by Lorri | Jun 15, 2011 | UnCorked
Summer travel plans are well under way, and wine country vacations are easier than ever to plan now that almost every state has at least one winery. Here are a few tips on how to get the most out of a winery visit.
Plan ahead, as many wineries are “by appointment only.” Consider booking as few as one or two wineries a day — rushing around will detract from your experience. Keep in mind that smaller wineries may limit their tasting-room hours. Call ahead or check websites. Also, get in touch with state tourism offices for brochures and maps of the area you’re visiting.
An important tip is remembering that the tasting room is not a bar. Asking for a larger pour is poor tasting-room etiquette. If you find a wine you enjoy, buy a bottle and grab a picnic lunch. Many wineries have beautiful picnic grounds where you can slow down, relax and take in your wine region experience.
Hire a driver or have a designated driver. You are only being poured a “taste” at the winery, but keep in mind that such tastings add up by the end of the day. If your travel budget can afford it, hire a driver, join a local tour or use a shuttle service. Look for services that will pick up and return you to your hotel.
Don’t ignore the local products. There’s no need to taste chardonnay in every state in the U.S. Instead, explore grapes specifically suitable for the region’s growing conditions. If you stick with only familiar grapes or your favorites, you may miss out on excellent regional specialties.
It’s OK to spit. Don’t be intimidated — use the dump bucket. If your style is to explore fast and furiously as many samples as possible, then get to know the spittoon. Tasting the wine and pouring the remainder into the bucket is good etiquette and smart.
Ask questions and take notes. Tasting-room employees are not just there to pour wines but to answer questions. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and add to your knowledge of grape growing and winemaking.
After a few days of wine tasting, you may find yourself overwhelmed trying to remember exactly which vineyards and wines were ones to remember. Don’t worry about fancy details or notes. Just a few words jotted down on the winery business card can later jog your memory.
by Lorri | Jun 8, 2011 | UnCorked
A recent lunch and tasting of Chateau Tanunda gave me a fresh look into one of Australia’s up-and-coming wineries and a pleasant introduction to John Geber, the visionary behind the label.
In 1998, Geber was on a morning bike ride in Australia’s Barossa Valley when he saw the abandoned and deteriorating Chateau Tanunda. In its prime, the majestic Bavarian-style estate was the largest winery in the Southern Hemisphere. It was built in the late 1800s with a goal of selling wine to phylloxeradevastated Europe. (With the winery’s capacity to house a million gallons, they were obviously selling a lot.)
But Geber happened upon not a majestic winery but one with broken windows, the roof open to the sky and pigeons roosting throughout the 37,000-square-foot, two story building. But he was able to see the promise, not just the neglect, and bought Chateau Tanunda the next day. Eleven years and a multimillion-dollar investment later, today’s Chateau Tanunda boasts a range of 25 wines and a state-of-the-art facility.
In addition to the winery, the newly renovated complex has a grand ballroom, immaculate gardens and, would you believe, a world-class cricket oval? During renovations, Geber was faced with carting away 30,000 tons of rubble at a staggering cost of $500,000. He turned the negative into a positive and, instead of paying the hefty disposal fee, decided he would have his own “Field of Dreams.” Now Chateau Tanunda has become one of Australia’s favorite spots on the cricket circuit and hosts the Annual Cricket Masters Match.
Chateau Tanunda’s selections are a stark contrast to what Geber describes as a trend in Australian wines being “hijacked” by either inexpensive critter wines or those considered the rock stars with high alcohol content, overuse of oak and aspiring for high scores from wine critics.
His vision for Tanunda has always been to “make good wine and sell it.” His own descriptions of his products refer to their “gracious character” and “depth.” After tasting Chateau Tanunda’s wines, I must agree they were delicious, and more importantly to most of us, they offer amazing value for the quality.
THE VALUES
- 2010 Chateau Tanunda Riesling, Australia (about $16 retail)
- 2009 Chateau Tanunda Cabernet Sauvignon , Australia (about $18 retail)
THE SPLURGES
- 2008 Chateau Tanunda Noble Baron Shiraz , Australia (about $50 retail)
- 2008 Chateau Tanunda Noble Baron Cabernet Sauvignon, Australia (about $50 retail)
by Lorri | Jun 1, 2011 | UnCorked
Something about the thought of summer waiting around the corner always turns my taste buds from the heavy tannic reds that fit snugly into winter to the light fresh style of a crisp white wine.
Dinner menus change as well, with salads, corn on the cob and grilled shrimp showing up at the table.
These lighter summer menus call for wine with fresh acidity, and Sauvignon blanc seems a perfect match for summer fare.
It is at home in the Loire Valley of France but has showcased its diversity in the soils of New Zealand and California. Remember this simple tip for sauvignon blanc: if it was not produced in a cool climate, the wine will most likely be a flat, flabby and drab example of this zesty and refreshing grape. Select wines from cool climates and you will rarely be disappointed.
THE VALUES
- 2010 Stephen Vincent Sauvignon Blanc, California (about $14 retail)
- 2010 Monkey Bay Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand (about $12 retail)
- 2010 Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand (about $10 retail)
- 2010 Robert Mondavi Private Selection Sauvignon Blanc, California (about $9 retail)
THE SPLURGES
- 2010 Spy Valley Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand (about $20 retail)
- 2010 Joseph Phelps St. Helena Sauvignon Blanc, California (about $30 retail)
- 2010 Pascal Jolivet Attitude Sauvignon Blanc, France (about $25 retail)
- 2010 Bell Lake County Sauvignon Blanc, California (about $19 retail)
- 2010 Rutherford Ranch Sauvignon Blanc, California (about $19 retail)
by Lorri | May 25, 2011 | UnCorked
No matter what time of day it is, someone on the World Wide Web is blogging about topics as varied as exotic travel, parenting, do-it-yourself car repair or finding the “perfect” diet. Interest in wine is a part of this phenomenon, bringing an abundance of wine-centric blogs.
There are literally hundreds of wine blogs. My favorites are those that step outside of the monotonous realm of tasting notes and vineyard visits. I look to sites written by those who were respected in the industry before blogging became their pastime.
These are some of my favorites; each ranges dramatically in content and personality.
Vinography.com: a Wine Blog
I had the privilege of meeting Vinography’s creator, Alder Yarrow, a few years ago at a wine writers symposium. Based in San Francisco, Yarrow is a high-tech consultant by day and influential blogger by night. His site features wine and book reviews, news and wine event updates. It also offers an alternative to the traditional sources and styles of wine writing by telling stories of the people behind the wine, all from a down-to-earth perspective. His site offers links to articles, newspapers and other blogs.
Tom Wark’s Fermentation: The Daily Wine Blog
Fermentation is a blog about wine, politics, culture and the media. Wark, owner of a public and media relations firm, began the site in 2004. The blog highlights the intersection of wine and society. His site gives frequent and informative updates on the goings on in wine. It’s a great site for those interested in not only extended learning but industry news.
Dr. Vino: Wine Talk That Goes Down Easy
Dr. Vino, Tyler Coleman, isn’t a medical doctor, but he does have a doctorate. He wrote his dissertation at Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill., about the political economy of the wine industries in the United States and France. His blog provides an intellectual exploration of wine politics and business. He makes recommendations and also brings a diverse perspective to a controversial industry.
Wine Library TV: Changing The Wine World
Wine Library features video “episodes” with the energetic host, Gary Vaynerchuk. His blog is much different than others because it consists entirely of videos. Vaynerchuk brings a creative commentary with a high-energy and candid style that includes the zealous expression of his nontraditional advice.
by Lorri | May 18, 2011 | UnCorked
The Art of Wine Festival at Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville is one of my favorite wine events in Arkansas and this year marks its 11th anniversary. This Northwest Arkansas event draws guests from across the country with proceeds supporting the Walton Arts Center’s arts and education programs.
I enjoy all of the pre-event shows and tastings but this year we are in for a treat with celebrity chef, best-selling author and TV personality Guy Fieri joining the lineup June 1. This is a not-to-miss fun event for foodies and fans across Arkansas.
An added treat for guests is the “Kulinary Krew” package that comes with orchestra seating, a copy of his book and a pre-show greet and meet.
Other events include the Uncorked! Friday Night Wine Tasting on June 10 and the Wine Lover’s Brunch on June 11.
A particular favorite is the Riedel Glass Seminar on the afternoon of June 11. Not only does this event give you an opportunity to explore the question “Do wines actually taste different in certain glassware?” but the ticket includes a set of four Riedel Vinum wine glasses, a $116 value.
Best of all is the Premier Tasting on June 11, which is of course the main event, a colossal tasting opportunity featuring wines from around the globe. This grand tasting gives wine enthusiasts a rare opportunity to expand their horizons by leaps and bounds in a single evening. Various Northwest Arkansas restaurants will provide food for sampling as well.
Ticket prices vary by event. For more information or to buy tickets, call the Walton Arts Center box office at (479) 443-5600 or visit WaltonArtsCenter.org.
This week’s recommendations offer a preview of some of the wines featured at the Art of Wine.
THE VALUES
- 2008 Joel Gott Zinfandel, California (about $18 retail)
- 2009 Chateau Julien Barrel Select Chardonnay, California (about $13 retail)
- 2009 J. Lohr Los Osos Merlot, California (about $17 retail)
- 2009 Wente Morning Fog Chardonnay, California (about $15 retail)
- 2009 Peju Sauvignon Blanc, California (about $19 retail)
THE SPLURGES
- 2008 Presqu’ile Winery Pinot Noir, California (about $56 retail)
- 2006 Alexander Valley Vineyards Cyrus Reserve, California (about $56 retail)
- 2008 Honig Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, California (about $39 retail)
by Lorri | May 11, 2011 | UnCorked
Last week’s column on the story of the Chianti Classico rooster was just the beginning of my exploration of the colossal offerings of the prolific Italian wine region.
With more than 27 percent of the region’s sales occurring in the United States, you would expect U.S. consumers to have a good understanding of this region.
There is some confusion, though, likely the result of the sheer immensity of Italian wine offerings.
The primary grape of the Chianti region is the sangiovese, which flourishes on the Tuscan hillsides between Florence and Siena.
Chianti Classico must contain a minimum 80 percent sangiovese, and during my visit many Chianti producers expressed a shift to 100 percent — known as “pure” — to truly showcase the spirit of the sangiovese grape. Other grapes, such as the local canaiolo and colorino or cabernet sauvignon and merlot, can be added. Traditionally the white grapes trebbiano and malvasia were used, but since 2006 they are no longer allowed.
Chianti Classico wines have two distinct styles: the Vintage Year (annual) and Riserva (reserve). The vintage year is a fresh, fruity wine meant to be consumed young. A riserva is much different and strikes a balance between elegance and potency. Riserva wines are aged to provide the finest expression of sangiovese with its full-bodied, complex style. To qualify as a riserva, strict standards must be met, including a minimum of 12.5 percent alcohol, maturation for a minimum of 24 months with at least 3 months in the bottle before going to market.
THE VALUES
- 2008 Castello di Monastero Chianti Classico, Italy (about $24 retail)
- 2008 San Jacopo Chianti Classico, Italy (about $21 retail)
- 2009 Banfi Chianti Classico, Italy (about $15 retail)
- 2008 Cecchi Chianti Classico, Italy (about $18 retail)
THE SPLURGES
- 2008 Villa Antinori Peppoli Chianti Classico, Italy (about $32 retail)
- 2008 Dievole Chianti Classico Riserva, Italy (about $64 retail)
- 2008 Melini Terrarossa Laborel Chianti Classico Riserva, Italy (about $32 retail)
