Category: Wine

Day 654 Sipping Sauvignon Blanc

6/17/2018

It was a Sauvignon Blanc kind of weekend. The weather was warm, company was on hand and I had a few bottles of wine chilling from different parts of the world.

Having tasted and enjoyed Casillero del Diablo Reserva Sauvignon Blanc 2016 over a year ago, I was looking forward to opening the 2017 vintage. I am a big fan of Chilean wines as you may have guessed by now. And, the brands of Concha y Toro keep producing very drinkable wines. Since I have told the story many times of Don Melchor de Concha y Toro and the mysterious Devil’s Cellar, I will skip the tale this time. If curious, select Casillero del Diablo on the menu at right and read the story!

Casillero del Diablo Reserva 2017 Sauvignon Blanc grapes are grown in the Casablanca Valley region of Chile. The region experiences a cooler climate and a longer ripening period for the grapes. The vines grow in sandy clay soil.

The Casillero del Diablo Reserva is 100% Sauvignon Blanc. The color is pale straw with green hues. Aromas of floral, citrus and tropical fruit segue onto the palate along with pear and tart apples. This wine is refreshing and accompanied by lively acidity and a zesty finish. It drinks beautifully as an aperitif or served with seafood, salad and light pasta dishes. It’s a great wine to pack in a picnic basket!
Alcohol: 13%
SRP: $12

The other Sauvignon Blanc that we opened this weekend hails from New Zealand. Mount Riley winery is in Marlborough, an established winemaking region located at the northeastern tip of the South Island.

Mount Riley winery, established in 1992, is family owned with John Buchanan at the helm. His daughter Amy (general manager) and her husband Matt (chief winemaker) are the 6th generation of family in Marlborough.

John Buchanan and his daughter, Amy. Photo courtesy of Mount Riley winery.

Marlborough is a dry and sunny region with cool temperatures and a long growing season. Mount Riley winery has seven vineyard sites throughout Marlborough with varying soils such as clay based, silt deposits, Rapaura, and loam. The region’s specialty is Sauvignon Blanc.

Photo courtesy of Mount Riley winery.

Mount Riley Sauvignon Blanc 2017 is 100% Sauvignon Blanc grapes that are a blend from multiple vineyard sites, including Awatere Valley and Wairau Valley. The color is pale straw and it is very aromatic with notes of tropical fruit, citrus, peach and floral. The palate offers white flowers, fresh stone fruit, lime and a dash of minerality. The finish is crisp and ends with lemon zest. This is another refreshing wine to drink as an aperitif but is also easy to pair with seafood, light pasta salads and cheese.
Alcohol: 12.5%
SRP: $12.95

With very hot weather predicted for the next few days, it’s important to stay hydrated with plenty of water…in between sipping your favorite wine!

Until next time…

Cheers!
Penina

To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected]

Day 653 Picnic Time!

6/12/2018

It’s that time of year again for outdoor concerts, picnics and pool parties.

We all have our favorite recipes to make for warm weather outings and my picnic baskets are always laden with delicious treats.

Water, soda and juice boxes are easy to pack since they all come in small and convenient sizes. But, how do you pack your wine? There are many ways to transport wine and keep it at the right temperature during outside events when a refrigerator isn’t an option. But carrying a large chest full of ice is never any fun, not to mention a strain on one’s back.

Several companies make thermoses that can easily hold the contents of a chilled 750mil wine bottle and will keep it at that temperature for many, many hours! There is no need for corkscrews, just pack the wine glasses. The great thing about this type of thermos is that it also keeps liquids hot for over 12 hours. Great for hot chocolate when ice skating in the wintertime!

I’m also a big fan of insulated wine totes. There are a variety of sizes and styles to choose from, including some with special compartments and features. The one that is pictured below has room for two wine bottles, comes with a corkscrew, a side pocket and an adjustable shoulder strap for easy carrying. And yes, the wine stays cool. It is also a great way to transport wine to a friend’s home. When driving, I secure the wine tote with a seatbelt! My advice is to go online and explore the options!

Another alternative is wine in a can! They are easy to transport and are available in sparkling, red, white, and rosé. These single-serving wines usually come with pop-up tops, so no can opener is needed. I recently received a four-pack sample of Stella Pinot Grigio. This was the first time that I tried wine from a can. And yes, I was rather dubious!

Stella Pinot Grigio Terre Siciliane IGT 2016 is made in Sicily. The estate was founded in 1986 and the winemaker is Danilo Chini. The grapes are harvested from mature and younger vineyards planted between 1982 and 1995. The climate is Mediterranean and the soil is clay. The wine goes through a short fermentation (10 days) in all stainless steel. It is 100% Pinot Grigio and the color is golden yellow. The nose offers light fruit with hints of pear and citrus. This is a crisp, light-bodied wine with pear, citrus, stone fruit and a hint of floral on the palate. The finish is zesty and surprisingly refreshing!

Alcohol: 11.5%
SRP: $13 for a four-pack. Each can holds 250mil.

Since this is the only wine in a can that I have tried so far, I will have to venture out and pick up a few more varieties to try before passing my final verdict on “wine in a can”. However, I can in good faith, recommend the above wine. The four-pack actually gives you more wine than a 750mil bottle of wine!

I think it’s time to start planning my next outdoor adventure!

Until next time!

Cheers!
Penina

To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected]

Day 649 Alto Adige and Peter Zemmer

5/27/2018

Imagine scenic valleys embracing storybook Alpine villages. Add snow-capped mountains that surround the villages and you have arrived in Alto Adige, the northernmost wine region of Italy. Noted for its dramatic peaks, Alto Adige is bordered by Austria and Switzerland and is one of Italy’s smallest winegrowing regions. It also dominates the country in wine worthy of a DOC designation, with 98% of its wines falling into this category!

Alto Adige enjoys a mild Alpine-continental climate with big temperature swings between day and night, averaging a temperature of 64 degrees during the grape growing stage. There are over 300 days of sun per year with approximately 27 inches of rainfall per year.
The Dolomites protect the vineyards from cold winds coming from the north. And to the south, where the land is open, warm air currents waft over the winegrowing vineyards coming from Lake Garda and the Mediterranean. The lowest vineyards are at 750 feet and the highest vineyards reach 3,250 feet above sea level. The average elevation is approximately 1,600 feet.

Alto Adige has a broad range of soils such as volcanic porphyry, quartz, limestone, dolomite and sandy marl. The soils combined with the climate make for an ideal stage on which to grow high-quality grapes.

More than sixty percent of the region’s vineyards are white grape varieties such as Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc, Gewürztraminer and Veltiliner. Approximately forty percent of the vineyards are red grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Malvasier, Schiava, Lagrein and Moscato Rosa.

My focus today is on Pinot Grigio and Pinot Noir, specifically from the winery of Peter Zemmer.

Peter Zemmer winery is one of the oldest wineries in Alto Adige. It is located in Cortina, one of the smallest communities in Alto Adige with 600 inhabitants in the village. It is situated in the middle of the valley floor, near the Adige River. Cortina is a world-renowned ski resort and was host to the 1956 Winter Olympics Games. Peter’s grandfather founded the winery in 1928 and Peter is now the third generation in this family-run winery. Peter says “The cultivation of vineyards has been an important part of our family history for almost a century. The third generation still shows the same enthusiasm for wine. Culture and nature, tradition and innovation, great respect and development, I love and live my environment.”

Peter Zemmer Photo credit Peter Zemmer website.

Village of Cortina

Grapes grow on the mountain valley floor and steep surrounding hillsides. The winery practices sustainability, uses only organic fertilizer and uses natural winemaking techniques.

Peter Zemmer Rolhüt Pinot Noir DOC 2017
Pinot Nero is the Italian name for Pinot Noir. However, both names can be seen on bottles produced in Italy. Although this region might be more popular for its white wines, red varietals grow well here, including Pinot Noir. Rolhüt is 100% Pinot Noir and the grapes come from the 15-acre Rolhüt site located in the immediate vicinity of the winery. The vineyards sit at an elevation of 1,400 feet and contain soils of loam, chalk and porphyry. 70% of the Pinot Noir is aged over 12 months in large French oak barrels and the remainder is aged in small, 2-3-year-old French oak casks. After blending both, the wine is then bottled and aged for an additional 6 months.

The color of the wine is cherry red with fragrant aromas of cherry, flowers, red berries, sweet apples and spice. The palate offers a crisp, light and savory wine with smooth tannins and layers of fresh strawberry, sour cherry, spice and hints of red plum. Sour cherry, subtle notes of minerality and spice linger on the finish.
Alcohol: 13%
SRP: $18

Peter Zemmer Pinot Grigio DOC
If you have been following my stories, you might have gleaned by now that I’m not a big fan of Pinot Grigio. Well, my opinion has changed dramatically after enjoying this Alpine Pinot Grigio! The grapes are selected from the best vineyards located on the valley floor and steep slopes located near the estate. The soils are stony, sandy and extremely chalky. The poor yield per hectare produces more concentrated flavors and contributes to the quality of this wine. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks using pure strains of yeast and then spends several months of ripening on the yeast to achieve this well-structured wine.

The color of the wine is soft yellow and has a very aromatic bouquet of floral, citrus, pineapple and honeydew. The wine envelops the palate with lively layers of white flowers, pear, citrus, minerality and fresh acidity. It finishes with a dash of zest and lingering pear. Oh, my…
Alcohol: 13.5%
SRP: $18

The combination of the Alpine air and southern sun in the Alto Adige is producing some outstanding wines that reflect the character of this region. If you haven’t tasted any wines from this magical area, I encourage you to run…not walk…to a wine shop and experience for yourself how truly heavenly and unique these wines are!

Cheers!
Penina

To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected]

Day 645 A Taste of Cabernet, Old and New

5/10/2018

If you have been following my blog for the past few years, then you know that I’m a fan of Chilean wine. And, I enjoy drinking the many noteworthy brands that Concha y Toro produces such as Don Melchor, Casillero del Diablo, Gran Reserva Serie Riberas and Marques de Casa Concha.

Since Concha y Toro was founded in 1883, it has become Latin America’s leading wine producer, exporting to 147 countries worldwide. The company owns approximately 10,800 hectares of prime vineyards in Chile, Argentina and the United States.

In 1718, King Felipe V of Spain bestowed upon the Concha y Toro family the title of “Marques”. It was later on that the family moved to Chile and Don Melchor Concha y Toro founded the winery in 1883. As a tribute to the “Marques” title, the Marques de Casa Concha wines were created and launched in 1976.

The Marques Casa Concha grapes are handpicked from single vineyards, except for the Cabernet Sauvignon, which is a blend from the Puente Alto Vineyard and Pirque Vineyard located close to the foothills of the Andes Mountains in the Maipo Valley of Chile.

The climate is semi-arid Mediterranean with a strong impact from the Andes Mountains creating extreme temperatures between night and day. The grapes experience a longer ripening period allowing for aromas that are more intense and concentrated. Marcelo Papa, who is one of five lead winemakers at Concha y Toro, makes the Marques de Casa Concha wines.

The Marques de Casa Concha 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon is 95% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc and 1% Syrah. It is a dark and inky red with lush aromas of dark fruit, plum, wood and spice. The palate offers layers of blackberry, dark plum, pomegranate and spices. The finish is long and peppery with black cherry lingering on the palate. The wine has a smooth texture and medium tannins and it will pair well with meat, game and hearty fish.
Alcohol: 14.5%
SRP: $25

While I’m on the subject of Concha y Toro, I had quite the treat the other evening. A friend, who is also a wine writer, opened a bottle of Concha y Toro 1985 Cabernet Blanc that had been hibernating in his cellar for many years. Although the back label stated that it was a “blush” color, it had clearly turned to a rich cognac tone due to oxidation. The cork was removed easily and intact. I was sure that the wine would be a “pour down the drain” bottle. However, we were both pleasantly surprised. Subtle aromas of perfume segued onto the palate. It had hints of vanilla and caramel with a port like quality to it. This 33-year-old vintage was quite drinkable!

Until next time!

Cheers!
Penina

To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected]

Day 639 Revisiting Loire Valley

4/13/2018

A few years ago I wrote a story about Loire Valley. After attending “Spring to Loire Valley 2018” wine tasting this past week, I thought it would be worthwhile to revisit these noteworthy wines with you.

So before I get into the specifics of some of the wines I tasted, let’s review the Loire Valley region.

Loire Valley spans 170 miles and is located in the middle stretch of the Loire River, (France’s longest river) in central France. Loire Valley is also called the “Garden of France” noted for its vineyards, floral gardens, castles and historic towns.

Photo credit: France-voyage.com

The Loire Valley wine region is France’s third largest winemaking region and ranks second in production of rosés. The vineyards, situated along the river, stretches from the Atlantic coast to north-central France. The diversity in soil composition and climate along this stretch plays a key role in the production and characteristics of the wine.

Pays Nantais region is closest to the Atlantic Ocean and produces Muscadet, made from the Melon de Bourgogne grape. An interesting note, more Muscadet is produced than any other Loire wine. Muscadet tends to be light-bodied and dry. The high acidity and soft citrus notes make for easy food pairing.

The Anjou region is best known for its fruity rosés and red wines. Many of Loire Valley’s sweet wines are produced here. Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc are the most prominent grapes used.

Saumur is considered a premier sparkling wine region in France and is also noted for its red wines made with Cabernet Franc. The main variety of grape for white wines is Chenin Blanc. Due to the chalky soil, the sparkling wines tend to drink like champagne. The red wines lean towards fruity and light-bodied.

Touraine has many famous appellations that include Vouvray, made from Chenin Blanc grapes and Chinon and St. Nicolas de Bourgueil, both made from Cabernet Franc. The red wines from this region are made mostly from Cabernet Franc, Gamay and Malbec and tend to be rich in tannins. Most of the white wines are made with Sauvignon Blanc and tend to be dry and refreshing with an edge of fruit and tart.

Centre-Loire region is at the center of France. “It is the original home of Sauvignon Blanc and of Sancerre, the world’s most prestigious Sauvignon Blanc wine that sets international standards for the grape”, as cited from Loire Valley Wines.

The majority of the wines that come from the Loire Valley are pressed from a single varietal as opposed to most classic French wines that are blended. It is easier to discern the terroir of the single varietal grapes through aroma and taste.

There are 24 grape varieties in the Loire Valley. The leading white varietals are Melon De Bourgogne, Chenin and Sauvignon. The leading red varietals are Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc and Gamay.

With 28 wine importers showcasing wines from all four regions, I had the opportunity to taste a wide range of whites, reds, rosés and sparkling wines. Below is a slide show of just a few of the wines I tasted along with a brief summary of wines that caught the attention of my palate.

Domaine de Cézin, 2016 Chenin Blanc is from the Jasnières appellation. It is 100% Chenin Blanc grown in limestone and clay soil. Layers of light fruit, honey, floral and minerality on the palate show off the aromatic and off-dry characteristics of this wine. SRP: $24

Domaine des Varinelles 2015 Cabernet Franc is from Saumur-Champigny. It is 100% Cabernet Franc and packs a punch with berries, spice, pepper and cherry. Medium tannins and easy to drink. SRP: $20

Domaine Pascal Jolivet 2016 Sauvignon Blanc is from Sancerre. This is a dry and lively wine with fresh citrus, melon, pear, minerality and a snappy lemon curd finish. SRP: $38

Maurice Bonnamy Cabernet Franc Rosé Sparkling NV Crémant-de-Loire appellation. Fine and foamy bubbles lead to fresh citrus, red fruit and spice with a chalky lemon finish. Nice! SRP: $16.99

Domaine Champeau 2016 Chasselas is from Pouilly-sur-Loire appellation. Chasselas grapes originated in Switzerland and are grown in several countries. Although it is usually blended with Sauvignon Blanc, this particular wine is 100% Chasselas. The wine is mild with citrus and floral overtones, lots of salinity and a sour edge to it. Food pairing can be a challenge, but mushrooms, quiche, cheese and fruit work. SRP: $14.99

Domaine Valery Renaudat, 2016 Pinot Gris Rosé is from the Reuilly appellation. This 100% Pinot Gris has layers of citrus, floral, peach and strawberry. Lively acidity with a hint of a bitter finish.
SRP: $17.99

Jean Michel Gautier/Domaine de la Racauderie Grolleau Rosé Sparkling NV This 100% Grolleau comes from Touraine appellation. Persistent fine bubbles with soft sweetness, red fruit and lively acidity. Fresh and dry. SRP: $22.99

Domaine du Colombier-Mouzillon-Tillières 2012 Melon de Bourgogne This 100% Melon de Bourgogne is from Muscadet-sèvre-et-Maine appellation. More than two-thirds of total Muscadet production comes from this appellation. The wine is tangy with flinty notes, salinity and hints of apple and mild fruit. SRP: $19.99

Domaine de la Colline 2016 Cabernet Franc is from Chinon appellation. This 100% Cabernet Franc is medium-bodied and earthy with notes of dark fruit and plum. Hints of floral and soft fruit remain on the palate. SRP: $14.99

The wines of the Loire Valley range in style and complexity. So, no matter what you like to drink, whether it’s white, red, rosé or sparkling, crisp, dry, sweet, fruity, racy, edgy, earthy or robust, Loire Valley has a wine that is sure to please your palate.

Cheers!
Penina

To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected]

Day 636 Thumbs Up For Croatian Wine!

3/29/2018

A few days ago I had the opportunity to taste a large sampling of wines from Croatia. With twenty-two wineries represented, my palate was treated to some very impressive wines.

Today’s post is a general overview of Croatian wine. I will be getting into a more in-depth study of each region, the wines, producers and some history in future posts.

Croatia stretches over Central and Southeastern Europe with a very long coastline hugging the Adriatic Sea.

There are four wine regions throughout Croatia with twelve sub-regions and 66 appellations. The climate and soils vary throughout these regions. The Adriatic coastline enjoys typical Mediterranean climate of hot, dry summers and cool, rainy winters. Further inland in Central Croatia, the Dinaric Alps run parallel to the Adriatic Sea creating an alpine climate at the higher altitudes. Depending on the region, one can find a variety of soils, with white soils of limestone, iron-rich clay soils and stony karst soil being the most dominant. Here is a fun fact: Croatia is home to the Slavonian oak forest, which provides oak for the casks preferred by many European winemakers for aging their finest wines!

There are 130 indigenous grape varieties in Croatia of which 40 are in production. Over 60% of wine produced in Croatia is white. Here is a list of just a few of the indigenous grape varieties:

Red grapes
Tribidrag is genetically identical to Zinfandel and the oldest recorded name for the variety.
Plavac Mali (offspring to Zinfandel) and considered “king of the Croatian wines”.
Teran found mostly in western Istria region
Babić found mostly in the Central Dalmatia region

White grapes
Graševina (most planted grape variety in Croatia)
Pošip found mostly in Dalmatia region
Malvazija Istarska (second most planted grape in Croatia)
Grk found mostly on Lumbarda, a small island off the coast
Debit found primarily in the Dalmatia region
Generally speaking, the majority of white wines that I tasted were very aromatic, dry, crisp, light and fresh, with a perfect balance of fruit, citrus, and minerality. I must admit that the white wines were my favorite.

The red wines run the gamut from soft to chewy tannins with layers of dark fruit, spice and herbs that are full-bodied and robust to softer medium-bodied reds of cherry, sweet berries, spice and floral.

I tasted a few rosés that were very impressive, including a standout from Vina Laguna Perla Rosé NV made with Teran grapes. Vina Laguna is located in the Istria wine region.

Vina Laguna Perla Rosé

Among the many producers present was Grgić Vina Winery, owned by winemaker Mike Grgich, who became famous in 1976 when his Chateau Montelena Chardonnay won first prize at the “Judgment of Paris.” Both his Pošip 2016 (white) and Plavac mali 2015 (red) were outstanding. His winery is located in the Peljesac Peninsula, part of the Dalmatia region.

In addition to the wines, I tasted amazing olive oil from several producers. Wow---just wow!

As I said earlier, this is just a quick introduction to Croatian wine…I have more to cover! The names of the varietals can be daunting, but I hope I have peaked your curiosity enough to pick up a bottle the next time you’re in a wine shop. If you do, share your thoughts with me!

Cheers!
Penina

To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected]

Day 634 A Taste of Douro Superior

3/18/2018

My mouth was still tingling with delight after tasting and reviewing several bottles of wine from Alentejo, Portugal last week. So, last night I opened a bottle of wine from northern Portugal’s Douro Valley region.

My palate was not disappointed!

Douro is famous for supplying the world with its production of port wine. However, it is now being praised for its succulent and refined unfortified wines, both red and white.

Quinta da Zaralhôa is a family owned estate with 12 hectares located in the sub-region of Douro Superior.

Photo courtesy of Wines of Portugal

This sub-region experiences extremely cold winters and very hot summers. The vines grow in schist soil on steep slopes with the vineyards facing southwest, exposing them to less sun. With less sun exposure, the grapes are allowed a longer time to ripen, developing flavors without excess sugar impeding the acid levels. At Quinta da Zaralhôa harvest takes place in October. Farming is certified organic and sustainable. Grapes are crushed with the tradition of stomping the grapes with their feet, in the belief that it is the best way to maximize the juice’s contact with the skin without crushing the seeds.

Photo credit Quinta da Zaralhôa

Quinta da Zaralhôa Rumansil 2012 is a blend of indigenous grapes; 25%Touriga Nacional, 25%Touriga Franca, 25%Tinta Roriz, and 25% Tinta Barroca. The wine is named after Rumansil, a Roman villa of the 3rd century, located next to Quinta da Zaralhôa. The wine is aged in French oak for 2 years. Prior to bottling, different lots are selected for the final blend and then aged for one year in bottle.

The color of the wine is burgundy with intoxicating aromas of dark fruit, floral and spice. The palate is layered with a rich concentration of dark berries, plums, spice, fennel, hints of cocoa and finishes with cherry and pepper. Silky tannins, good acidity, fresh and juicy!
Alcohol: 13%
SRP: $25

Wines from Douro are becoming more and more popular and run the gamut in price. If you haven’t already tried these wines, I encourage you to treat your palate!

Cheers!
Penina

To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected]

Day 633 Chilean Malbec...Yes!

3/13/2018

A few weeks ago I opened a bottle of Concha y Toro Gran Reserva Serie Riberas Malbec 2014 from Chile. I intended to give a “shout out” to this expressive wine, but days got away from me and I never got around to writing about it. And then, yesterday I received several bottles of Malbec from Chile and Argentina. One of the bottles was a Concha y Toro Gran Reserva Malbec 2016. So, I thought it would be interesting to compare the 2014 and 2016 vintages.

The Gran Reserva Serie Riberas is also known as “Riverbank Series”. These are single-vineyard wines grown close to one of Chile’s major rivers, the Rapel, Cachapoal and Tinguirica. The Malbec vineyards are planted on the south bank of the Tinguirica River. The Palo Santo Vineyard is located 180 meters above sea level. The climate is Mediterranean with an extended dry season and the river and coastal breezes influence the temperature.

Marcio Ramírez is the chief winemaker for the Gran Reserva Serie Riberas.

Gran Reserva Serie Riberas Malbec 2014 is made with 90% Malbec and 10% Syrah. The color is deep purple with tantalizing aromas of dark fruit, dark plum, blueberries, blackberries and spice. The palate is layered with dark berries, dark plum, hints of blueberries, nutmeg, pepper and dark chocolate. This wine has a beautiful concentration of flavors and is full-bodied with soft tannins.
Alcohol: 14%
SRP: $17

Gran Reserva Serie Riberas Malbec 2016 is made with 85% Malbec and 15% Merlot. The color is dark purple with concentrated aromas of blueberries, plum, spice, pepper and hints of floral. The palate offers lush dark fruit, black cherries, plum and spice with a long finish of pepper and sour cherry. It is medium-bodied with soft tannins.
Alcohol: 13.5%
SRP: $17

The 2016 vintage has a tad more spice and has earthiness, but both vintages are easy to drink and they will pair well with many foods.

Until next time!

Cheers!
Penina

To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected]

Day 632 Wines of Alentejo

3/9/2018

When the topic of Portuguese wine comes up, thoughts might turn to the exceptional fortified wines that this country produces. But there is so much more to discover. I have written several stories about Portuguese wine, discussing some of its regions and producers.

Here is a quick review:

Portugal is located in the Southwest corner of Europe in the Iberian Peninsula. It is the westernmost country of Europe and surrounded by Spain to the North and East, and the Atlantic Ocean to the South and West.

What makes Portugal so unusual with regards to wine is that it boasts a remarkable number of grape varieties that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. In fact, many of the Portuguese grape varieties are restricted to the national territory. There are 250 indigenous grape varieties officially registered. The Alvarinho, Baga and Touriga Nacional grapes are probably the most widely known by name.

Portugal is divided into fourteen Regional Wine areas.

Map courtesy of viniportugal

Each region has a unique geography and climate, influencing the production of the grapes. Most of the wines produced in Portugal are a blend of several national grape varieties rather than using a single varietal. In fact, some winemakers will blend more than twenty varieties to attain the perfect balance. However, there are a few regions that produce a single variety grape, such as Bairrada, using the Baga grape (red) and in Moncao/Melgaco in the Vinho Verde region, using the Alvarinho grape (white).

Overall, the most “popular” of the white grapes are Alvarinho, Arinto/Pederna, Encruzado and Fernao Pires/Maria Gomes. The popular red grapes are Baga, Casteao, Tinta Roriz, Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional and Trincadeira/Tinta Amarela.

My focus today is the Alentejo wine region which covers a third of Portugal in the southern half. (see map above)

Alentejo has eight sub-regions that cover approximately a fifth of the Vinho Regional Alentejano region with climate and soils varying within the sub-regions. The wines produced here come in a range of styles, influenced by the diversity of the climate and soil.

The soil of Alentejo varies throughout the sub-regions. In fact, it has the most diverse soil of any region in Portugal. Interspersed amongst the mountains, hills and valleys, one can find soil with clay, limestone, quartz, granite, schist, sandstone and marble. Most of the soils are non-calcareous, meaning they are neutral or more acidic.

Photo courtesy of Vinepair

For instance, Portalegre is located well to the northeast at the foothills of the São Mamede Mountains with predominately granite soil, more rainfall and cooler temperatures. Borba, Évora, Redondo and Reguengos, located in the interior of Alentejo, experience typical Mediterranean weather which is mild and warm, with more rainfall in winter. The soil types vary between marble, red slate, brown Mediterranean soil, granite and schist. Whereas, Granja-Amareleja, Moura and Vidigueira are exposed to a much hotter climate with infertile volcanic soils of granite and schist and poor limestone based soils.

Photo courtesy of Wines of Portugal

Alentejo has 51,000 acres of planted vines that enjoy 3000 hours of sunshine annually. More than 80% of the grapes grown are red, but whites are gaining momentum, especially Antão Vaz, the star grape of the region. The following are Alentejo’s signature grapes:

Whites
Antão Vaz
Arinto
Fernão Pires
Roupeiro-aka Malvasia and Siria
Verdelho

Reds
Alfrocheiro
Alicante Bouschet
Castelão
Touriga Nacional
Trincadeira

So, let’s check out a small selection of wines from Alentejo!

Olho De Mocha Reserva 2014 is produced by Herdade do Rocim located in the southernmost region of lower Alentejo. The wine is 100% Antão Vaz. The color is golden yellow with subtle aromas of citrus, floral, apples and hints of minerality. The palate offers tropical fruit, honeysuckle, gentle citrus and lively acidity with a dose of lemon zest on the finish. This is a fresh and aromatic wine.
Alcohol: 13.5%
SRP: $30

Tinto De Talha 2014 is produced by Piteira located in the Granja-Amareleja sub-region. The wine is made with 100% Moreto grapes grown in a mix of sand pebbles and quartz. This is a “clay jar” wine, which is a 2,000-year-old tradition of making wine.

Photo courtesy of Origen

The grapes are destemmed and crushed by hand and then the must and skins are deposited into large 520-gallon handmade talhas (clay jars) where fermentation starts spontaneously and lasts for about 3 months. The wine then ages for 6 months in the talhas with skins. The color of the wine is deep garnet with ripe fruit, floral and plum on the nose. Neutral flavors and a hint of bitterness remain on the palate.
Alcohol: 13.5%
SRP: $23

Reserve Red 2014 is produced by Esporão located in Reguengos de Monsaraz DOP, in the interior of Alentejo. This is a beautiful blend of Aragonez, Trincadeira, Cabernet Sauvignon and Alicante Bouschet. The grapes are grown in clay loam soils with granite and schist mother rock. The color of the wine is dark red bordering on purple. Aromas of ripe red and dark fruit, herbs and hints of oak segue onto the palate with cherry, plum and pomegranate, leaving a hint of tartness on the finish. This is a full-bodied wine with medium tannins and multiple layers. A very expressive wine.
Alcohol: 14.5%
SRP: $28

Evora Tinto Colheita 2013 is produced by Cartuxa located in the sub-region of Évora. The wine is a blend of Aragonez, Alicante Bouschet, Trincadeira and Cabernet Sauvignon. The grapes are grown in granite soil. The wine is dark red with aromas of sweet berries and dark fruit. The palate offers dark rich fruit, dark plum, cherry, spice, licorice, medium tannins and a peppery finish. This is a full-bodied wine with a lot of depth and character.
Alcohol: 14.5%
SRP: $25

Monte de Peceguina 2015 is produced by Herdade Da Malhadinha Nova located in Beja, a southern sub-zone. The wine is a lovely blend of Touriga Nacional, Syrah, Aragonez, Alicante Bouschet and Cabernet Sauvignon. The grapes are grown in free-draining schist soil. The color is dark ruby with heady aromas of lush ripe fruit, cherry and dark berries. The palate offers succulent berries, spice, anise and hints of pepper and herbs. White chocolate and cherry linger on the finish. This is a fresh, medium-bodied wine that is smooth as silk.
Alcohol: 14.5%
SRP: 18.99

Alentejo producers and growers embrace and practice sustainability. In 2014, the Alentejo Regional Wine Growing Commission created a voluntary initiative for grape growers and wine producers called Wines of Alentejo Sustainability Programme in order to improve social, environmental and economic welfare.

In addition to wine production, Alentejo produces award-winning olive oil and is home to over one-third of the world’s cork forests.

Cork forest

Alentejo has a rich and fascinating wine history, amazing architecture, mouthwatering cuisine and a captivating culture, all of which I will cover in another post. In the meantime, the next time you’re in a wine shop pick up a bottle from this impressive region. Most of the wines are available nationwide.

Cheers!
Penina

To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected]

Day 628 Wine For All Seasons

2/17/2018

Being that February is a short month with only 28 days, time is definitely flying by! In just a few short weeks spring will be here and for some, the slow process of emerging from winter cocoons will begin with thoughts of shifting to outdoor grilling, drinking lighter wines and preparing herb and vegetable gardens.

Although the weather has been warm and quite balmy the last few days, making spring seem more attainable, winter is far from over. I have been snapped out of my reverie today as I prepare for yet another snowstorm! And bam…back to reality!

No matter what the weather, I recently tasted some delicious wines that will please the palate in any season. Wines of Sicily DOC recently sent me a few bottles of wine. And you know how much I love Sicilian wine! To quote Wines of Sicily, “The mission of Sicilia DOC is to unite passionate winemakers throughout the region and together raise awareness of Sicilian wines around the world.” To learn more, please visit http://winesofsicily.com

Let’s start with the Feudo Principi di Butera 2016 Insolia. The Insolia grape is also referred to as Inzolia and Ansonica. It is Sicily’s fourth most widely planted grape and grown primarily in western Sicily.

The 2016 Insolia is 100% Insolia. The grapes are harvested from the districts of Butera and Riesi. The color of the wine is soft yellow with seductive aromas of tropical fruit, citrus and a tease of floral. This is a lively and medium-bodied wine that offers a juicy palate of pear, stone fruit and citrus. Hints of lemon zest, herbs and almonds round out the finish. This is a great wine to serve as an aperitif or with cheese, fruit and light pastas.
Alcohol: 13%
Price range: $16

Feudo Principi di Butera’s 320-hectare estate is owned by the Zonin family. It is located in the province of Caltanissetta and extends into the ancient lands of Feudo Deliella. To quote Gianni Zonin, “I am proud that our Sicilian estate is a bastion of quality and the rural way of life, an oasis of the traditions which we want to defend”. http://www.feudobutera.it

Nero d’Avola is one of the oldest indigenous grapes of Sicily. It is considered the most important Sicilian red and the most widely planted red variety on the island.

The Villa Pozzi 2016 Nero d’Avola DOC is made with 100% Nero d’Avola grapes. The color is deep ruby with aromas of black raspberry, cherry, red plum and spice. This is a full-bodied wine with intense flavors of dark berries, sour cherry, fennel and hints of cocoa and sour cherry lingering on the finish. The wine is fruit forward with soft tannins and is beautifully balanced. Serve with meats, stews and lighter fare as well!
Alcohol: 13%
Price range: $10

Villa Pozzi vineyards are located in the hills surrounding Marsala, Salemi and Mazzara del Vallo in northwestern Sicily. Daniele Pozzi, owner and the family’s fourth generation winemaker says, “When you open a bottle of Villa Pozzi, our hope is to transport you to a cozy Italian villa nestled in a small Sicilian town far away from the busy everyday. It’s a leisurely escape from the world outside and a journey of taste that makes any day feel special.” https://www.villapozziwines.com

As I continue to make my way around the vineyards of Sicily, the quality and passion that goes into winemaking is evident in every glass of wine I taste. I’m looking forward to more “tastes of the vine from Sicily”.

Cheers!
Penina

To leave a comment or if you have an inquiry, please contact me at [email protected]

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