by Lorri | Jul 4, 2012 | UnCorked
As summer heat oppresses us, it’s time to break away from full-bodied reds and shift to light and refreshing wines.
There’s a world of wines to get us through the summer heat, including a few roses and reds that are easy to overlook.
We all know syrah and zinfandel are great with barbecues but not so great with summer heat. If you find you still long for red wines when it’s 95 degrees in the shade, try lighter styles such as pinot noir. The light-bodied wine accepts a slight chill before serving, making it a refreshing option. The most important tip for serving summer reds — or any wine for that matter — is to serve the wine at the correct temperature. Although you don’t want to serve red wine ice cold, it shouldn’t be served warm either. Don’t let red wines heat up, because it accentuates the tannin and alcohol, making them anything but refreshing. Most red wines are best served between 55 and 65 degrees.
THE VALUE
- 2011 Cellar No. 8 Pinot Noir, California (about $9 retail) 2010 Kenwood Pinot Noir, California (about $14 retail)
THE SPLURGE
- 2010 Adelsheim Vineyard Pinot Noir, Oregon (about $32 retail) 2009 David Bruce Central Coast Pinot Noir, California (about $26 retail)
If you keep in mind that not all rose wines are sweet, this may be the ultimate summer cool-down choice. Rose has all the antioxidant benefits of a red wine (rose is made using the skins of the grapes) with the refreshing taste of white wine. Quality rose wine is neither sweet nor fizzy, and from many producers it’s a refreshing bone-dry wine filled with fresh flavors of cherry, strawberry and raspberries.
THE VALUE
- 2011 La Vieille Ferme Rose, France (about $11 retail) 2011 Jacobs Creek Shiraz/Rose, Australia (about $11 retail)
THE SPLURGE
- 2011 Belle Glos Pinot Noir Rose, California (about $21 retail) 2011 Turkey Flat Rose, Australia (about $20 retail)
There’s no getting around it, summertime is the right time for a chilled white wine. When it’s hot, the most refreshing are light-bodied whites.
THE VALUE
- 2011 Rosemount Estate Pinot Grigio, California (about $11 retail)
- 2011 Matua Valley Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand (about $14 retail)
THE SPLURGE
- 2009 D’Arenberg Hermit Crab Marsanne/Viognier, Australia (about $19 retail)
- 2011 Bridlewood Reserve Viognier, California (about $24 retail)
by Lorri | Jun 27, 2012 | UnCorked
With Independence Day just around the corner, it seems the perfect time to reflect on America’s journey to becoming a wine producing country. In the 16th century, the first settlers found an abundance of native vines growing on the East Coast. The first challenge for winemakers in Virginia and the Carolina colonies was not finding an indigenous grape that would thrive, but finding one that could satisfy European palates.
In 1619, the first European vines were imported to Virginia and planted in North American soils. The plantings expanded along much of the East Coast but were mostly unsuccessful: The strange climate, diseases and pests took harsh tolls.
The plantings of these vines continued to fail year after year until hybrid vines were developed. The “vignoble” of Cincinnati, the “muscadine” of the South and the “concord” were extensively planted to produce table grapes, jelly and wine.
Around 1779, Franciscan missionaries realized the terroir of California could support European vines. If you fast forward 200 years through vine disease, Prohibition, the World Wars and instability of the market, it brings us today to a country ranked as the fourth largest producer of wine in the world behind Italy, France and Spain.
Today wine is produced in nearly every state, with California leading the pack, making July Fourth an ideal time to enjoy and celebrate the wines of America.
THE VALUES
- 2010 Cellar No. 8 Pinot Noir, California (about $12 retail)
- 2010 Cline Cellars Cashmere, California (about $15 retail)
- 2010 Beringer Founders Estate Shiraz, California (about $12 retail)
THE SPLURGES
- 2009 Bell Big Guy Red, California (about $26 retail)
- 2009 Gloria Ferrer Carneros Chardonnay, California (about $32 retail)
- 2009 Honig Cabernet Sauvignon, California (about $40 retail)
by Lorri | Jun 20, 2012 | UnCorked
Over the years my father-in-law, husband and son have become experts in Alaska’s salmon fishing. As any fisherman knows, expertise in catching fish leads to much practice in cooking it. Our freezer is packed with this rich, nutritious fish, so we are always experimenting with sauces, spices and cooking methods and, of course, wine pairings.
The delicate flavors of many fish simply can’t stand up to most wines. So the traditional rule when it comes to fish is to stick with light-bodied wines. However, salmon’s meatier texture and bold flavor allows for more choices.
Matching pinot noir with salmon breaks all the stuffy wine-pairing rules and proves fish and red wine can be harmonious. The low tannins and fruitiness of pinot noir accentuate the fatty richness of salmon, especially when it’s grilled.
Lemon often accompanies salmon. To highlight the lemon, pairing the dish with tangy sauvignon blanc is one of my favorite combinations. The acid in the wine and lemon actually work together to tone down what you would think would be an acidic overdose. This is particularly true for salmon with a lemon and dill sauce.
Many styles of chardonnay have the weight to stand up to the substantial texture of salmon. The key is avoiding styles that are high-alcohol, oaky blockbusters.
Riesling is a safe bet with salmon because of its distinct acidity. Many salmon recipes call for Asian and spicy flavors — soy, chile pepper, ginger or even wasabi — making Riesling an ideal and refreshing fit.
THE VALUES
2011 446 Single Vineyard Monterey Chardonnay, California (about $12 retail) 2011 Cline Cellars Cool Climate Sonoma Pinot Noir, California (about $14 retail) 2011 Concha y Toro Xplorador Chardonnay, Chile (about $10 retail) 2011 BR Cohn Silver Label Chardonnay, California (about $17 retail) 2011 Firesteed Riesling, Oregon (about $15 retail)
THE SPLURGES
2011 Anne Amie Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, Oregon (about $20 retail)
2010 Bridlewood Estate Pinot Noir, California (about $20 retail)
2009 Rombauer Carneros Chardonnay, California (about $46 retail)
2010 Dierberg Santa Maria Valley Chardonnay, California (about $34 retail)
by Lorri | Jun 13, 2012 | UnCorked
Wine drinking, ideally, is a never-ending journey in trying new tastes and discovering new flavors.
Most of us are familiar with the white wine lineup of chardonnay, sauvignon blanc and Riesling but there are many more whites to explore. Some of the most alluring whites in the world are hidden behind confusing labels. Often these wines are identified by region rather than grape.
A note about this weeks recommendations: The designations of value and splurge are relative to the specific regions and are not necessarily based on price.
ENTRE-DEUX-MERS, BORDEAUX, FRANCE
These aromatic wines are mostly made with sauvignon blanc, semillon and a small addition of ugni blanc and muscadelle. At its best, it tastes zippy and refreshing with layers of distinct aromas of lemon, lime and fresh-cut grass. This region covers a huge area so there is a largerange of prices and quality.
THE VALUE
- 2011 Domaine Sainte-Anne Entre-Deux-Mers Blanc, France (about $15 retail)
THE SPLURGE
- 2011 Chateau Bonnet Blanc, France (about $19 retail)
CHABLIS, BURGUNDY, FRANCE
Chablis is made from the very familiar chardonnay grape. Characteristics of chablis can range from steely mineral to fruity apple flavors due to the variations inthe use of oak in maturing the wines.
THE VALUE
- 2010 Joseph Drouhin Chablis, France (about $25 retail)
THE SPLURGE
- 2010 Joseph Faiveley Chablis, France (about $38 retail)
ORVIETO, UMBRIA, ITALY
Orvieto is made from the trebbiano grape and usually an array of other Italian whites are added into the blend. In the past, it was known as a sweetish style of wine using noble rotten grapes but the more modern styles are generally dry. It is aromatic with fresh, lemony fruit and the occasional hint of almond.
THE VALUE
- 2011 Ruffino Orvieto, Italy (about $10 retail)
THE SPLURGE
- 2011 Villa Antinori Orvieto, Italy (about $14 retail)
POUILLY-FUME, LOIRE VALLEY, FRANCE
This crisp French white is made from the well-known sauvignon blanc grape. It is bone dry and has much less acidity than its zippy New Zealand rival. Famous for its smoky, gunflint flavor, it is layered with fresh lemon, mineral and floral aromas.
THE VALUE
- 2010 Sauvion Pouilly-Fume, France (about $35 retail)
THE SPLURGE
- 2010 Ladoucette Pouilly-Fume, France (about $45 retail)
by Lorri | Jun 6, 2012 | UnCorked
“There’s a place and a time for everything,” the saying goes.
There’s also a wine.
From everyday wines to once-in-a-lifetime rare vintages, there’s a wine for almost every occasion.
A well-chosen everyday wine can enhance our dayto-day meals. It may be enjoyed with last night’s leftovers, paired with sloppy Joes at the kitchen counter or poured for no other reason than it’s Wednesday. For these wines, most of us are seeking the best value — wines we can serve with confidence that won’t break the bank or even pinch the budget.
For the best savings, buy by the case, check for instore specials or shop on a retailer’s “wine day.” When a favorite goes on special, be sure to stock up. These tips can land you an everyday drinking wine well below the everyday retail price.
THE VALUE
- 2011 Red Rock Merlot, California (about $10 retail)
THE SPLURGE
- 2011 McManis Cabernet Sauv i g n o n, California (about $15 retail)
For birthdays and anniversaries, we often turn to our favorite once-a-year wines. These are bottles that mark special occasions and memorable moments while still keeping on budget.
For savings, look to substitute vintage Champagne with blanc de blanc, cabernet sauvignon with malbec, pinot noir with merlot and vintage port with late-bottled vintage port.
THE VALUE
- NV Schramsberg Winery Blanc de Blancs, California (about $40 retail)
THE SPLURGE
- 2007 Bell Napa Valley Claret, California (about $69 retail)
The most meaningful moment for many wine lovers is savoring the once-in-a-lifetime wine. For one it may be Bordeaux; for another, a 100-year-old Sauternes Yquem. The wine itself is the reason for the celebration. For those lucky enough to have their own cellared stash, these wines are awaiting patiently. But for most of us the best opportunities to experience a once-in-a-lifetime wine may be found at a winery tasting room, tasting events, restaurant wine lists or on a shelf at your local fine wine retail shop.
THE VALUE
- 2008 Duckhorn Vineyards Three Palms Merlot, California (about $98 retail)
THE SPLURGE
- 2005 Chateau Lascombes Margaux, France (about $158 retail)
by Lorri | May 30, 2012 | UnCorked
Finding the perfect gift for a special bride and groom can have its challenges. The intention is genuine as you stare at the bridal registry printout — the blender, the fondue set or the electric popcorn popper. But sometimes maybe you want to give something that veers from practical and includes a personal touch.
PERSONALIZED BOXES
When you give wine as a gift, it can be a challenge to package it in an appealing, attractive manner. Wine for a Wedding creates custom boxes, with each box featuring an engraved design with “open on” anniversary instructions for each compartment. As the couple reaches the anniversary they open a bottle of wine along with a message from you that’s engraved on the inside lid of the box. The site guides you with ideas on design, and fun or sentimental quotes. It’s as simple as selecting your box and adding the personal message. Then it’s shipped to your address. For more information, visit Wineforawedding.com.
THE CORKCICLE
The corkcicle is not just functional, it makes a great conversation piece too, due to its interesting design. The Corkcicle is inserted into the bottle of wine and helps to chill it. In use, it crates the illusion of a giant icicle hanging from the cork. It’s a great way to chill a bottle while avoiding the mess of a dripping ice bucket. The Corkcicle is made of BPAfree plastic and is filled with a gel that freezes, so it’s not melting and diluting the wine. You put the device in the freezer for a couple of hours and then insert it into the bottle. For more information, visit Corkcicle.com.
MESSAGE ON A BOTTLE
For a truly personalized gift, consider presenting the couple with a large-format bottle of wine with hand-written messages from friends or family decorating the bottle. Permanent ink markers designed for glass come in an array of colors, but the metallic silver and gold stand out the best. They cost less than $10 and can be found in most craft stores.
