Jun 29, 2016 | WINE MISCELLANY |
I’m going to the Wine Bloggers Conference this August in Lodi, California and, as a citizen blogger, I have to write 3 pieces for the Conference. So, I looked at the WBC site for inspiration to write something that fits the principles of my blog: keep wine simple. I can’t describe how happy I was when I discover that one of the Conference’s sponsors is Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards. Gloria Ferrrer produces not only still wines but also sparkling wines… And this is why I want to talk about them. First, because it provides me a topic that fits well with the wine beginners: the sparkling wine. And second, because Gloria Ferrer winery has its origin in my birth place: Barcelona, or, as I refer to it when I’m attacked by homesickness, the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. The Ferrer winery is the first sparkling wine house in Carneros, where they found the maritime influences and the rolling hills perfect for the traditional method used to produce sparkling wine. New World wine with traditional Old World methods. So, let’s talk about why every wine beginner should begin by drinking sparkling wine. Sparkling wine can be easy to drink, crispy and refreshing and also a deep, silky, savory and luxuriant vice. The traditional method to produce this sublime wine provides a wide range of flavors, aromas and mouth sensations that will let you increase your knowledge and perception of wine. Because of its refreshing first impression and the sweet to bone-dry range, sparkling wine can appeal to every palate. Many regions produce...
Jun 7, 2016 | WINE MISCELLANY |
This is my first piece about the Wine Bloggers Conference 2016 in Lodi. I’ve thought sharing a little piece of history about the winemaking tradition in Lodi Appellation with you. All of it based on what you can find on the Lodi Wine Comission site. Early explorers found a region full of wildlife and lush vegetation. Grapes grew wild in the region, but it was circa 1850 when Cpt. Charles Weber decided to plant vines around his home. Only 2 years later, George West, who came to mine gold, purchased cuttings from Weber and established the first major vineyard in the region. While West was growing grapes, the farmers in the region were dedicated to grain and watermelons, but, by the 1880’s the market for grains and watermelons went flat. Farmers began to show interest in the vines, embracing especially the Tokay variety, with a nice flame color very successful in the climate and soils of Lodi. Tokay was good for eating, to be fermented into wine, distilled into brandy, or fortified into port and sherry-styled wines. Prohibition in 1919 made growers to shift from making wine to shipping fresh grapes to the East, and since home winemaking was allowed, the demand for fresh grapes increased. By the end of Prohibition, Lodi wines were produced again: dessert-style wines like sherry, port and sparkling wines. During the 40’s and 50’s Lodi prospered with Tokay and Zinfandel. However, in the 60’s consumer tastes began to change to table wines so Lodi growers began focusing on producing quality varietal like Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Zinfandel. This transition ended and the Lodi Appellation was approved in 1986. Lodi has over 80 wineries and approximately...
Apr 27, 2016 | WINES TO LEARN |
Full-Bodied White Wine 2014 USA (Cafifornia – North Central Coast – Monterrey County) Chardonnay 13.9% alc. Serve at 55-56ºF (13ºC) Turn Key Wine Brands Wine-Searcher Back to Wines to Learn To keep in mind You can learn about the body of wine. This is very far from the light, zesty, easy to drink white wines you can pair with every fish dish. This is a bold player. If the first thing you with a wine is to quaff it… Maybe should try something else. This wine is to entertain your palate for a long time. It’s rich, dense, flavorful, creamy. At the end, you can feel the strenght of the sun in this wine. Smell and taste: maybe, the first thing you will notice is the mineral aroma, similar to the french chardonnays made in cool climate… But, as a real californian there is some ripe fruits too: orchard fruits, the producer says. Peach and lemon? Yes. But what makes this wine interesting is the effect that 6 months in french oak barrel has: a rich aroma of vanilla and nutmeg. Exercise to learn about oaked and unoaked wine: compared it with other californian chardonnay. I think this wine needs food to pair with and be served not too cold. It is ok if you do it, but, in this case you will find it more soft and pleasant around 55ºF. As a full-bodied white, avoid subtle fish: go for lobster, seasoned poultry and creamy pasta or légumes. Baked vegetables pie or pasties? Sure!. Also, look for umami flavored asian dishes or strong cheeses. I have to...
Dec 19, 2015 | WINES TO LEARN |
Full-Bodied White Wine 2014 USA (California, Central Coast, Santa Inez Valley) Grenache Blanc 15% alc. Serve at 48-53ºF (9-12ºC) WINC Back to Wines to Learn To keep in mind You can learn about white wines. For some beginners, the fact that a white wine can be full-bodied may be surprising. This is because of the most common way our taste for wine evolves. First we prefer whites, then, as our palate accustoms to more tannins and higher levels of alcohol, we start to appreciate reds. It happens in a similar way with beer… Usually we do not like the bitter taste at the beginning… And then, we love the hoppy taste more and more. Thus, this wine is a second step in white wine comprehension. This wine is not especially fruity, nor is it very fresh (or acidic) and it has high alcohol content… So, an unexpected special wine for beginners (and not-so-novice). The mouthfeel is of a full-bodied wine and you can learn about minerality, as the fruitiness is not overwhelming. This is more like a European-style wine (aka Old World Style). The alcohol also provides a rich and smooth feeling: even after swallowing you still notice the warmth. If you want to “see” the alcohol, pay attention to the “tears” that will appear in the glass after swirling it. The main aromas are grapefruit, melon, sweet lime, honey and slate. This wine can be a “total meal”. I’m a great fan of drinking wine by itself without any accompaniment, or at least jut taking a couple of sips to concentrate on its flavors. It is not the typical white...
