Casa Relvas Sao Miguel Do Sul Red Blend 2018 A blend of Aragonez, Alicante Bouschet, Trincadeira and Cabernet Sauvignon. Ten percent of the wine is aged in French oak for six months. A bouquet of violet, red and dark fruit lead to a palate of dark berries, cherry and a touch of spice. This is a juicy wine with smooth tannins and fresh acidity. Alcohol: 14% SRP: $12 WASP Highlight: Casa Relvas uses sheep to control weeds during the vegetative rest period of the vineyard, reducing the need for hydrocarbon-dependent herbicides. Esporão Colheita Branco 2018 Harvested from certified organic vineyards, this wine is a blend of Antão Vaz, Viosinho, Alvarinho and a small amount of other grapes. This has refreshing aromas of grapefruit, lemon, and a touch of tropical fruit. A creamy palate (from four months spent on fine lees) blends nicely with tropical fruit flavors, peach and crisp acidity. Alcohol: 14% SRP: $16 WASP Highlight: Herdade do Esporão is one of Portugal’s most progressive wineries. They have led the way with a testing nursery to identify which indigenous grape varieties are best adapted to a changing climate. Herdade Dos Grous Red 2018 This is a nice blend of Aragonez, Alicante Bouschet, Touriga Nacional and Syrah that is aged for nine months in French oak barrels. Delicious aromas of ripe red fruit and spice segue onto the palate with dark cherry, plum and vanilla. Spice and cherry linger on a long finish. Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $19 WASP Highlight: Herdade Dos Grous has reduced bottle weight across all their wines. Herdade De Coelheiros Coelheiros Red, 2017 This is a 50/50 blend of Aragonez and Alicante Bouschet. It is aged for 12 months in French oak barrels. A nice bouquet of red and black berries, spice and earthy notes envelop the nose. The palate offers blackberry, cherry, spice and pepper with a rich mouthfeel that is balanced with acidity. Alcohol: 14% SRP: $20 WASP Highlight: Herdade De Coelheiros uses bat shelters to encourage bats to make their home here – another natural approach to tackling unwanted insects in the vineyard. Carmim Reguengos Garrafeira Dos Sócios 2014 Alicante Bouschet, Touriga Nacional and Tinta Caiada make up the blend for this robust wine. It is aged for 14 months in French and American oak barrels. Lots of plum, dark fruit and spice greet the nose and segue onto the palate with added notes of blackberry, black cherry, pepper and anise. A perfect balance of acidity and fine tannins add to the lengthy finish. Alcohol: 14.5% SRP: $48 WASP Highlight: Carmim composts all organic waste from the winemaking process (grape pomace and lees) into fertilizer. New additions to the winery include the installation of rooftop solar panels, taking advantage of Alentejo’s abundant solar energy. All of these wines are well priced and very pleasing to the palate. And, for me, it’s a bonus that these producers are making wine with an emphasis on sustainability and moving toward organic farming. Bravo! Until next time...  Photo credit: Penny Weiss If you are looking for a red wine to go with summertime grilling, this red blend produced by Domaine Bousquet will definitely make your palate sing!  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Domaine Bousquet is Argentina’s largest exporter of organically grown wines. The winery is located in the Gualtallary Valley, which is situated high up in the Tupungato district of the Uco Valley. Altitudes here reach up to 5,249 ft. To read about the winery’s history, the climate, terroir and more, please click on the menu at right. The label on this wine is a striking portrayal of Gaia, who in Greek mythology was the mother goddess that presided over the earth. She is considered the personification of the Earth.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Gaia Red Blend 2018 50% Malbec, 45% Syrah and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon make up this blend. The best grapes are used for this wine and are harvested manually from Domaine Bousquet’s organically farmed vineyards. Wine aging takes place in French oak barrels for ten months.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Delectable aromas of dark berries, spice and violet are the opening act for this tantalizing wine. The palate is entertained with blackberry, dark cherry, dark plum, spices and a touch of vanilla all of which lingers on a lengthy finish. A silky mouthfeel and fresh acidity add to the richness and complexity of this wine. In addition to grilled meats, appetizers and pasta, this wine goes well with fish. Try Gaia with a chocolate dessert. It is a great finale! Alcohol: 14.5% SRP: $20 The wine paired beautifully with this grilled swordfish surrounded by red grapefruit and peaches.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Note: The photos taken at the restaurant are pre-COVID-19.
Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected] There is a rumor circulating that I’ve been having an ongoing love affair with Sicily. I must confess it is true and it can be confirmed by all the stories I’ve written about this magical island throughout the past several years. The wines of Sicily never cease to impress me. And the fiery passion and pride of the vineyard owners and winemakers are awe-inspiring.  Photo courtesy of Mandrarossa Sicily is the second-largest wine-producing region in Italy with Puglia being first. However, Sicily takes first place for the actual number of vineyards in a region and with so many wineries spread throughout the island, exploration is endless. Since travel is on the back burner for now, my visits to Sicily for the foreseeable future will be through the amazing wine samples that I receive. My latest wine delivery is Mandrarossa, a brand created by Cantine Settesoli located in Menfi, on the southwestern side of the island.  Cantine Settesoli was founded in 1958 and is the largest winery in Sicily. It is a source of ongoing research and innovative ideas. I had the pleasure of visiting the estate and tasting an array of wines from their portfolio a few years ago. However, I didn’t have a chance to taste Mandrarossa wines. So, I was quite excited to open these bottles.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Mandrarossa is Settesoli’s top brand and it emerged in 1999 after an ambitious team of industry experts got together and spent over 20 years in a mission to create high-quality wines of both indigenous and international varieties from Sicily. Their goal was to “produce wines that represent the true essence of the territories they come from.” They spent years studying soils and microclimatic conditions that eventually led to identifying top estates (the ideal habitat) with the best variety/terroir combinations for allowing each grape variety to fully express its potential. “Since 2014 an international team of agronomists and soil experts, together with Mandrarossa enologists, have carried out a scientific study on limestone soils and this has defined them a micro-region with a high-quality potential. The mapping of these soils has revealed wonderful vineyards where it is possible to grow local grapes generating wines such as “Bertolino Soprano” and “Terre del Sommacco”, the new wines of Mandrarossa Contrada.” Mandrarossa vineyards stretch across these limestone soils on intense sun-soaked slopes with cool sea breezes. These factors contribute to the authentic expression of the terroir.  Photo courtesy of Mandrarossa Grillo (white) and Nero d’Avola, (red) are indigenous grapes of Sicily. Nero d’Avola (Calabrese) is considered the number one Sicilian red and has been enjoyed since the end of the 17th century. It is one of the oldest indigenous grapes of Sicily and the most widely planted red variety. Nero d’Avola fills approximately 18% of vineyards. Grillo, one of Sicily’s best-known grapes, is found throughout western Sicily and is noted for its citrus flavors, sweetness and mild acidity. Due to the grape’s high sugar levels, it is ideal for the production of fortified wines. Historically, Grillo was used in the production of Marsala wine but Catarratto has now taken the lead. And due to the innovation of new winemakers, Grillo has a wide range of styles, from crisp and savory, to structured and mature. It is interesting to note that in 1848 Grillo became a hybrid of Zbibbo and Catarratto. Bertolino Soprano Grillo Sicilia DOC 2017 The grapes for this 100% Grillo are sourced from vineyards along the southwest facing hills of Menfi at 482 feet above sea level. Sea breezes and limestone soils contribute to the character and uniqueness of this wine. After fermentation, the wine ages for one month in steel and concrete vats. Further aging of 11 months takes place in large oak barrels.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Engaging aromas of floral, stone fruit and delicate citrus notes set the stage for this crisp, fruit-driven wine. The palate offers fresh stone fruit with an emphasis on peach, including notes of citrus and minerality. It has a lengthy finish with a lingering touch of lemon and peach. Enjoy as an aperitif or pair with appetizers, grilled fish, light pasta and vegetables. Alcohol: 12.5% SRP: $42.99 Terre Del Sommacco Sicilia DOC 2016 This is 100% Nero d’Avola with grapes sourced from limestone vineyards along the southwest facing hills of Menfi, 1,017 feet above sea level. This wine is aged for eight months in steel and concrete vats followed by 19 months in large barrels. A minimum of eight months is spent in bottle before release.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss On the nose, it is very aromatic with dark fruit, black cherry, baking spice and a hint of herbs. The palate is layered with juicy ripe berries, plum, black cherry, spice and a touch of earth. This is nicely structured with fine tannins and refreshing acidity. It will pair beautifully with roasted meat, game, stews and seared tuna. Alcohol: 14% SRP: $49.99 Both wines are a beautiful expression of the wine-growing area of southwestern Sicily. Curious as to how the pandemic and global warming may have impacted production, Filippo Buttafuoco, chief agronomist at Mandrarossa responded to my inquiry. “In Sicily, we haven’t faced major problems with global warming. We are fortunate to have a regular climatic trend and fresh sea breezes that ensure minerality, freshness and correct development of the grapes’ production.” “COVID-19 has had no real effects on the vineyards; nature has not stopped. Our winegrowers continue to take care of the plants and in about 20 days we will start a harvest that promises to be extraordinary.” As you can see by the photo, all precautions are taken and masks are mandatory, even in the vineyards.  Photo courtesy of Mandrarossa I look forward to the day that I’m allowed to travel again. I can’t wait to return to Sicily and be swept away by this captivating island!
Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected] 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 [email protected] |
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