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A short time ago, through Zoom, I, and several other writers spent a fascinating hour with James Marshall Lockyer, winemaker at Tenuta Licinia, and 3rd generation of this family-owned winery.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Tenuta Licinia is a small winery at the foothills of the Tuscan Apennines near the village of Lucignano in the province of Arezzo. Today, the property has 60 hectares of woods, 6.5 hectares of vineyards, and 3 hectares of olive groves.  Photo courtesy of Tenuta Licinia In the early 1970s, James’s grandfather, Jacques de Liedekerke, who lived in Belgium, bought the property with an abandoned farmhouse and small vineyard. Jacque took on the restoration of the farmhouse, but as James said, “For the first 20-30 years, my grandfather really didn’t do much with the vineyard. He enjoyed wine but was not knowledgeable in winemaking. He grew up with old-school ideas of winemaking and didn’t understand Tuscan soil, geology, or what made a vineyard good or bad.” Over the years, Jacque learned more about the vineyard and subsoils and thought it might be worth replanting. So, in 2006, Jacques decided to replant the Sasso Di Fata vineyard as a retirement project. Because he was French-Belgium, and drank Cabernet Sauvignon, he decided to plant it. It took many years of tests, research, and many attempts, but by 2019, the wines began to assume the vineyard’s identity. In 2020, James arrived at Tenuta Licinia and took over what his grandfather had begun. James explained, “At the time, I was finishing my doctorate at Oxford University, focusing on foundations of ethics and sensorial value. About winemaking, James said, “I am semi-self-taught and guided by very good mentors and professionals. In addition, I did a few internships.” His doctoral studies proved to be helpful as a winemaker. “It motivated me to think carefully about what kind of wine I want to make, what truly matters in the wine I make, and what types of properties are relevant to making a high-quality wine.”  Screen shot of Zoom tasting with James. Photo: Penny Weiss What his grandfather had planted, half of the vineyard was decent, and the other half was great. For James, this introduced one of the many puzzles they’ve worked on for the last several years: understanding Tuscan subsoils. James said, “One of the difficulties with Tuscan subsoil is that it changes very quickly, every 30 -40 meters. As part of their project, they focus on identifying small and abandoned parcels and bring them back to high-quality production. “We are developing Sangiovese on the parcels we now find.” Regarding his grandfather’s planting in 2006, on one side of the hill is Sasso Di Fata, and on the other side of the hill is the Montepolli vineyard. James divided the vineyard based on the subsoils. James said that Sasso Di Fata has much more beautiful subsoil than Montepolli. James stated, “Sassa Di Fata subsoil is lime-slate, and the slate is paper thin. Slate is viable and roots can go right through it very quickly. This soil contributes to a much more beautiful grain of tannins, sophisticated aromas, and floral direction. Slate can give a savory/saline finality to the wine.' The Montepolli subsoil is a clay-limestone plot with a Merlot base. It is too “clayish” with certain defects. The tannins can be quite wide and massive, and the aromas and minerals can be quite reduced on this soil type.” James went on to say, “I have an old-school subsoil view, that subsoil is very central to making great wines. It’s the physical structure underground that is key. In addition to the soil, it is the drainage and temperature underground combined with root penetration, which is important.” We tasted three Tenuta Licinia wines. All the grapes are picked by taste, not by analysis, for the best maturity. In addition, the winery has been certified organic since the vines were planted, and they follow a biodynamic program in the vineyard.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Sasso Di Fata IGT Toscana Rosso 2019 This wine is produced in the clos style, with the grapes sourced from a small vineyard with a specific subsoil, and therefore, the wine is only produced in extremely small quantities. The 2019 Sasso di Fata is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (70%) Cabernet Franc (25%) and Petit Verdot (5%). It is aged 16 months in second passage French oak Tonneau (500L).  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Fragrant rose petals, red berries, and spice. Palate: Beautifully balanced with red fruit, spice, licorice, and a hint of mint. Gentle tannins and a dance of saline and minerality lead to a long finish. Alcohol: 14.5% Montepolli IGT Toscana Rosso 2019 This wine is produced in the clos style, with the grapes coming from a small vineyard with a specific clay-limestone subsoil, and therefore, the wine is only produced in small quantities. This is the first vintage. The wine is a blend of 47% Merlot, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Cabernet Franc, 12% Petit Verdot. It is aged 15 months in second passage French oak Tonneau. James did the aging and blending for this wine.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Strawberry, cherry, anise, floral, and a touch of balsamic. Palate: Strawberry segues onto the palate with soft cherry notes, herbs, baking spice, and minerality lingering on the finish. Alcohol: 14.5% Sasso Di Fata IGT Toscana Rosso 2021 This wine was bottled just a few months ago and a treat to sample. The 2021 is James’s first vintage, and it’s a winner! It is a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, and 10% Cabernet Franc. Aging was approximately ten months in second passage French oak Tonneau (500L.) Like the other wines, this is also produced in the clos style, with the grapes sourced from a small vineyard with a specific subsoil.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Floral with emphasis on rose petals, red fruit, plum, and spice. It is a darker color than the 2019.
Palate: It is lush with fruit and spice and a true expression of the vineyard. There is a beautiful balance between minerality, salinity, and tannins. Alcohol: 14.5% Pairing suggestions: All three wines are well-suited to meat dishes, game, porcini or truffle risotto, seared tuna, and hearty stews. A final note from James: “Our approach to winemaking is to really value the aromatic purity, beauty, and mineral expression, as much as the textural side.” Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com To usher in autumn, I thought it would be fun to travel to Tuscany. And the best part is that you don’t have to pack a bag or wait in long lines at the airport. A glass of Tuscan wine and an authentic Tuscan soup recipe is all you need for your travels. Let your palate take you on a delectable sensory adventure!  Tuscan Vineyard Photo credit: Johny Goerend The Wine I have selected two Tuscan wines for the journey; both pair well with the featured soup that follows.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Dogajolo Toscano Rosso IGT 2020 Carpineto, a Tuscan winery founded in 1967, produces Carpineto and Dogajolo wines. This year marks a 30-year milestone for the production of Dogajolo Super Tuscans, specifically Toscano Rosso, launched in 1993. In 2009, Toscano Bianco was added to the Dogajolo line, followed by Toscano Rosato in 2011. They have 1,200 acres of sustainably farmed land spread amongst five carbon-neutral estates in the appellations of Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti Classico, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Maremma, and Alto Valdarno. This wine is 80% Sangiovese and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from Tuscan hillside vineyards. It is aged six months in previously used French and American oak barrels and cement vats, followed by four to six months in bottle.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Fragrant red fruit, cherry, and baking spice. Palate: Juicy red berries spill onto the palate with cherry, plum, a hint of balsamic, and coffee beans. Smooth and delicious! Alcohol: 13% SRP: $14.99 Talosa “Alboreto” Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG 2019 Fattoria Della Talosa is a boutique winery with 33 hectares of vineyards in the heart of Montepulciano in Tuscany and has been owned by the Jacorossi family since 1972. Their historic aging cellar dates back to the 16th century. It is in the old town center of Montepulciano, in an underground area between two of the oldest buildings in the city, Palazzo Tarugi and Palazzo Sinatti. The brick passageways contain a series of vaults and niches where the barrels are placed. In 1980, Vino Nobile became one of the first four appellations given the superior status of DOCG, along with Barolo, Brunello di Montalcino, and Barbaresco. The grapes for this 100% Sangiovese are sourced from the Vino Noble di Montepulciano DOCG appellation. The wine is aged for two years in barrels of 2nd, 3rd, and 4th passage and stainless steel and then continues to age in bottle.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Floral, berries, cherry liquor, baking spice, and a hint of sweet tobacco. Palate: Aromas segue onto the palate with dark cherry and spice. Tannins and acidity are beautifully balanced, with cherry, cocoa, and vanilla lingering on a long finish. Alcohol: 14.5% SRP: $25 The Soup Ribollita - An Italian Fall Vegetable Soup featuring stale bread. I would love to take credit for this Tuscan soup, but the honor goes to Iolanda Marcocci, a beautiful ninety-year-young nonna. Coleen Kiman, host and owner of Tuscan Women Cook, says, “Our first bowl of this hearty soup was prepared by Iolanda, who served it al fresco on the terrace outside her kitchen on a long, weathered table overlooking a sweeping Tuscan sunset. It is a rich sense memory we’ll always cherish.” This hearty soup is a favorite of the nonnas of the Tuscan village of Montefollonico and the participants of Tuscan Women Cook. Ribollita dates back to the Middle Ages when peasants foraged for whatever food they could find to make a thick soup, which included stale bread that, when toasted and added to the broth, maintained its shape and absorbed all the flavors. Ribollita means “re-boiled” in Italian. When “reheated” the next day, it is even better! Coleen says, “When the bread has an extra day or two to absorb even more of the flavorful broth, Ribollita will thicken and taste creamy. Feel free to add your own favorite vegetables and herbs to this recipe. There are no hard and fast rules for Ribollita, except to reheat and enjoy, day after day!”  Photo credit: Tuscan Women Cook Serves 8
Ingredients
Instructions Rinse the beans in a colander and pick out any debris or small stones. Place in a medium stockpot and add cold water to cover the beans by about 2 inches. Cover and soak overnight. Drain the beans and cover them with fresh water. Add the Parmesan cheese rind. Over medium heat, simmer until the beans are tender, about 30 minutes. Set aside. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery (soffritto). Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent, for about 10 minutes. Stir in the tomatoes, the beans, and their cooking liquid. Season with salt, pepper, and oregano. Add the chard and cabbage. Add additional water, chicken, or vegetable stock as needed to completely cover the chard and cabbage. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 1 hour. Adjust the seasonings to taste. Place a piece of bread in each bowl. Ladle the soup on top of the bread. Top each serving of the soup with some Parmesan cheese, a dash of olive oil, and freshly ground black pepper. Recipe and photo reprinted with permission of www.TuscanWomenCook.com from the Tuscan Women Cook Cookbook. Tuscan Women Cook: Nonnas. Memories. Recipes cookbook is a wealth of generational recipes put together by Coleen Kiman with Rhonda Vilardo. The nonnas of the village of Montefollonico and neighboring towns shared the recipes. The book has over 50 delectable recipes, photos, stories, and many tips. Enjoy the wine and soup, and happy travels! Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com Occasionally, I take stock of my “wine cellar” and open a bottle or two that has been collecting dust. While perusing the various labels this morning, I stumbled upon a box of three wines hidden so well I had genuinely forgotten about it. It was an exciting find, which inspired me to open one of the bottles and pair it with the evening’s dinner. The wines were a gift from Giovanna Neri, owner of Col Di Lamo in Tuscany, specifically Montalcino!  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Montalcino is located amongst the rolling hills of Tuscany, home to one of Italy’s most renowned wines, Brunello Di Montalcino. Montalcino is a small wine region comprised of 60,000 acres of olive groves, forests, and farmland, of which 3,500 acres are devoted to wine vineyards.  Made exclusively from the Sangiovese grape, (named ‘Brunello’ in Montalcino), Brunello Di Montalcino was awarded the first-ever DOCG designation (Denomination of Controlled and Guaranteed Origin) in 1980, the highest designation given under Italian wine law. Brunello di Montalcino is one of Italy’s most famous and distinguished wines. The skin of the Sangiovese grape is thick and tends to deliver fruit-forward wine with bright acidity and high tannins. The climate in Montalcino is warm and dry, typical Mediterranean weather. Vineyards are planted up to 500 meters in elevation, with north-facing slopes experiencing a cooler microclimate and more winds. In contrast, the southern and western-facing slopes are exposed to extreme sunlight and maritime breezes. The vines are planted in various soils such as limestone, clay, schist, volcanic soil, and galestro, which is schistous clay soil commonly found in most of Tuscany’s best vineyards. All these elements can contribute to the difference in quality, complexity, and character of the wine.  Photo courtesy of Col Di Lamo. Regulations require that Brunello di Montalcino age for a minimum of two years in oak wooden barrels and at least four months in bottle before release. The Riserva wine must age at least six months in bottle and is released a year later onto the market. And the wine can only be bottled in the location where it is produced. These wines have an aging potential of 30 years if stored properly and acquire more complexity the longer it ages. Col Di Lamo Col Di Lamo is an exclusive, all-female organic winery owned by winemaker Giovanna Neri and her daughter, Diletta.  Giovanna and Diletta. Photo courtesy of Col Di Lamo The winery was founded in 1994 after her daughter was born. The estate covers an area of approximately 80 hectares. Giovanna inherited her passion for wine and winemaking skills from her father, who passed away in 1991. Giovanna considers her wines “her creations” (children) and continually spreads her love and respect for the land and her products. It is a small production winery of quality and refinement.  Photo courtesy of Col Di Lamo. Here is an excerpt from my interview with Giovanna a few years ago. What inspired and motivated you to make this an all-female winery? Giovanna: For me, it was a natural process. My company is my creation, which I wanted for myself and for which I fought a lot in a world that was still very male-chauvinist, especially the wine industry. Compared to others, I had to prove triple to make it clear that a woman, completely alone and starting from scratch, could create wines of the highest quality. When I tell my story, I always say that I consider my company another daughter of mine. I gave it a name; I dedicated all the commitment, love, and dedication I have to it, as with my daughter Diletta. Where did you do your training to become a winemaker? Giovanna: I graduated with honors in law and embarked on a career as a lawyer. I felt, however, that this work, although gratifying, was not my way. So, at the age of 40, I decided to drastically change my life and have a part of the family business (it’s not so obvious if you are a woman). So, without any particular skills and the help of anyone, I threw myself body and soul into this fantastic adventure. There have been challenging times. The beginnings were really hard; I only had men around me, and no one believed I could do it. Luckily, they are the same men who now hold me in esteem. What is Diletta’s role in the company? Giovanna: Diletta helps me in communication. I believe a young vision is essential in a world that runs more and more on the Internet, especially social networks. Tell me about some of your challenges with winemaking and the industry. Giovanna: I strongly believe in wine and organic products in general. I was among the first to choose this type of cultivation in Montalcino, not without criticism. But I am convinced that it is the future. I feel like a guest in this land, and I have chosen to do this job precisely because I love the planet and want to respect and enhance it as much as possible, even for future generations. Although all three wines are highly rated, I chose to open the Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2016  Photo credit: Penny Weiss This wine is hand-harvested and fermented with native yeasts. It is aged 24 months in oak barrels and six months in steel tanks.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Berries, floral, cherry, earth, tobacco, herbs, fig and baking spice. Palate: Rich, savory, and balanced with blackberry, dark plum, cloves, cinnamon, nice acidity, and a long finish of savory and sweet dark berries. Simply elegant! Alcohol: 14% SRP: $68 Pairing suggestions: Aged cheese, roasted meat and game, hearty soups, stews, mushroom risotto, and seared tuna. I paired this wine with a thick, hearty, nutritious Lentil Tomato Soup filled with carrots, celery, onion, and an assortment of herbs.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss If you would like the recipe for the soup, please email me. Contact information is below.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Until next time,
Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com Whether at the beach, poolside, or inside with the air conditioner blasting during the sweltering and relentless heat of August, I have a few wines to entertain your palate and cool you off a bit. However, I must stress how important it is to stay hydrated with WATER during these hot days, especially if you are consuming alcohol. It’s all about balance!  Photo credit: Sabri Tuzcu Masciarelli Rosato IGT Colline Teatine 2022 Masciarelli Tenute Agricole is a family-owned winery founded in 1981. They have 350 hectares of vineyards located in all four provinces of Abruzzo, Italy, and are committed to sustainability in the vineyards and the winery. Masciarelli has 22 labels and seven product lines. This rosé is part of their Classic line (Line Classica). It is made with 100% Montepulciano grapes, and fermentation occurs in stainless steel tanks.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Floral and fruity. Palate: Delicate notes of fresh red berries, cherry, and nicely balanced. Alcohol: 13% SRP: $14 Pairing suggestions: Enjoy as an aperitif or serve with appetizers, light pasta, salads, pizza, and seafood. Carpineto Dogajolo Toscano Bianco IGT 2022 Carpineto, a Tuscan winery founded in 1967, is the producer of Carpineto and Dogajolo wines. This year marks a 30-year milestone for the production of Dogajolo Super Tuscans, specifically Toscano Rosso, launched in 1993. In 2009, Toscano Bianco was added to the Dogajolo line, followed by Toscano Rosato in 2011. They have 1,200 acres of sustainably farmed land spread amongst five carbon-neutral estates in the appellations of Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti Classico, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Maremma, and Alto Valdarno. The grapes for this wine are a blend of 40% Chardonnay, 30% Sauvignon Blanc, and 30% Grechetto. It is produced from estate-grown fruit from the Montepulciano estate, with each varietal vinified separately in stainless steel tanks.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Lovely white floral, citrus, notes of tropical fruit. Palate: Pear, sweet apple, lively acidity, honeysuckle, and green melon. Alcohol: 13% SRP: $14.99 Pairing suggestions: Perfect for an aperitif or with salads, pasta, seafood, grilled white meat, or Asian cuisine. Emmolo Sauvignon Banc 2022 Jenny Wagner is the owner and winemaker of Emmolo, located in Napa Valley, CA. Emmolo is named for her maternal grandmother, who came to Napa from Sicily in 1923 and founded a rootstock nursery, supplying many local growers. On her paternal side, roots can be traced back to 1857 when her great, great, great grandfather made his way to Napa, kicking off a long history of farming and winemaking. And Jenny’s father, Chuck Wagner, and his parents founded Caymus Vineyards! This wine is 100% Sauvignon Blanc sourced from Napa and Solano counties.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Citrus, melon, and white flowers Palate: Crisp, clean, and refreshing wine that is minerality-driven with white stone fruit, grapefruit, and green apple. Alcohol: 12.8% SRP: $22 Pairing suggestions: A great aperitif sipper or serve with grilled fish, seafood, salads, mushroom risotto, or sushi. Mer Soleil Chardonnay Santa Lucia Highlands 2021 Established in 1988, Mer Soleil is a California wine estate in the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA in Monterey County. It was founded by the Wagner family, owner of Caymus Vineyards. This wine is 100% Chardonnay sourced from hillside vineyards in the Santa Lucia Highlands. The intense sunlight ripens the grapes, and the cooling breezes from Monterey Bay lead to a longer growing season, both contributing complexity to the wines. This wine is fermented and aged in new and used French oak barrels for approximately 11 months.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Honeysuckle, citrus, stone fruit, and toast. Palate: Fresh notes of lemon/lime, green apple, pear, and vibrant acidity. Creamy mouthfeel with a long citrusy finish. Alcohol: 14.5% SRP: $24 Pairing suggestions: Enjoy as an aperitif or serve with baked cod, creamy pasta, grilled white meat, or salads. Ettore Pure Chardonnay 2019 Ettore Winery is a certified organic winery in Mendocino, CA. Ettore Biraghi, founder and noted European winemaker, realized a dream of producing world-class fine wines in the Sanel Valley. He released his first organic and terroir-driven range of Chardonnay and Merlot wines from Mendocino. This wine is 100% Chardonnay organic grapes, estate grown in their Sanel Valley Vineyards in Hopland, the southernmost town in Mendocino County. The wine is aged in stainless steel tanks.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: White flowers, tropical fruit, white stone fruit, and citrus. Palate: Aromas segue onto the palate with grapefruit and honeydew. It is unoaked, but there is a trace of butteriness…a complex and delicious wine. Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $28 Pairing suggestions: Enjoy as an aperitif or with salads, seafood, grilled fish, chicken, mushroom risotto, or crab cakes. Stay cool and enjoy these wines, chilled, of course!  Photo credit: Anna Demianenko Until next time…
Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com The month of April is ending with her classic “April showers” all weekend long. And we all know what May brings! I’m looking forward to May flowers, warmer weather, spending more time outdoors, and taking the kitchen outside for the grilling season.  Photo credit: Paul Herman Just because the warmer months are almost upon us does not mean one has to pack away the red wines along with mittens and boots. On the contrary, red wines are to be enjoyed year-round and are a great accompaniment to many summer dishes. So to kick off the season, I’ve rounded up a selection of six red wines that will pair beautifully with whatever you might have on the grill. The wines range from $13.99 to $25.00 and will not disappoint your palate.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Bodegas Valdemar Conde Valdemar Crianza 2018 Bodegas Valdemar Winery is located in Oyon, Alava Spain, and has a history of winemaking dating back to 1889. They have 300 hectares of vineyards throughout Rioja and are considered one of the largest estates in Rioja. Grapes for this wine are a blend of 89% Tempranillo, 7% Mazuelo, and 4% Graciano sourced from estate vineyards in Rioja Alavesa and Rioja Alta. The wine is aged in American oak barrels for 17 months.  Nose: Fragrant notes of blueberries, cherry, and baking spice. Palate: Juicy dark berries, cherry, vanilla, and earthy. Tannins and acidity are well-balanced, with dark fruit lingering on a long finish. Alcohol: 14% SRP: $19 Pairing suggestions: Cheese platter, grilled meat, tuna, veggies, pasta, stews, and pizza. Veramonte Pinot Noir 2020 Viñedos Veramonte is an organic estate located at the extreme eastern end of Chile’s Casablanca Valley. The Veramonte vineyards are in both Casablanca Valley and Colchagua Valley. This wine is made with 100% Pinot Noir organic grapes from Casablanca Valley. It is aged for eight months in natural oak.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Red berries, bing cherries, a hint of spice, and earthy. Palate: Strawberry, raspberry, and plum dance on the palate. Fresh with good acidity, silky tannins, and a long, savory finish. Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $13 Pairing suggestions: Grilled meat and poultry, risotto, pasta, or seafood salad. Cline Eight Spur Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley 2020 This California wine is produced by Cline Family Cellars, established in 1982, a family-owned and operated winery. The grapes for this 100% Zinfandel are sourced from Dry Creek Valley in Sonoma County, one of the oldest growing areas in California. The valley holds the daytime heat, ripening grapes until sundown when cool ocean breezes whistle through the canyon, extending the growing season to increase varietal complexity. The wine is aged in 40% new French oak for 15 months.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Berries, dark cherry, plum, and baking spice with a hint of lavender. Palate: Aromas segue onto the palate with notes of raspberry, blackberry, blueberry, and vanilla. It is rich, smooth, and well-structured, with sour cherries and vanilla lingering on the finish. Alcohol: 14.5% SRP: $25 Pairing suggestions: Grilled anything! BBQ ribs, spicy cuisine, pizza, seared tuna, or roasted leg of lamb. Graffigna Glorious Collection Malbec 2020 Graffigna was established in 1870 when Santiago Graffigna left Italy and arrived in San Juan, Argentina, bringing with him his passion and wine expertise. It is considered one of the oldest wineries in San Juan. Today, Santiago’s vision and spirit are honored with each bottle produced, and care is taken to maintain the quality and character of the grapes. The grapes for this 100% Malbec are sourced from the Uco Valley in Mendoza. 70% was aged in French oak for 12 months, and 30% in concrete and stainless steel vats.  Nose: A touch of violet, plum, sour cherry, and baking spice tease the senses. Palate: Concentrated and juicy fruit, with aromas spilling onto the palate. Blackberry and plum linger on the finish, with soft tannins and nice acidity. Alcohol: 14.5% SRP: $18.99 Pairing suggestions: BBQ, grilled meat and veggies, mushroom risotto, stews, or a charcuterie board. Cantine Ermes Epicentro Nero d’Avola Riserva Sicilia DOC 2018 Cantine Ermes was founded in 1998 in the heart of Belice Valley in Sicily. It is a cooperative “born from the idea of young Italian minds.” They produce wines from Sicily, Veneto, and Puglia, with an impressive 10,592 hectares of vineyards spread across these territories, with the majority of vineyards in Sicily. This wine is 100% Nero d’Avola aged in 500-liter tonneaux for 18 months.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Lovely bouquet of dark fruit, plum, berries, and baking spice. Hints of toasted oak and minerality waft through the fruit. Palate: Aromas continue onto the palate with strawberries, cherry, clove, and pepper. Soft tannins and well-balanced with a rich blackberry jam finish. Alcohol: 14% SRP: $17 Pairing suggestions: BBQ, grilled meat and fowl, marinated lamb, pasta, stew, or mature cheese. Talosa Rosso Di Montepulciano DOC Toscana 2020 Talosa is a boutique winery with 33 hectares of vineyards in the heart of Montepulciano in Tuscany and has been owned by the Jacorossi family since 1972. Their historic aging cellar dates back to the 16th century, which is in the old town center of Montepulciano, in an underground area between two of the oldest buildings in the city, Palazzo Tarugi and Palazzo Sinatti. The brick passageways contain a series of vaults and niches where the barrels are placed. The grapes for this wine are 85% Sangiovese, Merlot and Canaiolo, 15%. It is aged in stainless steel, tonneaux, and large barrels for a minimum of three months.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Floral, strawberries, blueberries, cherries, and a hint of spice. Palate: Fresh and lively, with notes of plum and sweet cherry, a balsamic undertone, and a touch of spice on the finish. Very nice. Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $25 Pairing suggestions: Grilled red and white meat, appetizers, seared tuna, spicy cuisine, or risotto. I hope these wines pique your interest! Below is a delicious recipe for marinated tuna steaks. It is an easy recipe to make and works using the grill, broiler, or a quick sear on the stovetop. I love it! And all of these wines will pair beautifully with it! Marinated Tuna Steaks For The Grill Courtesy of allrecipes.com  Ingredients (for four servings)
 If you try any of the above wines, please share your thoughts and pairings!
Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com Several months ago, I was invited to a virtual tasting of Famiglia Cecchi Wines led by their oenologist, Miria Bracali. It was a memorable sampling of wines representing a few of Cecchi’s estates in Chianti and Maremma, located in Tuscany.  Val delle Rose Estate Photo courtesy of Cecchi. In 1893, Luigi Cecchi founded the company in a small Tuscan village. It has since been passed on from one generation to the next, and today is led by brothers Cesare and Andrea, the fourth generation of the family.  Cesare and Andrea Cecchi Photo courtesy of Cecchi. The Estates Today In addition to the Cecchi estate, the family owns and oversees five other wine estates, four in Tuscany and one in Umbria.  The family’s first purchase was Villa Cerna in the early 1960s, located in Castellina in Chianti. Today there are 80 hectares of established vineyards surrounding the renovated winery. In 1996, the family purchased 25 hectares in the burgeoning wine area of Maremma. After constructing an elegant winery, they named it Val delle Rose. Located in the Municipality of Grosseto, the estate today comprises 105 hectares of mainly Sangiovese proprietary vineyards used to produce Morellino di Scansano DOCG. By the end of the 1990s, the family began to look beyond their Tuscan borders and invested in the wine area of Montefalco in Umbria. They purchased Tenuta Alzatura, 26 hectares of vineyards across three parcels, dedicated to the enhancement of native vine varieties and the production of the region’s namesake label, Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG. In 2015, the Villa Rosa estate in Castellina was added to their winemaking estate portfolio. Villa Rosa is comprised of 30 hectares of vineyards that give rise to a traditional and elegant Chianti Classico DOCG. The last acquisition was made in 2018 when the family purchased 6 hectares of vineyards in Montalcino. The estate is called Tenuta di Montalcino. Throughout all the estates, sustainable winemaking is ongoing and vital to the Cecchi family, and they “consider protecting the environment a duty for those who work in the agricultural field. Territories are to be considered a heritage that must be defended and respected.” Here are four of the eight wines sampled from the estates of Valle delle Rose, Villa Cerna, and Cecchi.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Val delle Rose Cobalto Maremma Toscana DOC 2020 The soil in Maremma has more acid, along with sand and rocks, resulting in more sapidity in the wines. This wine is 100% Vermentino. Fifty percent of fermentation takes place in oak, 34% in amphora, and 16% in stainless steel tanks. It is aged ten months with a minimum of six months in bottle.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Sweet, herbal, minerality, and a hint of tropical fruit. Palate: Dry and fresh, with pear, white stone fruit, vibrant acidity, sapidity, minerality, and toasted oak. A complex and delightful wine with notes of the sea lingering on the palate. Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $45-50 Pairing suggestions: Enjoy as an aperitif or with fish, seafood, mushroom risotto, or grilled chicken. Val della Rose Poggio al Leone Morello di Scansano Riserva DOCG, 2019 This wine is 90% Sangiovese and 10% Corvina. After fermentation in stainless steel tanks, the wine is aged for a minimum of 12 months in barriques.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Floral, red, ripe fruit, earth, and spices. Palate: Plum, cherry, minerality, smooth tannins, baking spice, and cocoa with a long finish. Alcohol: 14.5% SRP: $35 Pairing suggestions: roasted or grilled meat and game, stews, risotto, or vegetable pizza. Cecchi Chianti Classico “Storia di Famiglia”, DOCG, 2020 This is Cecchi’s first Chianti Classico wine and most distributed. It is 90% Sangiovese, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Corvina. The wine is aged for a minimum of two months in bottle.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Floral, red fruit, spice Palate: Fresh red fruit with nice acidity, cherry notes, cranberry, medium tannins, good balance, and a juicy finish. Alcohol: 13.55 SRP: $20 Pairing suggestions: Game, grilled tuna, pasta with sautéed greens, or chicken. Villa Cerna Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2018 Produced only in the best vintage years, this wine is 95% Sangiovese and 5% Corvina. 2018 was an excellent year for Sangiovese. The grapes are sourced from vineyards used only for Riserva wines. This wine is aged 14 months in barriques and small barrels, with a minimum of nine months in bottle.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Floral aromas with red fruit, cedar, espresso beans, and spice.
Palate: Nice balance of freshness and acidity, with ripe red fruit, cherry, berries, baking spice, mineral notes, and a long finish. Alcohol: 14% SRP: $35 Pairing suggestions: Grilled meat, game, aged cheese, chicken parmesan, or pasta. If you’ve never tried Cecchi wines, then now is the time to indulge your palate with these Tuscan gems. They are reasonably priced and available almost everywhere. Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com It is always a treat to pour a glass of Brunello Di Montalcino, but especially lovely when you can share the moment (virtually) with Count Cinzano, owner of Col d’Orcia!  Count Francesco Marone Cinzano Photo courtesy of Col d'Orcia In May 2022, I wrote an article about Col D’Orcia based on a tasting with the Count, which took place earlier that year. Here is an excerpt from the article to bring you up to speed about this most iconic winery and region. Gently rolling hills dominate the landscape of Tuscany, famous for its medieval towns, wine vineyards, striking cathedrals, and the birthplace of renowned artists such as Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Leonardo da Vinci. Amongst this beauty and history lies Montalcino, home to one of Italy’s most famous wines, Brunello Di Montalcino. The village of Montalcino sits high up on a hill with vineyards sloping down into the valley.  Montalcino is a small wine region comprised of 60,000 acres of olive groves, forests, and farmland, of which 3500 acres are devoted to wine vineyards. Count Cinzano said that only 50% of the land in Montalcino is farmed, and of that, only 15% is planted with vineyards. There are roughly 250 wineries here that produce Brunello di Montalcino.  Brunello di Montalcino was awarded the first-ever DOCG designation (Denomination of Controlled and Guaranteed Origin) in 1980, and it is considered one of Italy’s most famous and distinguished wines. DOCG is the highest designation given under the Italian wine law. Brunello di Montalcino is made exclusively from the Sangiovese grape (named ‘Brunello’ in Montalcino). The skin of the Sangiovese grape is thick and tends to deliver fruit-forward wine with bright acidity and high tannins. And, of course, climate, soil, and production play a big part in the wine’s outcome. The climate in Montalcino is warm and dry, typical Mediterranean weather. Vineyards are planted up to 500 meters in elevation, with north-facing slopes experiencing a cooler microclimate and more winds. In contrast, the southern and western-facing slopes are exposed to extreme sunlight and maritime breezes. The vines are planted in various soils such as limestone, clay, schist, volcanic soil, and galestro, which is schistous clay soil commonly found in most of Tuscany’s best vineyards. All these elements can contribute to the difference in quality, complexity, and character of the wine. Nestled amongst the hills in a setting worthy of a painting sits one of the original estates of Montalcino, Col D’Orcia, with a winemaking history that dates back to the 1700s. The estate’s name translates to “the hill overlooking the Orcia River” due to its position between the undulating hills of the Orcia River and Sant’Angelo in Colle.  Col d'Orcia estate. Photo courtesy of the estate. The estate was sold to the Cinzano family in 1973 and only had a few hectares of vineyards at the time of purchase. Count Francesco Marone Cinzano, who now owns and manages the estate, took over Col D’Orcia in 1992. He increased his father’s plantings from 70 hectares to 150+ hectares today. And 108 of those hectares are dedicated to Sangiovese. In 2010 they began the process of converting their vineyards to organic. By 2013 all wines were certified organic. And today, it is the largest certified organic vineyard in Tuscany and the third-largest owner of Brunello vineyards in Montalcino. The Count’s mission is to produce quality wines from these hills. He said, “Quality is the result of healthy fruit. We are not just winemakers; we are farmers. We grow grapes and practice biodiversity.” He pays his respect to mother nature and is always searching for excellence. His motivation to become organic was “not to change practices, but change the mindset of people by using a homeopathic and holistic approach; that is the greatest challenge to becoming organic. And the beauty of protecting this special environment is to pass it on to future generations.” As mentioned above, Brunello di Montalcino is made exclusively from the Sangiovese grape. DOCG Regulations require that Brunello di Montalcino age for a minimum of two years in oak wooden barrels and at least four months in bottle before release. The Riserva wine must age at least six months in bottle and is released a year later onto the market. And the wine can only be bottled in the location where it is produced.  At my most recent tasting we enjoyed three exceptional wines, all made with 100% Sangiovese grapes.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Brunello Di Montalcino DOCG 2017 Count Cinzano explained that due to a year of great drought and heat wave, there was a small harvest, and only this label was produced. The wine is aged three years in 25, 50, and 75 hl. Slavonian and French oak casks and a minimum of one year in bottle before release. (hl is a hectolitre and equal to 100 liters)  Nose: Floral, herbs, ripe red fruit, plum, and cherry notes. Palate: Lush red fruit with dark cherry, plum, baking spice, herbs, and licorice. Medium tannins with fresh acidity and a long finish. Alcohol: 14.5% SRP: $63.99 Brunello Di Montalcino Nastagio DOCG 2016 The grapes for this wine were harvested from a single vineyard. Count Cinzano said this wine is the best vintage in recent history and is not produced every year. Nastagio is a five-hectare single vineyard planted in 2006 and composed entirely of Sangiovese clones specially selected from research work in partnership with the University of Florence. The wine is aged the first year in tonneaux (5 hl), then subsequent years in large “botti,” followed by an additional 12 months in bottle.  Nose: Lush red fruit aromas, baking spice, tobacco, and a hint of earth. Palate: An expressive wine with balanced acidity and smooth tannins. Notes of plum, dark fruit, licorice, and spice with a playful, sweet, and savory finish lingering on the palate. Alcohol: 15% SRP: $89.99 Poggio Al Vento Brunello Di Montalcino Riserva DOCG 2015 The grapes for this wine are sourced from a single, seven-hectare vineyard planted in 1974 called Poggio al Vento, which means “windy hill.” The first vintage was produced in 1982. The sea winds and the special soils of marl and limestone influence the vines. This wine is only produced in the best vintages and is the icon of the estate. It is aged for three years in 25 and 75hl Slavonian and French oak barrels and then for three years refinement in bottle. This wine is the only Riserva the estate produces.  Harvest at Poggio Al Vento Nose: Beautiful and intense berry notes with spice, earth, tobacco, floral, and minerality.
Palate: Complex and well-structured, aromas segue onto the palate with rich red and dark fruit, herbs, anise, and firm tannins. A very long and satisfying finish. A remarkable wine! Alcohol: 15% SRP: $172.99 Count Cinzano said, “These are wines made to serve with food. It is the concept of drinkability and enjoying wines with food.” Here are a few food pairing suggestions for the above wines: Aged cheese, meat dishes, stews, game, tomato-based pasta, grilled veggies, grilled portobello mushrooms, risotto with truffles, and dark chocolate for dessert. Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com With snow in the forecast for many of us, it’s time to light a fire, prepare a hearty meal, and open a bottle of wine. So here are three palate-pleasing red wines to sip by the fire or enjoy with a meal. And if you’re basking in balmy weather. I’ve included a fresh and sassy white wine! But, of course, all four wines are great to drink any time of year!  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Abate Lugana DOC 2021 Lugana DOC is a small denomination located on the southern banks of Lake Garda, which crosses over both the Lombardy and Veneto regions in northern Italy. Lugana is renowned for its white wines and distinctive morainic terroir of penetrating humid clay soils and rich minerals deposited by the glacial moraines of thousands of years ago. The wines are naturally high in acidity with characteristic aromas of white flowers and citrus. Trebbiano (Turbiana) is this region’s signature white grape. The Abate family has been growing grapes here since 1920, but it wasn’t until generations later that they produced their first wine. Abate Wine was founded in 2018 and is owned by Sergio Abate. This wine is 100% Turbiana.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Floral, peach, apple, citrus, and minerality. Palate: White stone fruit, vibrant acidity, and minerality driven. Notes of lemon, a hint of herbs, and a creamy mouthfeel. Alcohol: 13% SRP: $10 Pairing suggestions: Enjoy as an aperitif, or serve with seafood, light appetizers, mushroom risotto, and salads. Casalforte Valpolicella Superiore DOC 2020 Riondo Winery, founded in 2008, is an offshoot of the cooperative consortium Collis Veneto Wine Group. Valpolicella is east of Lake Garda, situated in the province of Verona. Valpolicella produces the famous grape varieties Corvina, Rondinella, and Oseleta, and it is considered the most famous red wine area in Veneto. Valpolicella was given DOC status in the 1960s. Many styles are produced here, such as Classico, Superiore, Amarone, and Ripasso, and range from light and easy-drinking to powerful and complex wines. This wine is a blend of Corvina, Rondinella, Corvinone, and other grapes. It has been aged partly in stainless steel and partly in wood casks for 12 months.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Fragrant aromas of cherry, plum, baking spice, herbs, and hints of yeast. Palate: Rich and silky with cherry, blueberry, anise, vanilla, smooth tannins, and a long finish. Alcohol: 13% SRP: $15.99 Pairing suggestions: Grilled or roasted meat, game, creamy pasta, seared tuna, or aged cheese. Talosa Nobile Di Montepulciano Riserva DOCG 2017 Talosa is a boutique winery with 33 hectares located in the heart of Montepulciano in Tuscany and is owned by the Jacorossi family since 1972. Their historic aging cellar dates back to the 16th century. It is in the old town center of Montepulciano, in an underground area between two of the oldest buildings in the city, Palazzo Tarugi and Palazzo Sinatti. The brick passageways contain a series of vaults and niches where the barrels are placed. In 1980 Vino Nobile became one of the first four appellations given superior status of DOCG, along with Barolo, Brunello di Montalcino, and Barbaresco. This wine is 100% Sangiovese. After carefully selecting grapes, the fermentation time is about 20-25 days at controlled temperatures in stainless steel. The maturation is for three years in new oak tonneaux and 2nd passage, big barrels, and stainless steel. The finished wine continues to age in bottle for at least six months before release. It has an aging potential of over 15 years.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Rose petals, berries, cherry, baking spice, and earthy. Palate: Concentrated flavors of dark berries, plum, cherry, and spice. Silky tannins, nice acidity, and understated minerality. Elegant, bold, and structured with a long finish. Alcohol: 14.5% SRP: $38 Pairing suggestions: Beef, game, hearty stews, pasta, or vegetable pizza. Cuslanus Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG Classico Riserva 2015 Albino Armani Winery has been making wine since 1607. Today, the family project boasts five privately owned estates composed of 330 hectares of vineyards. The family vineyards are in three major Italian wine-growing regions: Veneto, Trentino, and Friuli-Venezia Giulia. Albino has a strong bond with the land and says, “Sustainability = Viticulture and Social Responsibility.” All of the Albino Armani vineyards since 2019 have been given the SQNPI certification. This national certification aims to help agricultural ecosystems monitor and reduce environmental impact, reducing the use of synthetic chemicals and rationalizing all agronomic practices such as fertilization and irrigation. This wine is a blend of Corvina, Corvinone, and Rondinella. The grapes are sourced from vineyards in the high hills of the Valpolicella Classico production area at 500 meters. After a careful selection in the vineyard, the grapes are put in trays and left to dry in a drying loft called “fruttaio,” located next to the winery. This “appassimento” process is very slow in order to support the concentration of sugar, structure, and aromas. In the first months of the year following the harvest, the grapes are gently pressed, and then a long and slow fermentation in contact with the skins takes place. After this, the wine is aged for a long time in big barrels and tonneaux until bottling. It is then released to the market after at least four years.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Lovely aromas of dark cherry, berries, spice, and a hint of earth.
Palate: Fine ripe fruit with cherry, red and dark berries, fennel, sweet spice, chocolate, and fine-grained tannins. An elegant and seductive wine. Alcohol: 15.5% SRP: $59.99 Pairing suggestions: Brisket, game, pasta, vegetable stew, truffle risotto, or sip and enjoy on its own. I hope these wines have piqued your interest. I’m ready to cozy up to a roaring fire with a glass of wine and a hearty stew! Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com Beginning with October and every month to follow, I will feature one wine and a pairing suggestion and recipe from the wine producer or winemaker. To get the ball rolling, I have two winners this month, both from Italy.  Photo credit: Apolo Photography San Felice Il Grigio Chianti Classico Gran Selezione DOCG 2017 San Felice estate is located in the heart of Chianti Classico in the commune of Castelnuovo Beradenga. With over 140 hectares of vineyards, 80% is devoted to Sangiovese, which is at the heart of their production. Their presence extends to the prestigious terroirs of Montalcino and Bolgheri as well. This wine is made with 80% Sangiovese, sourced from the estate’s top vineyards. The other 20% is a blend of native Tuscan varieties such as Abrusco, Pugnitello, Malvasia Nera, Ciliegiolo, and Mazzese. The wine is aged 24 months, 50% in large 60-100-hectoliter Slavonian oak casks and 50% in 225- and 500-liter French oak barriques. It is then aged in bottle for eight months.  Nose: Floral, juicy fruit, sour cherries, smoky wood, herbs, and spice. Palate: A beautiful and expressive wine with notes of plum, dark berries, and spice fused with elegance and subtlety and balanced with lush tannins and acidity. Hints of vanilla and sour cherry linger on a long finish. Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $38.99 Pairing Suggestions: Wild game, grilled meat, aged cheese, pasta, truffle risotto, or sip with a chocolate dessert. Winemaker Leonardo Bellaccini suggests the following recipe to pair with the wine, prepared by Borgo San Felice Executive Chef Juan Quintero.  MACARONI, BEURRE NOISETTE, MUSSELS, LAMB AND ANISE Time: 20 minutes Ingredients for four servings: Sauce 100g (3.5 oz) unsalted butter (for the beurre noisette or brown butter) 120g (4.2 oz) cleaned mussels (without the shell) 100ml (3.38 fl oz) of white wine 4 garlic cloves 2 tablespoons of anise seeds 100 ml (3.38 fl oz) of mussel water Garnish 160g (5.6 oz) Fatless lamb meat (loin) 2 Nori seaweed sheets 50ml (1.6 fl oz) olive oil Black pepper 300g (10.5 oz) High Quality “maccheroncini” (pasta) Preparation Open the mussels in a pan with white wine, garlic, and parsley. Cover, and after a couple of minutes, they will be open. Turn off the heat and remove the shell of the mussels and strain its water, preserving it. Separately melt the butter and let it cook until it turns brown; add the mussel water so the butter doesn’t get burned. Add the anise and the mussels, and turn off the heat. Blend until smooth. There is no need to add salt because the mussel water is salty enough. Cook the pasta in plenty of salted water, drain and then add to the cream of butter. For serving, chop the lamb meat like a classic tartare, then season with salt, oil, and pepper, and cover with nori seaweed. On the base of the plate, arrange the lamb with seaweed, and finally, serve the pasta on top. Donnafugata Floramundi Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG 2020 Donnafugata has five estates throughout Sicily, with one in Vittoria located in southeastern Sicily. It is in this special region where Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG is produced. It is considered one of the most noteworthy wines produced in Sicily and the only wine in Sicily with a DOCG status! The indigenous grapes Nero d’Avola and Frappato are the only varieties allowed in the blend.  Nose: Intense floral aromas envelop the senses with notes of violet, cherry, red berries, and spice that segue onto the palate. Palate: This is a fresh and juicy wine with personality. Hints of rose, strawberry, and spice linger on the finish. Soft tannins and a crisp finish add to the entertainment. Alcohol: 13% SRP: $30 Pairing Suggestions: Mature cheese, risotto, seared tuna, and calamari. Donnafugata suggests pairing the following recipe with Floramundi.  Swordfish with Citrus Fruit and Pistachios
Time: 20 minutes Difficulty: Intermediate Ingredients for four servings: 4 swordfish steaks, about 200 g (7 oz) each 1 bunch of wild fennel 2 cloves of garlic 1 chili pepper a handful of sultana raisins, another of pistachios orange juice and rind juice of one lemon 1 glass of white wine 0-type flour, butter Instructions Flour the swordfish steaks. In a slightly buttered pan, sauté the garlic and chili pepper. As soon as the garlic browns, remove it. Add the floured fish and sauté. Then add the white wine, sultana raisins, wild fennel, and minced orange peel. As soon as the wine evaporates, add the orange and lemon juice and a pinch of crushed pistachios. Cover and continue cooking; if necessary, add citrus juice. Serve with the reduced sauce and a handful of pistachios covering the fish, garnishing the platter with two orange slices. Enjoy! Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com Summer has ended, but autumn brings its magic with mother nature’s dramatic foliage display, crisp “sweater” weather, and a season filled with apple picking, pumpkin carving, and grape harvests!  Photo credit: Stephan-H With temperatures beginning to drop, I’m focusing on red wines a bit more. Of course, I’ll be drinking white and rosé wines all year long, but with cooler weather in the forecast, I predict red wines paired with stews and hearty soups will start to replace lighter fare. And who can resist sipping a lovely Pinot Noir, Tempranillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Carménère, or a Sangiovese from Chianti Classico? It’s a perfect way to welcome autumn. Here are seven palate-pleasing wines from Spain, California, Chile, Italy, and Oregon to pair with fall cuisine.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Bodegas Montecillo Reserva Rioja 2013 Bodegas Montecillo is Rioja Spain’s third-oldest winery and the second oldest in Rioja Alta, dating back over 150 years. This wine is a blend of 90% Tempranillo, 8% Garnacha, and 2% Mazuelo. It was aged for two years in handcrafted oak barrels followed by 18 months in bottle.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Juicy, red fruit, clove, herbs, and floral hints. Palate: Plum, cherry, baking spice, silky tannins, hints of cedar, and a touch of fennel on the finish. A fantastic wine for the price! Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $15 Pairing suggestions: Charcuterie, stews, hearty soups, grilled or braised meats and game, or seared tuna. Cune Organic Rioja 2020 CVNE (pronounced coo-nay) is an acronym for Compania Vinicola del Norte des Espana, and it is one of Rioja’s most iconic and historic wine producers. Two brothers founded the winery in 1879, and within six years, they began receiving international awards for their wines. The current owners are direct descendants and represent the fifth generation. This wine is a blend of 60% Garnacha, 30% Tempranillo, and 10% Graciano. It is aged for six months in oak barrels.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Floral, wild berries, herbs, and spice Palate: Juicy and fresh with aromas carrying through to the palate with cherry, anise, and spice notes. Delicious! Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $17 Pairing suggestions: Cheese platter, meats, pasta, risotto, or stews. Josh Cellars Lodi Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 Joseph Carr formed his own wine company in Napa Valley after spending a decade as a world-class sommelier and another decade as a wine industry executive. His dream was to have a family-owned winery, so in 2005 he began making wines under the label ‘Joseph Carr.” In 2007 Carr launched Josh Cellars as a tribute to his dad, Josh, who inspired and influenced the man Carr is today. “Every bottle of Josh Cellars wine produced honors and acknowledges his father.” In honor of his father, a volunteer firefighter in upstate NY, Carr created the “Lodi Cabernet Sauvignon” as a tribute. The winery donates $1 for every bottle of the Lodi Cab sold to either the National Volunteer Firefighter Council or local firefighter charities nationwide.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Dark cherry, berries, spice, and chocolate Palate: Dark berries mingle with cherry, plum, espresso, and baking spice- firm tannins and beautifully structured with a long finish. Alcohol: 14% SRP: $21.99 Pairing suggestions: Grilled meat, game, mushroom risotto, hearty soups, stews, or pumpkin chili. Viña Maquis Gran Reserva Cabernet Franc 2018 The Hurtado family, owns the Maquis estate, now in its fourth generation. Practicing sustainability, the grapes for this wine are sourced from vineyards in Colchagua Valley, Chile, where the winery is located. The blend for this wine is 90% Cabernet Franc, 7% Carménère, and 3% Petit Verdot. It is aged for 12 months in French oak barrels.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Red berries, floral notes, baking spice, and a bit earthy. Palate: Lush fruit with strawberry plum, cherry, herbs, and spice. Complex and rich, but not overpowering. Alcohol: 14% SRP: $24 Pairing suggestions: Barbecued ribs, seared tuna, spicy Asian cuisine, grilled or braised meat, stew., or glazed breast of duck. TerraNoble CA1 Andes 2018 TerraNoble, founded in 1993, is located in the Maule Valley of Chile. TerraNoble initially presented itself as a boutique winery specializing in Merlot. However, in 1994 Chilean Merlot was identified as Carménère, So, TerraNoble committed to this rediscovered variety. And since then, they have extended viticultural experimentation and innovative winemaking practices to the Colchagua and Casablanca valleys. The grapes for this 100% Carménère are handpicked from their best vineyard plots in the Colchagua Valley at the foot of the Andes. 70% of the wine was aged in new and previously used 300-L French oak barrels, and 30% in untoasted foudre for 12 months. It was then further aged for six months in bottle.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Lush dark fruit, spice, earth, dark coffee beans, and herbs. Palate: Dark berries, herbs, and spice blend with silky tannins that are nicely balanced with acidity. The finish is long, with dark chocolate, espresso, and a hint of herbs lingering. Alcohol: 14.5% SRP: $24.99 Pairing suggestions: TerraNoble suggests thick ribs, oven-roasted beef brisket, risotto, or seasoned foods. Querciabella Chianti Classico DOCG 2018 Querciabella was founded in 1974 with a commitment to quality, sustainability, and authenticity. Querciabella has continually sharpened its approach to biodynamic viticulture for over a decade. With vineyards throughout Tuscany’s Chianti Classico and Maremma areas, Querciabella exemplifies the respectful preservation of tradition through forward-thinking, albeit completely natural winemaking. This 100% Sangiovese wine is vegan. No animal products or byproducts are used in the production of this wine. It is aged for 12 months in fine to extra fine-grained oak barriques (225L) and tonneaux (500L) which 10% is new.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Floral, red cherry, red berries, baking spice, and a slight hint of licorice. Palate: This is a fine and silky wine that is fresh, juicy, vibrant, and elegant. Aromas segue onto the palate with hints of chocolate, plum, and sour cherry on the finish. Alcohol: 14.5% SRP: $33 Pairing suggestions: Classic Tuscan dishes, seared tuna, mushroom risotto, salmon burgers, or Asian cuisine. J. Christopher Volcanique Pinot Noir 2018 J. Christopher Winery is a small winery in northern Willamette Valley, Oregon, owned by well-known winemaker Erni Loosen, creator and owner of Germany’s Dr. Loosen and Villa Wolf estates. Following his passion for Pinot Noir, Erni set his sites on J. Christopher, eventually purchasing 40 acres and planting the Appassionata Vineyard. Ernie and his team are proactive when it comes to sustainability. Maintaining healthy soil and vines is a priority. The grapes for this 100% Pinot Noir cuvée are sourced from vineyards in Dundee Hills with volcanic soil. The wine is aged 18 months in barriques (25% new), with no fining or filtration.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Floral, cherry, red berries, cranberry, baking spice, and minerality.
Palate: Fresh, juicy, and elegant, with aromas spilling onto the palate along with notes of raspberry, pomegranate, and hints of oak and spice. Fine tannins and a silky mouthfeel add to this dry and savory wine. Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $40 Pairing suggestions: Grilled meat, barbecued chicken, veal marsala, casseroles, stews, or pizza. Enjoy and happy autumn! Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at wineknittercomments@gmail.com |
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