|
Join The WineKnitter in exploring the world of Wine, Spirits, Food, Travel and much more! |
|
It is an intriguing name for a wine, ‘The Paring.’ And if seen on a wine shelf, it is rather hard to walk by this collection of wines without checking them out.  Photo courtesy of The Paring The brand was created by winemaker, Matt Dees whose focus and intent was to produce a line of wines that would complement a multitude of foods, from decadent feasts to casual fare. And, he succeeded. The knife depicted on the label is a paring knife, a versatile knife known for its infinite number of kitchen uses that no respectable chef would be without. The paring knife is a clever logo for these wines.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss In a nutshell, Matt Dees, who is in his early forties, was born in Kansas City, studied plant and soil science in Vermont, where he helped kick start a winery, and then returned to Kansas for a short time to work at another winery. He eventually worked as a winemaker for Staglin Family Vineyard in Napa and Craggy Range in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand. However, his chance to really shine came in 2004 when he took on the position as winemaker for JONATA, The Hilt, and The Paring in Santa Barbara County, owned by billionaire Stanley Kroenke. Kroenke also happens to own Screaming Eagle and the Los Angelos Rams.  Matt Dees, Winemaker Photo credit: The Paring JONATA is their premium wine and is based in Ballard Canyon in the Santa Ynez Valley. The Hilt, a more moderately priced brand, is located in the Sta. Rita Hills. The wines for The Paring, created in 2006, are a cut from each estate and produced from AVA vineyard blocks that are either too young or don’t fit into the vintage style of JONATA and The Hilt wines. The grapes for The Paring are sourced primarily from three Santa Barbara regions on the vanguard: Santa Ynez Valley, Sta. Rita Hills, and Santa Maria Valley. Here are three of The Paring wines sent to me for review. These wines are produced with minimal intervention out of the belief that “90% of the winemaking happens in the vineyard.” They are a true expression of Californias style wines.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss The Paring Sauvignon Blanc 2019
100% Sauvignon Blanc aged in 1/3 new French oak, 1/3 neutral French oak, and 1/3 stainless steel tanks for ten months. This wine is unfined and unfiltered. Beautiful notes of melon, white stone fruit, and citrus segue onto the palate with refreshing acidity and a touch of lemon zest. Texture, depth, and character define this wine. Enjoy as an aperitif or pair with spicy cuisine, grilled fish, or bbq chicken. Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $25 The Paring Syrah 2018 Grapes for this 100% Syrah are sourced from the Santa Ynez Valley. The wine is aged in French oak, 35% new, and 65% neutral for 22 months. This wine is unfined and unfiltered. This wine is all that you would expect of a Syrah. The nose offers violet notes, dark berries, and pepper. A lush palate of juicy dark berries, earth, baking spice, and pepper are accompanied by silky tannins and a long finish. Fire up the grill and be confident that anything you cook, this wine will pair well with. Alcohol: 14.5% SRP: $25 The Paring Red 2017 This Bordeaux style wine is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc, 20% Merlot and 10% Petit Verdot. It is aged in French oak, 55% new, and 45% neutral for 22 months. It is unfined and unfiltered. Lovely aromas of dark fruit, herbs, and earth set the stage for this smooth and structured wine. A rich, multi-layered palate of lush ripe fruit, dark plum, spice, anise, tobacco, and cocoa add character to a delicious experience and palate-pleasing wine. Pair with appetizers, cheese, grilled meat, fish, stews, and vegetables. Alcohol: 14.1% SRP: $25 These are expressive and all-around wines for the price tag. I’m impressed! Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected] It is no secret that I love Riesling, especially German Riesling. So it is a touch ironic that my first trip to Germany brought me to the beautiful Franken wine region where Riesling only plays a minor role in production. Riesling is a late-harvest grape, and because Franken experiences typical continental weather with warm, dry summers and long cold winters, the risk of frost damage to the grapes is significant. The most favorable conditions for growing Riesling are moderately warm summers, adequate rainfall amounts during vegetation, and a long ripening period allowing the grapes to develop and retain their fruity acidity.  Ripe Riesling clusters. Photo credit: Zilliken Estates My return trip to Germany was supposed to be an in-depth exploration of the Mosel wine region and its mouth-watering Rieslings. However, it was not to be, with travel put on hold for the past year, and then some. Not to be deterred, I recently had the pleasure of chatting virtually with four Mosel wine producers, sampled their expressive wines, and added their thoughts to my reviews. It was the next best thing to being there! Riesling is Germany’s most celebrated grape variety. With thirteen wine regions and over 102,000 hectares of vineyards, Germany boasts the world’s largest vineyard area of 23,000 hectares dedicated to Riesling! Riesling was first documented in 1435 in the Rheingau region and soon after that in Mosel. More than half of all the vineyard areas in the Mosel, Rheingau, and Mittelrhein are planted with Riesling.  Riesling is a white aromatic grape capable of producing vastly diverse wines depending on the type of soil, altitude and microclimate. The wines range in style from bone-dry to succulently sweet and from table wines to high-quality collectibles. These wines are usually variety labeled and classified by ripeness and the level of sugar in the grape juice called “must weight”. There are two classification systems in Germany: the traditional system and modern VDP (Verband Deutscher Prädikatsweingüter) systems developed in the 21st century to reflect climate change. VDP is not part of the official German wine law. With the VDP system, the quality of the wine is based upon its origin (terroir). Its purpose is to highlight the value of the best vineyard sites in Germany. For this article, we will explore the traditional system. The traditional system has four quality categories: Deutscher Wein (a table wine category) small quantities are produced. Landwein A protected geographical indication. At least 85% of these grapes must originate in the region named on the label. It is typically dry or off-dry. Qualitätswein (QbA) A protected designation of origin and accounts for the majority of German wines. 100% of the grapes must originate from one district inside the 13 wine regions. Prädikatswein In addition to the same rules that apply to the Qualitätswein category, the Prädikatswein category indicates a superior quality wine with strict requirements. Within the traditional system, Riesling is also divided into levels of ripeness that the grapes have achieved by the time they are harvested. These levels are: Kabinett Light dry to off-dry, low alcohol. Grapes are harvested during the regular season. Spätlese Late harvest wines. More intense in flavor and concentration Auslese Noble wines are usually but not always sweet. It is made from hand-selected bunches of very ripe grapes and can only be made in the best years with enough warm weather. Beerenauslese made from overripe grapes usually infected with noble rot. Each berry is hand-picked. It is known for rich and sweet dessert wines. Trockenbeerenauslese These are rich, sweet, honey-like wines. Grapes are overripe, shriveled, hand-selected, and usually infected with noble rot. Eiswein made from overripe grapes that have frozen on the vine. Grapes are harvested only under exact weather conditions and pressed while frozen. Mosel  Map of Mosel Mosel wine region is a cool-climate region and the most famous of the 13 wine regions in Germany. It is renowned for its terraced vineyards and age-worthy Rieslings. Mosel has one of the coolest climates of the major German wine regions. The vineyards here enjoy a continental climate with warm summers and long growing seasons, contributing to the grapes ripening and help create heightened flavors and low alcohol levels. Mosel expands over 8,800 hectares with the beautiful Mosel River snaking its way through the region. Many of the vineyards are located alongside the river and are among the steepest in Germany and the world! With half averaging a slope of over 30 degrees and reaching inclines of 60 to 70 degrees, it is quite breathtaking! The Bremmer Calmont, which is the steepest vineyard in Europe, is located here. Needless to say, tending the vineyards is labor-intensive and can be dangerous.  Photo courtesy of Fritz Haag Mosel is referred to in three sections: Upper Mosel, Middle (Mittelmosel) Mosel, and Lower Mosel, with most of the vineyards located in Middle Mosel. Within these three sections are six areas with approximately 5,446 hectares of Riesling planted. Red and blue slate dominate the soil here, with greywacke, sandy, gravelly, and shell-limestone found throughout the six areas. Without further ado, let me introduce (in no particular order) four remarkable wine producers in Mosel. Weingut Fritz Haag Fritz Haag is a small family estate established in 1605 and located in the heart of Middle Mosel in the village of Brauneberg. One of several Mosel legends, the winery is noted for its Rieslings’ extreme purity and mineral intensity. Wilheim Haag, who guided the estate to a world-renowned reputation and was the first to be the recipient of the “Winemaker of The Year” award in 1994, sadly passed away in 2020. His son Oliver, the 12th generation, took over the reins for his father in 2005 and is now the estate owner.  Oliver Haag – Photo credit: Fritz Haag Fritz Haag has 24 hectares of vineyards (all exclusively planted to Riesling) that include the world-renowned vineyards “Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr” and “Brauneberg Juffer.” The combination of the deep slate soils and superb micro-climate of both vineyards make up the foundation for some of the most elegant and intensely flavored Riesling wines of the Mosel region. Many of the vineyards are 25-30 years old, with some parcels, especially in the heart of the Brauneberger Juffer-Sonnenuhr, are over 50-80 years old. In addition to his formal school training to become a winemaker, Oliver worked at many estates throughout Germany, South Africa, and Madeira, Portugal, before returning to his family estate. “I learned a lot. But most of my education is from drinking wine, learning, and drinking!” Tell me about your family estate. Oliver: We are a family estate that produces wines from our vineyards. It is essential for us to know where our grapes come from and focus on making high-quality wines. We invest our time in producing wines that have a long potential life. How has climate change impacted your vineyards? Oliver: It is getting warmer and drier, with extreme weather patterns. Rain comes in shorter periods with more intense storms. We must pay attention, take care of erosion, and make sure the vines get enough water during dry spells. We must pick the grapes at the right time, ripe but not overripe, only healthy grapes. Most importantly, we must select, select, select! And we have to be more effective in the winery. What is your take on the 2020 vintage? Oliver: Considering the extreme weather with a warm and dry summer, 2020 was uncomplicated, not stressful, and the harvest was slow. We needed to make sure that the grapes didn’t get sunburn, but in general, the grapes were very healthy. For the drier wines, we picked a little earlier to get the acidity and freshness. 2020 is a classic vintage with a lot of finesse and elegance in the wines, not as much acidity, but smoother and rounder. Do you have a favorite style of Riesling? Oliver: No, it all depends on my mood! Riesling is so interesting, and the different faces are so nice. The many styles offer a wonderful palate of different fruits, very classic wines!  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Fritz Haag Estate Riesling 2019 The grapes are harvested from steep slate-soil vineyards and made in an off-dry style. It is light and refreshing with notes of peach, citrus, minerality, and hints of floral. Oliver says, “Not really dry, not really sweet…it’s in the middle. A tri-style wine with wonderful fruit, refreshing, with lively and crisp acidity. It is easy drinking.” Alcohol: 11% SRP: $20 Fritz Haag Brauneberger Juffer Riesling Kabinett 2019 The grapes are harvested early from the dramatic steep Brauneberg hillside vineyard. This Riesling is delicious and lively with notes of floral, lemon, peach, and racy acidity. Oliver says, “This is our business card. It is very fine. A wonderful balance of sweetness, acidity, and freshness. Great aging potential of up to 30 years, but fun to drink now.” Alcohol: 8.5% SRP: $26 Weingut Maximin Grünhaus Maximin Grünhaus is a legendary and historic estate located in the Ruwer region of Mosel. The estate dates back to Roman times, with evidence of winemaking even then. Until the end of the 18th century, it was managed by the Abbey of Saint Maximin. Today, it is managed by the sixth generation, Maximin von Schubert, who told me that he has been working in the vineyards since he was six years old.  Maximin Von Schubert. Photo credit: Maximin Grünhaus The estate has 77 acres of vineyards, of which Riesling occupies 91%. The estate lies at the foot of a long and steep south-facing slope on the bank of the tiny Ruwer river. This river is located about 2 kilometers (1.25 miles) from the Mosel River, where they join. The land is divided into three vineyards, each with a distinct terroir that reflects the unique character of the wines produced here. Bruderberg is the smallest of three vineyards and once upon a time provided wine for the monks. These wines tend to be very spicy with a rustic slate-mineral quality. The Herrenberg vineyard was once used to make special wines for the Abbey’s choirmasters. It sits on 40 acres and benefits from deep soils, good water retention, and a base of red Devonian slate. The Abtsberg vineyard is the estate’s finest site. It covers 35 acres, of which parts have been planted with vines of over 1,000 years. Wines from this vineyard were served at the table of the Abbot (Abt). The slope of the vineyard reaches a 70% gradient with a subsoil of blue Devonian slate. These wines are finely structured with subtle minerality, generous fruit, racy acidity, but delicate. They are considered one of the longest-lived Rieslings of the region. I asked Maximin for his take on climate change. Maximin: There are many impacts. We have weeks of dryness in the late summer and then heavy rain. The warmer, wetter climate brings new diseases, taking probably 1% of the vines each year. Harvest is about three weeks earlier than compared to my childhood. With warmer harvests, the challenge is in keeping grapes healthy until the end of harvest. Maximin’s thoughts on the 2020 vintage. Maximin: It was a beautiful spring, with very few workers due to Covid. We had a dry summer, but otherwise perfect. Harvest began with a beautiful Pinot and Sekt harvest, then lots of rain for 12 days, but a beautiful three-week finish to the season. I love Maximin’s answer to my question about his favorite style of Riesling. Maximin: I would prefer, ‘What Rieslings don’t you like?’, that would be easier to answer! I love Riesling when it’s multi-layered, acidity-driven, elegant, fine, clear, and fresh. I love Riesling when it’s dry or off-dry, or when it’s sweet or noble sweet, paired with tension and acidity.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Maximin Grünhaus Monopol 2019 The grapes for this wine are sourced from younger vines in both the Herrenberg and Abtsberg vineyards. The 2019 vintage brought meager yields due to a severe May frost, losing 50% of the harvest. What remained became a beautiful, fresh and pure Riesling. It is mineral-driven and crisp with notes of melon, white stone fruit, and a touch of herbs. Maximin says, “This is the entrance gate to Maximin Grünhaus dry Rieslings. It will be called Schloss Riesling from 2020 on. It is pure Riesling joy, elegant, spicy, racy, and that’s only the entry-level.” Alcohol: 12% SRP: $22 Maximin Grünhaus Herrenberg Kabinett 2019 Grapes for this wine are sourced from the Herrenberg vineyard. As noted with the previous wine, 50% of the harvest was lost due to a devastating May frost. The wine presents with delicate and juicy notes of peach, soft lemon, apricot, and spice. Very fresh, clean, and a perfect balance of minerality and acidity. Maximin says, “Dancingly elegant, pure deep slaty style, with the typical herbal, spicy character, perfect acidity. Food pairing won’t be possible because you will finish the bottle before eating!” Alcohol: 7.5% SRP: $34 Maximin Grünhaus Abtsberg Riesling GG 2018 Grapes are harvested from the Abtsberg vineyard from vines that average 40-year-old. The soil here is predominately blue slate. Due to its steep slopes and south-facing exposure, it is the warmest site at Grünhaus. GG stands for Grosses Gewächs, the German term for a dry wine from a Grosse Lage (grand cru) vineyard. This is a beautifully structured wine. Notes of apple, apricot, peach, minerality, lemon custard, and vibrant acidity dance around the palate. This wine will age well. Maximin says, “An Abtsberg classic of this hot summer of 2018. Even though it has been hot, we can still keep this elegance and salty mineral clearness with a structure influenced by the warm year. Superb dry wine.” Alcohol: 13% SRP: $70 Dr. Loosen The Dr. Loosen estate has been in the same family for over 200 years. Ernst (Erni) Loosen, owner and 5th generation, is considered one of the most iconic and influential Riesling producers in the world today. Since taking ownership in 1988, the estate has grown substantially. With vines that are up to 140 years old in his top sites, Erni has transformed the vineyards by restricting crop size, prohibiting chemical fertilization, demanding strict fruit selection and gentle cellar practices. Erni studied winemaking and viticulture at the University of Geisenheim and archeology at the University of Mainz.  Ernst (Erni) Lossen Photo courtesy of Dr. Loosen The Dr. Loosen estate is located in the village of Bernkastel in the heart of the Mosel Valley. All of the estate’s ten major vineyards are designated as Grosse Lage (grand cru). The prevalent soil types here are blue slate, red slate, and red volcanic sandstone.  Dr. Loosen Estate. Photo credit: Dr. Loosen Erni has used climate change to his advantage. Erni: Due to climate change, we’ve seen an average of higher ripeness of 1 to 1.5 potential alcohol sugar ripeness compared to an average sugar ripeness of 9 to 10 potential alcohol 30 years ago. That makes a total nowadays of 10.5 – 12 potential alcohol sugar ripeness, which is still low compared to wines in the New World or South of Europe. We are quite happy that we have a little more ripeness, giving us a great chance to make excellent dry wines with not too high alcohol. Do you prefer a particular style of Riesling? Erni: I love the dry GG (Grand Cru vineyard) wines produced 12 to 24 months in the barrel on the full yeast without batonnage. I love these traditional fruity style Riesling Kabinett wines – especially with some age of 10 to 15 years. Would you like to share a thought or story? Erni: “A great wine begins in your head.” What I mean by this is that if you do not go out and try what the great producers of the world are doing, then you may not know what great is. You first need to experience what great is, and then you can formulate in your head where you stand and where you need to be. For me, great wines need to be able to age, and to achieve this goal; I need to plan in advance how to get there; what needs to be done in the vineyard, when to harvest, what fermentation method, how long, and in what type of vessel to age the wine and the list goes on. Without a vision and experience, I think it is nearly impossible to make great wine.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Dr. Loosen Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett 2019 Grapes for this wine are sourced from the famous “sundial” vineyard in the village of Wehlen. The classic blue slate soil gives the wines a delicate, crisp acidity. The wine is fresh, aromatic, and light with white stone fruit, lemon, and minerality. It is a perfect off-dry Riesling with a nice balance of salinity on the finish. Erni says, “What the Ürziger Würzgarten is to Spätlese, the Wehlener Sonnenuhr is to Kabinett. This is the prototypical Mosel Kabinett. This vineyard has breath-taking slopes and stunning blue slate soil. It is a perfect welcome drink.” Alcohol: 8.5% SRP: $28 Dr. Loosen Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Spätlese 2019 This is a late harvest wine with a few extra weeks of hang time. Grapes are harvested from the incredibly steep Ürziger Würzgarten vineyard with volcanic sandstone soil. It is called the “spice garden” vineyard because it produces wines with exotic, spicy aromas and tropical fruit flavors. Up to 130-year-old vines can be found here. This wine is sumptuous, juicy, and bursting with crisp acidity. Erni says, “Truly a desert island Spätlese if I had to choose one vineyard for this style of wine to be stranded with. It is tropical, spicy, layered, and complex, with beautiful sweetness balanced by an elegant finish. If there were Thai food on the desert island, this would be a perfect pairing. Drink this wine young for enjoyable primary fruit flavors and aromas, or lay it down for 20 years for an amazing experience!” Alcohol: 8% SRP: $34 Dr. Loosen Erdener Treppchen GG 2018 Due to the iron-infused, red slate soil in the Erdener Treppchen vineyard, these wines are muscular and complex, with an intense mineral finish. According to Dr. Loosen, the vineyard is so steep that a long time ago, stone steps were built into the hillside to help workers reach the vines. This wine is kept on the full lees for one year before bottling, allowing for greater texture. Although this is a dry wine, the juiciness of Riesling comes through, delivering peach, citrus, green apple, and lots of minerality and crisp acidity. Erni says, “Old vines, steep slopes, red slate soil combined with winemaking techniques from over 100 years ago help make this wine truly unique; racy and mineral, but still balanced with a juiciness that makes you want to have another glass.” Alcohol: 12.5% SRP: $54 Weingut Zilliken Weingut Zilliken is a highly regarded family-owned and run estate that dates back to 1742. Located in the Saar Valley, Zilliken is known for its premium quality Rieslings. After a 1944 bombing raid that destroyed the estate and cellar, Marianne Geltz, the owner, with tenacious energy, continued the family wine-growing tradition. She married Fred Zilliken in 1947, and from that point on, the estate was referred to as Forstmeister Geltz-Zilliken. The Zilliken cellar is the deepest in the Saar Valley, extending three stories below ground! The depth creates ideal natural conditions of 100% humidity and a constant temperature around 52 degrees. Their vineyards, of which two are Grosse Lage, are devoted to 100% Riesling. They make Estate, Village, and Grosse Lage wines.  Photo credit: Zilliken Winemaker and owner Dorothee Zilliken is the 11th generation. She studied viticulture and oenology at the University of Applied Science in Geisenheim and worked at some well-known estates in Germany, France, and South Africa. She and her husband, Hanno, work together with her parents, benefiting from their experience.  Dorothee in the vineyard. Photo credit: Zilliken Dorothee talks about the impact of climate change. Dorothee: One of the big topics of the future of the vineyards is the availability of water needed at the right time. Since the vintage 2003, we are covering all our vineyards with mulch – as a natural fertilizer, so all the rain = falling during the year is captured in the soil. The big advantage for the vines is to have enough water to find all the [nutrients] with their roots and to be able to build up some acidity. What is your take on the 2020 harvest season? Dorothee: I really love the 2020 vintage because it is again a very classical Saar-vintage with all its inimitable elegance and finesse. Like usual, the harvest season is the time of the year to be so tired because you have to work so hard and also physically so hard, but it is also the time of the year when you are full of motivation because day-by-day you see and taste what it is all for. A great feeling you can’t describe. I have asked everyone what their favorite style of Riesling is. And, you? Dorothee: My favorite style of Riesling is showing me all the advantages of a perfect white wine: expressive but with finesse, elegance, and filigree; long-lasting but weightless; fresh and deep, mineral, focused, loving the playful youth and the deep, rich (sometimes smoky) age. Animating, so you are looking forward to the next glass…  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Zilliken Rausch Kabinett Riesling 2019
The grapes for this wine are harvested from the Rausch vineyard, a Grosse Lage site. It is known for its gray slate and greenish volcanic rock, which keeps the soil well-drained and adds a focused mineral edge to the wines. Wines from this vineyard can age well for decades. This Kabinett is characterized by a delicate palate of floral, honeydew melon, peach, herbs, minerality, and vibrant acidity. It is elegant. Dorothee says,“It’s like eating a big bowl of fruit salad with a lot of melons in it. So juicy and fruity that it makes your mouth water. Besides all this fruitiness, there is elegance, finesse, and only 8.5% alcohol, so you really can ENJOY the bottle now or in the next 20 years.” Alcohol: 8.5% SRP: $44 Zilliken Rausch Spätlese Riesling 2019 This is another outstanding wine from the Rausch vineyard. It is a stunning late-harvest wine with juicy layers of citrus, tropical fruit, and white stone fruit that fuse with minerality and crisp acidity. A refreshing finish with a hint of lemon zest begs for another sip! Dorothee says, “It shows a lot of tropical fruits like mango, passion fruit, and a hint of pineapple. Very animated. It’s great in combination with cheese, as an aperitif, or in combination with hot and spicy cuisine. Enjoy now and the next 25 years.” Alcohol: 8% SRP: $64 I’ll end this article with some shared thoughts from Dorothee. Dorothee: For me, there are not many professions in the world that are so sensual. You can see every year what your soil and your vineyards can achieve. You can accompany the growth of the vines, the leaves, and the berries. You can harvest them at the right time and enjoy this climax of the vegetation period, given as a present by nature! It is knowing how to work with some tools of the trade that my grandfather used to work with (for example, our oak barrels). It is the ability to benefit from my family’s great experiences and be allowed to think about the future. I can take the strength of nature and family for nature and family and take in every breath and sip of these Rieslings… Until next time… Cheers! Penina This story was originally published on Santé Magazine. To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected] Cava and chocolate truffles, why not?  Photo credit: Penny Weiss There is no lack of wine samples and other goodies that arrive at my doorstep daily. But when I received a sampling of Cava Sparkling wines in very festive bottles, I just had to pair them with a sample box of chocolate truffles.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Vilarnau is a small, handcrafted cava house. It is located just outside of Barcelona in Spain’s Catalonia region, where high-quality cavas are produced. The Vilarnau family settled here in the 12th century, with their country home surrounded by grapevines. The first cava labeled Vilarnau was made in 1949 from grapes grown on the family’s estate. Today, the estate is part of González Byass, a family-owned collection of wineries founded in 1835. Cava sparkling wine is made using the Méthode Traditionnelle, the same method used in the Champagne district of France, where the second fermentation takes place in the bottle. The three main grapes used in cava production are Macabeu, Parellada, and Xarel.lo. Vilarnau Brut Reserva NV, DO Cava This cava is a blend of 50% Macabeo, 35% Parellada, and 15% Xarel.lo. Aging is over 15 months on the lees. Nose: Pronounced aromas of pear, apple, stone fruit, and lemon. Palate: Beautiful apple, stone fruit and pear notes continue with floral and long, persistent bubbles. It is creamy and rich, with a hint of lemon and biscuits lingering on the finish. Alcohol: 11.5% SRP: $14.99 Vilarnau Rosé Delicat Brut Reserva NV, DO Cava This cava is a blend of 85% Garnacha and 15% Pinot Noir. Aging is over 15 months on the lees. Nose: Vibrant aromas of floral, ripe red berries, and a hint of cherry. Palate: It has a fresh and creamy mouthfeel with fine bubbles and layers of strawberry, raspberry, citrus, and a touch of brioche. Alcohol: 12% SRP: $15.99 Delysia Chocolatier is an artisan chocolate company based in Austin, Texas. Chef-owner and Chocolatier Nicole Patel has been handcrafting chocolate truffles since the company was founded in 2008. Nicole was named 2020’s Best Chocolatier in the Americas. I received a box of the “Love You Mom” 16-piece limited edition chocolate truffle assortment. I admit I am a confessed chocoholic and quite critical of chocolate confections. And to put it mildly, my palate is still singing from tasting these handcrafted beauties! They are amazing!  The “Love You Mom” assortment includes: Lemon curd apricot chocolate truffles made with infused sweet wine, grated lemon, and apricot. Rose orange blossom chocolate truffles infused with orange blossom, a hint of rose, and caramel. Raspberry rose petal chocolate truffles made with English rosehips, hibiscus, and tart raspberry. Spiced lemon earl grey chocolate truffles made with citrus, baking spices, tea, and currents. Price: $55.95 To quote Delysia.com, “We use only the finest quality chocolate from sustainable sources and freshest ingredients to create something unique, something memorable, something remarkable.” Check out their website. Products are only available online. Whether you are celebrating Mother’s Day, springtime, graduations, or a “just because” moment, these bubbles and truffles are a festive way to go! Until next time... Cheers! Penina This story was originally published on Santé Magazine. To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected]
Leave it to Terlato Wines to give you seats behind home plate from the comfort of your living room!  Photo courtesy of Chicago Cubs It was quite a treat to receive a sample of their Limited Edition ‘The Federalist Cabernet Sauvignon 2018, a Yeti cocktail tumbler, a tin of Garrett popcorn, and a collectible Federalist baseball.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss The Federalist is a wine brand created by wine producer Terlato Wines, launched in 2010. It features a range of wines sourced from several AVAs such as Lodi, Sonoma County, and North Coast in California. All the wines are cellared and bottled by Federalist Vineyards. The Federalist pays homage to the Founding Fathers, Statue of Liberty, and the American Bald Eagle with etched portraits on each bottle. “Born from the virtues of every forward-thinking, hard-working, red-blooded American, this is The Federalist. This Is American Craft Wine.” And what better way to honor a national pastime? Turlato wines’ The Federalist has teamed up with the Chicago Cubs and will be offering their wines at stadium concession stands and restaurants during baseball season. Or you can buy a bottle of The Federalist and watch baseball from the comfort of home.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss The Federalist Lodi Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 The wine is rich and flavorful with dark fruit notes, plum, baking spice, and smoke. It is well-balanced with smooth tannins and a long finish. Alcohol: 13.9% SRP: $23.99 However you decide to participate in the MLB 2021 season, please be smart and stay safe!  Photo courtesy of Chicago Cubs Until next time…
Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected] It doesn’t matter what time of year it is when it comes to sipping rosé wines. But, a chilled glass of rosé in hand during the warmer months is quite divine! The spring and summer seasons always bring stunning blooms bursting with an array of colors and seductive fragrances. Not to be outdone by mother nature, rosé wines are made in various styles, enticing aroma and alluring shades of pink. And the bottles tend to be beautiful as well. With so many choices on the market, one might be inclined to start a rosé garden!  Photo credit: Penny Weiss In its simplest terms, wine gets its color from the skin of grapes, and there are several methods of achieving this with rosé wine. Limited Skin Maceration Rosé wine is produced from red grapes with limited skin contact during maceration. After harvest, the grapes are crushed, and the juice is allowed time on the skins, which could be just a few hours or up to a week. The less time spent on the skins, the lighter the color of the wine will be. The longer the maceration, the darker and more flavorful the rosé will tend to be. After maceration, the juice is drawn off, and fermentation of the wine begins. Direct Press With this method, the grapes are pressed to remove the skins (such as with white wines), and juice is immediately drawn off, only allowing the juice to contact the skins for a very short time. This process produces some of the lightest-hued rosés. Winemakers often use this method for darker-skinned grapes. Saignée Method This method is also referred to as the “bleeding” method. It was originally a method used to make concentrated red wines. With this technique, red wines are vinified using a standard process, but in the early stages of maceration, the winemaker will “bleed” some of the red wine juice from the tank and then vinify it separately as a rosé. Saignée rosés are richer, darker, and more flavorful. Some winemakers like to age their Saignée rosés in oak barrels. The variety of grapes used, the regions, production techniques, and harvest year all play a significant role in these wines’ style, color, and flavor. Rosé wines can range from delicate to rich, extra-dry to sweet, simple tank fermentation to barrel-fermented, and runs the spectrum of diverse flavors such as light citrus to deeper, fruitier wines. For many consumers, buying rosé wine is motivated by the “pink” wine in a pretty bottle that complements the care-free months of warm weather. For others, it is the country, region, style, and grape variety that influences their purchase. Here are a few pretty shades of pink in both still and sparkling style that I hope inspire you to start your rosé garden!  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Still Rosés  Photo credit: Penny Weiss France Château Puech-Haut Tête de Bélier Rosé AOP Languedoc 2019 The grape blend for this rosé is 99% Mourvédre and 1% Grenache, sourced from Languedoc-Saint Drezery vineyards. Aroma: Citrus, strawberry, floral, and a touch of minerality Palate: Lovely layers of fresh berries, notes of exotic fruit, citrus, and spice. A complex wine with a generous mouthfeel and long finish. Alcohol: 14.1% SRP: $34 Jean-Luc Colombo Cape Bleue Rosé 2020 This is a blend of 67% Syrah and 33% Mourvédre. Grapes are sourced from vineyards in the hills above the bay of Marseille, next to Provence. The saignée method is used, and then the wine juice is fermented in stainless steel tanks for three weeks. Aroma: Rose petals, raspberry, white stone fruit, and watermelon Palate: Crisp and refreshing with notes of raspberry, peach, minerality, and a touch of sour cherry. Alcohol: 12.5% SRP: $14.99 Côté Mas Aurore Rosé Pays d’Oc IGP 2020 Domaines Paul Mas is located in Languedoc, where 20% of the estate vineyards are farmed organically, with the rest farmed using sustainable practices. This rosé is a blend of 50% Grenache, 30% Cinsault 10% Syrah, and 10% Vermentino. The bottle is very eye-catching with its colorful label! Aroma: Floral, strawberry, cherry, and a hint of melon Palate: Ripe red fruit with lush berries and nice acidity with a mineral edge on the finish. Alcohol: 14.2% SRP: $13.99 Spain Inazio Urruzola Getariako Txakolina Rosé DO 2019 This estate is located in the heart of Basque country. The wine is a blend of two indigenous grapes, 50% Hondarr Abi Zuri and 50% Hondarr Abi Beltza. Aroma: Floral, fresh berries, and green apple Palate: Juicy fruit, berries, ruby grapefruit, Vibrant acidity balanced with minerality. Quite refreshing. Alcohol: 10.5% SRP: $20 Italy Bertani Bertarose IGT 2020 The historic Bertani winery is located in the Veneto region of Italy. This rosé is made with 75% Molinaro and 25% Merlot. Grapes are sourced from hillside vineyards above Lake Garda. Grapes are vinified separately, with only the Molinaro having skin contact. The blend is then aged in stainless steel tanks for about three months on the lees. Aroma: Floral, red and dark fruit, pomegranate, and grapefruit. Palate: White flowers, ruby grapefruit, strawberry, and a hint of cherry. Lovely balance between acidity and salinity. Alcohol: 12% SRP: $19.99 Planeta Sicilia DOC Rosé 2020 Planeta has vineyard locations in five territories spread throughout Sicily with six boutique wineries. The grapes for this rosé were sourced from Dispensa Estate in Menfi (western Sicily) and is a blend of 50% Nero d’Avola and 50% Syrah. Aroma: Floral, red berries, melon Palate: Berries, white stone fruit. A refreshing, dry wine with crisp acidity and hints of minerality and salinity. Alcohol: 12.5% SRP: $19.99 Austria Pratsch Niederösterreich Rosé 2020 This wine is made from 100% Zweigelt grapes sourced from organic vineyards in the Weinviertel region bordering Vienna. Aroma: Strawberry, hints of citrus Palate: A delicate and dry rosé with flavors of pear, strawberry, and juicy white stone fruit. Refreshing acidity and lemon zest on the finish Alcohol: 11.5% SRP: $13 Argentina Susana Balbo Signature Rosé 2020 Sourced from Valle de Uco in Mendoza, this rosé is a blend of 60% Malbec and 40% Pinot Noir. Grapes are fermented in stainless steel tanks for 20 days. Aroma: Ripe berries, cherry, citrus, and a hint of minerality Palate: Aromas continue onto the palate with notes of strawberry. Fresh, vibrant, and juicy. Alcohol: 13% SRP: $20 Sparkling Rosés Sparkling rosés are available in a variety of styles produced around the world. They are made in either the traditional method, where the second fermentation takes place in the bottle, or the tank (Charmat) method, where the second fermentation occurs in a steel tank. Sparkling wines go by different names depending on country/region/appellation of origin, such as: Champagne and Crémant – France Sekt – Germany Cava – Spain Prosecco – Italy  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Crémant De Bourgogne Rosé NV Brut AOC This wine is produced by Prosper Maufoux, located in the south of the Côte de Beaune in Burgundy, France. It is a blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Gamay, made in the Traditional Method. Aroma: Ripe red fruit, berries Palate: Crisp and light, soft citrus notes, strawberry, raspberry. Fine bubbles. Alcohol: 12% SRP: $19 Santa Julia Argentina Brut Rosé NV This wine is 100% Pinot Noir. Grapes are sourced from Tupungato vineyards in Mendoza. The direct press was used and wine produced using the Charmat method. Aroma: Nice strawberry and raspberry notes. Palate: Crisp and lively with light notes of fresh berries and pomegranate. Creamy, with a touch of yeast and nice acidity. Alcohol: 12.5% SRP: $13 Prosecco Rosé As of January 1, 2021, the Denomination di Origins Controllata (DOC) consortium gave its final stamp of approval for making Prosecco Rosé, setting these wines apart from other pink sparkling wines made in Italy. The grapes for Prosecco Rosé must be sourced from a specific geographic area that has passed the Italian Government’s quality requirements. Only Glera grapes (85 -90%) and Pinot Noir (10-15 %) are allowed. The DOC guidelines also require that Prosecco Rosé be fermented for at least 60 days in stainless steel tanks. Also, they must be vintage-dated and labeled Prosecco DOC. These sparkling wines range in style from very dry to slightly sweet. If you are a fan of Prosecco, then you will enjoy these sparkling rosé wines.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Gran Passione Prosecco DOC Rosé Millesimato 2019 Extra Dry
It is produced by Botter, located in the Veneto region. 85% Glera, 15% Pinot Noir Wine is made using the Charmat method. After bottling, it is cellared for two years. Aroma: Floral, red berries, and cherry Palate: Fresh and crisp, with notes of pear, citrus, honey crisp apples, and strawberry. Fine perlage. Alcohol: 11% SRP: $13 Il Fresco Prosecco DOC Rosé Millesimato 2020 Villa Sandi produces it. The grapes for this wine come from Treviso, the heart of Prosecco. Wine is made using the Charmat method. Aroma: Floral, berries, apple Palate: Fresh, light, and dry. Red berries, sweet apple, pomegranate, citrus, and a touch of floral. Creamy mouthfeel and fine bubbles. Alcohol: 11% SRP: $17 Riondo Prosecco Rosé DOC Millesimato 2020 Extra Dry This wine is produced by Collis-Riondo, located in the Veneto region. It is a blend of 90% Glera and 10% Pinot Noir. Aroma: Floral, cherry, fresh berries, and apple Palate: Dry and lively with juicy notes of raspberry, peach, cherry, and sweet apple. Creamy mouthfeel and fine bubbles. Alcohol: 11% SRP: $14.99 All of the above wines will drink beautifully as an aperitif or pair nicely with light appetizers, seafood, salads, grilled chicken, Asian and Mediterranean dishes, and desserts. A big thank you to Winesellers, LTD, Folio Fine Wine Partners, and Taub Family Selections for their generous contribution to my rosé garden. Until next time... Cheers! Penina This story was originally published on Santé Magazine. To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected] This story was originally published on Santé Magazine When one thinks of the Tuscany wine region, Chianti Classico (the heart of the Chianti zone), Brunello di Montalcino and Bolgheri DOC might come to mind. Known as Toscana to Italians, this beautiful wine region with its rolling hills, medieval castles, ancient roads, olive trees, and wine vineyards is renowned for its Sangiovese-based red wines. Almost two-thirds of the vineyards in Tuscany are planted with Sangiovese. This grape is high in tannins and acidity, and depending on where Sangiovese is grown and how it is vinified, the wine’s characteristics will ultimately reflect its origins.  Sangiovese grapes Photo courtesy ofConsorzio Tutela Montecucco Tuscany is located in central Italy, stretching along the Tyrrhenian Sea coastline to the west, Liguria and Emilia-Romagna to the north, Umbria and Marche to the east, and Lazio to the South.  Map is courtesy of Consorzio Tutela Montecucco Nestled between Montalcino and Scansano in the southern part of Tuscany is a hidden gem called Montecucco.  Photo courtesy of Jonathan Skule The Etruscans in the sixth century B.C. cultivated vines and produced wine here. According to Consorzio Tutela Montecucco, “In the 1970s, the first two geographical appellations in our territory were officiated, considered forerunners of the Montecucco appellation; the Montecucco Denomination of Origins (DOC) was officiated in 1998.” In 2011, Montecucco Sangiovese was established as a separate DOCG. The newly appointed president of the Consorzio, Giovan Battista Basile, added “Sustainability, a key element in the DOC and DOCG where almost 70% of production is organic, will be the main asset of the consortium. Another important asset is the uniqueness of the Sangiovese grape, the “king” of the denomination, characterized by its high quality and distinctive personality. These are the strengths that will allow us to consolidate the positive trends recorded in the past years and further strengthen our presence, starting in Italy and extending to the global market.” The Montecucco Consortium, founded in 2000, represents 68 wine producers. They also represent over 500 hectares of vineyards out of 750/800 hectares, which produces more than 1.2 million bottles. The vineyards in Southern Tuscany are at lower altitudes than the rest of Tuscany, creating a warmer climate. Since Sangiovese grapes are late to ripen, this is an ideal location. Because of Montecucco’s proximity to the sea, the vineyards benefit from the cooling maritime breezes off the coastline, moderating the warm temperatures. This, in turn, produces healthy, fully ripe grapes. A few areas of clayey soil are present, but most of the territory consists of non-calcareous soils, which are very suitable for cultivating vines and olives. In addition to Sangiovese, the other principle red grape is Ciliegiolo. The principle white grape varieties are Grechetto, Vermentino, Malvasia and Trebbiano. The regulations for making Montecucco Rossa DOC and Sangiovese DOCG are as follows: Montecucco Rosso DOC: must be at least 60% Sangiovese. The Riserva must age for at least 12 months in barrel and six months in bottle before release. Montecucco Sangiovese DOCG: must be at least 90% Sangiovese, aged for a minimum of 12 months in barrel and four months in bottle before release. The Riserva must be aged for a minimum of 24 months in barrel and six months in bottle. Here is an introduction to two wineries and wines (samples) in Montecucco.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Poggio Stenti Poggio Stenti is a small family winery owned by the Pieri family and run by Carlo Pieri, a well-known salami producer. Stenti translated means “hardships” in Italian. The estate was named to acknowledge the harshness of farming life in the Montenero d’Orcia district. The Pieris are farmers at heart, cultivating small land plots designated for Sangiovese, Vermentino, and Cabernet Sauvignon. They have 30 hectares of land encompassing the vineyards, an olive grove, barley, spelt, and wheat crops. They also breed pigs and calves. Poggio Stenti is located in Monte Amiata, a stone’s throw from the historic vineyards of Montalcino  Poggio Stenti Olive Fields Poggio Stenti Montecucco Rosso DOC 2019 This wine is made from 90% Sangiovese, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from the estate’s vineyards. The wine is aged for about eight months in stainless steel tanks and then six months in the bottle before release.  Nose: Ripe cherry, plum, earth, spice Palate: Vibrant red fruit, spice, mocha. Silky tannins, with a nice balance of sweet and savory on the finish. Pairings: Grilled meat, stews, seared tuna, appetizers, and pizza. Alcohol: 14% SRP: $15 Peteglia Peteglia is owned by two brothers, Marco and Emanuele Innocenti. They both have an extensive background in the study and research of the agricultural sector. What began in the 80s with their parents Claudia and Sergio exploring agriculture eventually turned into a profitable company 30 years later. Today they have approximately 70 hectares of land dedicated to vineyards, olive groves, and the cultivation of cereals. Five hectares are designated for Sangiovese, Vermentino, and Cabernet Sauvignon. They also raise Chianna lgp cattle. The Peteglia farmhouse sits on a hillock overlooking the slopes of Monte Amiata.  Photo courtesy of Peteglia Peteglia Montecucco Sangiovese Riserva DOCG, 2016 This wine is 100% Sangiovese made with grapes from vineyards of about 35 years of age. The wine is aged 36 months in large Slavonian oak barrels and then in the bottle for another 12 months before release. The Riserva is made only in the best vintage years.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Nose: Dark cherry, berries, herbs, earth, spice, balsamic notes.
Palate: Aromas carry over to the palate with blackberry, vanilla, smooth tannins, vibrant acidity, and a long, rich, satisfying finish. Pairings: Grilled meat, poultry, charcuterie, pasta, seared tuna. Alcohol: 15% SRP: $25 Peteglia recommends decanting this wine before serving. These are impressive wines and an incredible bargain at these prices. I can’t wait to explore this “hidden gem” in person! Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected] My virtual airplane has landed in Rioja, Spain, just in time to sample a delicious glass of wine from this region.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Located in north-central Spain, Rioja consists of valleys that stretch along the Ebro River. It is divided into three sub-regions: Rioja Oriental, Rioja Alta and Rioja Alavesa  https://www.cellartours.com/spain/spanish-wine-maps/la-rioja Bodegas Beronia was founded in 1973 by Gonźalez Byass, a group of friends and businessmen with a shared passion for good food and high-quality wines. The winery is located in the heart of the Rioja Alta sub-region, in a village called Ollauri.  Photo courtesy of Bodegas Beronia The area of Beronia was named by the Berones who inhabited the region of Rioja in the third century BC. They were warrior people of Celtic origin, dedicated to agriculture, livestock, pottery, and metallurgy. Bodegas Beronia’s name pays homage to the primitive inhabitants of this land. The winery is surrounded by 900 hectares of vineyards, small, individual parcels owned by growers. The average age of vines is 30 years, with 50 hectares dedicated to old vines of more than 60 years of age. The winery and growers have a long-standing relationship, guaranteeing that the best quality fruit is produced and supplied to the winery.  Photo is courtesy of Bodegas Beronia Matias Calleja, Beronia’s winemaker, personally supervises the vineyards and selects only the best vineyard plots for his wines. Over 85% of Beronia’s vineyards are planted with Tempranillo, the traditional grape of Rioja. Graciano, Mazuelo, Garnacha and Viura make up the other 15%. Sustainable farming techniques are practiced, and “environmentally friendly” methods are applied during the vinification process. 95% of the wines produced are red, with particular attention and dedication to long aging in French oak, American oak, and mixed barrels. Matias Calleja designed and created the mixed barrels that are made of American staves and French tops.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Beronia Crianza DOCa Rioja 2017 Crianza is a Spanish wine classification indicating the wine is aged for a minimum of one year in oak barrels and a few months in bottle. This wine is made with 94% Tempranillo 5% Garnacha and 1% Mazuelo. It is aged for 12 months in mixed oak barrels with American staves and French tops to create “the Beronia” style. The wine rests in the bottle for three months before release.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss A vibrant and deep red color leads to aromas of cherry, raspberry, herbs, and baking spice. The palate offers a rich blend of lush fruit, dark cherry, berries, spice, and vanilla. Smooth tannins and a long finish with lingering notes of cherry and vanilla beg for another sip. Serve with grilled meats, hearty stews, soups, seared tuna, and assorted cheese.
Alcohol: 14.5% SRP: 750 ml/$14.99 350 ml/ $7.99 I love the 375ml bottle. It is perfect for a single serve, especially for our online, social distancing cocktail hours! Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected] This story was originally published on Santé Magazine. There are many interpretations and symbolisms throughout the world concerning the dragonfly. In some cultures, it represents transformation and exemplifies the light and joy we should be embracing. In other cultures, the dragonfly signifies good luck and is perceived as being magical. In some parts of the world, it is believed that if you encounter a dragonfly, positive transformation is on the way, and you are about to emerge forever changed and much wiser. The dragonfly has a short life of approximately six months, and in some cultures, it represents that one must live life to its fullest. For me, dragonflies are magical and have played an important role in my life for many years. In fact, I have one tattooed on my ankle! But that is another story.  Photo credit: Dorothea Oldani So, what does all of this have to do with wine? It begins with a talented winemaker and entrepreneur, a beautiful bottle and label, and of course, the wine!  Photo courtesy of Blu Giovello Piera Martellozzo is an established winemaker and entrepreneur with three generations and over a century of history behind her. In 1899 Piera’s grandfather, Giovanni, founded Winery Piera Martellozzo in Padua province, located in northern Italy’s Veneto wine region. Piera’s father, Mario, is credited for developing the winery. In 1992, Mario passed the baton and entrusted Piera with managing the family’s small wine estate.  Piera Martellozzo Twenty-nine years later, under the guidance and tenacity of Piera, the winery has grown and expanded to include premium vineyards in Friuli Venezia Giulia, Veneto, and Trentino. With a focus on indigenous grapes, high-quality vineyards, and sustainability, including an organic wine range introduced in 1998, Piera has stood behind her mission to produce quality wines. She focuses on blending traditional production methods with acknowledgment of contemporary times and the future. Piera’s emphasis was initially on the production of Prosecco, but she eventually expanded her repertoire to include a more diverse “wine” menu. Her expansion included Friuli Venezia Giulia, a wine region known for its white wine production. In San Quirino in Pordenone province, she purchased a comprehensive winery, which is now home base.  Winery and Vineyards Through a virtual conversation, I asked Piera to share her story behind the inception of the Blu Giovello brand and the dragonfly’s symbolism. Piera: “Blu Giovello brand came to life 25 years ago from a four-hands project between our winery and our US importer, with whom we are still working! His expertise in the US market and our contribution of wine and ideas allowed us to develop a very successful brand. What we wanted to convey is a symbol of Italian style, made in Italy. Speaking of the single details, the origin of the name Giovello comes from the combination of the Italian words Giovane (young) and Bello (beautiful). The flying dragonfly is a symbol of harmony and prosperity. I wanted to put all the lightness, joy, and elegance of the dragonfly as an invitation to celebrate life and freedom from conventions. Blu refers to the wine’s origins. The blue color of the bottle refers to one of Italy’s typical colors, reminding us of the intense color of the sky and the waves of the Mediterranean Sea.” The brand’s wines have increased by 35% over the last five years and 90,000 cases sold worldwide. In addition to the Pinot Grigio DOC and Prosecco DOC Frizzante that I received, the Blue Giovello line also includes Prosecco DOC Extra Dry Spumante, Prosecco Rosé Sparkling, a still Rosé, and a still and sparkling Moscato. Reviews  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Blu Giovello Pinot Grigio DOC Delle Venezie
The grapes for this wine are 100% Pinot Grigio and are sourced from vineyards at 656 ft. above sea level. Delle Venezie is widely known for its production of light and crisp Pinot Grigio. Fluctuation in temperature between day and night adds to the development of aromatics in the skin. And the breezy and cool climate coming from the Alps help to maintain fresh acidity in the wines. Aromas: Citrus, pear, and a hint of floral Palate: Tart apples, melon, and a touch of white stone fruit. It is refreshing, crisp, and light. Serve with soft cheese, grilled chicken, or seafood. Alcohol: 12% SRP: $9.99 Piera said, “It is simply a must-have!” Blu Giovello Prosecco DOC Frizzante This wine is made with 100% Glera grapes sourced from the hills between the Dolomites and Venice in the Prosecco DOC area of production. The vineyards are at 1312 ft. above sea level. Situated between the Adriatic Sea and the Dolomites, the vineyards enjoy a unique microclimate that contributes to this wine’s characteristic flavors. The Charmat method is used for production, with the second fermentation taking place in stainless steel tanks for about one month. Aromas: Floral and fruit with apples and citrus Palate: Fine bubbles, peach, lemon zest, apple, and toast with a hint of minerality and crisp acidity. Serve as an aperitif or with light fare. Alcohol: 11% SRP: $11.99 Piera said, “It is the flagship of Italian sparkling wine!” Before Piera and I said our virtual good-byes, I asked her how climate change and Covid have impacted her and the challenges she might be facing in the vineyards and winery. Piera on climate change: Climate change is affecting all of us. We were among the first wineries to embrace a sustainable approach. We have been investing for more than twenty years in sustainable viticulture, believing in its huge potential: avoiding chemicals as much as possible, respecting the land and the vine. We were among the first in Italy to invest in a green productive process; we have always embraced technology that will enable us to preserve each wine’s typical features, such as using microfiltration. Furthermore, over the years, we have installed a photovoltaic system that allows us to produce almost all the energy we need in the production processes. We have created a water treatment plant that allows us to depurate the wastewater coming from the production process so that it can be used again, and we have chosen to use lighter bottles. Our sustainable approach also involves packaging. When possible, we use recycled materials.” Piera on Covid: “Working with both the on- and off-trade channels, we were able to close 2020 at the same level as 2019. We have seen an increase in sales on the off-trade channel and monopolies (Canada and Sweden) and an inevitable decrease in the on-trade sales. We embraced all the challenges requested in order to offer the best safeguard conditions for all our team. We provided masks and made sure there was enough space for everybody to carry out their work in a totally safe environment, and we adopted home working for all those who could work from home. The winery is the people, they are the beating heart of it, and we have to preserve it.” Piera also spoke about the future. “A lot has been done already, but we still have much to do to keep up with the best green standards. The winery aims to keep prioritizing this aspect through investments, granting both wine quality and the sustainability of production processes that respect the environment and the people involved. We give thanks to what the land offers, and we owe her the greatest respect.” With spring around the corner, these are delightful and light wines to enjoy while sitting outside and watching the dance of the dragonflies! Until next time... Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected] Blame it on the snow and frigid temperatures, but I’ve been popping the cork on many delicious red wine wines of late. As you may know from past posts, I enjoy white, rosé, and sparkling wine all year round. However, this winter, I’ve been indulging my palate with some very expressive red wines.  Photo credit: Max Tutak Unsplash Here are eight reviews of red wines that will surely have your palate singing! Australia McGuigan Wines, ‘The Plan’ Cabernet Sauvignon 2017 McGuigan Wines is a major wine producer in Australia. Their family roots date back to 1880 in Hunter Valley with Perc McGuigan, who set the standard for future generations. Grapes for this 100% Cabernet are sourced from top-quality vineyards in South Eastern Australia, including McLaren Vale, Langhorne Creek, and Barossa Valley. The fruit is harvested at night, and after fermentation, it is matured in stainless steel tanks and oak before final blending.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Aromas of blackberry, cherry, chocolate, and hints of baking spice segue onto the palate with a hint of cranberry and herbs. This fruit-driven wine has refreshing acidity and firm tannins with hints of warm toasted oak. It is a steal at this price! Serve with roasts, grilled tuna, and dark chocolate desserts. Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $10.99 Italy Bertani Valpolicella DOC 2018 Bertani has been producing wine for over 150 years and has an impressive 200 hectares of vineyards in the most ideal areas of Verona province in the Veneto region, which is famous worldwide for wines such as Valpolicella, Soave, and Amarone. This wine is a blend of 80% Corvina Veronese and 20% Rondinella. Grapes are harvested from the heart of the Valpolicella Classico area and the Valpantena vineyards near the municipality of Grezzana. The wine is aged for eight months in concrete vats covered with glass bricks to allow slow and gradual aging. It is then further aged for a minimum of three months in the bottle.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Aromas of plum, sour cherry, red berries, pepper, and baking spice continue onto the palate. This wine has nice acidity and a good balance between juicy fruity and savory. Sour cherry and raspberry linger on the finish. Pair with hearty stews, braised meat, pasta, and semi-aged cheese. Alcohol: 12% SRP: $16.49 Spain Bela, Ribera del Duero DO 2017 One of Rioja’s most iconic wine producers, CVNE (pronounced coo-nay), is an acronym for Compania Vinicola del Norte des Espana. CVNE has expanded its territory to include a 182-acre estate in Ribera del Duero in northern Spain with the focus of bringing their Rioja elegance to the rugged Ribera del Duero region. Grapes for this 100% Tempranillo are sourced from Ribera del Duero region. The climate here leans toward continental with a complexity of soils throughout the region. This wine is aged for six months in American and French, new and one-year-old oak barrels.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Intense aromas of dark fruit, floral, baking spice, and a touch of earth set the stage for this terroir-driven wine. The palate is layered with dark berries, dark cherry, plum, spice, anise, and a hint of minerality. Vanilla and pepper linger on a long finish. This is a graceful wine with soft tannins and brimming with character. It is an easy wine to pair with a wide range of cuisine. Alcohol: 14% SRP: $19 Portugal Esporão Reserva Red 2016 Alentejo wine region is situated in the southern half of Portugal and covers one-third of the country. It is one of Portugal’s largest wine production areas. Herdade Do Esporão, whose history dates back over 750 years ago, first introduced this wine in 1985. It is a blend of Aragonez, Trincadeira, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Alicante Bouschet. Grapes are sourced from vineyards with soil of granite/schist origin and clay/loam structure. This wine is aged for 12 months in American oak (60%) and French oak (40%) barrels, and then an additional six months in the bottle.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss It begins with a rich bouquet of cherry, raspberry, blackberry, plum, and baking spice. The palate is entertained with lush dark fruit jam, spice, and a hint of plum. Smooth tannins and a long berry finish add to the richness of this wine. Pair with grilled or braised meat and game, stews, tapas, and codfish. Alcohol: 14.5% SRP: $24 Sicily Donnafugata Sherazade Sicilia DOC 2018 The Rallo family owns the iconic Donnafugata, and their family history of winemaking dates back to 1851. They have several wineries and over 405 hectares of vineyards located throughout Sicily, including historic aging cellars at their Marsala winery. Nero d’Avola is an indigenous grape that is considered Sicily’s most important red wine grape. Sherazade is 100% Nero d’Avola and the grapes are sourced from Donnafugata’s Contessa Entellina Estate and nearby vineyards, which are located in the southwestern part of Sicily. The wine is aged for about four months in tanks and then a minimum of three months in the bottle.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Delectable aromas of violets, red fruit, and spice open to a lovely palate of cherry, plum, berries, and spice. Well-balanced tannins and acid add to the character of this fresh and lively wine, along with a touch of pepper and tartness on a long finish. Serve with mature cheese, pasta and red sauce, seared tuna, and calamari. Alcohol: 13% SRP: $25 California Au Contraire Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast 2019 Sonoma County’s Au Contraire winery was inspired by Taub Family vineyards company founder, David S. Taub. The grapes for this Pinot Noir are sourced from top Sonoma Coast vineyards, from Sebastopol to the Fort Ross Seaview AVA. Although these are warmer vineyard sites, they sit above the fog line generating a cool-climate style Pinot Noir with highly concentrated fruit flavors. The wine is aged for 12 months in French oak barrels, 35% new.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Juicy aromas of cherry, red berries, plum, and a hint of floral segue onto the palate with strawberry and cherry leading the parade of flavors. This is a silky wine with lots of ripe fruit and bright acidity. Serve with roasted meat, fowl, spicy Asian cuisine, and soft cheese. Alcohol: 14.2% SRP: $26.99 Argentina Bodegas Salentein Numina Gran Corte 2016 Bodegas Salentein is located in the Uco Valley of Mendoza, Argentina. Many of their vineyards are situated at some of the highest elevations in the world. This privately-owned estate was established in the late 1990s and boasts almost 5000 acres, of which 1,124 acres are planted to vine. The Numina Gran Corte is a blend of 61% Malbec, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot, and 3% Cabernet Franc. Grapes are hand-harvested from small selected plots. Fermentation takes place in 7000-liter oak casks and then aged for 16 months in French oak barrels.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss This wine opens with subtle violet aromas, plum, dark berries, spice, and a trace of vanilla. The palate offers a fresh and elegant layering of blackberry, raspberry, plum, baking spice, and a touch of earth. This is a beautifully integrated blend with a silky mouthfeel and a long finish. Pair with grilled meat, seared tuna, hearty stews, and casseroles. Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $40.99 France Jean-Luc Colombo Cornas “Terres Brûlées” 2018 Jean-Luc Colombo winery is located in the northern appellation of Cornas in the Rhône Valley, France. Cornas is the smallest appellation in the Rhône Valley, consisting of approximately 325 acres, and is dedicated to producing only red wine from the Syrah grape. The Mediterranean climate and decomposed granite soils contribute to the richness and character of these wines. Terres Brûlées means “burnt earth”, which refers to the long hot days here that are balanced by the cool nights. Grapes are hand-harvested from 30+ -year-old vines. The wine is aged for 21 months in oak barrels (10% new, 90% one-to-five-year old barrels).  Photo credit: Penny Weiss This 100% Syrah wine has enticing aromas of dark cherry, dark berries, dark plum, spice, and hints of baking spice. The palate is rich with blackberry, plum, and black cherry, reminiscent of exotic jam. Notes of vanilla, cocoa, spice, and a trace of minerality linger on a long finish. A truly noteworthy wine! Pair with white meat, game, seared tuna, and hearty stews.
Alcohol: 14.5% SRP: $63.99 No matter what time of year,, these wines will pair beautifully with any season! Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected] This story was originally published on Santé Magazine. We all have rituals that we perform day in and day out without batting an eye. I kick start every morning with a ritual of pouring a cup of coffee and then crawling back into bed with it to peruse the news. Rituals can be as simple as a morning run, yoga meditation, telling your child a bedtime story, or prayers over a meal. Many of our rituals go beyond ourselves and transcend to our families, religion, spiritual practices, and holidays.  Photo courtesy of Unsplash.com With Covid lurking around every corner, many life rituals and daily routines have been disrupted and are now temporarily on hold. Many of us have established new rituals and routines to take their place. Breathing is something I always took for granted until Covid brought it to my attention. And now, one of my new daily rituals is 10 minutes of deep breathing exercises to strengthen my lungs and calm my soul. For others, it might be inventing new ways to celebrate rites of passage, or writing in a journal. Since getting together online has become the “new norm”, several of my friends and colleagues have established cocktail hour rituals. Of course, one of my favorite rituals that I can continue despite Covid is pouring a glass of wine or spirits at the end of the day and doing a big exhale! So, I was most delighted when I recently received a shipment of wines named Ritual! I love the name and how fitting for this new chapter we are living in.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Ritual wines are produced from the Viñedos Veramonte organic estate. It is located in the extreme eastern end of Chile’s Casablanca Valley wine region.  Photo courtesy of Ritual Wines With respect to Chile’s other wine regions, Casablanca Valley is relatively new. The first vineyards were planted here in the 1980s during Chile’s revitalization of its viticulture industry.  Casablanca Valley wine region is about 20 miles long from east to west and is close to the Pacific Ocean. The vineyards for Ritual wine benefit from the cool morning fog and cloud cover. In addition, the cool sea breezes of the Pacific Ocean alleviate the heat of the day.  Photo courtesy of Ritual Wines Soil composition is a combination of decomposed granite soil, with a top layer of red volcanic clay. This soil allows the vines to go deep and absorb minerality, which reflects in the wines. With hot days and cold nights and a lengthier ripening period, the white grapes have more time to develop more complexity, flavor and maintain a good balance of sugar and acidity. These are ideal growing conditions for cool climate wines, and Casablanca Valley is noted for producing outstanding Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Cool climate red grapes also do very well here, such as Pinot Noir and Syrah. Fortunately, Covid has not interrupted the winery’s rituals and organic practices from the vineyard to the winemaking process. To quote from their website, “Crafting fine wine is steeped in Ritual and grounded in terroir. We endeavor in creating beautiful wines that are a reflection of this special place. Ritual is a labor of love. It connects us to the land we farm, to healthy living soil, and to the daily rituals of artisanal winemaking.”  Photo courtesy of Ritual Wines All the vineyards of the Viñedos Veramonte estate have organic certifications. Using low-impact farming methods, they make their own compost from the stems and pomace gathered during harvest season and manure from local animals to promote a balanced and self-regulated ecosystem. Cover cropping and seeding are practiced for revitalizing the soils. Sheep are used to “mow the grass” and also function as natural fertilizers.  Photo courtesy of Ritual Wines Grapes are hand-harvested in small batches, and once in the winery, only native yeasts are used to obtain a” natural balance and greater purity”. Different containers are used in the winemaking process, each one adding a unique characteristic to the wines. Oak barrels are used for structure, concrete eggs for texture, stainless steel drums for freshness, and stainless steel tanks for aromatics. Winemaker Sofia Araya produces Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Noir. These wines are aged in combinations of neutral oak, concrete eggs, and stainless steel tanks. Ritual Sauvignon Blanc 2019 30% of this wine is fermented in concrete eggs, 30% in neutral oak, and 40% in stainless steel tanks. The wine is then aged in each of its containers for eight to ten months, with each vessel contributing aromatics, flavors, and textures.  Photo credit: Penny Wess This is a fresh and aromatic wine with aromas of floral, citrus, and white stone fruit that segue onto the palate with vibrant acidity, and hints of minerality. Citrus and nectarine linger on a long finish. Drink as an aperitif or pair with seafood, light pasta, and salads. Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $19.99 Ritual Chardonnay 2018 This wine is fermented in 20% concrete eggs, 20% new 400-liter barrels, and 60% neutral oak.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss Amazing aromas of lemon curd, white stone fruit, and a touch of vanilla, spill onto the palate with a hint of oak. It is beautifully balanced with acidity and notes of salinity and minerality. This wine is fresh, lively, and elegant! Serve with cheese, light pasta, seafood, grilled fish, or chicken. Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $20.99 Ritual Pinot Noir 2017 This wine is fermented with wild yeasts to enhance its depth, intensity, and complexity. It is aged for 11 months in French oak barrels, 20% new.  Photo credit: Penny Weiss From aroma to the palate, this wine delivers “fresh and juicy”. One is greeted with aromas of cherries, berries, and floral. The palate offers raspberry, strawberry, cherry, notes of integrated oak, and a silky smooth mouthfeel. This is a fresh, well-balanced, and expressive wine. Serve with seared tuna, pasta, fowl, and spicy Asian cuisine. Alcohol: 13.5% SRP: $20.99 In addition to the wines, I was gifted a “Rituals and Wellness” journal. Written on the cover are these words, “An Intentional Journal For Mindful Rituals & Wellness Intentions”. It is a perfect journal for an imperfect time. We are embarking on a new year that will surely bring more changes in our lives. We will find more new rituals, and hopefully, rediscover old ones again. Until next time… Cheers! Penina To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected] |
Categories
All
|
RSS Feed