Believe it or not, every state in the USA makes wine, even Alaska! California accounts for about 85% of American wine production, and while other states can't match their quantities, many are also producing world-class wines, including Virginia. If you've never tasted a wine from Virginia, I encourage you to start with some sensational sips from Early Mountain. Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Early Mountain's 300-acre property is planted with 55-acres of vineyards. They craft their wines with diverse grape varieties, including Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malvasia Bianca, Sauvignon Blanc, and Tannat.
Recently, I tasted a trio of unique Early Mountain wines that were perfect thirst-quenchers on these hot summer days: the fresh and fizzy 2019 Early Mountain Pét-Nat Blanc ($32) and two chillable reds -- 2019 Early Mountain Soif ($26) and 2019 Young Wine Red ($24).
Times have dramatically changed since I started blogging twelve years ago. Newer social media platforms like Instagram have fostered a vibrant and influential wine community. Surely, I'm not the only one that spends too much time scrolling through photos of beautiful vineyards and mouthwatering wines. In addition to my Instagram Live interview series, I frequently post wine reviews on Instagram and thought it would be great to start sharing reviews of the standout wines here on the blog.
Shannon, Robin, and Erin Lail
I recently tasted two superb wines from Lail Vineyardsin Napa Valley - Blueprint Sauvignon Blanc 2018($40) and Blueprint Cabernet Sauvignon 2017($90). Winery founder, Robin Lail, can trace her family's winemaking history in Napa back to 1879 with the founding of the legendary Inglenook. Twenty-five years ago, Robin founded Lail Vineyards with her daughters, Erin and Shannon. Lail has embraced "carbon farming" techniques that minimize carbon dioxide production and maximize carbon sequestration without sacrificing wine quality. Robin is also the U.S. Representative to The Porto Protocol, whose mission is "to drive collaborative action by bringing together a network of change-makers and workable climate solutions for and within the wine world."
Lail Vineyards says that the name Blueprint celebrates "the pioneers and architects of innovation for putting the health of our planet ahead of quarterly reports and the bottom line." Lail donates ten percent of sales from Blueprint wines purchased on their website to organizations fighting climate change. Lail's winemaker is the wildly talented and acclaimed Philippe Melka.
Savennières, Loire Valley image courtesy of Loire Valley Wines
Like many of you, it's been at least six months since I've traveled beyond my hometown's borders. Hopping a flight for a wine-centric journey fuels my daydreams, but I'm continuing to explore the world through wine. Recently, I took a virtual journey to the Loire Valley with three charming Chenin Blanc wines. Known as the Garden of France, the Loire Valley is France's leading producer of white wines, and the indigenous Chenin Blanc grape is the heart and soul of many of these wines. Because of its natural acidity and fruitiness, Chenin Blanc is incredibly versatile and can produce sweet, dry, sparkling, lean, or rich wines. There's a style of Loire Valley Chenin Blanc that's just right for each mood and meal, and many of these wines are very affordable.
I was recently invited byLoire Valley Winesto taste a trio of Chenin Blanc wines from three different AOC's– Saumur, Vouvray, and Savennières.
Aromatic and luscious Domaine de L'Enchantoir Terres Blanches Saumur 2018 ($20) is a charming thirst-quencher with fresh citrus and chamomile flavors.
La Forcine Vouvray Demi-Sec 2018 ($15) is a perky sip with lively flavors of citrus and tropical fruits. A lovely choice for those moments when you're craving wine with a hint of sweetness.
Château d’Épiré Savennières Grand Cru d'Anjou 2017 ($25) is an elegant expression of a dry Chenin Blanc that is still delightfully fruit-forward. Crisp and clean with stone fruit, citrus, and mineral flavors.
Grilled halloumi cheese served with marinated grapes, olive oil and mint. Fish a la Plancha, sesame soy-glaze with sautéed kale and radish.
I paired my wines with a meal inspired by the flavors of South African and Israeli cuisine from Jack's Wife Freda restaurant in NYC– thank goodness for delivery. But Loire Valley Chenin Blanc is incredibly versatile and can pair brilliantly with a range of flavors. Pop a bottle and pair it with seafood, salad, mild cheeses, roasted chicken with herbs, simple pasta dishes, spicy foods, and Asian flavors.
I can’t resist beautiful wines and a great love story, and my recent Instagram Live chat with Christina and Nicolas Seillan delivered both. A seventh-generation winemaker, Nicolas is the vigneron at Château Lassègue in Bordeaux and manages production with his wife, Christina. Back in the USA, his father, Pierre Seillan and his daughter Hélène are the winemaker and assistant winemaker at Vérité in Sonoma. Both wineries are a joint venture with Jackson Family Wines. And if you ever doubted the power of wine to bring people together, Nicolas and Christina met when he addressed a wine group that she belonged to -- the Yale Law Wine Society.
During our chat, we discussed the history of both wineries, the common threads between the wines that the family produces in Bordeaux and Sonoma, and why we shouldn’t overthink wine and lose sight that “wine is something that’s meant to be enjoyed and shared.” To watch the entire conversation, click the video above, or watch on IGTV, or YouTube.
While chatting, we sipped Lassègue Saint-Emilion Grand Cru 2016 ($60)and Vérité Le Désir 2016 ($425). Both red blends are bold and elegant with an authentic sense of place and examples of meticulous and passionate winemaking.
"I believe that drinkability is at the center of quality." Alberto Antonini, Consulting Winemaker, Mandrarossa
A few months before COVID-19 forced our retreat into socially distanced bubbles, I had the pleasure of meeting with renowned winemaking consultant Alberto Antonini. We had never met before, but I certainly didn't need an introduction. For years, Alberto's name had popped up during my wine studies; I would often drink a wine that I enjoyed and discover that he had consulted on its creation.
A native of Tuscany, Alberto has worked with some of Italy’s most celebrated producers, including Frescobaldi, Antinori, and Col d’Orcia, but he’s really the world’s winemaker. For more than 20 years Alberto has consulted for top producers in Italy and beyond, including Argentina, Chile, South Africa, Portugal, Canada, Uruguay, Australia, and Armenia.
I recently reconnected with Alberto on Instagram Live to taste the wines he consults on for Mandrarossa in Sicily. Located in the southwest of Sicily, in the historic town of Menfi, Mandrarossa was founded in 1999 and Alberto has worked with the winemaking team from the beginning. An important part of his work has been devoted to identifying the top estates within Menfi’s micro terroirs to produce Mandrarossa’s premium line of estate-bottled wines.
Watch our chat by clicking the video above, visiting IGTV, or YouTubeto learn more about Alberto's fascinating career and winemaking philosophy. Committed to crafting textured wines with drinkability, Alberto never wants to impose his signature on the wines. Instead, his goal is to make wines that reflect their true essence, not the hand of the winemaker.
During our chat, we tasted two wines from the Mandrarossa portfolio.
Mandrarossa Bertolino Soprano Sicilia DOC 2017 (Grillo) $42.99 Alberto said that Grillo is often described as "Sicily's Chardonnay". I've sipped a fair amount of Grillo over the years, and have always enjoyed its fresh and lively nature, but Mandrarossa takes Grillo to the next level. I never knew that Grillo had the capacity for aging and this was my first experience with Grillo that was more than a year old. This Grillo also spent time in concrete, steel, and oak. The end result is a beautifully textured and round wine that is full but not bulky and retains Grillo's vibrant and fresh citrus flavors. There's a delicious hint of salinity in this Grillo that calls to mind Sicily's sultry Mediterranean breezes.
Mandrarossa Terre del Sommacco Sicilia DOC 2016 (Nero d’Avola) $49.99 Nero d'Avola is Sicily's most famous red wine and every winemaker approaches it in a unique way. Alberto's approach does not obscure the freshness and beauty of the grapes. This is an impressively fresh and graceful Nero d'Avola that epitomizes Alberto's commitment to drinkability. Aged in stainless steel, concrete, and oak, it is silky and very approachable without sacrificing complexity. Beautiful red berry and black cherry flavors get extra oomph from hints of herbs and minerality. Gorgeous vino!
Martin Sinkoff, Founder, Martin Sinkoff Associates
Few people can rival Martin Sinkoff's knowledge of the intricacies of the wine industry. Martin's impressive career has included executive leadership roles with prominent importers and the lifelong Francophile was even honored by the French government for his contributions. He recently founded his own business, Martin Sinkoff Associates, and together with associate Roger C. Bohmrich (Master of Wine), they specialize in business development for the wine and spirits industry.
During our recent Instagram Live chat, we discussed Martin's career path and how wineries can navigate the challenges of sales & marketing and position themselves for success during these challenging times. Martin recently relocated to Tel Aviv from NYC and during our chat, we sipped some lovely Israeli wines and discussed the diversity, quality, and charms of wines from the region. Click the video above, watch on IGTV, or YouTubelearn more about Martin's impressive career and to hear his words of wisdom.
Martin showcased four wines from The Judean Hills Quartet, "a group of artisanal wineries which provide a window into the rebirth of a beautiful wine region with a deep history. They tell the story of the renaissance of the Judean Hills, which is leading Israel to new levels of quality. The four wineries have contrasting personalities and different wine styles, but they each share the unique terroir of the area." The wines selected by Martin were Domaine du Castel Rosé 2019, Sphera Riesling 2019, Flam "Classico" Red 2018, and Tzora "Judean Hills" 2018. I sipped Golan Heights Winery, Hermon, Mt. Hermon Red 2018.
Francesco Ricasoli President & Owner, Ricasoli 1141 32nd Baron of Brolio
When your family's winemaking history can be traced back to 1141, the family tree is bound to have some exciting twists and turns. In my recent Instagram Live chat with Francesco Ricasoli, we dug into the roots of his family's iconic winery, Ricasoli 1141. Not only are they Italy's oldest winery, Ricasoli 1141 is the fourth oldest family business in the world. The family tree includes Baron Bettino Ricasoli; not only did he serve twice as the Prime Minister of Italy and play a prominent role in its unification in 1861, but in 1872 he also developed the original formula for the wine we know today as Chianti Classico.
When travel is possible and prudent again, consider a visit to Castello di Brolio. Guests can enjoy wine tastings, guided tours of the cellar and vineyards, and meals at Osteria di Brolio.
Located in the heart of Tuscany's Chianti Classico region, in Gaiole in Chianti, Ricasoli's Castello di Brolio (Brolio Castle) sits majestically on 3,000 hilltop acres. 600 acres of the estate are planted to sustainably farmed vineyards, making it the largest estate in Chianti Classico under vine. In 1993, Francesco Ricasoli, 32nd Baron of Brolio, purchased back the family business after more than 20 years of foreign ownership. His innovation and determination have enabled Ricasoli to reclaim their former glory and take their wine to new heights. By spearheading a total renovation and re-mapping of the vineyards, Baron Ricasoli was able to reveal how Sangiovese grapes display distinct qualities depending on soil type and altitude. This valuable information enables Ricasoli 1141 to produce a broad range of Chianti Classico wines that are true depictions of terroir.
During our chat, we discussed Ricasoli 1141's past, present, and future while sippingCastello di Brolio Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2015 ($70) and Casalferro Merlot 2008 ($70). Watch the video above, on IGTV, or YouTube to learn more, including Ricasoli's tasting notes and wine pet peeves.
Castello di Brolio Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2015 ($70) Representing the top tier of the Chianti Classico quality pyramid, Ricasoli 1141 only produces Gran Selezione in the best vintages. A blend of Sangiovese (90%), Cabernet Sauvignon (5%), and Petit Verdot (5%), this is a robust but graceful expression of Chianti Classico. Beautifully balanced with a long finish.
Only produced in the best vintages, Casalferro Merlot 2008 ($70) is a single-vineyard Merlot. The grapes were planted in a former Sangiovese vineyard, leading Barone Ricasoli to describe the Merlot as "Chiantified." This is not an overly plummy Merlot, it is quite complex with a balanced interplay between fruit and minerality with a hint of spice. Rich but so very vibrant and fresh at 8 years old!
Ah, Prosecco. We pop the bottles, we toast with it, we use it as the base for our Mimosas, Bellinis, and spritzes. But do we actually know it? I fear that we take Prosecco for granted. To learn more about the world's most popular sparkling wine, in celebration of National Prosecco Week, I recently chatted on Instagram Live with Lorenzo Rispoli, export manager for Val d’Oca – Cantina Produttori di Valdobbiadene.
One of Italy’s oldest and largest producers of Prosecco, Val d’Oca’s sparkling wines are made with Glera grapes that are cultivated and vinified in the hills of Valdobbiadene. The hills of Valdobbiadene aren’t just a beautiful landscape, they are a UNESCO World Heritage Site precisely because of their viticultural significance.
To learn more, watch the video above, on IGTV, or YouTube. During our chat, I sipped three wines from Val d'Oca's portfolio that showcase the range and diversity of Prosecco.
Prosecco DOC Extra Dry ($12.99) Fresh and crisp with a hint of sweetness. A bit (15%) of Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio blended with 85% Glera adds lushness and roundness.
Millessimato Valdobbiadene Extra Dry Prosecco Superiore DOCG ($17.99) Vintage prosecco from Valdobbiadene with lively fruit and great minerality. 85% Glera with 15% Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio. Crisper and less sweet on the palate than the Prosecco DOC.
Rive di San Pietro di Barbozza Valdobbiadene Prosecco Superiore DOCG ($32.99) 100% Glera. A single-vineyard sensation with crisp and long-lasting bubbles, vibrant fruit flavors, and a hint of herbs.
