Wine With Wanda

The 90th Oscars: Hollywood's Biggest Night Is a Wine & Food Extravaganza!

 

“We are particularly proud to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the Oscars. This anniversary bottle represents the history of excellence that unites the Academy and Piper-Heidsieck. These magnums, bottled in Reims and enjoyed in Los Angeles, are the very expression of the universal magic of cinema, to which we are paying tribute.”
Benoît Collard, Executive Director for Piper-Heidsieck

Film buffs and fashionistas are in a frenzy as the 90th Oscars approach. Who will win? What will they wear? But there's another important question that must be answered on Hollywood's glitziest night - What will they drink? I can't predict the Best Picture winner but I can tell you that rivers of Piper-Heidsieck Champagne and the wines of Francis Ford Coppola will flow on March 4th at the Oscars and the official after-party, the Governors Ball. 



An astounding 1,500 bottles of Piper-Heidsieck Champagne will be served - that's more than 8,500 delicious glasses of bubbly. The stellar offerings from the Piper-Heidsieck portfolio will include the limited-edition magnum that was designed especially to commemorate the 90th Oscars and Hollywood's Golden Age. You can't buy the special Oscars magnum but the fabulous Champagne within is Piper-Heidsieck's widely available Cuvée Brut.  

 “The Academy Awards is a ceremony that honors daring, fearless, innovative storytelling, and in that tradition, we have developed two exquisite Director’s Cut wines that reflect innovative excellence.” - Corey Beck, CEO, Francis Ford Coppola Winery   

More than 14,000 glasses of Francis Ford Coppola wine will be poured at the Oscars. The 2,400 bottles will include his Director’s Cut Oscars 90th Edition Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 and Director’s Cut Oscars 90th Edition Chardonnay 2016.  A fourteen-time nominee and six-time Oscar winner (including the prestigious Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award), filmmaker and vintner Francis Ford Coppola has had a long relationship with the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and these special wines are his tribute to the 90th anniversary of the Oscars.  

Piper-Heidsieck Rare 2002 Champagne paired with Chef Wolfgang Puck's Roasted Potato with Caviar. 

Of course, these fantastic wines deserve to be paired with an exceptional menu and legendary Chef Wolfgang Puck is leaving no truffle unturned. The 90th Oscars mark Puck's 24th year as the caterer of Hollywood's biggest night. The menu will include Chicken Pot Pie with Black Truffles, Osetra Caviar with Roasted New Potato, Wagyu Sliders, and Caviar Parfait with 24k Gold!  

The Bodyguard of Wine: Cork Is More Than a Closure

 

Are we really going to talk about cork? I confess that this was my initial reaction when I was invited to meet with representatives of APCOR (Portuguese Cork Association). As a wine lover, I absolutely respect cork as an essential part of the wine preservation process. But can talking about a bottle closure be as sexy as talking about wine? Maybe cork fever is contagious but I spent almost 2 hours corking out with Portuguese cork gurus João Rui Gomes Ferreira (President of APCOR) and Carlos de Jesus, (Operational Director, APCOR). So I begin with an apology to cork - please forgive me for taking you for granted all these years. You're so much more than a bottle closure, you are the humble yet effective bodyguard that keeps wine safe and enables it to mature gracefully. 

Cork Forest
image courtesy of APCOR

Let's start with the basics. What is cork and where does it come from? A 100% natural plant tissue, cork is extracted from the bark of the cork oak tree. The trees are not harmed nor cut down during the extraction process. Cork bark actually regenerates and can be harvested again. A sustainable product, cork is 100% natural, reusable, and recyclable. One of the richest eco-systems on the planet, worldwide there are more than 2.1 million hectares of cork oak forests. Portugal is home to 34% of the world's cork oak forests but these majestic trees also grow naturally iin Spain (27%), and parts of Italy and North Africa.  

Cork Harvest
image courtesy of APCOR

Cork and wine have had a longstanding relationship. A cork sealed amphora from 1BC was found in Ephseus with wine still inside! Cork sealed wine vessels were also discovered in the ancient ruins of Pompeii. 18th century advances in cork production made it the closure of choice for champagne and other wines. But like any longstanding relationship, cork and wine have had some rocky moments. As a natural product, corks have been prone to taint by TCA (Trichloroanisole), a natural compound that gives wine a dank, moldy, and musty aroma and also mutes flavors. (It should be noted that corks aren't the sole source of TCA in wine, it can be found in barrels and other wood sources.) However, the cork industry has made tremendous strides in testing and quality control measures that have greatly reduced the presence of TCA. 

Harvested Cork
image courtesy of APCOR

In an age of convenience, why bother with cork? Why do so many winemakers insist on sealing their bottles with cork given that it's labour intensive and requires the consumer to have a special tool to to extract it? It isn't just tradition, it's science. Screw caps are fine for fresh, young, and easy-drinking wines but many wine producers are reluctant to seal their important, age-worthy wines with a metal screw cap as if it were soda. Cork has the amazing and seemingly contradictory quality of being completely impermeable to both liquid and gas, while at the same time allowing oxygen into the bottle. Wine needs an ideal amount of oxygen to develop - too little and the wine can become reduced, too much and the wine can oxidize. Wine is alive and cork nurtures its development by providing a life line to a measured amount of essential oxygen. Winemaker Corey Beck of Francis Ford Coppola Winery says, "Cork is the last piece of the puzzle that extends the wine's life while allowing it to reach its maturity." 

Let's not ignore tradition - there's something absolutely romantic about cork. Even the most cynical among us feel joy at the sound of a cork popping - it is a universally recognized audio cue for being in the moment and enjoying life. And many of us keep corks as mementos of special bottles shared with those we cherish. In an ever-changing world, cork is a tangible symbol that sometimes the old ways are the best of all and still have value. Like the artisan frame on a fine painting, cork quietly protects wine so that its natural beauty is enhanced. 

One of my favorite winemakers, Philippe Guigal of Domaine E. Guigal said, "As closure we use exclusively cork stoppers, we still prefer this very proven method. Wine professionals often ask me why we don't use for rapid consumption wines, such as Côtes-du-Rhône whites and rosés, alternative closures and, in particular, screw-caps. My answer is that wine isn't just technique, [it] is also emotion, and behind this emotion, there are people."

I'll get out my corkscrew, pop the cork and drink to that! Cheers!

To learn more about cork, visit apcor.pt and 100percentcork.org. 

All Roads Lead to Garnacha: A Wine Lover's Journey Through Spain and France

Organic and gorgeous Garnacha grapes at Las Moradas de San Martín in Spain. 

Spain and France may speak different languages but these two wine-loving cultures are bound by Garnacha. Known as Grenache in French, Garnacha is one of the most widely planted grapes in the world but it truly thrives in its place of origin: the hot and dry Mediterranean terrain of eastern Spain and southern France. (It also has a strong presence in the Italian region of Sardinia where it is called Cannonau.)

For many years, Garnacha was best known as a blending grape but it is finally in the spotlight as a superb single varietal sip with the power and presence to stand on its own. An amazingly versatile grape that can produce a dynamic range of white, rosé, red, and fortified wines; there truly is a Garnacha/Grenache for every palate. Recently, I traveled to several regions of Spain and to Roussillon in the south of France for an unparalleled Garnacha adventure. You don't need a passport to go on your very own Garnacha/Grenache tasting tour, many of my suggested wines can be found at your local wine shop. Others may require some effort, or a trip abroad, but they're worth it. 

Madrid

 Las Moradas de San Martín winemaker Isabel Galindo speaks of the soil, vines, and wine as being alive. Isabel has a minimalist approach to winemaking so that Garnacha is the star and not overpowered.

My Garnacha journey began in Spain, about an hour from Madrid, at Las Moradas de San Martín. Garnacha is Spain's most widely planted wine grape but I had no idea that vineyards existed so close to the bustling metropolis of Madrid and that there is actually a Vinos de Madrid D.O. (Denominación de Origen). Committed to organic and sustainable wine production, Las Moradas is striking for its seemingly lack of human intervention. Instead of perfectly aligned rows of vines, these hardy and gnarled Garnacha vines just seem to be touched by Mother Nature and allowed to follow their own path. With vines averaging 70-80 years old and some as old as 100, Las Moradas is an Eden of Garnacha.



 Las Moradas de San Martín Initio 2010 ($20) is a stellar example of Garnacha's elegance, personality, and aging potential. Amazingly fresh and vibrant at 8 years old, I agree with the winemaker that the wine tastes alive. Intense and concentrated red fruit flavors are bolstered by hints of the wild herbs and flowers that share the idyllic terrain with the grapevines. 

Cariñena


Still in Spain, we followed the Garnacha trail to Cariñena, in the heart of the Ebro Valley, in Zaragoza/Aragon. Cariñena may not be a household name but it certainly has history - wine has been produced there since the Roman era and it received DO status in 1932. Cariñena's high-altitude vineyards with ancient stone soils and old vines, produce wines with complexity, depth, and character. The region's dramatic swings in temperature promote even ripening of the grapes and flavor development. Almost 100% of the region's production focuses on red wines.


Bodegas San Valero Particular Viñas Centenarias 2012 ($12.99) is an excellent introduction to the impressive and affordable wines of Cariñena. Limited-production from their oldest vines (100 years old!), this vino is rich and complex. 

Another old-vine beauty, Bodegas Paniza Viñas Viejas 2012 ($13) is made with high-altitude, old vines that are up to 100 years old. Rich fruit with a touch of smoky spice.  

Campo de Borja

There would be no wine without the hardworking men and women that harvest the grapes. Such a beautiful smile from this gentleman working the rocky soils of Fuendejalón for Bodegas Aragonesas. 

A very confident Campo de Borja has deemed themselves the "Great Empire of Garnacha!" Established in 1990, this relatively young DO has more than 16,000 acres under vine in the Zaragoza/Aragon region and is celebrated for red Garnacha wines that are fresh and energetic. Bodegas Aragonesas has a passionate devotion to Garnacha and say, "We express our love of Garnacha both on the land and in the winery. We know that it is an essential part of our heritage, and we do our best to continuously improve our methods of cultivation and winemaking."



Bodegas Aragonesas produces one of my favorite Garnacha wines from Spain - Coto de Hayas Garnacha Centenaria 2016 ($11). Consistently delicious, this super juicy and delightfully fresh vino captures the vitality and joy of Garnacha from Campo de Borja. 

Calatayud 

 Dynamic young winemakers Jorge Temprado and Juanvi Alcañiz are making wonderfully expressive wines with Garnacha at Bodegas San Alejandro in Calatayud.

"Regal reds from a rugged land" is an apt description of wines from Calatayud in Zaragoza/Aragon. The Calatayud DO was established in 1990 but vine cultivation in this steep mountainous area dates back to the 2nd century BC. Founded in 1962, Bodegas San Alejandro is one of the most important wineries in the region. Old vines combined with soaring altitudes create wines with impressive structure and minerality. 


Bodegas San Alejandro Las Rocas Garnacha 2015 ($17.99) is an excellent expression of terroir and elegant winemaking. A big, juicy, and spicy wine that captures the energy of Calatayud's soaring vineyards. 

Terra Alta



Smiling faces and stunning landscapes at Cellers Unió vineyards in Terra Alta. 

White and red Garnacha with a Catalan flair is the hallmark of Terra Alta. Established as a DO in 1984, Terra Alta is "where Garnacha reigns in red and white." Recognized for their crisp and mineral-rich white wines since the 19th century, red Garnacha wines from this mountainous region in the province of Tarragona elegantly express intense red fruit flavors with a streak of minerality. Cellers Unió credits the local winds “cerç” and “garbí” for refreshing the grapes in the region's hot summers and preventing illnesses.


Fresh and frisky with crisp minerality and a touch of cream, Unió Corporació
Alimentaria Clos Dalian Garnacha Blanca 2016 ($9.99) captures the Terra Alta style. 

Somontano

A fairy tale view of the vineyards at Secastilla in Somontano. 

A magical and beautiful region in the northeast of Spain, Somontano is a powerhouse for quality winemaking. South of the Pyrenees in Huesca/Aragon, on the natural border with France, the dry climate, cold winters, hot summers, and diversity of soil types make Somontano an ideal location for the cultivation of many grape varieties. Somontano is celebrated for its prowess in producing everything from Gewurztraminer to Merlot but the region also boasts some of Spain's finest Garnacha. 


Viñas del Vero is one of Somontano's most esteemed wineries and their astoundingly vibrant and balanced Secastilla Garnacha 2012 was honored as the Best Red Wine in Spain at the International Wine Challenge. (2010 vintage currently available in the US for $29.99.)

As a child, Viñas del Vero winemaker José Ferrer grew up visiting the vineyards of Secastilla with his father and now he is one of Spain's most celebrated winemakers. Extremely talented and endearingly humble, José's wines display grace, passion, and emotion. 

Viñas del Vero also produces a superb white Garnacha, La Miranda de Secastilla Blanco 2015 ($16).

Roussillon: In France, Garnacha is Grenache

Quiet a view from Domaine La Tour Vieille in Collioure, a picturesque town in French Catalonia on the Mediterranean coast, just north of the Spanish border. 

Cross the border and Garnache becomes Grenache. To experience Grenache-centric wines with a bit of ooh la la, we traveled to France's sunniest region; Roussillon. Shaped like an amphitheater and nestled in the South of France between Spain, the Mediterranean Sea, the Pyrenees & the Corbières Mountains, Roussillon is known for its diversity of wines & terroirs. Roussillon's various micro-climates beautifully showcase how Grenache is an excellent vessel for expressing the nuances of terroir. The region of France most committed to organic viticulture and biodynamic practices, Roussillon excels in presenting Grenache in all its splendor. 

Wine aging in glass demi-johns at Mas Amiel in Roussillon

Roussillon is France's largest producer of Vins Doux Naturels (Sweet Fortified Wines) that are PDO Certified (Protected Designation of Origen). One of the traditional methods of producing these unique wines is to accelerate their aging by placing the wine outside in glass demi-johns, rarely for more than a year, before they are taken inside to continue aging in casks, barrels, or tanks. Mas Amiel, an impressive estate with 200 years of history, has an impressive portfolio of fortified oxidized wines. 

90% Black Grenache, Mas Amiel '69 AOP Maury was aged for one year outside in glass demi-johns and another 38 years in oak casks. The grapes were harvested manually and de-stemmed. Extra alcohol was added, in a process known as mutage, directly onto the fruit and steeped for 30 days to extract the rich aromas and polyphenols from the grapes. An aromatic and voluptuous sweet wine that beautifully balances fruit, alcohol and sugar and shows the aging power of these wines. (The 1985 vintage is available in the US for about $85). 

Mas Amiel winemaker Nicolas Raffy with a bottle of their 2009 Vintage Charles Dupuy AOP Maury. 100% Grenache from vines dating back to 1914, this stunning and complex wine is named after the gentleman who acquired the estate in 1907. 

Domaine La Tour Vieille produces the Grenache based fortified dessert wine Banyuls. This Reserva Banyuls ($30) starts its journey in glass jars (demi-johns) that are aged for one year outdoors and then blended together into one tank. The final blend for each Reserva bottling includes this tank and wine with various other vintages from barrels and foudre (large wooden vats). 

Emmanuel Cazes, great-grandson of the winery's founder, joined the family business in 1997 and was an important part of Domaine Cazes' conversion to biodynamic and organic winemaking. 

Of course, Roussillon offers much more than sweet wines and their dry Grenache wines are exceptional and Cazes is the perfect place to begin your tasting journey. Founded in 1895, Cazes is located between the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean, in the heart of Roussillon in Rivesaltes. In 2005, Cazes became a certified organic and biodynamic estate. 

A blend of white and grey Grenache, Les Clos de Paulilles Blanc 2016 is graceful and refreshing with a sturdy mineral streak. 


Domaine Cazes Ego 2014 is a classic blend of Grenache, Syrah, and 10% Mourvèdre. Ripe and rich with hints of Mediterranean herbs and plush tannins. 

During dinner in Perpignan, winemaker Jean-Roger Calvet of Domaine Thunevin-Calvet shared a bottle of his Maury 2014, a Vins Doux Naturels made from 100% Grenache Noir. In 2001, Jean-Roger had a fortuitous meeting with Jean-Luc Thunevin of Château Valandraud in St Emilion. Their first vintage was vinified in a garage, today they have 60 hectares and none of their vines are treated with pesticides or fertilizers.  


Domaine Thunevin-Calvet Cuvée Les Trois Marie 2011 is an elegant and sexy 100% Grenache Noir wine. 

"Winemakers around the world can do nothing without great tasting grapes, and great grapes need fantastic terroir. After seeing some of the world’s best, we realised that our own land, The Roussillon, had the potential to be considered among the finest terroirs of the world." - Jean-Marc Lafage

It isn't an exaggeration to call Jean-Marc and Eliane Lafage the winemaking power couple of Roussillon. These partners in wine, love, and life have traveled the world together making wine and realized their native land, Roussillon, had some of the best terroir and grapes in the world. Lafage's large portfolio of wines is a living encyclopedia of the region's viticulture. White, sparkling, red, dry, sweet; Lafage makes them all. Their land is an extended part of their family and they treat it with respect and invest a great deal of time in knowing the unique personality traits and microclimates of each plot. Their white wine Centenaire ($11) blends Grenache Blanc & Gris with Roussanne from 97 year old vines. Centenaire is an impressive balance of floral, mineral, and maritime flavors. Their Maury 2013 is a powerful and rich sweet wine with exemplary balance. 



Proving that Spain and France are indeed bound by Garnacha/Grenache, Jean-Marc partners with Bodegas San Alejandro in Calatayud on their Evodia Garnacha ($11)!  

Oh, the sacrifices I make for wine. The rain was so very good for the Garnacha grapes in Secastilla but not so great for my hair!

Wine is history, art, love, life. It provides sustenance for the body and soul. As I traveled through Spain and France on the Garnacha/Grenache trail, I was reminded of wine's ineffable power to create an instant kinship and connection between people. A bond is often created when you share a bottle of wine with someone. Some connections end when the bottle is emptied and others last a lifetime.  In a world where so much conflict is caused by our fear of each other's differences, wine reminds us of our shared humanity and inspires us to focus on joy and beauty. We need more of that in the world. Of course, Garnacha/Grenache isn't the only wine that captures this feeling, but perhaps in its versatility and strength, there is something endearingly human about this grape. 

From the South of France to South America: The Bousquet Family Follows Their Wine Destiny to Mendoza

image courtesy of Domaine Bousquet

Who says a vacation can't change your life? When third-generation winemaker Jean Bousquet visited Argentina in 1990, he became so captivated by the rugged and soaring beauty of the Gualtallary Valley in Mendoza that he began uprooting his life in Carcassonne, in the south of France. It took a few years, but in 1997 Bousquet purchased a substantial parcel of land and this French family began a new chapter as Argentine winemakers in dramatic fashion at an altitude of 4,000 ft. in Tupungato - at one of the highest altitude wine vineyards in Mendoza and the world. The locals, and even the real estate broker, thought Bousquet was a bit crazy to believe that wine grapes would thrive in this semi-desert and very cool climate area where no vines were planted. But his naysayers were proven wrong and today Domaine Bousquet is the world's most awarded organic wine producer. 

"Our wines are a mix of France and Argentina. Argentinean terroir with a French expression." - Anne Bousquet

Domaine Bousquet is now led by Jean's daughter, Anne Bousquet (CEO, Co-founder & Partner) and her husband Labid Ameri (President, Co-founder & Partner). A trained economist, pragmatic Anne was skeptical of her father's vision of creating world-class wines in the wilds of Mendoza but her father's whim has proven fortuitous and she is now a fully invested and passionate ambassador. Domaine Bousquet wines are available in 50 countries and I recently had the pleasure of tasting her family's wines with Anne while she was visiting New York City. 


image courtesy of Domaine Bousquet

 I was very impressed by Domaine Bousquet's commitment to sustainable and organic wine production. "We are dedicated to farming organically while improving our land’s biodiversity. We believe that the healthier the vineyard, the better the fruit and of course the wine. In other words, by nourishing the land and treating it with respect, we know that the land will give us back its finest fruits." 

Expressive of their terroir, I found the wines of Domaine Bousquet possessed a consistent grace and freshness that lives up to their motto of "naturally elegant wines." Available at very accessible price points, their wines prove that quality wine does not have to cost a fortune and that the hard work of organic production does yield fantastic results in the vineyard and the bottle. 


Domaine Bousquet Sparkling Rosé ($13) is a flirty and fresh introduction to their style. At first, the family only produced this charming bubbly for their own consumption but smartly realized that consumers would find it appealing. A blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with fresh & lively red fruit & citrus flavors, persistent fine bubbles, and a long finish. Pretty to the eye and playful on the palate. 


Domaine Bousquet Chardonnay 2017 ($13) is unoaked but time on the lees adds creamy texture and nuance. Citrus and melon flavors are revved up by a touch of tropical fruit and perky acidity. A pleasant and easygoing sip that doesn't compromise quality. 


Of course, no discussion of Argentine wine is complete without acknowledging their signature grape Malbec. Sometimes Malbec is maligned simply because it is so popular but Malbec is not a one-note wine. I still think Mendoza is one of the world's most exciting wine regions because producers are exploring Malbec's potential to express itself in a myriad of ways. Domaine Bousquet Reserve Malbec 2016 ($18) really showcases the beautiful influence of their high-altitude vineyards. Concentrated and intense but still fresh, this is a rich and balanced wine with luscious berry and plum flavors and subtle hints of chocolate and spice. 


"We're from Languedoc, we love Syrah," said Anne and their Gaia Red Blend 2015 ($20) adds a healthy share of rich Syrah (45%) to Malbec (50%) and a kiss of Cabernet Sauvignon (5%). A fantastic melding of their French heritage and commitment to Argentina, this wine is a winner. Rich and velvety with silky tannins, Gaia is an impressive tapestry of flavors: dark & ripe fruit, spice, and earth. A well-crafted wine with character and complexity at a jaw-droppingly reasonable price. 

image courtesy of Domaine Bousquet

If you're planning a trip to Mendoza (and you should!), Domaine Bousquet welcomes guests for tours & wine tastings. You can also dine with a breathtaking view of the Andes Mountains at their contemporary French bistro Gaia, which showcases local cuisine with select ingredients from their organic garden. 

Time to Sparkle: Moët & Chandon Champagne for the Moments That Matter

"Champagne is all about sharing - it's a rich, passion-filled world. I love to share. I love dinners with friends, good conversation, exchanging ideas and different points of view. I love to celebrate, to make every moment in life as good as it can be." - Benoît Gouez, Moët & Chandon, Chef de Cave 

The only things more luminous than the crystal-cool ambiance of the swanky Baccarat Hotel were the elegant Moët & Chandon champagnes in our glasses and winemaker Benoît Gouez's ebullient personality. Tasting champagne with Benoît was a beautiful reminder that our best wine experiences are often shaped by places and people. 

Founded in 1743, Moët & Chandon is such an iconic brand that it is easy to forget that a real person is behind their production of seemingly endless bottles of bubbly. Benoît has been Chef de Cave at Moët & Chandon since 2005. He doesn't come from a family of vintners but has demonstrated that he possesses the intuition and talent needed to craft wines that are true to Moët & Chandon's legacy yet absolutely contemporary. It has become somewhat trendy to dismiss the larger Champagne houses like Moët & Chandon as less artistic and innovative than smaller entities but as Benoît adroitly pointed out in our conversation, larger houses like Moët & Chandon have resources that allow for experimentation and innovation. They also have the luxury of choosing the best grapes, from the best vineyards. 



MCIII is a stellar example of the House's commitment to innovation and is described as "a champagne experience that represents the third millennium." This futuristic bubbly's very modern name represents Moët & Chandon (MC) and the pioneering assemblage of several vintage wines matured in three different universes: metal, wood, and glass. This state-of-the-art champagne combines wine fermented and aged in stainless steel vats, Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage blends from 1998, 2000, and 2002 that have been partially aged in large oak casks and then preserved in stainless steel vats, and a third stratum comprised of 1993, 1998, and 1999 Grand Vintage champagnes that have been aged in the bottle. Bold and balanced, MCIII has flashes of youthful freshness and exuberance that invigorate its more mature and sultry flavor. MCIII reminds me of a classic film that has been remastered to sharpen the image without compromising the integrity of the original. A limited-production and quite exclusive wine with plenty of wow. 

More widely available, but far from basic, is the House's flagship wine - Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial ($40). Created in 1869, it is the essence of their style and Benoît describes Brut Impérial as "a champagne for every moment, every occasion" and "harmonious, complex and versatile. Distinctive yet approachable." I agree. Year after year, I'm delighted by the consistency, craftsmanship, and extreme enjoyability of Brut Impérial. A robust, graceful, and joyful wine!


Ooh la la - the declaration of a Grand Vintage always generates great excitement and Moët & Chandon 2009 ($65) doesn't disappoint. The House's 73rd vintage is a powerful expression of a singular harvest as interpreted by Benoît. He says, "The Pinot Noir's controlled power is the very backbone of Grand Vintage 2009. This is noteworthy because the proportion of Pinot Noir has not been this high in a Moët & Chandon Grand Vintage since 1996. The result is a complex and charismatic wine that opens up to us, with obvious maturity, creating a warm atmosphere evoking an orchard of peaches and apricots in midsummer."


There's something unabashedly flirtatious about rosè champagne and Grand Vintage Rosé 2009 ($70) is all about seduction of the senses. A tapestry of fruit and spice flavors balance the richness of maturity with the levity of youth. Sophisticated, sexy, superb! 


This year marked my second tasting with Moët & Chandon winemaker Benoît Gouez and it has quickly become one of my favorite wine experiences. His wines speak beautifully for themselves but erudite and down-to-earth Benoit is also an incredibly gifted communicator. Champagne is an undeniably special wine but chatting with Benoît reminded me that its ability to create a joyous connection between people is one of champagne's most powerful and alluring qualities. 

Can't Buy Me Love But I'll Take a Bottle of Loveblock Wine!

Many of my friends tease me about being a hopeless romantic and I'm fine with that. One of the many reasons that I adore chatting with winemakers is their tendency to share my full wine glass perspective on life - why do anything halfway? Love and Mother Nature are the most powerful forces on the planet and devoting one's life to winemaking requires an optimistic but strong spirit that can withstand Mother Nature's mercurial moods. Whether the harvest is magnificently perfect or heartbreakingly challenging, a winemaker maintains a loving, patient, and respectful bond with nature. Erica Crawford of Loveblock brings all of this and more to the beautiful wines that she and her winemaker husband, the renowned Kim Crawford, produce in New Zealand. 

"We want to make the best wine we can, wine that speaks with the voice of naked terroir. To do this I hired the best winemaker I know." - Erica Crawford

Committed as partners in life and business, Erica and Kim also share a special connection with their vineyards, perched high on the hills overlooking Marlborough's Awatere Valley. The Crawfords purchased the untamed terrain in 2006 and as it was being cultivated, using organic and sustainable practices, Erica began to affectionately refer to it with the pet-name Loveblock. 


“I am Erica’s husband and the winemaker here at Loveblock. Making wine is really the only thing I have ever done; I’ve been doing it for almost 30 years now." - Kim Crawford
image courtesy of Loveblock

For the Crawfords, winemaking is a labour of love and passion and their wine absolutely expresses this energy. Elegant without pretension, Loveblock wines are evocative reminders that real wine tells a story. 

 Loveblock Sauvignon Blanc 2017 ($21.99)
An elegantly restrained Sauvignon Blanc that is vibrant but not aggressively zingy. Beautifully balanced stone fruit, tropical, and herbal flavors are supported by refreshing acidity and mineral texture. 


Loveblock Pinot Gris 2014 ($21.99)
And the fantastic flavor lingers on and on in this charming expression of Pinot Gris. Fresh but nuanced with an approachable complexity. 

Loveblock Pinot Noir 2014 ($29.99)
New Zealand has become one of my favorite regions for Pinot Noir and Loveblock's is stellar. Fruit-forward but quite sultry with plenty of finesse. 

To learn more about Loveblock, visit their website. Cheers! 

Authentic Icon: Winemaker Michele Chiarlo Celebrates His 60th Piedmont Harvest

  Michele and Stefano Chiarlo

In a world that seems to increasingly regard superficiality as a virtue, it is refreshing to attend a celebration of genuine talent and impressive longevity. The words icon and legend are often tossed around too casually but they authentically apply to winemaker Michele Chiarlo. His namesake winery in Piedmont, in the north of Italy, is world-renowned for its elegant and exceptional wines. Mr. Chiarlo was recently in New York City to celebrate a tremendous milestone -  his 60th harvest and the 40th anniversary of the partnership with his importer in the United States, Kobrand.


If you meet someone that has a bottle of Michele Chiarlo's 1978 Granduca Barolo in their cellar, be nice and hope they share. This exquisite wine shows the impressive aging power of Barolo. 

With his winemaker son Stefano by his side, Mr. Chiarlo shared stories of his early visits to the United States, decades ago, when most Americans had no idea of what Barolo was. My how times have changed, in no small part as a direct result of Mr. Chiarlo's talent and Kobrand's commitment to making Barolo available to American consumers. Today Barolo, the king of wines and the wine of kings, is among the most coveted by wine lovers. Although rooted in tradition and specialists in the 4 grapes that are the most important Piedmont varietals (Nebbiolo, Barbera, Cortese, and Moscato), it was Chiarlo's embrace of innovation that set him apart from the rest and helped to secure Piedmont's status as one of the world's greatest wine regions. Chiarlo expertly improved winemaking technique while retaining his commitment "to respect the character of the wine."


A view of the Michele Chiarlo vineyards

"Piemonte is a special region with a special terroir," said Mr. Chiarlo of the mountainous region where the family owns 148 hectares of estate vineyards, including the renowned vineyards of La Court, Cerequio, and Cannubi. If you're ready to explore the wines of Piemonte, Michele Chiarlo is a very fine way to begin your tasting journey. Beautifully crafted yet not overly manipulated, Michele Chiarlo's wines have a sense of place and express his 60 years of commitment to bottling the very best that his land offers. I recommend starting with two Michele Chiarlo wines: Cipressi Barbera Nizza DOCG 2015 and Barolo Cerequio DOCG 2013. 


Cipressi Barbera Nizza DOCG 2015 ($27.99)
Cipressi's name and label are inspired by the Cypress trees atop one of the hills on the Chiarlo estate. 100% Barbera, this pretty ruby-red wine has refreshing acidity and low tannins. A sweet sensation on the nose but delightfully dry with fresh red berry flavors and a hint of savory licorice and spice. (Available in the US starting March 2018)


Cerequio Barolo DOCG 2013 ($100.99)
A stellar example of a single-vineyard Barolo, Cerequio's soil composition and mild climate make it one of the most prestigious crus of the Langhe zone. Quite young by Barolo standards, the 2013 already displays great balance between fruit, tannins, and spice. Based on the magical 1997 and 1978 Chiarlo vintages that I tasted, this 2013 has a long and beautiful life ahead. 

Click here to learn more about Michele Chiarlo wines and how to book tours and tastings at their estate in Piedmont. 

 

Seven Sexy Wines for Chilly Winter Nights, Not Just Valentine's Day!

 

Real romance isn't just a one-day phenomenon but at least Valentine's Day puts love and affection in the spotlight. We need more love in the world and the vibrant reds and good vibes of Valentine's Day brighten up the grey mood of winter. Chilly nights are the perfect time to share a bottle of wine with someone special. Heat things up on February 14th, and all winter long, with one of these sexy wines! 


Vilarnau Brut Reserva ($14.99)  

Your romantic soundtrack should include the sound of a popping cork! Share a bottle or two of beautiful Vilarnau Cava with your sweetie. Founded in 1949, Vilarnau is highly regarded for their superb expressions of Spain's famous sparkling wine.


Vilarnau Brut Reserva Rosé  ($15.99)

The colorful bottles of their Cava Brut Reserva and Rosé pay homage to Vilarnau's Catalan heritage with a design inspired by the iconic architect Antoni Gaudí. His monumental Basilica de La Sagrada Familia has yet to be completed but these two fresh and flirty bottles of sparkling wine are easy to finish. Dry and balanced with vibrant fruit and persistent fine bubbles, these bubblies are pretty delightful. 

Bonterra Organic Vineyards Viognier 2016 ($16)

Rich and luscious with flavors of vibrant juicy peaches & apricots with sassy hints of cream and spice, I have a crush on this organic California beauty from Mendocino County.

Gérard Bertrand Grand Terroir Les Aspres 2013 ($20.99)
An unabashedly sexy blend of Syrah, Mourvédre, and Grenache, this silky and earthy red from Roussillon, in the sunny south of France, will add some ooh la la to your evening. 

Left Coast Cellars Latitude 45 Estate Pinot Noir 2015 ($38)

Wow someone special with this absolutely elegant Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley (Oregon). Beautifully crafted from grapes (Dijon clones) grown in a vineyard that is directly on the 45th parallel, like many of the world's greatest wine regions, this wine is a classic beauty with the timeless finesse of Fred Astaire. 


Frescobaldi Nipozzano Vecchie Viti Chianti Rufina Riserva DOCG 2013 ($24)

Pour a little love, Italian style, with this terrific Tuscan vino. Sourced from the oldest and most deeply-rooted vines of Frescobaldi’s thousand-year old Nipozzano estate, it blends Sangiovese with kisses of Malvasia Nera, Colorino, and Canaiolo. Silky and sultry with rich red berry flavors and hints of spice and cocoa, this is what la dolce vita tastes like! (I sampled the 2013 vintage but 2014 is currently available.)



Imagery Estate Winery Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.99)
A juicy red from Sonoma (California), Imagery blends classic Cabernet Sauvignon with a bit of racy Petite Sirah. Smooth with a subtle pop of spice, it strikes the perfect balance between plush and polished.