Wine With Wanda

Toast the New Year with Joy and Light: The Magic of Sparkling Wine!

Turbulence around the globe and the loss of so many beloved cultural icons has made 2016 an emotional rollercoaster. But I refuse to overlook the moments of joy. In 2016, over countless bottles of wine, I shared dreams, laughs, hopes, fears, and secrets with friends, colleagues, and loved ones. Wine opened our hearts to each other, transported us to new places, and delighted us with its sheer beauty. I'm certain that all wine lovers, all around the world, had similar experiences. Did you? As this tumultuous year winds down, I am especially grateful for those moments of bliss and light. Champagne and other sparkling wines are the traditional way to ring in the new year, so for my final article of 2016 I'm sharing a few special sparkling wine recommendations. Happy New Year! May beautiful wine moments and adventures flow abundantly in 2017! Keep reading for information on four delicious sparkling wines. 


Champagne Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé Brut NV ($99.99) 
If your resolution is to live la vie en rose, toast the new year with a bottle of this superb rosé Champagne! Produced from 100% Pinot Noir, this vividly hued and beautifully crafted bubbly seduces the eye and palate. Extraordinarily crisp with fine bubbles and exuberant flavors of red & black berries, dark cherries, orange zest, and lip-smacking minerality, this exquisite Champagne will make every day feel like New Year's Eve. 

Champagne Duval-Leroy Rosé Prestige Premier Cru Brut NV ($80)
Mostly Pinot Noir (90%) with a kiss of Chardonnay (10%), this elegant sip from the venerable house of Duval-Leroy is willowy and refreshing with flavors of fresh raspberry, lively lemon zest, and a touch of spicy ginger. Playful yet polished, this pretty rosé Champagne will kick off your new year in style! 



Champagne Collet Esprit Couture Brut NV ($120)
This beautiful bubbly pirouettes across the palate with energy and grace. A blend of Chardonnay (40%), Pinot Noir (50%) and Pinot Meunier (10%) representing Collet's finest crus, it has impressive structure, balance, and finesse. Flavors of stone fruit and citrus meld harmoniously with a tinge of minerality and voluminous texture. A sexy and sophisticated sip! 

Domaine Chandon Brut 2009 & 2011($45)
Toast the new year with a glass of Napa Valley ooh la la! Founded in 1973 by the legendary house of Möet & Chandon, the sparkling wines of Domaine Chandon eloquently express French heritage & American innovation. I recently tasted the Chandon 2008 vintage from their Mt. Veeder, Napa Valley vineyards and was impressed by its lip-smacking minerality, vibrant fruit, and robust mouthfeel. The 2011 Mt. Veeder (Chardonnay) and 2009 Yountville (Pinot Noir & Chardonnay) vintages are now available. 

For more sparkling wine recommendations, read my articles Make the Holidays Shine with Sparkling Wines: Four Festive Sips from France and Italy  and 'Tis the Season to Sparkle: Seven Sensational Champagnes.  

Celebrate the Holidays with Chilean Wines!

If you've been walking past the Chilean wines in your local wine shop, stop right now! Chile excels at producing wonderful wines that won't break the bank. From international varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay to local stars such as Carmenère and Pais; Chile produces an impressive array of beautifully crafted wines.

I recently had the pleasure of sharing some Chilean vino and conversation with Marybeth Bentwood, executive director of Wines of Chile.

Watch the video to learn more about Chilean wines, pairing suggestions, and why Chile is a must-visit destination for wine lovers. The video features three Chilean wines that are perfect for the holidays. Keep reading for more details about the featured wines - all prices are approximate. Cheers!


Miguel Torres Santa Digna Estelado Sparkling Pais Rosé ($20)
Dazzle your guests with this gorgeous and unique sparkling vino. The world's only sparkling wine made from the Pais grape, it is a stunning coppery shade with fine bubbles and vibrant flavor. A fabulous gift for the sparkling wine lover in your life. 

Santa Carolina Reserva de Familia Chardonnay ($18)
Expressive and elegant with lively citrus flavors and a hint of tropical fruit. A touch of spice and vanilla from French oak add texture and complexity. A great match with seafood or herb roasted chicken. 

Undurraga T.H. (Terroir Hunter) Carignan 2011 ($18)
Rich, juicy, and earthy with soft tannins and concentrated pure fruit. An elegant expression of Carignan that will pair beautifully with roasts and lamb. 

Make the Holidays Shine with Sparkling Wines: Four Festive Sips from France & Italy

Nothing gets the party started like sparkling wine! Of course, Champagne reigns supreme but there are many other delicious sparkling wines that will add an elegant touch to your holiday celebrations at a fraction of the price. Pop the cork on one of these four delicious bubblies from France and Italy! 


Côté Mas Crémant de Limoux NV Brut St. Hilaire ($15.99)
If you can't holiday in the South of France, this fantastic sparkling wine from the Languedoc will add a dash of ooh la la to your festivities. Frothy with fine bubbles, it has refreshing flavors of lemon sorbet balanced by crisp minerality. Great texture and a lingering finish. A blend of Chardonnay (60%), Chenin Blanc (20%), Pinot Noir (10%), and Mauzac (10%). 

Côté Mas Crémant de Limoux Rosé NV Brut St. Hilaire ($15.99)
Your eyes will delight in the gorgeous pink hue of this sparkling rosé from the Languedoc in the south of France. Expressive flavors of watermelon, tangerine, pink grapefruit, blood orange, and a touch of herbs. A sure-fired way to get the party started! A blend of Chardonnay (70%), Chenin Blanc (20%), and Pinot Noir (10%). 

 
Cinzano Prosecco DOC ($11.99)
Crisp and dry with a hint of creaminess and touches of green apple and melon. Lively and refreshing expression of the Glera grape. A fantastic apéritif or as a base for one of my favorite cocktails - the Aperol Spritz (3 parts Cinzano Prosecco, 2 parts Aperol, 1 splash of soda). 



Cinzano Asti DOCG ($11.99)
A touch of sweetness is always a crowd-pleaser during the holidays. 100% Moscato, this fizzy wine has pretty flavors of juicy peach, honey, and candied orange peel. A lovely apéritif or pair with chocolate covered strawberries and fruit based desserts. 

'Tis the Season to Sparkle: Seven Sensational Champagnes!

A beautiful bottle of Champagne is the easiest and most elegant way to take a party from blah to ooh la la! Not even Scrooge can resist the percussion of a popping cork and tiny bubbles dancing away in the glass. I love Champagne all year round but its inherent luxury and beauty make it a perfect match for holiday festivities. Champagne is joy in a glass! From small growers/producers to legendary houses, here are seven sensational non-vintage Champagnes that will add some sophisticated sparkle to your soirées. I selected non-vintage Champagnes, a blend of harvests from different years, because they are often the clearest indicators of a producer's style and the blends are crafted to maintain a certain consistency from year to year. And remember, Champagne ONLY comes from Champagne, France. Cheers! 

Champagne Collet Brut Art Deco NV ($42)
Founded in 1921, Champagne Collet has embraced the elegance and style of the Art Deco period as part of their identity. Their divine Brut Art Deco is comprised of about 20 crus, all Premier or Grand Cru.  Aged for at least four years in chalk cellars, this full-bodied Champagne has vibrant fruit flavors, crunchy minerality, and exuberant acidity. 40% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir, 20% Pinot Meunier.

 
Champagne Duval-Leroy Brut Reserve NV ($45)
Family owned and operated since 1859, Duval-Leroy is the largest independent house in Champagne. A blend of around 15 crus and reserve wines, this sophisticated sip has an alluring creaminess that is balanced by flavors of fresh pear and red apple with a hint of lemon zest and toasted brioche. 60% Pinot Noir, 30% Pinot Meunier, 10% Chardonnay. 

image courtesy of Champagne Taittinger

Champagne Taittinger Brut La Française ($50)
One of the last family owned and operated Grand Marque Champagne houses in France, Taittinger is celebrated for their exquisitely crafted bubblies that incorporate a larger percentage of Chardonnay than other large houses. As chic as a couture dress, this bubbly is a beguiling shade of pale gold with fine bubbles. Delicate but distinctive, it has lovely flavors of fresh fruit, honey, and brioche. 40% Chardonnay, 35% Pinot Noir, 25% Pinot Meunier

Champagne Piper-Heidsieck Brut NV ($45)
 Founded in 1785, Piper-Heidsieck is one of the oldest Champagne houses and their Chef de Cave, Régis Camus, has been named “Champagne Winemaker of the Year” a record eight times! His magic touch is evident in their non-vintage Champagne's fine bubbles, lingering finish, and balanced flavors of citrus, pear, brioche, and minerality. Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay  

Pol Roger Brut Reserve White Foil NV ($50)
Want to sip like royalty? Select the bubbly that was served at the reception following the nuptials of Prince William to Miss Catherine Middleton (now the Duchess of Cambridge.) Founded in 1849, Pol Roger is one of the few Grande Marque Champagne houses that remains family owned and operated. Their delicious White Foil thrills the palate with beautifully balanced acidity, creaminess, and hints of toasty brioche. 34% Chardonnay, 33% Pinot Noir, 33% Pinot Meunier

 Champagne Éric Taillet Egali'T Brut ($37)
Grape grower and Champagne producer Éric Taillet is not yet a household name but I'm certain that is about to change. A relative newcomer to the US market, Eric crafts expressive Champagnes that exude elegance and energy. The name of his Egali'T Brut is inspired by the equal proportions of Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay in the blend.  Each sip showcases a delicious balance of fruit, minerality, and acidity!

Champagne Marion-Bosser Premier Cru Brut Tradition ($44.99)
For generations, mothers and daughters, have led the house of Champagne Marion-Bosser and the tradition continues with the team of Bernadette and Elodie Marion. This impeccably structured Champagne is full-bodied yet graceful with lovely fruit and mineral flavors. 60% Chardonnay, 40% Pinot Noir 

 Please note that all prices are approximate. Cheers! 

Israeli Wines That Soar: Superb Sips from Golan Heights Winery

"Wine conveys a feeling of its source from within. The region in which the grapes are grown is embedded in the taste, aroma and color of the wine. Wine, therefore, has the power to embody the culture, language, scents and people of its region."
- Victor Schoenfeld, Head Winemaker, Golan Heights Winery

Winemaker Victor Schoenfeld brings California swagger to Golan Heights Winery in Israel. A native of the Golden State, Victor earned his degree in Enology from the University of California, Davis and worked at wineries in California and France before being named as the head winemaker of Golan Heights Winery in 1992. Victor's talents and expertise have guided Golan Heights Winery to the upper echelons of Israeli wine producers and they were recently included in the Wine Spectator cover story dedicated to the growing prominence of Israeli wines.  

After planting their first vineyards in the Golan in 1976, Golan Heights Winery was founded in 1983 and represents an exciting chapter in Israel's modern winemaking history. Although Israel's winemaking traditions can be traced back thousands of years, a renaissance has been blooming in Israel's vineyards and Golan Heights Winery has been an integral part of this exciting new chapter.


I recently had the opportunity to taste several wines from Golan Heights Winery's premier line of flagship wines - Yarden. Made from the finest grapes from their best vineyards, the Yarden wines reflect Victor's statement that "the key to quality is in the vineyard." Golan Heights' volcanic soil and cool high-altitude climate nurture the growth of high-quality grapes and this is evident in each sip. From crisp whites to bold reds, the Yarden wines express Israel beautifully and showcase world-class wines with universal appeal. 

Yarden Gewurztraminer 2015 ($24.99)
Flirty floral flavors are kicked up a notch with exuberant touches of spice and lychee. Tropical with a hint of herbs. A refreshing apéritif and a winning match with spicy food! 

Yarden Katzrin Chardonnay 2014 ($30)
Winemaker Victor Schoenfeld describes "oak as a picture frame that focuses the attention" but does not overwhelm - balance is key. This philosophy is beautifully expressed in this wonderful Chardonnay. French oak enhances this full-bodied wine's flavors of ripe pear, lemon, and apple. Energetic acidity and a touch of flint make this a balanced beauty! Pair with salmon or roast chicken. 

 

Yarden Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 ($39.99)
Victor describes this velvety red as an "iconic Israeli wine." Intense and juicy flavors of blackberry and dark cherry are revved up with touches of black tea and herbs. Pair with steak, lamb, veal, and pasta with mushrooms. 

Visit the Golan Heights Winery website to discover more wines in their portfolio. If you're planning a trip to Israel, they welcomes visitors for tours and tastings. Cheers! 

 

Pour Some Holiday Cheer: Five Fantastic Red Wines for the Naughty and Nice!

Forget the milk and cookies - if you really want to impress Santa and move off the naughty list, pour him a glass of red wine. Here are five fantastic reds that are certain to add some cheer to your holiday season!

Fontanafredda Barolo Serralunga d'Alba DOCG 2011 ($45)
Italy (Piemonte)
Known as the king of wines, a beautiful bottle of Barolo always dazzles! The big tannins and acidity of the Nebbiolo grape, along with its signature flavors of tar & roses, can often make Barolo overwhelming but this supple beauty from Fontanafredda dances across the palate. Elegant flavors of dried roses and cherries with hints of vanilla and spice, this soft & velvety Barolo is accessible yet impressive. Founded by Italy's first king in 1858, Fontanafredda is one of Barolo’s most historic wineries and located in the village of Serralunga d’Alba.

El Enemigo Cabernet Franc 2011($30)
Argentina (Mendoza)
This is one sexy vino! Spicy, juicy and bold with intense flavors of cassis, dark cherries, currants, and red plums that are balanced by pops of pepper and clove. Forget the mistletoe, pour your sweetie a glass of El Enemigo and besos are guaranteed. 

Casisano Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2011 ($60)
Italy (Tuscany)
Have you been naughty this year? Share a bottle of Casisano Brunello di Montalcino and all will be forgiven. Brunello di Montalcino is one of Italy's most important wines and this beauty from the famed Tommasi family is a lovely expression of the varietal. Produced from a small terraced vineyard in Montalcino, this vibrant and rich wine has tantalizing flavors of dark fruit with lively spice and vanilla accents. 

Markham Vineyards Merlot 2014 ($26)
California (Napa Valley)
Spread the beauty of Merlot with this gorgeous sip from Napa Valley. Founded in 1874, Markham is the fourth oldest continuously operating winery in Napa Valley and the 2014 vintage marks the 35th anniversary of their flagship Merlot. Robust and juicy with mouth-watering flavors of fresh ripe plums, black cherries, and a touch of espresso and spice; this is a joyful Merlot that is perfect for the season. 

 MWC Pinot Noir 2014 ($18)
Australia (Central Victoria)
This elegant, nuanced, and downright delicious Pinot Noir from Down Under is joy in a glass. With pure flavors of cherry, strawberry, and plum heightened by accents of tea and spice, this Pinot Noir displays European finesse while authentically expressing the terroir of Central Victoria. Produced by the family-owned and operated McPherson Wine Company, the MWC line showcases premium wines without pretension for under $20. That's something to celebrate this season! 

 

Sip Like Royalty: Fabulous Fronsac Wines from Château de La Dauphine

Once upon a time there was a lovely princess who had a craving for the finest wine in the land. The royal thirst of Maria Josepha of Saxony, the Dauphine of France and the mother of Louis XVI, led her to Château de La Dauphine in Fronsac. Surely, the reputation of these superb wines, from a vineyard that coincidentally shared her name, proved irresistible to La Dauphine. One of the oldest wine-producing areas in Bordeaux, in the 18th century wines from Fronsac were the most highly prized and expensive wines in the kingdom. 

image courtesy of Château de La Dauphine

Today, the wines of Fronsac may not have the larger-than-life mystique (and price) of Bordeaux appellations like Margaux and St. Emilion, but the region offers high quality wines that don't require a royal budget to enjoy. One of the largest properties in Fronsac, the history of Château de La Dauphine can be traced back to the 17th century and it has only changed hands a few times. In 2015, the property was purchased by the Labrune family and they remain committed to carrying on the previous family's legacy of producing high-quality biodynamic wines that authentically express the finesse of the terroir. 

image courtesy of Château de La Dauphine

 

image courtesy of Château de La Dauphine

Château de La Dauphine grows Merlot and Cabernet Franc at their 130 acre organic vineyard, located on Bordeaux's Right Bank in one of the meandering loops of the Dordogne River. The wines are produced in their ultra-modern facility that respects the integrity of the fruit. I recently had the opportunity to meet with Marion Merker, a representative of the Château, and she stated that their commitment to organic & biodynamic production "is a way to protect employees, community, and consumers." Marion also said that "wine is to share, to enjoy, to taste." I absolutely agree and with their wines priced in the $18-$35 range, Château de La Dauphine makes it easy to spread the joy!

 

 

The wines are absolutely food-friendly and paired beautifully with the meal that we shared at New York City's famed Gotham Bar & Grill. Château de La Dauphine will certainly add a certain ooh la la to your meals at home! 


Château de La Dauphine 2012 is their first vintage produced in collaboration with famed oenologist Michel Rolland and also the first year of their conversion to organic farming. A blend of 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, it displays that Rolland style of full-bodied but graceful wines with pure and luscious fruit. An elegant but unpretentious wine, it is velvety and smooth with rich flavors of blackberry, blackcurrant, and dark cherry. The beauty of Château de La Dauphine is that the blend is always 90% Merlot and 10% Cabernet Franc, so it really allows you to explore the unique qualities of each vintage. The 2010 vintage displays fresh dark fruit flavors along with touches of licorice and spice. 2009 is a bit creamier with hints of vanilla and dried fruits. 


image courtesy of Château de La Dauphine

If you're planning a trip to France, Château de La Dauphine is only 40km from Bordeaux and welcomes visitors (by appointment) for tours, workshops, and lunches. It's worth the trip - they have been awarded gold level prizes for Best of Wine Tourism and even for the lunches served in the property's various picturesque settings. It certainly sounds like everyone gets the royal treatment at Château de La Dauphine!       

Naturally Chic: The Organic Wines of Le Clos de Caveau

  Henri Bungener of Le Clos de Caveau winery

Leaving behind his cosmopolitan life as a psychologist in London, winegrower Henri Bungener now spends his days attentive to the needs of the vines at his Le Clos de Caveau winery in the Vacqueyras AOC appellation in France's Rhône Valley. It may seem an odd career transition, but in their fragility and strength, perhaps wine grapes and people have more in common than we care to admit. And patience and attentiveness are certainly essential qualities in both psychologists and winegrowers.

image courtesy of Le Clos de Caveau

Also, like people, behind every wine bottle is a story. The story of Le Clos de Caveau began in 1976 when Henri's parents Nicole and Gérard Bungener purchased the property from famed English wine merchant Stephan Spurrier. (Spurrier famously organized the legendary Judgement of Paris blind tasting competition in 1976.) Certified organic since 1989, Le Clos de Caveau was quite ahead of their time when they began farming without chemicals in 1980. Henri took over the winery in 1994 and has lived there full-time for a decade. 


Le Clos de Caveau Lao Muse 2012 paired beautifully with Vinatería's dish of Ossobucco of Wild Boar Shank served with a Cassoulet of White Beans, Chorizo, and Gremolata. 

I had the pleasure of meeting Henri while he was in New York City to host a dinner at the popular Harlem wine-centric restaurant Vinatería. Known for their eclectic and excellent list of wines from around the globe, Vinateria generally showcases smaller producers like Le Clos de Caveau. Wine director Heidi Johnson is a true fan of Le Clos de Caveau and spoke beautifully of her emotional response to Henri's wines.


image courtesy of Le Clos de Caveau

Le Clos de Caveau grows Grenache and Syrah on a hillside for their Vacqueyras AOC wines. (They are also experimenting with plantings of Mourvèdre two kilometers away.) Henri is very attentive to each variety's unique response to the terroir. As one goes up the hill, the soil becomes more arid and imbues the grapes with more concentration. That individuality and sense of place is elegantly apparent in his wines. 



60% Grenache and 40% Syrah, Fruit Sauvage 2014 ($23) is produced from vines aged 10-45 years from the fields at the bottom of the slope. Naturally fermented with wild yeast, the wine is juicy and fruit-forward with flavors of blackcurrant, cassis, and subtle spice.  



More intense and robust, Carmin Brillant 2012 ($27) is also Grenache (60%) and Syrah (40%) but produced from vines aged 25-70 years from fields on the side of the hill. A deep shade of purple with rich flavors of cassis and blackberries with a hint of mountain herbs, the wine's long maceration period and 20 months of aging lend it a posh lushness.  

Lao Muse 2012 ($58) is the pièce de rèsistance. The name Lao Muse means La Muse in the old Provençal language and this wine certainly inspires me to dream of sharing a bottle with someone special, preferably in the south of France! Lao Muse is produced from the final rows at the top of the hill where the grapes develop intense and concentrated flavors. Powerful but elegant and down-to-earth, Lao Muse's sultry flavors of black cherry and blackcurrant are balanced by a hint of vanilla and spice. 

image courtesy of Le Clos de Caveau

If you're looking for beautifully crafted organic wines that truly express a sense of place, I highly recommend Le Clos de Caveau. And if you're planning a trip to the Rhône Valley, Le Clos de Caveau welcomes visitors for tours and tastings - overnight accommodations are also available. Cheers! 

Say Sí to the Wines of Navarra: A "New" Taste of Spain

Navarra may not have the name recognition of their winemaking hermanos in Rioja, but the region produces an abundance of wonderful vino. Located in the north of Spain, the vineyards of Navarra span the foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains to the Ebro River Basin and the Bardenas Reales Desert. This diversity of terroir and micro-climates makes Navarra naturally suited to produce a wide variety of wine styles - from refreshing whites & rosés to complex & bold reds. 

image courtesy of Wines of Navarra. image by Jesús Chasco

I was recently invited to learn more about the wines of Navarra at a fantastic seminar led by enthusiastic experts April Cullom and Robin Kelley O'Connor. April said that "Spain is about food, wine, and fun" and Navarra certainly embodies this attitude. Known as the garden of Spain because of its exquisite produce and cheeses, Navarra has a rich culinary tradition and the wines are absolutely food-friendly. A cultural treasure, Navarra has inspired countless artists and authors like Ernest Hemingway (The Sun Also Rises). Right outside Navarra's capital city of Pamplona (yes, THAT Pamplona where the legendary running of the bulls takes place), lie the vineyards along the iconic medieval pilgrimage route Camino de Santiago. In fact, during the late Middle Ages, Navarra's wines were praised by those making the pilgrimage. And today Navarra offers quality wines at amazingly affordable prices. Are you ready to explore the wines of Navarra? 


Vega Sindoa Chardonnay 2015 ($9) is a great introduction to the Navarra style. The region's historical ties to France led to an early introduction of French varietals so Chardonnay is quite prevalent. Quite aromatic, this dry and refreshing white wine has lively flavors of citrus, apple, and pineapple. Zippy acidity make this unoaked vino a great aperitivo and a lovely match with light salads and seafood. 


Of course, no discussion of Spanish wines is complete without discussing the most famous red - Tempranillo. Vega Sindoa Tempranillo 2015 ($9) is fresh but surprisingly nuanced for a wine that is so young and affordable. Flavors of bright cherry are revved up by hints of plum and licorice. Vega Sindoa wines are produced by Bodegas Nekeas. Located in the valley of Valdizarbe, the northernmost wine-growing district of Navarra, their vineyards are influenced by the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. It is considered one of Spain's finest areas for the production of wine & olive oil.



Vega del Castillo Capa Roja Tempranillo 2013 ($10) offers a different expression of Tempranillo - earthy with fruity flavors of cherry and tomato that are perked up with a hint of anis. The roots of Bodegas Vega del Castillo can be traced back to 1910 as Spain's first cooperative winery. Their vineyards are located in different sites of Navarra's Lower Mountain and Upper River regions, which allows them to produce a variety of wine styles. 


A robust and juicy red, Vega del Castillo Garnacha Cepas Viejas 2014 ($8) is a lovely expression of Garnacha. Produced from their oldest vines, many over 60 years old, the wine is full yet soft with flavors of ripe dark fruit and hints of peppery spice. An incredibly balanced and nuanced wine for such an affordable price. A delicious match with pasta, a burger, roast chicken, or chorizo. 

Whatever your preference, chances are that Navarra produces a wine that you'll enjoy! To learn more about Navarra and its winemakers, visit the Wines of Navarra website. Cheers! 

From the Benziger Family to Yours: Authentic & Expressive Sonoma Wines

"Ours is a family winery in the truest sense, it is operated by Benzigers. My family loves sharing our Estate ranch and providing guests with an agrarian experience that you will not get anywhere else. We farm for flavors and craft wine with a distinct sense of place. Our roots run deep and this authenticity resonates with our customers." - Chris Benziger

A conversation with Chris Benziger is a poignant reminder that every bottle of wine tells a story. The wines of Benziger Family Winery beautifully express a family's commitment to their land, winemaking, and each other. For more than 30 years, the Benziger family has farmed their ranch on Sonoma Mountain to craft quality wines that authentically express the terroir. All Benziger wines are certified organic, sustainable, or biodynamic. 

image courtesy of Benziger

Chris is the vice president of trade relations for Benziger Family Winery but he isn't afraid to get his hands dirty - he also oversees important farm duties like shepherding the sheep and cows, and tending the estate's fruit and vegetable trees. He believes that "the only way to communicate the quality of the wines he promotes is by having the soil from the vineyard in which he’s endorsing under his nails."

I recently had the pleasure of sharing several Benziger wines with Chris when he was in New York City for their cool "Benziger in the City" pop-up tasting room. The festive pop-up brought a bit of Sonoma to the Big Apple and featured Benziger wines, Sonoma inspired cuisine, and even extra virgin olive oil from their estate. Benziger has an impressive portfolio and I recommend these three delicious wines as an introduction to their style. 

Paradiso de Maria Sauvignon Blanc 2015 ($36)
A refreshing wine that beautifully balances fresh & juicy fruit flavors with crisp minerality, this elegant sip is a tribute to Mary Benziger. She discovered this property in 1979 alongside her daughter Erinn and husband Mike, and selected the site to produce her dream wine. "Bursting with aromas of citrus and honeysuckle with a fresh entry that gives the palate a pleasing pop of green plum and apple." Demeter Certified Biodynamic

Signaterra Sunny Slope Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 ($59) 
A big, graceful, and velvety wine that is perfect for cool winter nights. "Abundant in blackberry, boysenberry, toasted oak, and plum jam flavors, with mocha, coffee, and dark chocolate aromas."

Tribute Estate Blend 2013 ($85)
A Bordeaux style blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon, Tribute is made entirely from estate-grown grapes. Tribute was the first Demeter-certified Biodynamic® wine from Sonoma County and one of the first from North America.  A rich and regal wine with gorgeous flavors of dark fruit, coffee, vanilla and herbs. 


image courtesy of Benziger

These three wines are just a snapshot of the Benziger portfolio, visit their website to browse an array of wines at various price points. If you're planning a trip to Sonoma, Benziger welcomes guests for tours and tastings.