First things first, I apologize for dropping off the blogosphere for the past few days.  I have been in the dark, literally, in Ohio for the past 4 days due to a wind storm that came through last Friday.  It did not stop me from enjoying my 4th of July with family.  It also did not stop us from checking out some different wines.

In honor of the 4th of July, I wanted to write about an eye opener from my home state. 

The wine is a Viognier and Roussanne blend from Kinkead Ridge.  These are two varietals that are not extremely different compared to others I have written about.  What makes this wine off the beaten path is the fact that it is made in Ohio.  The winery has the ability to grow these varietals thanks to it's location on the Ohio River.  While Ohio is seeing a ton of growth in the wine making industry, it is still trying to find it's nice.  I am pleased to say that I believe Kinkead Ridge has found theirs'.

Viognier has long been one of my favorite white wines.  It was really what first took me off the beaten vine so to speak.  I found it a wonderful alternative to Chardonnay and used it as a vehicle to take my dinner guests away from their comfort zone. Viognier displays more aromatics on the nose and usually shows a touch more fruit.  The bad thing about Viognier was that it is tough to grow which of course made it hard to find.  Fast forward 10 years to now and Viognier is being produced in many different spots around the world rather than just in its' native France.

Roussanne on the other hand is still not extremely popular outside of France's Rhone region (Fun Fact: Marsanne and Roussanne are the only two white varietals grown in Rhone).  The biggest characteristic it is known for is its' high acidity.  Because of this, it is almost always used in a blend rather than being a single varietal.  It can also display nutty flavors and be a tad bitter.

So why does a Viognier/Roussanne blend work?  The old saying opposite attracts applies here.  Viognier is highly aromatic with low acid, a touch of sugar and good fruit.  Roussanne is highly acidic and tart.  They balance each other extremely well and make a wine with brilliant complexity.  Kinkead Ridge has taken advantage of this.  They have produced the best Ohio wine I have tasted to date.

Kinkead Ridge Viognier Roussanne in a Nutshell:

Description:  Extremely aromatic nose with great floral notes.  Typical flavors on Viognier on display such as apricot and orange blossom.  Sharp acidity on the finish making it dry on the palate. 

Pairing: A great wine to enjoy with a homemade chicken salad.  Would also be the perfect compliment to a family clam bake or shrimp boil.
 
Vintage/Price: Current vintage is 2011.  I had a bottle of 2008 and 2010 that I opened recently.  The price should be around the $16 dollar range.


For more information on Kinkead Ridge and their wines, please go to: Kinkead Ridge

My wife and I recently had some friends over for a dinner party.  I like to pull out a wine to create conversation.  No wine has created as much conversation as Mitolo's "Jester" Vermentino.

I was a big fan as well as a few others.  I like a crisp, dry white wine which tends to have more minerality than fruit.  Others that wanted (my wife included) a more fruit forward white, did not have a 2nd glass.  With that being said, I still receive text messages almost a week later now asking for the name of that "one wine we all were talking about".

Vermentino is a grape that is best known in the Corsica and Sardinia regions of Italy.  The climates there on the Mediterranean shares similar characteristics of McLaren Vale in Australia.  That is what sparked the decision for Mitolo to produce it's only white varietal to date.  (On a side note, they make a wonderful Syrah that everyone should try.)

Mitolo's Jester Vermentino is tough for me to describe.  It has a ton of flavor but its not fruity.  The flavors here are more mineral. It also shares grassy notes like that of a fresh Sauvignon Blanc.  It is extremely crisp thanks to an low alcohol level of only 10%.  Because of this, there is low sugar making it dry as well.  It has a nice balance of acidity on the finish.

Mitolo Jester Vermentino in a nutshell:

Description:   Pale Straw yellow in color. Faint hints of melon and stone fruits.  Grassy notes with great minerality.

Pairings:  Enjoyed it with a scallop and quinoa stir fry.  Great with a shrimp or crab salad as well.

Vintages/Price:  Current vintage is 2011.   There is still some 2010 left on the shelves as well.  Should find it between $13 and $17. 

For more information, please visit  http://www.mitolowines.com.au/index.cfm?method=products.productdrilldown&productID=4C6EC21C-1CC4-81AE-7517-6F82D10BD11B

Primitivo is a grape that causes a lot of debate.  Wine connoisseurs used to believe that it was the exact same grape as Zinfandel.  Research has shown that while they are both clones of a Croatian Grape (Crljenak), they are not exactly the same.  So what is the difference...

Primitivo's rough translation is "early one".  (Fun Fact, Tempranillo means the same thing in Spanish.)   Not just being a clever name, Primitivo tends to ripen earlier than Zinfandel.  The plus side of this is that it usually produces wines with lower alcohol content that are easier to drink.  For me, I used to love a huge zin that gave me a headache in the morning.  Now a days, this is not the case.

Primitivo in my opinion shows more fruit and it a plumper wine than your California Zinfandel. Don't get me wrong, it is no pushover.  There is still a little spice on the finish. Because of the fruit that it shows, it pairs easier with more foods.  I always pull out Primitivo whenever my family is eating a pepperoni or sausage pizza.  

Primitivo is finding it's place in more vineyards these days.  There are plantings in California (You actually may find Zinfandel/Primitivo blends these days) as well as Washington state.  The traditional Primitivo comes from Puglia, Italy.  If you are a visual person, it is the heel of Italy.

Petraio Primitivo in a Nutshell:

Description:  100% Primitivo. Deep purple in color. Blackberry and Black Cherry fruit shown.  A touch of clove and spice on a smooth finish.

Pairings:  My favorite is pizza with meat and red sauce.  Also would go great with Lasagna or a big bowl of Spaghetti and Meat Sauce.

Vintages/Price:  Current vintage is 2010.   One of the best parts of this wine is that you'll find it for less than $9 a bottle. 


For more information, please visit http://www.tmarchettico.com/Petraio_PrimitivoDiPuglia.pdf 

I attended a wine tasting this weekend at a local wine bar.  The usual suspects were on display at the tasting (Pinot Noir, Cab, Riesling, Chardonnay, etc.)  The one wine that stood out to me was Evolúció Furmint.  I have had limited exposure to Hungarian Wines over the past few years and when I have drank them, they were typically for dessert.  This wine caught me off-guard and made the tasting delightful.

Furmint is a grape grown in the Tokaj region of Hungary.  Tokaj, like mentioned above, has been known for years because of their dessert wine.  They have also been producing dryer style furmint's that rarely find their way to the States.  They have started showing up recently thanks to smaller importers looking to diversify their portfolios. 

Boutique Wine Collection is an upstart wine importer based out of Philadelphia.  They have built a fascinating portfolio that includes lesser known wines from Austria, Hungary, Portugal and South Africa.  They also have wonderful labels from France and Spain as well.  The other thing they do well is bring in wines that are unique and that will not empty your wallet.  Evolúció Furmint is a perfect example of this.

Evolúció's Furmint is in a dryer style but dry is not the first word I would use to describe it.  It has a wonderful nose with big apple and floral notes.  The wine explodes in your mouth.  It is extremely crisp and refreshing.  The taste matches the nose with green apple flavors mixed with a touch of citrus.  The finish is flavorful with a touch of acidity and good minerality.  Be careful, this wine goes down easy.  A bottle or two may not be enough for patio session with friends on a sunny summer day!

Evolúció Furmint in a Nutshell:

Description:  100% Furmint.  Fruits shown are Green apple with hints of citrus and apricot.  Lively Minerality and a touch of acidity.  Slightly dry finish that lingers for a bit and leaves you wanting another sip.

Pairings:  A warm summer day might be the best pairing.  In terms of food, I enjoyed it with a beer can chicken roasted on the grill and it was perfect.  Would also be great with a Spinach Salad topped with shrimp.

Vintages/Price:  Current vintage is 2011.   The price point is steal at right around $12 a bottle!


For more information, please visit http://www.boutiquewines.info/wine.php?supplier_id=101&winename=Evol%FAci%F3&varietal_id=72&country_id=10

One of the more enjoyable varietals that I have loved in recent years is Malbec.  It became the buzz grape in the wine world and it really legitimized Argentina in the wine world.  It had been around forever but never got the critical acclaim that its bordeaux brothers had received.  (The five acceptable red grapes in a Bordeaux are Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Malbec. Some consider Carmenere acceptable as well although it is rarely used)  

Mendoza, the most famous wine region in Argentina, has put Malbec on the map.  The first planting was put in the ground in 1994.  Since then, it has become the largest grown varietal in Argentina.  It thrives in the high altitude (base of the Andes mountains) landscapes of Mendoza.

While Mendoza has exploded on the scene, a new upstart region is beginning to gain steam in Argentina.  That region is Salta.  It is at the north end of Argentina and provides unique climates that help certain varieties thrive.  Their most notable varietal is Torrontes (They are wonderful and I will write about one soon.)  They are also having luck with Malbec but are using it like it as a blending grape.

That brings me to the wine of the day, Hermanos Malbec-Tannat blend.  Tannat is a interesting grape that is known for extreme tannins and racy acidity.  It is rare to find it on its own and not in a blend because of these characteristics.  In Uruguay however, it can be produced soft tannins and less acidity.  It also shows off more fruit.  Some say that Uruguayan Tannat could be the next Argentine Malbec in years to come.  Salta shares some of the characteristics of Uruguay in terms of Climate so they are able to grow Tannat as well.

In terms of this blend, it is unique on the palate.  It's a good mix of fruit (Plum and Black Cherry) and earthiness (Anise and Cocoa).  It's big but not bold.  It's on the smoother side, not the chewy.

Hermanos Malbec-Tannat in a Nutshell:

Description:  70% Malbec and 30% Tannat.  Deep Red in Color with a purple tint.  The fruits tasted were Plum and Black Cherry.  A touch on the greener side, could be a true eye opener with a year in the cellar.

Pairings:  A wonderful for gamey red meat such as Lamb (Shanks, Kabobs, chops, etc).  Also would accompany a nice filet wrapped in bacon well.  

Vintages/Price:  Current vintage is 2010.   The price should be right around $15 wherever you find it.  1500 cases made so may not be around for long.


For more information, please visit http://www.vineconnections.com/viewproduct.php?c=1&pid=292

My wife and I took a trip last summer to Niagara Falls.  We had some friends tell us that we needed to take a day and tour the Ontario wineries in and around Niagara on the Lake.  We did not expect much....

We were delighted with the experience that ensued.  We visited about 6 wineries and their tasting rooms.  We were surprised with many wines that we tried and ended up filling our trunk.  There was one wine thought that stuck out in both of our minds when we got home.  At Reif winery, their specialty is Kerner.  I had never tried it before but thank goodness I did.  It has become a staple in our house.

Kerner is a hybrid of Riesling and Trollinger.  It is a white grape that is not grown many places.  You will find small plantings in it's native Germany as well as Canada.  The one that you will be predominantly in the United States though is from a favorite winery of mine. 

Abbazzia Di Novacella is found in the Alto Adige region of Italy.  It is just south of the Alps and it provides interesting climates that allows them to grow varietals that are uncommon in Italy.  They produce Lagrein, Sylvaner, Kerner, Gewürztraminer and Veltliner.

My wife and I differ on our taste in wine as many couples do.  In terms of whites, she likes sweeter varietals such as Riesling and Pinot Gris.  I tend to lean more towards wines with more minerality. Kerner is a perfect middle ground for us.  It is not too sweet and not too dry.  It is very light and crisp while also providing bright acidity on the finish.  It is perfect for sipping in our hammock on a hot day.  Please, do yourself a favor and introduce yourself to this grape.  It is a friend that will be in your life for a while!

Abbazia Di Novacella Kerner in a Nutshell:

Description:  Pale Straw in color and floral on the nose.  Light and crisp with great minerality.  Nice touch of ginger on the finish.  Fruit here is apricot and stone fruit.

Pairings:  Perfect for a picnic that includes a Caprese Salad and Prosciutto wrapped Melon.    

Vintages/Price:  Current vintage is 2010.   Everywhere that I have seen this wine, It is right around $20.  You may also find 2009 vintage on sale around the $15 range which is well worth it.


For more information, please visit http://www.kloster-neustift.it/en/wine-cellar/wine-cellar.html

Today I am writing about a wine from a winery whose name is a favorite of mine. The winery is Duxoup from Northern Sonoma County in California.  Upon looking at the name, people want to pronounce it with a French accent.  It's fun to see people spin it different ways.  The pronunciation however is quite simply Duck Soup.

The winery has some varietals that are not common in California such as Dolcetto, Gamay Noir and Sangiovese.  The varietal that I tasted recently is even more rare than those mentioned.  It is Charbono.  

I had never heard of it before.  Upon looking into the wine more, I found it is a different name for Bonarda, the red varietal that is increasing production and trying to be the new Malbec in Argentina.  The third name the grape goes by is Corbeau.  This is the original name for the grape in its native France.  Some believe that it is related to Dolcetto in Italy as well.

In regards to just Duxoup's Charbono, it is quite delicious.  It is a very dark purple in the glass.  It has a strong nose but upon drinking, it has a lot more fruit than you would expect from the first sniff.  It is full bodied red but big and chewy.  It is also high in tannin's and good acidity.

Duxoup Charbono in a Nutshell:

Description:  Deep purple in color.  Rich with a long finish.  Shows good fruit, mostly plum.  Also has a touch of pepper on the finish.

Pairings:  Great with a Flank Steak or Carne Asada tacos.  The perfect wine for anything with Chipotle seasoning.  

Vintages/Price:  Current vintage is 2008.   $20 should be very close to the price wherever you find this wine.  Goes pretty fast though because there is less than 500 cases produced.

For more information, please visit http://www.duxoup.com/charbono.html 

There is a lot of buzz in the world today about the wines of Portugal.  Actually, there is a nice article in the new Wine Spectator about it.  Because of this, I decided to post about one of the more interesting wines I have tried from Portugal. 

First things first, the winery is Quinta Do Alqueve.  The varietal is Fernao Pires.  It is named after a Portugese Merchant with the same name.  He was responisble for commercial and diplomatic relations with China in the 1500's.  I am not clear on how he got a grape named after him.  On a side note, the grape can also be called Maria Gomes in other Portugese regions.  I am not aware of her historical significance.

Back to the wine...

The first thing you will notice is the color when you pour it.  It is a deep goldenrod.  It is quite a bit bolder in color than other white varietals.  The second thing is the nose.  It explodes with fruit and makes you want to dive in.  It is reminiscent of some Marsanne's to me.  The taste is wild.  My wife said that it reminded her of Squirt soda.  Citrus and Stone Fruit explode on the palate with every sip.  It is quite nice and easy to drink.  Pour someone a glass and don't tell them what it is.  The reaction you'll get is almost guarenteed to be a great one!

Quinta Do Alqueve Fernao Pires in a nutshell:

Description:  Huge fruit on the nose and on the palate.  Large amounts of Grapefruit and Stone Fruit with hints of Lemon and Tangerine.

Pairings: This is the perfect wine for a big pan of Paella.  It would also pair well with Shrimp and Veggie shish kabobs on the grill. 

Vintages/Price:  Current Vintage is 2010 and it is featuring a new label.  I drank the 2009.  The 2010 also contains a little Ariento for a touch of acidity.  It should be between $10 and $15 depending on the vintage.

For more information, please visit http://www.robertkacherselections.com/portfolio_detail.php?itemno=q010608

When most people here the word Moscatel, there mind thinks of the dozens of sugary sweet Moscato's that they see on the shelves of their local supermarkets.   At a recent wine tasting I attended, I stood by a table where a sales rep. was pouring botani Moscatel Seco from Jorge Ordonez & Co.  He went through the questions that you normally here...Red or White? Sweeter side or Dry?  When people would answer, "White and Dry"  he would pour them botani.   Everyone shot him a look as if he did not know what he was talking about and a couple of men acutally placed their hands over their glass as he reached over to pour them a glass of the Moscatel.  He explained that it can be dry as well.  (Quick Tidbit: Seco or Sec means dry)  To everyone's dismay, from the chewy red drinker to the oaked chardonnay enthusiast, they took a sip and smiled.  Some almost seemed embarrased that they could like something produced from the Moscatel grape.
 
This wine defies the odds with not only wine drinkers but where it is produced as well.  It comes from the Sierras de Malaga.  This is a mountanous region near the Southern Tip of Spain.  It is actually very close in proximity to where most Sherry is produced. It is extremely hot and typically white wines do not do well here.  Leave it to the genius that it is Jorge Ordonez to figure out that a beautiful Moscatel can be made here.  Jorge takes chances and it almost always pays off.  botani is no exception!  Do yourself a favor and grab a bottle today, put in on ice, grab a seat on a patio and indulge!

botani In a nutshell:

Description:  Clean and Crisp with a good bit of minerality and acid.  The fruit here is tropical with hints of lime zest.

Pairings:  Any kind of seafood such as salmon, shrimp, a bowl of linguine and clam sauce, etc.   It also pairs extremely well with Thai food such as Pad Thai or Green Curry.  

Vintages/Price:  Current is 2010 but there are great deals to be found on the 2009 in most markets at this time.  Overall, it will cost you between $15 and $22 when you see it on the shelves.

For more information, please visit http://jorge-ordonez.es/our-wines/botani/?lang=en

In my last post, I wrote about a Moscatel that surprised everyone that tasted it because it was not stereo-typically sweet.  Today, I am going opposite. Most times, when someones speaks of an Italian Red, they first conjure up Chianti or even a Super Tuscan.  The stereotype is big and bold.  That all changes when you pop open a bottle of Voulet Antichi Giochi Piemontesi Casorzo.

The first thing that I noticed about this wine is that it is made in a Frizzante style.  Frizzante means Semi-Sparkling.  Yes, you read that right.  It is a red wine with effervescence. After the initial shock of the tongue tickling you experience, more surprises come.

This wine is low alcohol and it is very sweet.  I would almost describe it as a sparkling sangria of sorts. It has a ton of fruit and goes more towards a sparkling grape juice rather than wine.  The bonus is that is does have alcohol!

 This is the wine for the non-wine drinker.  People who say I don't like wine will not say that when this is their glass on your patio!

Voulet Antichi Giochi Piemontesi Casorzo in a nutshell:

Description:  Extremely easy to drink due to very low alcohol content. Surprising effervescence gives an added source of conversation.  Tons of fruit consisting of mostly raspberry, elderberry and concord flavors.  

Pairings:  A perfect wine to accompany chocolate based desserts.  Also, would be great with spicy BBQ on the grill during summer months for something different.

Price: Varies per website/market.  Should be in the $11.99 to $17.99 range.