by Lorri | Dec 30, 2015 | UnCorked
New Year’s Eve is the ideal occasion to enjoy Champagne. Whether it’s the intriguing, elegant bubble in the glass or the romance of midnight toasts, it is unquestionably the drink of celebrations. Champagne adds traditional sparkle.
From Dom Perignon’s famous “Brothers, brothers, come quickly for I am drinking stars” to war-fueled discovery that coal burns hotter and thus produces stronger glass than wood, Champagne has held our fascination for centuries.
Champagne is made from a specific combination of grapes grown in France’s cool-climate vineyards. By law, only wine produced in the Champagne region of northeast France can be called Champagne. But many quality sparkling wines are made using the same combination of grapes and produced using the same method.
Pinot noir provides structure, body and a delicate fruit character while chardonnay contributes floral and fruit components. Pinot meunier is responsible for the hallmark aroma.
The complex process of producing sparkling wine is the main contributing factor when it comes to the cost of higher-quality bottles. The longer and slower the winemaking process, the more expensive and complex the final wine style will be. If you add the bubbles quickly by artificial methods, the result is a simple style, while adding them slowly, naturally and elaborately results in a more complex wine and a higher price tag.
For many of us, it simply isn’t New Year’s Eve without the famous sparkling wine.
So whether you are chanting the midnight countdown on New Year’s Eve or quietly celebrating with intimate friends, bubbly is perfect for toasting the beginning of a new year!
THE VALUE
- NV Piper Sonoma Brut, California (about $20 retail)
THE SPLURGE
- NV Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin, Reims, France (about $65 retail)
by Lorri | Dec 23, 2015 | UnCorked
If you are reading this column today you are in one of two stages of your Christmas celebration. You are drinking port while watching your favorite Christmas movies or you are scurrying around with a checklist of last minute gifts and entertaining items to find. For those taking the high road of enjoying the day in slumber and relaxation, I commend you. For those in panic mode, here are a few quick tips for ensuring libations will flow.
Stocking the bar. If you are trying to calculate how much wine to buy, don’t be afraid to overbuy. A safe rule of thumb is one 750-milliliter bottle (an average wine bottle) will equal about five (5-ounce) glasses. Most guests will consume two drinks during the first hour of the event and one drink during each subsequent hour. If your celebration includes wine, beer and spirits, a general rule is 50 percent of people will prefer wine, 30 percent beer and 20 percent mixed drinks. You can never buy too much, just save the excess for your next gathering. And remember, running out of drinks, just as with food, can swiftly change a festive mood.
Be a gracious guest. When I give the host or hostess a bottle of wine, my intention is that they will wait to open it on another occasion to enjoy. The best wine to give is one they normally wouldn’t buy themselves. I like to give Champagne, sparkling wine or Cava and persuade them to open it with pizza, popcorn, or when they have time to relax after the holidays.
It’s never too late to save. If a caterer or food retailer offers a 10 percent to 20 percent discount if you buy the foods on a certain day, it seems an obvious choice. So keep in mind most wine stores already offer those savings when you buy by the case or on “wine day.” Check weekly ads, online and in-store savings because these can sometimes be up to 50 percent off during the last few days of shopping.
Don’t be turned off by the box. You can’t deny it is a brilliant invention, yet image issues and the myth that boxed wines are inferior have prevented people from embracing the wine for celebrations. Large parties or family gatherings are the perfect time to consider the box. If you are concerned with the image, decant the wine into glass carafes and no one will be the wiser. And the bonus of the box is when the gathering ends you will be able to save the wine left in the box for up to 3 weeks.
Buy now to enjoy later. While some items like produce and flowers need to be last minute purchases, wine can be bought well before the celebration. New Year’s, Valentine’s Day, anniversaries and birthday celebrations are all good reasons to buy a case now to enjoy later. Remember, wine will wait humbly in the corner until the next celebration.
by Lorri | Dec 16, 2015 | UnCorked
Port is a must during the holiday season and mine is not complete without a celebratory glass of this liquid masterpiece. Port wine is misjudged, it should be admired.
This rich fortified wine — made in the Douro Valley of Portugal — is often underappreciated and misunderstood. Images of British gentlemen in high-back leather chairs speaking of the Queen while sipping port and smoking cigars might be responsible for some of this misunderstanding. But in reality, port is far from stuffy nor is it always sweet (another misconception about port).
One might even call it an (almost) any occasion wine. It can be served during the most trendy or the most traditional of occasions. Chilled white port makes an unexpected aperitif. Tawny port is at home with dessert and, of course, vintage port is the pinnacle of choice for port fans.
Some of the misunderstanding comes from the many styles. Port really has many tastes: young, fruity, and intense; or old, nutty, and complex.
White and ruby ports are young and will have a lighter style compared to others. Aged Tawny showcases the aromas and taste of almonds with an unforgettable rich intensity. LBV (late-bottled vintage) is a classic reliable port from a single vintage but ready to drink and a fraction of the price compared to the crowning glory vintage port.
Ports have a unique viticulture and winemaking story. The growing region of the Douro Valley is one of the most inhospitable areas of viticulture in the world with baking-hot summers and freezing-cold winters. The isolated landscape is just as uninviting with its steep hillsides, poor, dry soils and archaic-looking planting terraces. In spite of the weather conditions and poor terrain, port grapes thrive there. Port is made mainly from five authorized varieties with Touriga Nacional (too-REE-gah na-SHUN-al) being the lead grape in the blend.
It could be the winemaking process that is the most unique part of port’s story. Just after harvest a celebration of sorts begins with the traditional foot-treading in open-trough wine vats by families and workers of the wineries. They march, walk and even dance in keeping with this winemaking tradition. (This may seem a bit awkward to envision but the human foot is perfect for the task.)
The best way to determine your taste for port is to try a few when you are dining in restaurants offering a selection of port styles. Order a glass of ruby and tawny ports and taste them side by side for comparison. It can be an expensive way to explore and learn your favorite taste profile, but it’s less expensive than buying whole bottles at the liquor store.
Adding to port’s significance during the holidays is it makes an ideal gift for the wine lover. The latest vintage port releases are 2007 and 2011. Check with your favorite wine retailer for availability. You will most likely see the cost well over $100 for a bottle but it’s worth the investment. But keep in mind vintage ports will need at least 15 to 20 years of cellaring before they will really show off their magnificence; the reward is well worth the wait.
THE VALUE
- 2010 LBV Taylor Fladgate Port, Portugal (about $26 retail)
THE SPLURGE
- 2007 Fonseca Vintage Port, Portugal (about $130 retail)
by Lorri | Dec 9, 2015 | UnCorked
The holiday shopping rush is officially underway. Some find this endeavor a dreaded experience; others take joy in counting down the days while checking off the list. For those who have a wine lover on their recipient list, it might be the easiest of gifts to buy.
There’s no need to push through the long lines at big chain stores, or crazily attempt to find the last of its kind or stress about the color or size, or, worst of all, wonder if they’ll even like it.
The most important tip is to look to a reputable wine retailer for advice and direction. With help, wine is an easy gift to buy.
Know the range you want to spend. Wine has the advantage that higher prices don’t always equal better quality. There are many “value” bottles that cost about $15, bottles any wine-loving recipient will enjoy.
A knowledgeable wine retailer will be able to direct you to a bottle worth giving, and keep you on budget.
THE VALUE
- 2014 Simi Chardonnay, California (about $14 retail)
THE SPLURGE
- 2014 Alexander Valley Chardonnay, California (about $16 retail)
I always enjoy the story of the wine or the uniqueness of the label (who is the winemaker, what is the history of the label, family, etc.). It adds a nice touch when you are able to tell a quick story of the wine’s history or a personal reason it’s your favorite. Most wineries have websites you can research for history. For a special touch, enclose a handwritten note about the wine.
THE VALUE
- 2014 Force of Nature Red Blend, California (about $15 retail)
THE SPLURGE
- 2013 Tooth and Nail “The Stand,” California (about $29 retail)
When in doubt on the wine style for the recipient, it’s best to stick with familiar grape varietals. If you are buying for people you know well, you most likely know the style of wines they enjoy. But for those you know casually, it’s a good idea to opt for crowd-pleasers like chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, cabernet sauvignon, merlot or pinot noir.
THE VALUE
- 2014 Emmolo Sauvignon Blanc, California (about $22 retail)
THE SPLURGE
- 2013 Arista Pinot Noir RRV, California (about $50 retail)
by Lorri | Dec 2, 2015 | UnCorked
If you’re a regular reader of Uncorked, you know I love the stories behind great winemakers and wineries. Arkansas was honored to have James Ontiveros, a ninth-generation Californian agriculturist, visit our state recently.
The Ontiveros story starts with the family legacy of farming and becomes pure enjoyment, with some of the most balanced and complex wines I have tasted.
“Alta Maria” is named after the upper Santa Maria River where James’ ancestor Don Juan Pacifico Ontiveros crossed on St. Mary’s Day in 1855. He drove cattle from Southern California to his home at Rancho Tepusquet, now home to some of the world’s most renowned vineyards. The picturesque river flowing through the valley was the force that sustained ranch life in those early days.
Alta Maria focuses on hand-crafted wines showcasing grape varietals that flourish in this growing region, including sauvignon blanc, chardonnay and pinot noir. Many think of California-style wines as high in alcohol content and strong oak flavors, but Alta Maria has a focus on Old-World styles reminiscent of Burgundy, and soft subtle reserved wines in the glass.
The artwork for the label of Alta Maria Vineyards features hand-hewn iron nails used by homesteaders in Santa Maria before the Industrial Revolution. The nails are a part of the crafted philosophy the wines each share. Their goal is that the Alta Maria Vineyards sustain the family legacy.
THE VALUE
- 2013 Alta Maria Sauvignon Blanc, California (about $18 retail)
THE SPLURGE
- 2014 Alta Maria Pinot Noir, California (about $34 retail)
by Lorri | Nov 25, 2015 | UnCorked
Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays, not only for the indulgence of food but for the time we share with family and friends.
It’s one of the few holidays when no one needs to stress about finding the perfect gift or experience the disappointment of a poorly chosen one. It’s the holiday each year when gratefulness, blessings and, of course, the food and wine are the focus. It’s a time to be thankful for all we have and celebrate.
That’s enough about my sentimental ideals and my expectations of tomorrow. (For the record, I am counting down the hours until then.) If you are reading this column, chances are your home is filling with family, the menu is intact, but you might still be considering wine choices. Be thankful, because Uncorked has an easy list of suggestions for however your turkey is cooked, any array of sides and guest preferences. Here is a good list of wines for Thanksgiving.
THE VALUES
- 2014 Force of Nature Red Blend, California (about $15 retail)
- 2014 Sean Minor Four Bears Cabernet Sauvignon, California (about $14 retail)
- 2014 Tercos Malbec, Argentina (about $12 retail)
- 2014 Matchbook Chardonnay, California (about $13 retail)
- 2014 Montinore Pinot Gris Willamette Valley, Oregon (about $14 retail)
- 2014 Sawbuck Cabernet Sauvignon, California (about $10 retail)
- 2014 A to Z Chardonnay, Oregon (about $15 retail)
- 2014 St. James Winery Cranberry, Missouri (about $11 retail)
- 2015 Gnarly Head Authentic Black, California (about $12 retail)
- 2014 Ferrari Carano Fume Blanc, California (about $12 retail)
- 2014 Laxas Albarino, Spain (about $16 retail)
- 2015 Montes Cherub Rose, Argentina (about $14 retail)
THE SPLURGES
- 2013 Tooth and Nail “The Stand,” California (about $28 retail)
- 2013 Diora Pinot Noir, California (about $30 retail)
- 2013 Keenan Napa Valley Merlot, California (about $34 retail)
- 2013 Alta Maria Pinot Noir, California (about $30 retail)
- 2014 San Angelo Pinot Grigio, Italy (about $18 retail)
- 2013 Decoy by Duckhorn Pinot Noir, California (about $26 retail)
- 2013 Elk Cove Pinot Noir, Oregon (about $25 retail)
- 2014 Bogle Phantom, California (about $25 retail)
- 2013 Masi Campofiorin Valpolicella Ripasso, Italy (about $22 retail)
- NV Piper Heidsieck Brut Reims, France (about $44 retail)
- 2014 Stags Leap Winery Chardonnay, California (about $34 retail)
- 2013 Native Nine Pinot Noir, California (about $72 retail)
