Wine With Wanda

Sip Like a Sommelier: Yannick Benjamin is Captivated by Côtes de Bordeaux

Sommelier extraordinaire and Côtes de Bordeaux enthusiast Yannick Benjamin

Ah, Bordeaux. So famous yet still so misunderstood. Bordeaux may be best known for legendary wines with jaw-dropping prices but that isn't a complete picture of this iconic region in southwest France. A mosaic composed of almost 111,000 hectares, Bordeaux is France's largest AOC vineyard and home to 65 different appellations that produce wines in a variety of styles and prices. And one of the most buzzed about and intriguing appellations is Côtes de Bordeaux. Officially born in 2009, the Côtes de Bordeaux AOC may be the new kid on the Bordeaux block but vines have been planted there since the 2nd century. Côtes de Bordeaux consists of 5 clearly identified regions: Blaye, Cadillac, Castillon, Francs, and Sainte-Foy. 

Summertime really ignites my interest in trying new wines and I recently had the pleasure of tasting several Côtes de Bordeaux wines with sommelier Yannick Benjamin. Passionate and very knowledgable about the region, Yannick describes Côtes de Bordeaux wines as "Extremely terroir driven. They have a true sense of place." He also praises the "hands on approach" of the winemakers. For Yannick, Côtes de Bordeaux's authentically crafted wines at accessible price points make them ideal "gateway wines" for exploring Bordeaux. 

From fresh & crisp whites to fruity & earthy reds, you can sip Côtes de Bordeaux from the start to the end of a meal. True to their Bordeaux heritage, blending is a signature of the Côtes wines. Reds are mainly crafted from Merlot with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec. Sauvignon is the major grape variety for the white wines, blended with Sémillon and Muscadelle. Representing each of the Côtes de Bordeaux regions, I tasted five wines with Yannick. Authentic, affordable, and crafted with finesse, Côtes wines make your Bordeaux dreams a budget-friendly reality!



Château Peybonhomme-Les-Tours, Le Blanc Bonhomme 2016
AOC Blaye Côtes de Bordeaux ($20)
A blend of Sauvignon Blanc (50%) and Semillon (50%), this refreshing and elegant white wine is from Blaye's largest certified biodynamic estate and is produced by fifth-generation brother & sister winemakers Guillaume and Rachel Hubert. Fresh and full with gorgeous flavors of honey, tropical fruit, zippy acidity, and clean minerality, this is a lovely introduction to Côtes! 

Château Suau 2015
AOC Cadillac Côtes de Bordeaux 2015 ($25)
With vineyards located on the highest point of Cadillac, at an altitude of 330 feet, Château Suau began converting to organic farming in 2008. Since 2014, all vintages have been produced under the direction of famed winemaker & consultant Michel Rolland. Few red grapes can match Merlot's plush juiciness and this luscious red bolsters that softness with structure from a dash of Cabernet Sauvignon, so that the wine has finesse and not flab. Rich black fruit flavors are revved up with hints of licorice and finely knit tannins. 



Château Pitray Cabernet Franc 2015
AOC Castillon Côtes de Bordeaux ($18)
In a land of blends, this 100% Cabernet Franc stands out. Sexy and supple, there's nothing shy about this ripe and luscious red. Juicy, fruit-driven, with an engaging earthiness, this Cab Franc is the epitome of easygoing elegance. Established in the 14th century, Château Pitray is a 247-acre estate owned by the Simrad de Pitray family -- one of Bordeaux's oldest vineyard owning families. 



Château Les Charmes-Godard 2015
AOC Francs Côtes de Bordeaux ($18)
A blend of Semillon (50%), Sauvignon Gris (25%), and Sauvignon Blanc (25%); this is no boring white wine. Full-bodied and crisp with layers of flavor; from lemon and honeysuckle, to white peach and verbena. The 16-acre Les Charmes-Godard property was purchased by Nicolas Thienpont and his brothers in 1988.

Château Couronneau 2015
AOC Sainte-Foy Côtes de Bordeaux ($19)
Purchased by Christophe and Bénédicte Piat in 1994, they converted the vineyards  of the 98-acre Château Couronneau estate to organic farming in 1999 and to biodynamic in 2012. A blend of Merlot (60%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (40%), this red displays a gorgeous balance between ripe & dark fruit and savory vanilla and earthy flavors. Firm but fleshy. 

These five wines are just a small example of the diversity, quality, and affordability of Côtes de Bordeaux wines. Visit their website to learn more. Cheers! 
 

Spinning Bottles: Vivanco Rioja Blanco 2017

So much wine, so little time! My cell phone is filled with photos of almost every bottle that I taste but it is impossible to write about each one. Inspired by the childhood game of Spin the Bottle, instead of spinning an actual bottle and kissing the person that the bottle points at, I've opted to take a spin through my wine photos until one gives me that tingling feeling that reminds me of how delicious it was. After all, a great glass of wine is almost as good as kissing (sometimes better)!


As the temperature rises, refreshing white wines are an elegant thirst-quencher. Don't get me wrong, I love a gorgeous glass of rosé but pink wines aren't the only option when you're craving a perfectly chilled glass of wine. For something deliciously different, give Vivanco Rioja Blanco 2017 ($13.99) a swirl. This Spanish charmer is the first blend from Rioja to combine Viura (50%), Tempranillo Blanco (35%), and Maturana Blanca (15%). 

Like a jazz trio, each grape plays an important part in the Vivanco blend and together they create a harmonious expression that melds modernity and tradition. Viura is the main white grape grown in Rioja and is known for producing fruity wines with great acidity. Not discovered until 1988, Tempranillo Blanco is a natural genetic mutation of Rioja's iconic red Tempranillo grape and has captivatingly fruity aromas. Exclusive to Rioja, Maturana Blanca was mentioned in a text dating back to 1622; making it the oldest grape variety to have a written record in Rioja. Maturana Blanca adds zingy green apple and grassy notes. Vivanco's zestiness, crisp minerality, and fresh citrus flavors make it a cool choice on a steamy day.  

Australian Winemaker Neil McGuigan Is The Man With The Plan

"My Dad lived to be 100 because he had a bottle of our wine everyday!"
Neil McGuigan, Chief Winemaker & CEO, McGuigan Wines

A natural born storyteller, winemaker Neil McGuigan is no wallflower. His killer comedic timing, hearty laugh, and generous pours are welcome reminders that wine is meant to be shared and enjoyed. But you'd be foolish to consider his jolly-good-fellow nature an indicator of frivolity; as chief winemaker and CEO of McGuigan Wines, Neil is very serious about crafting quality wines that over-deliver at every price point. And he has the accolades to prove it - McGuigan Wines has been recognized a record four times as International Winemaker of the Year at the International Wine & Spirits Competition. They have also been honored as Australian Winemaker of the Year on three occasions. 



Founded in 1880 and based in Hunter Valley, for four generations the McGuigan family has been synonymous with Australian winemaking. Until now, they've had very little presence in the USA but that is poised to change thanks to their new partnership with the respected powerhouse importers, Palm Bay. McGuigan is smartly entering the market with two tiers of wines -- a fruit-forward, fresh and approachable collection deemed The Plan and their more complex wines, Hand Made and The Philosophy. Whether you're just grilling in the backyard or serving a gourmet feast, there's a McGuigan wine for for every palate and budget.  


The Plan Chardonnay 2016 ($11.99)
The Plan pays homage to the McGuigan's family mission to share high-quality Australian wine with the world and to become internationally recognized as a winery of distinction. I have a friend who always jokes that the world doesn't need another Chardonnay, but I'd say there's room for this charming expression from South Eastern Australia. Just a little bit of oak adds a touch of warm vanilla spice to this juicy, fruit-forward, and slightly creamy wine. 


The Plan Shiraz 2016 ($11.99)
Have you been a little Shiraz-shy since over-the-top, sugary, jammy, high-alcohol wines with critters on the bottle saturated the US market not so long ago? That unfortunate trend certainly sullied the reputation of Australian Shiraz but things are starting to shift. McGuigan's The Plan Shiraz proves that an entry-level affordable Shiraz can still have integrity and balance. The grapes were sourced from their vineyards in South Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales. Fresh and not cloyingly jammy, The Plan is a straight-forward and enjoyable expression of the natural charms of Shiraz. Round, rich, and fruity with luscious blackberry and plum flavors, vibrant acidity, and a sassy kick of spice.

Hand Made Shiraz 2014 ($40)
Ready to step it up to an artisan next-level Shiraz? McGuigan Hand Made is a limited-edition Shiraz sourced from low-yielding vineyards in South Australia's Fleurieu Peninsula, just outside Langhorne Creek. Warm days are tempered by evening breezes that enable the grapes to reach optimum ripeness yet still retain good acidity. Voluptuous and velvety, Hand Made spent 18 months in oak before bottling and exhibits impressive grace and balance. The tasting notes describe it as "a rich full-bodied wine with a wonderful mix of dark cherries plum and spice - reminiscent of Christmas cake."



The Philosophy 2013 ($125)
A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (56%) sourced from the Seven Hills area of Clare Valley and Shiraz (44%) from Auburn in Clare Valley's southern edge, The Philosophy expresses McGuigan's belief that "as a winemaker, you need vision, strength, precision, and drive to craft exceptional wine." Aged 24 months in French oak and aged 2 more years in the bottle before release, The Philosophy is full-bodied and robust with tremendous finesse and nuance. Rich and plummy black fruit flavors meld beautifully with hints of spice and shrubby herbs. Absolutely delicious now, The Philosophy will age gracefully thanks to its pristine structure. 

If you're planning a visit to Australia, McGuigan's welcomes visitors for tours and tastings at their Cellar Door in the heart of Hunter Valley. 

A Fairy Tale in Puglia: The Wines of Castello Monaci Capture the Imagination

 Castello Monaci's stunning-as-a-storybook estate is housed in a 16th century castle, with medieval foundations, once run by monks who maintained a long winemaking tradition. 
image courtesy of Castello Monaci and Frederick Wildman & Sons Importers

Growing up, I devoured all of the classic fairy tales and daydreamed about leaving behind the mean streets of Manhattan for a beautiful castle abroad. My grown-up daydreams are slightly more pragmatic but now they also include a vineyard! Maybe a castle of my own, with endless rows of grapevines, is still out of reach but a bottle of Castello Monaci wine transports me to their stunning 16th century castle in the Salento region of Puglia. Surrounded by 350 acres of vineyards, Castello Monaci not only attracts wine lovers but also couples looking to create their own fairytales --  it is one of southern Italy's most popular wedding
venues.  


image courtesy of Castello Monaci and Frederick Wildman & Sons Importers
Castello Monaci Brand Ambassador Luigi Seracca Guerrieri plays an important role in his family's winemaking legacy.

Every fairy tale requires a prince and I've assigned that role to Luigi Seracca Guerrieri, Brand Ambassador for Castello Monaci. To my knowledge, charming Luigi isn't technically royalty but his family has owned the estate since the 19th century. Trained as a lawyer, Luigi opted to follow his passion for wine and pursued formal training in viticulture to supplement the knowledge he had gained from a lifetime of assisting his father, Vitantonio, in the vineyards. 


Castello Monaci is one of the few estates in Puglia to be certified sustainable. The castle is also surrounded by 3,000 olive trees. 
image courtesy of Castello Monaci and Frederick Wildman & Sons Importers

Luigi was recently in NYC and we met over lunch to taste through the current vintages of Castello Monaci wines. Their red wines are crafted from the indigenous Puglian grapes Negroamaro, Primitivo, and Malvasia Nera. Although the vineyards are in the sunniest and southernmost part of Puglia, the vines benefit from the cooling maritime breezes of the Ionian and Adriatic seas. Red wines from Puglia often have a reputation for being too big and unwieldy, but Castello Monaci's location produces grapes that balance richness with freshness. The reds retain a classic Puglian boldness but are also impressively graceful and vibrant. White grapes, Verdeca and Fiano, are planted on their 150 acres near the Adriatic coast. 

Castelli Monaci "Acante" Fiano Salento 2016 ($16)
Fiano is closely associated with Italy's Campania region but Castello Monaci's expression shows that Puglia can produce a pretty compelling Fiano. Refreshing and crisp with vibrant fruit, minerality, and a hint of nuttiness that adds balance and nuance. 

Castello Monaci "Petraluce" Verdeca Salento 2017 ($15)
 Summertime is the perfect season for exploring new wines, so add Petraluce to your must-sip list! This was my first encounter with Puglia's indigenous Verdeca grape and it won't be the last. Glimmering in the glass like Puglian sunshine, the name Petraluce is inspired by the light-colored stones that dot the vineyard and reflect the sun. Fresh, fruity, and crisp with a hint of tropical fruits and soft splashes of salinity that evoke the sea; Petraluce and summer are a perfect pair. 

Castello Monaci "Kreos" Rosé Negroamaro Salento 2017 ($14) 
Darlings, we're not in Provence anymore -- this bright pink rosé with the Greek inspired name is absolutely Puglian! While many regions are imitating the pale pink hue of Provencal rosé wines, Kreos is unabashedly and authentically vivid. Negroamaro is a bold grape but this rosè shows off its more delicate side. Fun and fruity with fresh red berry flavors and a kiss of spice. 

Castello Monaci "Pilùna" Primitivo 2016 ($15)
Primitivo is Puglia's most famous indigenous grape and it can produce powerhouse wines with tremendous aging potential. Sultry and spicy, Pilùna is a young Primitivo that displays all of the grape's best qualities; rich & dark fruit, and peppery spice. Pilùna has minimal oak influence so it boasts an impressive freshness that really captures the essence of the grape and terroir.



Castello Monaci "Aiace" Salice Salentino Riserva DOC 2014 ($26)
Bold, velvety, and rich like the voice of Pavarotti, this voluptuous blend of mostly Negroamaro (80%) and Malvasia Nera (20%) is impeccably balanced. Fruit, earth, and spice in perfect harmony. 



Castello Monaci "Artas" Primitivo Salento 2015 ($39)
There's nothing shy about this come-hither red that beautifully unleashes the full power and complexity of Primitivo. Ripe and juicy but not jammy, Artas takes your palate on a journey of luscious dark fruit, peppery spice, licorice, and savory herbs.  With impressively taut tannins, vibrant acidity, and a dramatically long finish; this princely Primitivo will sweep you off your feet. 


image courtesy of Castello Monaci and Frederick Wildman & Sons Importers

If you're planning a trip to Puglia, Castello Monaci welcomes guests for tours and wine tastings. And if your daydreams include a fairytale wedding in Italy, they can make your wish come true! Visit their website for more information. 

The Terroir Does the Talking in E. Guigal's Stellar Rhône Valley Wines

It is always a bit nerve-wracking to meet a winemaker whose wines you adore. Like a favorite musician, writer, or painter; when you connect with a wine, you fancy that you know a bit about the person who produced the art. Will the winemaker's personality match their wine? Will you like them as much as their creation? In the case of Phillipe Guigal, third-generation winemaker for the celebrated E. Guigal winery, the answer is absolutely yes!


"We make wines according to terroir." - Philippe Guigal

After enjoying his wines for several years, I met Philippe for the first time last year and was impressed not only by his beautiful wines, but also his elegant and welcoming demeanor. Phillipe's perfect posture and poise are the result of years of dance training; he won major competitions in his youth and continues to dance and compete in ballroom dancing with his wife Eve. Confident but not boastful, Philippe is rightfully proud of his family's extraordinary contributions to winemaking in France. His grandfather, Etienne, founded E. Guigal in 1946 and for three generations the Guigal family has been working with land that is more than 24 centuries old in the Rhône Valley in southern France. Guigal owns 150 acres of vineyards in the Northern Rhône and some of their vines dates back to the 1890's. No pesticides, herbicides, or chemicals are used in their vineyards. 


image courtesy of E. Guigal

Philippe is adamant that his wines are authentic expressions of these treasured vineyards. Guigal's wines are not over-manipulated to appeal to trends but are meant to be accurate reflections of the grapes, terroir, and vintage. As an intuitive and well-trained winemaker, Philippe knows how to coax the grapes to their best expression without overwhelming their true essence with aggressive techniques. Guigal creates their affordably-priced wines with the same attention to care and detail that they use for their high-end wines that you'll find in Michelin-starred restaurants and collectors' cellars around the world. 

Well, a year certainly goes by quickly and I recently had the pleasure of meeting with Philippe again to taste Guigal's latest vintages. 



E. Guigal Côtes du Rhône Blanc 2016 ($15)
Guigal has a love affair with Viognier and that affection is evident in this fresh and rich white wine blend. Luscious but zippy and zesty with charming flavors of honeysuckle, pear, kiwi, and crispy, crunchy minerality; Viognier forms 60% of the blend and melds elegantly with Roussanne, Marsanne, Clairette, Bourboulenc, and Grenache Blanc. 



E. Guigal Côtes du Rhône Rosé 2017 ($15)
There's rosé and there's really good rosé! Guigal's rosé is consistently balanced, flavorful, and fresh. A blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Cinsault that gracefully leaps across the palate with flavors of fresh red fruits and lively acidity. 



E. Guigal Côtes du Rhône Rouge 2014 ($15)
 Fruity and plump with great structure, this is a luscious red that you can enjoy all year long. A blend of mostly Syrah and Grenache with a dash of Mourvedre, this is an exceptionally good wine at any price point and an outright steal at $15! 

E. Guigal Crozes-Hermitage 2015 ($28)
 Many consider Crozes-Hermitage the gateway to the wines of the Northern Rhône Valley and this beauty from E. Guigal is an excellent starting point. With more fruit, more color, and more tannins, Philippe describes this bold red as having "characteristics of an outstanding vintage." Spicy and savory with pristine rich fruit, fine earthy tannins, and pulsing minerality, this wine eloquently expresses the essence of the terroir and Guigal's attentive winemaking. 



E. Guigal Côte-Rôtie Brune et Blonde 2014 ($75)
One of my favorite red wines from anywhere, this sultry blend of rich & peppery Syrah with a kiss of juicy Viognier is a standout. As the alluring wine develops in the glass, each sip reveals deeper levels of flavor and complexity. Worth the splurge! 



I thoroughly enjoyed my 2nd annual tasting with Philippe Guigal and hope we continue this tradition of sharing great wine and plenty of laughs for many years to come! 

To learn more about E. Guigal and their wines, visit their website. 

 

Spinning Bottles: Beaulieu Vineyard "BV" Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon 2015

So much wine, so little time! My cell phone is filled with photos of almost every bottle that I taste but it is impossible to write about each one. Inspired by the childhood game of Spin the Bottle, instead of spinning an actual bottle and kissing the person that the bottle points at, I've opted to take a spin through my wine photos until one gives me that tingling feeling that reminds me of how delicious it was. After all, a great glass of wine is almost as good as kissing (sometimes better)! 



Founded in 1900, Beaulieu Vineyard holds a storied position in the history of Napa Valley. BV Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley 2015 ($45) is a wonderful expression of the fine cocoa powdery tannins known as Rutherford Dust. Intense in color, aroma, and flavors, BV is a classic Napa Valley Cabernet that displays added nuance from dashes of Petit Verdot, Petit Sirah, and Merlot. Bold and intense with layers of flavor, this robust red shows impeccable balance between rich fruit and hints of warm spice and vanilla. Lively acidity keeps the wine graceful and not cloying. BV is big enough to wow your tastebuds but fresh and approachable enough to enjoy in the backyard with a juicy grilled steak! Delicious now, BV has the structure and vibrancy needed to age beautifully. 

To learn more about Beaulieu Vineyard, read my article A Wine Worth Waiting For: Beaulieu Vineyard Rarity 2013.

Wine About Town: Kim Crawford, Guía Peñín, Wines of Southwest France

One of the many joys of wine is getting to spend time with the people that turn grapes into drinkable art; their talent and passion inspire me everyday. New York City is always a top destination for winemakers and my hometown hosts a never-ending parade of tasting events. My Wine About Town column showcases some of the marvelous winemakers & tastemakers that I've had the pleasure of sharing a bottle with at events in NYC. 

KIM CRAWFORD


Winemaker Anthony Walkenhorst, of New Zealand's acclaimed Kim Crawford winery, was recently in NYC at Mr. White restaurant to celebrate the debut of Kim Crawford Signature Reserve Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough 2017($24.99).



Grapes for this superbly balanced and luscious Sauvignon Blanc are sourced from selected small lots along Marlborough's coastal plains and valleys where they ripen slowly and develop exceptional flavor. Vibrant but not aggressively zingy, this refreshing white wine elegantly balances citrusy and tropical flavors with crisp minerality.

GUÍA PEÑÍN 

Ana Lopez Lidon, export manager for Gramona Cava, poured their exceptional sparkling wines at the Guía Peñin tasting in NYC. 

Direct from Spain, the Guîa Peñin tasting has become one of NYC's most anticipated wine events.



Guía Peñín is Spain's most influential wine ratings guide. Featuring top wines from throughout Spain, the event at City Winery beautifully showcased the high quality and diversity of Spanish wines. 

Enrique Valero, managing director of Abadía Retuerta in Spain's Duero Valley. 

Standouts at the tasting included Gramona Cava's exceptional sparkling wines and Abadía Retuerta's regal reds.

WINES OF SOUTHWEST FRANCE


Sommelier André Compeyre at the Wines of Southwest France Happy Hour 
image courtesy of Lydia Lee Photography

Wines of Southwest France hosted a festive happy hour at the French Cheese Board in Soho. Sommelier André Compeyre, of Aldo Sohm Wine Bar, led guests through a tasting of wines. Selected as the 2017 Wine Region of the Year by Wine Enthusiast magazine, as I've written before, Southwest France produces an impressive array of well-made wines, at great prices, from unique local grapes like Mauzac and Prunelard, as well as international varieties like Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon.

It was fun to catch up with Julien Ducos, export manager for Domaine du Tariquet. 

Southwest France has no shortage of talented winemakers. To get started, I recommend wines from Domaine du Moulin, Domaine du Tariquet, Jean-Luc Baldés Clos Triguedina, and Château Montus. 

Sip the World with Rosé: 12 Wines, 4 Continents

A perfectly chilled glass of rosé wine is impossible to resist on a hot summer day. From barely pink to brilliant jewel tones, from delightfully dry to subtly sweet; rosé captivates the eye and the palate. Rosé season is officially in full swing and now is the perfect time to explore new wine regions and varietals. Take your palate on a delicious journey with one of these 12 festive pink wines from France, Italy, Spain, South Africa, Chile, and the USA. Cheers! 

Protea Dry Rosé 2017 ($17.99)
Western Cape, South Africa
I’m officially obsessed with this fantastic South African rosé in the beguiling bottle. This sassy and lively blend of Mourvèdre, Shiraz, Cinsault, and Grenache is richly flavored but still delicate.  

Mathilde Chapoutier Grand Ferrage Rosé 2017 ($23.99)
Côtes de Provence, France
If I close my eyes and sip this fabulous rosé, I can almost convince myself that I’m in sunny and sexy Provence. Mathilde Chapoutier makes magic with this luscious blend of Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah, and Rolle. 

Rabble Rosé of Syrah 2017 ($15.99)
Paso Robles, California
The bewitching Siren Mermaid on the label beckons you to take a sip of this sultry Syrah rosé. Don't resist! This charmer's juicy and robust fresh red fruit flavors are balanced by crisp minerality. 

Cá Maiol Chiaretto Valténesi Riviera del Garda Classico ($14)
Lugana, Italy
This fresh and breezy blend of Groppello, Marzemino, Sangiovese, and Barbera is flirty like the first kiss of summer. 



Bodegas Valdemar "Conde Valdemar" Rosé 2017 ($16.99)
Rioja, Spain
Fully commit to living la vida rosada with this unique & absolutely delicious blend of Garnacha and Viura from Spain's famed Rioja region.

Sanford Rosé of Pinot Noir 2017 ($23.99)
Santa Rita Hills, California
A delicate but stand-out blend of Pinot Noir grapes from two estate vineyards, this is an easy-drinking yet elegant wine. 

 Gérard Bertrand Gris Blanc Rosé 2017 ($18.99)
Languedoc, France
Don't let the paler than pale hue fool you -- this blend of Grenache and Grenache Gris packs plenty of finesse and nuanced flavor.

Educated Guess Rosé of Pinot Noir 2017 ($16.99)
Napa Valley, California
Pinot Noir gets the pretty in pink treatment in this perky rosé from Napa. A ripe, refreshing, and elegant thirst quencher. 

Casillero del Diablo Rosé Reserva 2017 ($12)
Chile
Feeling feisty? This frisky and spicy blend of Syrah, Cinsault, and Carmenere shows that rosé can be a little bit naughty! 

 M. Chapoutier Belleruche Rosé 2017 ($16.99)
Côtes-du-Rhône, France
Grenache, Syrah, and Cinsault are in perfect harmony in this silky & fresh rosé from celebrated winemaker Michel Chapoutier. 



Julia's Dazzle Rosé of Pinot Gris 2017 ($19.99)
Columbia Valley, Washington
When dazzle is in the name, the pressure is on the wine to be pretty special. This charming rosé absolutely delivers. Vivacious and juicy with excellent texture and a delightfully long finish. 

Fragile Rosé 2017 ($18.99)
Maury, France
Fragile in name only - there’s nothing weak about this rocking rosé from the south of France. Mostly Grenache, with kisses of Syrah and Carignan, this pink beauty has layers of flavor and unabashed ooh la la!

Organic from Day One: Bonterra Makes Wines That Respect Mother Nature

"Just like people want to know where their food comes from, they want to know what's in their wine." - Jeff Cichocki, Lead Winemaker, Bonterra Organic Vineyards

Organic is pretty mainstream now, but it really wasn't so long ago that fans of organic foods were all considered hippy-dippy, tree hugging, health freaks. How times have changed! From food to fabrics to cleaning products, pretty much everyone embraces organics in some aspect of their lives. Wine is no exception and all over the globe winemakers are converting to organic farming practices. Better late than never for those winemakers but Bonterra Organic Vineyards doesn't have to jump on the bandwagon, they've been leading the way and their Mendocino County vineyards (north of Sonoma and Napa Valley, California) have been organic since they were founded in 1987. All of their wines are made from 100% organically farmed grapes. 

Jeff Cichocki, Bonterra's lead winemaker, has been with the winery for more than ten years and jokes that "other winemakers think that I'm a glutton for punishment" but he truly believes that keeping chemicals out of the vineyard makes better wine. After all, no wine lover has ever tasted a glass of wine and lamented about the lack of chemicals  -- we want to taste the wine and Bonterra asserts that "organic grapes produce the purest expressions of the varietals and land on which they are farmed."


image courtesy of Bonterra

Winemaking begins in the vineyard and organic practices certainly start the grapes off on the right track. But organic doesn't guarantee that the wine will be good. The winemaker still has to apply their intuition and skill to make crucial decisions on when to harvest and how to transform the hard-earned fruits of their labor into wine. I don't drink organic wine all the time but I was introduced to Bonterra a few years ago and the wines have impressed me with their freshness, expressiveness, and balance. Organic farming is an added bonus that I really appreciate when it comes to wine: it is better for the land and the vineyard workers, and I certainly want to reduce the amount of chemicals I consume. Added bonus -- Bonterra's well-made & earth-friendly wines don't break the budget. 



Have you been a part of the anything-but-Chardonnay camp? Bonterra Chardonnay 2017($14) may make you reconsider! Made from organic grapes and easy on the budget, this vibrant wine tastes fresh and alive. Zesty citrus flavors are rounded out by a hint of creaminess and crisp minerality. A great everyday wine! 



Stop hating on Merlot because of THAT movie! Just because Merlot is pretty doesn't mean it isn't interesting. Bonterra Merlot 2015 ($16) is a delicious reminder of Merlot's charms. Luscious and plummy, this juicy red gets extra complexity and hints of spice from small amounts of Petite Sirah and Malbec. 

Beyond their organic farming, Bonterra also has three ranches that are certified biodynamic. Their simple definition of biodynamic is "a holistic view of agriculture with high awareness of the interconnectivity between earth, plants, animals, humans, the moon and planets." For example, preparations made from herbs, minerals, and manures are applied to the soils at specific times to enhance their fertility. The Roost "Blue Heron Vineyard" Chardonnay 2015 ($40) is a superb single-vineyard wine that eloquently expresses the terroir of this special land nestled between the shore of the upper Russian River and a blue heron nesting site and preserve.  A voluptuous and elegant Chardonnay, The Roost glimmers in the glass and captivates the palate with rich flavors of lemon curd, butterscotch, pear, and kisses of spice. 

The Butler 2013 ($50) is another standout from Bonterra's biodynamic, single-vineyard selections. A blend of mostly Syrah with Mourvedre, Grenache, and Zinfandel, this bold wine is intriguingly intense. Exquisitely structured but not aloof. The Butler serves up rich dark fruit with sexy hints of spice and licorice. 

Are you ready to explore wines made with organic grapes? Bonterra is a great starting point. Visit their website to learn more about Bonterra's full portfolio of wines; they have an impressive selection of varietals. Cheers! 

Let's Talk About Trentodoc: Sophisticated Sparkling Wine from the Mountains of Italy

When it comes to Italian sparkling wine, everybody knows charming and flirty Prosecco, but have you met its sophisticated and seductive compatriot, Trentodoc? Yes, they're both Italian bubblies but there's a world of difference. Here are three essential facts about this very special vino.

image courtesy of the Istituto Trento DOC

1 - The name Trentodoc cleverly combines Trento - the wine's city of origin, with DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) - an official designation used to classify Italian wines. Trentodoc is known as "Sparkling Wines from the Mountains" because the Trentino territory, located in northeast Italy, is surrounded by the majestic Dolomite mountains. The vineyards are planted at altitudes from 200 to 800 meters. This combination of elevation, climate, and mountain air produces healthy, fresh, and flavorful wine grapes. 

image courtesy of The Istituto Trento DOC

2  - All Trentodoc wines are made using the metodo classico - the same labor intensive and precise technique used to produce the world's most famous sparkling wine, Champagne. The metodo classico requires the winemaker to first create a still base wine and to create a second fermentation in the base wine by adding sugar and yeast. This refermentation creates the beautiful bubbles that we all love. The wine then matures on the lees a minimum of 15 months for Brut, to 24 months for a Millesimato, and a minimum of 36 months for Riserva. Many producers exceed these minimum requirements because the time on the lees (dead yeast cells) imbues the wine with extraordinary flavor, depth, and texture. Trentodoc wines are available as white or rosé.

image courtesy of The Istituto Trento DOC

3 - Only four grapes are permitted in the production of Trentodoc and they are harvested by hand. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are the dominant grapes (hmm, very similar to Champagne). Pinot Blanc and Pinot Meunier are also permitted but used sparingly. These four varieties absolutely thrive in Trentino's mountain climate and the hand-harvesting protects these gems so that they arrive at the winery in pristine condition. 

image courtesy of The Istituto Trento DOC

Trentodoc may be from Italy but its elaborate manner of production and grape varieties make it more similar to Champagne than Prosecco. The Istituto Trento DOC represents 51 producers and each follows the rules of production but the wines express their unique styles and qualities of their terroir. Perfect for celebrations, special meals, or whenever you want to treat yourself to something delicious, start your Trentodoc journey with one of these crisp, elegant, and refreshing wines from the mountains. 

 

 Ferrari Brut NV ($27.99) is a superb introduction to Trentodoc because the story of Trentodoc truly begins with Giulio Ferrari. After studying in France, in 1902 Ferrari founded his namesake winery in Trentino and made Italy's first significant plantings of Chardonnay. Ferrari was determined to create a world-class Metodo Clasico sparkling wine that could compete with the finest Champagnes. He succeeded and not only did he inspire his peers to follow suit, today Ferrari is Italy's most awarded sparkling wine, even beating out Champagne in international competitions for prestigious accolades such as "Sparkling Wine Producer of the Year." 100% Chardonnay, Ferrari Brut NV is fresh and energetic, with fine bubbles, crisp ripe fruit flavors, and warm hints of crusty brioche that add a delightful richness to this pretty wine. Start with the Brut NV, but Ferrari's entire portfolio is worth exploring; it beautifully showcases the complexity and range of Trentodoc.

Rosé all day, the Trentodoc way with Rotari Brut Rosé Trentodoc 2013 ($20). A dry and fruity blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, this elegant sip has fresh red fruit flavors with a hint of rich yeastiness. A precisely made wine with substance and style that delivers plenty of wow at a great price. 



Altemasi Riserva Graal Brut Trentodoc 2010 ($60) really captures the essence, complexity, and aging capability of a finely made Trentodoc. Mostly Chardonnay with a bit of Pinot Noir (30%), Graal spent at least 72 months on the lees prior to disgorgement and release. Luxuriously rich and creamy, with tantalizing hints of honey and hazelnuts, this exceptional wine still exhibits incredible freshness and vitality. 

What are you waiting for? Take your tastebuds on a trip to Trentodoc. Visit the Istituto Trento DOC website for info on more producers. Cheers!