Wine With Wanda

Sip Like the Stars with Piper-Heidsieck: Official Champagne of the Oscars

 

On more than one occasion my nearest and dearest have deemed moi a drama queen. Alas, my theatrics won't make me a contender for an Academy Award but I can sip like a movie star with Champagne Piper-Heidsieck. Piper-Heidsieck has the distinction of being the sole Champagne to be served during the 2017 Academy Awards season. In honor of the partnership, Piper-Heidsieck has created a limited-edition magnum bottle to be poured exclusively at the Oscars ceremony and the official star-studded after-party: the Governors Ball.


The exclusive Oscars red magnum with a gold film design encircling the bottle is not available for sale BUT you can sip the same bubbly: elegant, refreshing, fruit-forward, balanced, and award-winning Piper-Heidsieck Cuvée Brut NV (around $45 for a standard 750 ml bottle.) Created in 1785, Piper-Heidsieck is one of France's oldest and most awarded Champagne houses. Piper-Heidsieck's winemaker, Régis Camus, has been named "Sparkling Winemaker of the Year" eight times over the past ten years (statistically speaking, this may make Régis the Meryl Streep of Champagne!)

So fret not if your invitation to the Oscars was somehow lost in the mail: cook up some popcorn, sashay to your sofa like it's the red carpet, pop the cork on a bottle of Piper-Heidsieck, and watch the drama unfold on your television! 

Planeta Winery Takes Your Palate on a Sicilian Adventure

"Wine was an important part of changing Sicily for the better."
- Alessio Planeta, Chief Winemaker & Co-Owner of Planeta Winery

My feet still dream of touching Sicilian soil but thanks to winemaker Alessio Planeta of Planeta Winery, my palate was recently swept away to Italy's largest island. Sicilian wines are garnering more attention and respect than ever before and Planeta has played an important role in this revolution. Founded in 1995, Planeta's slogan "a journey to Sicily" is more than lip service - they produce wine on 6 different estates that transverse the island. Their journey began at Sambuca di Sicilia at an estate that the family has owned since the 1600's.



Each Planeta estate is essentially a boutique winery in its own right. Each winery is built using local materials that respect the architecture of the region. In each area, Planeta meticulously cultivates indigenous and international grapes that are suited to thrive -- it is truly a terroir driven approach and you can taste it in the wines. 
 

Frappato DOC Vittoria 2015 ($22)
Frappato is such a fun word to say and just as delicious to sip. Fruity, light, and fresh with flavors of rose, candied violet, and a hint of balsamic; this playful but beautifully made wine is produced from Frappato grapes cultivated on Planeta's seaside vineyards in Vittoria.


Cerasuolo di Vittoria DOCG 2014 ($24)
Grown in Sicily's only DOCG (the highest level of quality for Italian wines), this vino blends the robust power of Nero d'Avola (60%) with the flirty freshness of Frappato (40%). Cerasuolo means "cherry red" in Italian and the wine is named for its beautiful color. A lovely sip, it is supple and lively with flavors of strawberry, cherry, pomegranate, and a touch of pepper. 

Dorilli Cerasuolo di Vittoria Classico DOCG 2014 ($33)
The grapes for this elegant wine come from carefully selected vines at Planeta's Dorilli estate. Named after the nearby Dorilli River, the Planeta farmhouse at Dorilli is near land which belonged to their paternal grandmother. With a lovely round texture and an appealing harmony between sweet fruit and spice, this versatile vino can pair with a wide variety of foods. Alessio said that Cerasuolo is traditionally paired with fish but he also recommends it with tomato based dishes. 


Noto Nero d'Avola DOC 2012 ($26)
Rich and robust Nero d'Avola is Sicily's most famous grape and this bottling from Planeta's Buonivini estate is a wonderful expression of the varietal. Dry with lingering flavors of rose, hibiscus, strawberry, and herbs; pair this beauty with red meat and hearty pastas. 


Santa Cecilia Noto DOC 2011($45)
Sophisticated and supple, Santa Cecilia is Planeta's benchmark wine produced from 100% Nero d'Avola. Planeta describes Noto's white soils and ancient vines as the ideal area for Nero d'Avola cultivation. For me the true test of Nero d'Avola is a balance between power and finesse and this wine succeeds beautifully. This sophisticated wine is rich and dark with bold flavors of blackberry, plum, and blackcurrant that are balanced by lively acidity and hints of herbs, graphite, and pepper. Pair with steak, lamb, aged cheeses, mushroom based dishes, and pasta with meat sauce.

If you're planning a trip to Sicily, Planeta invites visitors to reserve tastings and meals at several of their estates. Accommodations are available at The Resort. 

 

Sonoma Shines Through in the Wines of St. Francis Winery & Vineyards

 Winemaker Chris Louton and the team at St. Francis Winery & Vineyards are committed to producing wines with a distinct regional character where the terroir of Sonoma shines through. 
 
For us unabashed wine geeks, wine is nothing short of a spiritual experience and Sonoma is one of the sacred places. Even if you've never made the pilgrimage to Sonoma, if you love the wine you're a member of the tribe. Named after the patron saint of animals, ecology, and merchants; St. Francis Winery & Vineyards has been crafting wines from Sonoma County's best appellations for more than 30 years and is known for their fruit-forward and food-friendly wines.

A statue of St. Francis of Assisi greets winery guests at the Visitors Center. 

I recently had the pleasure of sharing a few St. Francis wines with winemaker Chris Louton. A native Californian, Chris became enamored of wine in college and left behind his pursuit of veterinary medicine to enroll in the prestigious viticulture and enology program at the University of California, Davis. Chris has been at St. Francis since 2013 (he was previously at Beringer Vineyards in Napa) and shares winemaking duties with Katie Madigan. Chris calls their division of labor "divide & conquer" - he focuses on the Bordeaux varietals and Katie's responsibilities include the production of Zinfandel and Chardonnay. 

St. Francis Winery welcomes visitors for tours and tastings. Their restaurant has been selected as one of the 100 Best Restaurants in America by OpenTable diners. 

St. Francis is a regional leader in green practices and in 2013 they were officially certified as a Sustainable Vineyard and Winery -- their namesake would surely be proud. My guided tasting with Chris was my first experience with St. Francis wines and I was impressed by their easy elegance - beautifully crafted but unpretentious.


St. Francis Winery Sonoma County Chardonnay 2014 ($16.99)
Vibrant and pretty with flavors of fresh apple and pear that are revved up by hints of pineapple and vanilla cream. 
 

 St. Francis Winery Reserve Merlot Sonoma Valley 2014 ($39.99)
Stop ignoring Merlot, it can't be beat when you're craving a juicy and luscious wine. This classic beauty is elegant with flavors of succulent plum and hints of chocolate. 


St. Francis Winery Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley 2014 ($39.99)
Delicious proof that a California Cabernet can be powerful without being obnoxious, this sophisticated sip has classic flavors of black currant and blackberry with a savory touch of spice and cedar. 

St. Francis Winery Reserve Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley 2014 ($39.99)
Crafted from vines 50-100 years old, this is an excellent expression of old vine Zinfandel. Velvety, juicy, and spicy with lingering flavors of black cherries and spice. 

A Vino for Every Mood: Modern & Traditional Italian Red Wines from Tommasi

Just like musicians, artists, and fashion designers; certain winemakers have a style that captures my attention. Tommasi is one of those winemakers. From exquisite Amarone to superb Prosecco, each Tommasi wine that I've tasted has impressed me with its authenticity and elegance. The Tommasi family has been producing wine in Italy since 1902 and they have estates in various regions; including Valpolicella and Tuscany. If you're looking for a delicious red wine to warm up your winter nights and to pair with a home-cooked meal, here are two delicious sips from Tommasi. Cheers! 

Poggio al Tufo Rompicollo 2013 ($18)
An artful blend of Sangiovese (60%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (40%), this modern beauty is produced at Tommasi's new project in Tuscany's coastal Maremma region. The grapes come from a single-vineyard site called Rompicollo and the wine is silky, juicy, and fruity. Vibrant flavors of cherries and red berries make this an elegant but unpretentious sip. A great match with pasta dishes.  

Tommasi Ripasso Valpolicella 2014 ($33)
Tommasi is renowned for their exceptional Amarone and their Ripasso Valpolicella simply would not exist without Amarone. This unique red wine is produced by fermenting Valpolicella wine for a second time with the grape skins that remain after the vinification of Amarone. The end result is a wonderful red wine that melds hints of Amarone's richness and spice with the freshness and vibrancy of Valpolicella. A truly delicious blend of Corvina Veronese (70%), Rondinella (25%), and Corvinone (5%), pair this vino with a delicious steak or hearty stew.  

Sipping Pretty: Domaine du Moulin Sparkling Mauzac from Gaillac

Domaine du Moulin's sparkling Mauzac is the kind of wine that drives wine geeks wild! This pretty sip from the Gaillac region in Southwest France is produced from the indigenous Mauzac grape and its fizzy bubbles are created using the Méthode Ancestrale - an ancient technique for producing sparkling wine that uses cold temperatures to halt the first fermentation. The wine is then bottled, fermentation resumes, and voilà - bubbles are created. Fizzy, fruity, and refreshing; Domaine de Moulin sparkling Mauzac has lively flavors of fresh peaches, green apples, and a touch of honey. Elegant yet playful, it is a great apéritif and Sunday brunch sip. Around $18. 

From the Mountains of Israel to Your Wineglass: Superb Sips from Psagot Winery

Yaakov Berg, founder of Psagot Winery

Yaakov Berg may have trained as a lawyer but winemaking was clearly his destiny. Born in Russia, his family moved to Israel when he was 3 years old. His father was a mathematician with dreams of working the land and that wish came to fruition when Yaakov was 13 and the family planted a small vineyard for their personal enjoyment. That hands-on experience ignited Yaakov's passion for winemaking. After completing his military service, Yaakov's travels took him to wineries in Australia and New Zealand. In 2003, Yaakov founded Psagot Winery. Psagot means the peak of the mountain in Hebrew and the winery is located in the northern Jerusalem Mountain range. Psagot grows international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot to craft wines that are undeniably Israeli but have universal appeal.

image courtesy of Psagot Winery

For Yaakov, "Wine is not just a drink. It is culture." He celebrates the powerful connection of winemaking to the history and traditions of the Jewish people. A cave was discovered on the grounds of Psagot Winery that contained ancient wine and olive oil presses. Today, that ancient cave serves as Psagot's wine barrel cellar. In our conversation, Yaakov enthusiastically exclaimed "after 2,000 years, the land came back to life!"


Also discovered in the cave were coins dating back to 70 AD with an inscription of an amphora - an ancient vessel for wine storage. A striking replica of the coin is affixed to the Psagot bottles, including their award-winning Psagot Edom 2013 ($35). A balanced blend of Merlot (63%), Cabernet Sauvignon (16%), Petit Verdot (11%), and Cabernet Franc (10%), Edom is rich and silky with luscious dark fruit & berry flavors and vibrant hints of Mediterranean herbs. A beautiful match with rosemary seasoned lamb chops or a juicy burger.


 

Psagot Sinai 2014 ($17) offers easygoing elegance at a fantastic price. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (55%) and Shiraz (45%), it is dry but refreshingly juicy and spicy. A great match with BBQ and more casual meals.  

If you only drink Cabernet Sauvignon from California, Psagot Cabernet Sauvignon ($30) will intrigue your palate. While the grape's signature rich and robust traits are evident, this wine has a distinctive, yet not overwhelming, herbaceousness that enhances the deep dark fruit flavors. Grill up a steak with this beauty! 

image courtesy of Psagot Winery

If you're not familiar with wines from Israel, give Psagot a swirl. I've sipped several different wines from Israel over the past few months and I have been absolutely impressed by the quality, diversity, and authenticity of the wines. The region has a tremendous legacy of winemaking and dynamic winemakers like Yaakov are proving that Israeli wines can compete on the global stage. If you're planning a trip to Israel, Psagot welcomes visitors for tours and tastings. Cheers! 

Sparkling Wine with Swagger: Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG

 

For bubbles without pretension, you can't go wrong with Prosecco. Italy's most famous sparkling wine is celebrated for its deliciousness and affordability but don't overlook its capacity for elegance. The next time you're in your local wine shop, ask for a bottle of Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG to experience a very special expression of Prosecco. The name is certainly a tongue-twister for those of us who don't speak Italian but the taste is worth a bit of linguistic acrobatics - Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG represents Italy's highest quality designation in the Prosecco category. 


Like all Prosecco, the sparkling wines from Conegliano Valdobbiadene are produced from the Glera grape (a minimum of 85%) but these wines come from a very specific region - hilly countryside situated around 30 miles north of Venice and 64 miles south of the Dolomites. Vines have been grown in the region since ancient times but the first written document linking Prosecco to this area dates back to 1772. Alan Tardi, US Ambassador of Prosecco DOCG said it perfectly, "Prosecco isn't a new variety invented so we could have Mimosas and Bellinis!" 


While Prosecco DOC also boasts some lovely wines, there are many mass-produced brands in the category that are more fizz than finesse. Prosecco from Conegliano Valdobbiadene beautifully express the terroir and its limited production make it even more special - around 83 million bottles compared to 355 million bottles in the Prosecco DOC region. For a great introduction to this very special Prosecco, here are four delicious examples. Salute! 


Astoria "Corderíe" Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Extra Dry ($20)
Fresh and lively flavors of fresh green apple and citrus. 

Sanfeletto Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Brut "Bosco di Fratta" Millesimato 2015 ($15)
Crisp with a touch of creaminess, balanced acidity, and flinty minerality. 

 
Frasinelli Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG Extra Dry Rive di Manzana 2015 ($15)
Round and full, juicy and crisp green apple and pear.   

De Faveri Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG "G e G" Millesimato 2015 ($31)
Earthy with an appealing hint of tartness and tantalizing texture.

This is just a very brief introduction to Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG - there is even a still (tranquillo) Prosecco with no bubbles! Visit www.prosecco.it to learn more.