23 November 2013 8 Days of Hanukkah Kosher Wines

8 Days of Hanukkah Kosher Wines

November 23, 2013 By

HannuckaThis year, a very unusual thing is happening, Thanksgiving is also the first day of Hanukkah – Thanksgivukkah as it’s now being called. The Jewish Festival of Lights calls for Kosher wine for many families and while there are fine examples available on the U.S. market, many are simply not. Here are 8 Kosher wines to uncork on the 8 days of Hanukkah.

2011 Tierra Salvaje Pinot Noir Reserve ($11 – Chile) – Bright fruit flavors with hints of chocolate and mocha and a super level of acidity.

Gilgal Brut ($15 – Israel) – A medium-bodied dry sparkling wine perfect to kick start any special get-together.

2012 Segal’s Fusion Dry Red Wine ($16 – Israel) – Blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon that is round and fruity with a bit of spiciness.

2010 Yarden Odem Chardonnay ($17 – Israel) – Pleasant floral, fruity flavors with just a hint of oak.

2011 Galil Mountain Pinot Noir ($18 – Israel) – A delicious and versatile Pinot Noir with typical flavors of cherry and ripe berries with a silky texture.

2010 Tabor Adama Cabernet Sauvignon ($19 – Israel) – Dark ruby in the glass, this big on black fruit and mocha wine is rich and round and perfect with beef.

2012 Herzog Late Harvest Riesling ($20 – California) – A rich but also refreshing  sweet wine with big peach and apricot flavors and hints of the honey flavors that have yet to fully develop.

2010 Binyamina Reserve Shiraz ($21 – Israel) – Big wine with blackberry and cherry flavors with notes of chocolate and smokiness.

Happy holidays,

Veronique

Filed Under: Other Neat Things, Wine Reviews Tagged With:

10 Wines under $25 for Thanksgiving

November 22, 2013 By

Thanksgiving TableThe big, bold flavors of Thanksgiving make it complicated to determine what wines to pair for the holiday. There are no simple answers when it comes to what wine to select as a flavorful white’s great for sides and white turkey meat and a fruity red is great for dark turkey meat and meat or mushroom stuffing.

Following are some affordable wine recommendations that can pair with just about any foods on your Turkey Day table.

Whites

  • 2012 Castello di Amorosa Pinot Bianco ($24) – A crisp dry white wine, light in color, with aromas of tropical fruit, citrus and almonds.
  • 2011 Heritance Sauvignon Blanc ($24) – This Sauvignon Blanc and Roussanne blend offers bright citrus aromas with peach and tropical fruit flavors.
  • 2010 Albert Mann Cremant D’Alsace ($20) – This Alsatian wine offers bright aromas of juicy pear and lemon zest and crisp apple flavors. Simply a super bubbly with tons of creamy, moussy bubbles great for any occasion.
  • 2011 Ravines Dry Riesling ($17) – On the nose, there are lovely aromas of Asian pear and Meyer lemon. In the mouth, the lemon turns to lime and the pear to crisp apple flavors. The finish offers the perfect level of acidity and crispness.
  • 2012 Jacob’s Creek Reserve Barossa Dry Riesling ($12) – Citrusy aromas with fresh, green apple flavors. Lovely crisp, wet stone finish. Perfect to cut through the richness of my mac and cheese and stood up to its spicy Panko topping.

Reds

  • 2010 Campo Viejo Reserva Rioja ($15) – Great balance between cherries, stone fruit and blackberries and clove, pepper and a little vanilla. Smooth and balanced on the palate with a long, lingering finish.
  • 2009 Albert Bichot Pinot Noir Vielles Vignes ($15) – Ripe cherry nose, nice level of acidity and cherries mix with strawberries on this light-medium Pinot Noir.
  • 2011 Los Vascos Grand Reserve ($15) – This Chilean wine is bright with cherries and stone fruit. It’s intense, has a nice level of acidity and a fruity finish with black licorice notes.
  • 2010 Alba Vineyards Old Mill Red ($12) – This medium-bodied New Jersey wine packed with cherry and dried fruit that finishes soft and velvety.
  • 2010 Graffigna Centenario Malbec Reserve ($11) – Medium to full-bodied wine with flavors of ripe raspberries, dates and notes of pumpkin pie spices.

Whatever you opt to pour for Thanksgiving, I hope  you enjoy it with family and friends.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: Other Neat Things, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , ,
23 October 2013 Famiglia Pasqua Wine Tasting

Famiglia Pasqua Wine Tasting

October 23, 2013 By

WinesI recently attended a wine pairing dinner at Millie’s Old World Meatballs & Pizza and had an opportunity to sample Famiglia Pasqua wines provided by recently opened Cambridge Wines of Morristown.

Here are my tasting notes:

  • Famiglia Pasqua Prosecco DOC ($10) – extra dry sparkler with lively fruity flavors.
  • 2012 Famiglia Pasqua Pinot Grigio ($10) – light, dry white with hints of floral and citrus notes.
  • 2012 Famiglia Pasqua Sangiovese ($8) – full-bodied with bright fruit from its young age.
  • 2010 Famiglia Pasqua Passimento ($13) – baby Amarone with fruit-forward, spiced nose and round, silky texture from 40% Merlot.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: By Country, Italy, Merlot, Pinot Grigio, Sangiovese, Sparkling Wine, White Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , ,
21 October 2013 Chilean Red Wine Blends – Virtual Tasting

Chilean Red Wine Blends – Virtual Tasting

October 21, 2013 By

Wines of Chile hosted a #WineChat event on Twitter on Wednesday, October 16. Sort of like a new world wines meets new technology.

I’ve explained the idea of virtual wine tastings in previous posts but for those of you who are new to virtual wine tastings, this is what the story is:

  • Get a bottle of the wine varietal or brand being featured.
  • Invite friends to share the wine and experience with you (or snuggle in your pajamas in front of the computer if you prefer).
  • Sip and share your thoughts about the wine(s) with other tasters around the world using the designated hashtag on Twitter and/or Facebook!

Here are my tasting notes from the three featured wines – 2011 Montes Twins Malbec / Cabernet Sauvignon, 2007 Santa Rita Triple C Red Blend and 2011 Los Vascos Grand Reserve:

2011 Montes Twins Malbec / Cabernet Sauvignon

2011 Montes TwinsGreat dark fruit, richness and structure from the Cab and silky roundness from the Malbec. Little vanilla on the finish from the oak. Nice Colchagua Valley wine for the price.

Pairings: Roast chicken, mushroom pizza, burger

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): 50% Malbec, 50% Cabernet Sauvignon

Price: $18

2011 Los Vascos Grand Reserve

2011 Los Vascos Grand ReserveThis Chilean wine is bright with cherries and stone fruit. It’s intense, has a nice level of acidity and a fruity finish with black licorice notes.

Pairings: Duck, seared salmon, pork

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Carménère, 10% Syrah, 5% Malbec

Price: $15

2007 Santa Rita Triple C Red Blend

2007 Santa Rita Triple C This Maipo Valley, Bordeaux-style blend has a lot going on for it. The 2007 Santa Rita Triple C combines the elegance of the old world grapes with new world winemaking techniques.Definitely not the typical Chilean red wine. Tons of earthy, smoky, leathery aromas with less blackberry than ripe currant that I’d expected. Deep, complex, interesting. Decant!

Pairings: Grilled meat, mushroom dishes

Style: Red Wine

Grape Type(s): 55% Cabernet Franc, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Carménère

Price: $34

I’ve been a fan of Chilean wines and these three bottles that were sent to me as samples are being added to my repertoire.

Cheers,

Veronique

Filed Under: By Country, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere, Chile, Malbec, Red Wine, Syrah / Shiraz, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,
20 October 2013 Holiday Gift That Keeps On Giving – 90+ Cellars Wine Club

Holiday Gift That Keeps On Giving – 90+ Cellars Wine Club

October 20, 2013 By

90+ CellarsThis holiday season, give the gift that will ring cheer well after the ornaments are put away, with a membership to the 90+ Cellars Wine Club. The team at 90+ Cellars curates a box of six or 12 different bottles for delivery four times a year, reflecting the best available wines to offer in each shipment. With the option of choosing just white wines, reds, or a mix of both, Wine Club allows the receiver to try new bottles every quarter, including exclusive releases from 90+ Cellars. Orders are placed online and range in price from $90 for a six-bottle delivery to $170 for a 12-bottle delivery, every four months.

90+ Cellars’ Wine Club Membership Benefits Include:

  • Quarterly shipment of six or 12 bottles of 90+ Cellars Red, White or Mixed Wines
  • Tasting notes and additional information with each shipment to learn more about the wines
  • An additional 15% off all orders from the 90+ Cellars Online Store (outside of Wine Club shipments)

90+ Cellars is a limited collection of wine with a pedigree of awards from some of the world’s most respected wineries that you can buy for less. Each year the 90+ Cellars team tastes hundreds of wines from all over the world, selects the best for the 90+ Cellars label, and offers them at up to 50% less than the original label’s price. Savvy wine consumers can now enjoy great wine, anytime.

For more information, please visit http://www.ninetypluscellars.com.

Filed Under: Other Neat Things, Wine Reviews Tagged With: ,
30 September 2013 2005 Podere Rocche dei Manzoni Barolo Vigna d’la Roul

2005 Podere Rocche dei Manzoni Barolo Vigna d’la Roul

September 30, 2013 By

2005 Podere Rocche dei Manzoni Barolo Vigna d’la RoulThis wine was aerated then decanted for an hour prior to tasting. In the glass, it’s deep garnet. Bouquet wasn’t as prominent as I’d expected. Light aromas of cherry cordial with earthy notes. In the mouth, it offers great fruit flavors with black licorice, leather and blackberry notes. Smokey finish with the tannins one would expect from such a young wine.

I’d like to try this wine with another 5 years of aging. 94 points Robert Parker.

Pairings: Game, beef, duck, pasta with mushroom or red sauce, cheese course

Style: Red wine

Grape Type(s): Nebbiolo

Region: Piedmont, Italy

Around $100

Filed Under: Italy, Nebbiolo, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,
20 September 2013 2003 Rudd Oakville Estate

2003 Rudd Oakville Estate

September 20, 2013 By

2003 Rudd EstateTasted this wine after it’d been decanted for a couple hours – wow. In the glass, it’s deep garnet and one sniff had me hooked. Aromas of mocha, tobacco, dark fruit and stone fruit. In the mouth it’s lush and round and offers great fruit flavors with caramel, leather and blackberry notes. Finish lasts forever.

Simply an elegant, well-structured wine. I feel fortunate this wine was shared with me.

Pairings: Beef, duck, cheese course

Style: Red wine

Grape Type(s): 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petit Verdot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 3% Merlot and 3% Malbec

Region: Napa Valley, CA, USA

Around $90

Filed Under: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Red Wine, United States, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , ,
18 September 2013 2010 Penner-Ash Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

2010 Penner-Ash Willamette Valley Pinot Noir

September 18, 2013 By

2010 Penner-Ash Pinot NoirJust love this wine. It’s become my ‘go-to’ for a great Pinot that’s not outrageously-priced.

Medium ruby in the glass, this Oregon Pinot Noir offers aromas of dark cherries, ripe raspberries with peppery notes. This is a medium-body wine with rich cherry and dark berry flavors with a little spice on the dry finish. Nice body with velvety texture. Super Willamette Valley Pinot Noir.

Pairings: Poultry, pork chops, grilled salmon.

Style: Red wine

Grape Type(s): Pinot Noir

Region: Willamette Valley, OR, USA

Around $40

Filed Under: Pinot Noir, Red Wine, United States, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , ,
15 September 2013 Heart & Hands Wine Company – Pinot Noir and Beyond

Heart & Hands Wine Company – Pinot Noir and Beyond

September 15, 2013 By

Heart & Hands WinesSince being exposed to Finger Lakes wines nearly 10 years ago, I have been a staunch supporter of the products coming out of that region.

I am a devoted fan of high minerality, dry Rieslings from the Mosel region and to me, Finger Lakes dry Rieslings rank up there with those fabulous German wines. While a growing number of wine aficionados know and enjoy Finger Lakes Rieslings, a grape some of the wineries in the region do well is Pinot Noir. The winery doing Pinot Noir best is, in my opinion, Heart & Hands Wine Company on the northeastern shore of Cayuga Lake.

Tom Higgins

Tom Higgins

Tech industry veteran Tom Higgins, with experience working at Zachy’s Wine & Liquor and vineyards in Bordeaux and the Finger Lakes, established Heart & Hands with his spouse Susan in 2006. After investing a significant amount of time on site selection to find the location most conducive to growing Pinot Noir, Tom and Susan opted for a 6 acre plot located about 200 meters from the shoreline of Carr’s Cove on Cayuga Lake. The winery officially opened in 2008 and the cozy tasting room opened to the public in 2009.

Puzzled by the Claddagh ring on their wine labels, I asked Susan why they had chosen it and she explained that the Irish wedding ring symbol depicts love, togetherness and fidelity, hence the heart and hands name of their winery. Tom and Susan named their wine club The Claddagh Club. Members of the wine club receive quarterly allocations of Heart & Hands wines, including guaranteed allocations of “Single Vineyard” Pinot Noirs and Rieslings and allocations of club-only wines. There are two club membership levels: “Eclectic Collection” or “Exclusively Red”. The Eclectic Collection features wines selected from the full portfolio, including Pinot Noir, Sparkling Wine and Riesling. The Exclusively Red Collection, of which I am a member, features Pinot Noir exclusively.

Fion the Winery Dog

Fion the Winery Dog

The boutique winery produces around 2,000 cases of wine a year and focuses solely on Riesling and Pinot Noir. During a recent visit, Susan poured us most of the collection under the watchful eye of her gentle giant winery dog, Fion. Here are tasting notes for some of these wines:

2009 Heart & Hands Barrel Reserve Pinot Noir ($40.99)

Medium raspberry-colored in the glass. Cherry, mocha and spiced aromas. Palate of ripe cherries and a little jammy stone fruit with a velvety mouthfeel and a long finish with some lingering tannins. This wine is closed under Vino-Seal for a completely leak-proof and taste neutral closure. A lovely Pinot Noir.

2011 Heart & Hands Polarity Pinot Noir Blanc ($26.99)

What happens to Pinot Noir that is pressed with almost no contact to the skins? Pinot Noir Blanc. Lightly golden in the glass, this is a pretty different yet delicious wine. Caramel and pear tart with a buttery crust in a glass. Long dry finish.

2011 Dry Riesling ($22.99)

Pale lemon-colored in the glass, this wine offers lemon/lime aromas. While there is still citrus on the palate, the flavors are richer with some peach and ripe melon. Dry, medium finish.

Heart & Hands Pinot Noir has garnered some very good press in recent years for its stellar wines, even getting some love from James Molesworth of Wine Spectator who recognizes that Tom is willing to lower yields to produce superior quality Pinot Noir.

Heart & Hands wines are available through the winery’s online store or at select New York restaurants and retail locations. Now, if the winery could develop a more robust distribution channel so more of us can enjoy its products….

The tasting room is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 12 – 5pm, and on Mondays and Thursdays by appointment.

4162 State Route 90, Union Springs, NY, 13160

(315) 889-8500

www.heartandhandswine.com

Cheers,

Veronique

 

Filed Under: Culinary Travel Tales, Pinot Noir, Red Wine, Riesling, United States, White Wine, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,
13 September 2013 2012 Dirty & Rowdy Semillon

2012 Dirty & Rowdy Semillon

September 13, 2013 By

2012 Dirty & Rowdy SemillonBright yellow and cloudy in the glass, this wine rocks. I could sit here and describe the 2012 Dirty & Rowdy Semillon in so many different ways: funky and fleshy, bold and intense, well-structure with great acidity, herbaceous and a little spicy, pink grapefruit and nutty? Yes, it’s all that and more.

Hardy Wallace, winemaker at Dirty & Rowdy Family Winery, uses concrete egg-shaped vats to ferment 20% of the fruit while 80% is fermented on its skins in an open-top tank. The result is a bright, vibrant, refreshing wine.

By the way, this stuff sells out fast. Get on the mailing list to be informed of new releases.

Pairings: Cheese with a bit of funk on them, poultry, fish.

Style: White Wine

Grape Type(s): Semillon

Region: Napa Valley, CA, USA

Price: $30

Filed Under: Semillon, United States, Wine Reviews Tagged With: , , ,
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