I Heart NY, Even More

In February, I was first introduced to the fabulous Rieslings in the Finger Lakes region when I visited Lamoreaux Landing.  In July, the quality was confirmed with a sampling of eight Rieslings which were sent to me by the Finger Lakes Wine Alliance.  Last week, I had the opportunity to, once again, participate in a virtual tasting with eight additional producers, showcasing their 2011 Rieslings.

Let me just start with a disclaimer.  I adore Dry Rieslings.  Crisp and complex, shale and stone fruit, acidity with balance.  A delightful glass of wine.  I also love the addition of residual sugar when I am having salty cheese, spicy Thai, or pouring for my family matriarchs.  Yes, our moms love the sweeter Rieslings.  That being said, I admit that I may be an easy sell, but these wines are really easy to sell.  There is something for everyone.  Want an Old World style with yeast nose and a lemon finish?  Try Ravines.   How about the soft, floral fruit in Sheldrake Point?  Something with more classic stone fruit?  Swedish Hill is lovely.  There was so much diversity in these wines.

I learned from my last attempt at tasting eight wines at one time.  I didn’t feel like I was able to give the last few wines the attention I gave to the first few.  Also, I had a hard time focusing on the wine and the listening to the winemakers while trying to tweet.  What can I say?  I am new to this game.  So, I spread out the wines, tasting a few at a time, pairing with different foods, and taking notes so that I could really focus when it came time for the virtual panel.

When the wines arrived on Monday, my brother, who happens to be a fabulous chef,  was in town. My whole family was here so I thought it was the perfect time to start tasting.  He made a Mediterranean spread and we opened three bottles, two dry and one medium sweet.  I tried the wines from Ravines Wine Cellar, Dr. Konstantin Frank Wine Cellars, and the Fox Run Vineyards the first night.  I enjoyed all three.  We all thought they were delicious.  The Dr. Konstantin Frank seemed to pair best with the food, and they really liked the Fox Run.   My parents both prefer a sweeter wine.  The Fox Run has enough fruit and sugar to keep them happy with the complexity that my siblings enjoy.  I would drink any of them again.

I shared the Lakewood Vineyards and the Knapp Winery with neighbors.  The Lakewood had a beautiful nose-vanilla, stone fruit, and citrus.  Fruit-forward, a big mid-palate, and a crisp, clean finish.  The Knapp was really interesting.  The nose, to me, was just like the vanilla coating on the outside of white Tic Tacs.  I bet you’ve never read that in a wine description before.  Silly, I know, but that was all I could think about when I was drinking it.  This was a favorite of some of the tweeters. Some of my neighbors didn’t think they liked white wine.  It seems they just haven’t tried the right ones.

On Thursday, I planned ahead and made Tom Kha to enjoy with a glass after the chat.  I opened the wines from Lucas Vineyards, the Sheldrake Point Winery, and the Swedish Hill Winery.  I really enjoyed all three of these wines.  If pressed, I would say that the Sheldrake Point stood out to me.  I like to taste before I read the descriptors.  I picked up on the tropical, stone and citrus medley, and I noted something floral but couldn’t place it.  When I read “lilac,” it took me right back childhood and my walk to school, stopping to smell the heavy blossoms.  So, I guess I’d have to say that this wine wins on sentiment.

The winemakers all agreed that 2011 was a challenging year due to the weather.  You wouldn’t know it.   They made some beautiful wines. The price points ranged from $12-$30 so there is something for every palate and every budget.   Once again, many thanks to Finger Lakes Wine Alliance for providing me with these samples and for all you are doing to promote your local wineries.  If you want to learn more about the region and winemaking in general, their website is a great resource.   I am really looking forward to my next visit.

Disclaimer: The wines and photos were provided by the Finger Lakes Wine Alliance for review.

Crowd Pleasers-Happy 4th!

If you are hosting an Independence Day get-together, you have probably already planned menus and hit the store.  I just returned and it was a mad-house so I am pretty sure I am late on this post, but I wanted to throw out some ideas for cocktails and wines that can please most palates.

When planning drink options, I consider food and numbers.  The more intimate the gathering, the higher the price point for wines.  As much as would love to extend the same “love” at large gatherings, I am just too darn frugal and there are so many great options that are reasonable. For large gatherings, I often plan one signature cocktail and then have some large format or Monday wines.  Here are some suggestions that will please, no matter what the size of your holiday affair.

I was really pleased with all of the Robert Mondavi *samples I received.  The Riesling was bright and not too sweet.  Great for the heat.  The Zin and Pinot were versatile, fruit forward and smooth.  We served the Meritage slightly chilled and I really enjoyed the Bordeaux style blend. It would pair well with steaks on the grill.  Each of the above run about $10. The Woodbridge line also comes in large format. 

If it is super hot, you can’t go wrong with a Vinho Verde.  Some are better than others.  I like Famega, Gazela, and Aveleda.  Low in alcohol and price point, this slightly effervescent wine is a summer favorite.  You can sip through your party and remain a good host.

If you want to stretch your wine a little farther, make a Sangria.  I plan to do a white sangria with blueberries and strawberries to keep it festive.  I will probably throw in some Elderflower liqueur (St. Germain-$35ish or Thatchers Organic -$17ish) and seltzer as well.

You could also do a signature cocktail.  One of my current favorites is Thatcher’s Elderflower, Vodka, Lemon juice, Thyme, and seltzer.  It is pretty, tasty, and you can make a pitcher ahead of time and be done.  Another yummy summer one is a Blueberry or Watermelon Mojito.  Watermelon is good for your love life, too, guys.

Keeping it casual but want a fun new beer?  There are a lot of cans now that are actually higher end brews.  One of my husband’s current faves is Austin Beerworks Pearl Snap Pils.  Dale’s Pale Ale out of Colorado is super tasty, too.   

Whatever you are drinking, be safe, be smart, and have a great holiday!

*{Disclosure: I was provided with this wine from PR Firm, Folsom & Associates. All statements and opinions expressed in this article are my own.}

Unique Beauty Shines When You’re Single

There is a time in your life when you want to just blend in.  You want to look like everyone else,  dress like your peers, sound like your peers, and are mortified when the attention is all on you.  Or maybe that was just me.  But thank God, that time is short-lived.  Sometimes, it takes the support of others to put yourself out there, but, hopefully, you wean yourself from the need for a wingman.  There comes a time when you can unapologetically speak your truth.  You become uniquely you and are  proud of the things that make you shine, that make you stand out from the others.

At first glance, this looks like an Atta-Girl-Self-Help blog.  And, in typical form, there is a bit of truth in that.  But this is actually about the grape.  Specifically, the Single Vineyard variety.   Today is Wine Blogging Wednesday 75.  For over six years, fellow lovers of the vine have been sharing their insight about a variety of topics.  Today, Joe Roberts is hosting “Singles Night.”   I have been looking forward to it all month.  Unfortunately, a cold has conspired against me and my palate is shot, so I chose to adjust my original plan.  I had planned to taste a Wellington Cab that I have been holding, but I want to do it justice, so I went to a large supplier here in Austin to find something that was more readily available and less costly.  With some help, I chose 2007 Morandé Edición Limitada Carménère.

Carménère has been mistaken as a Cabernet Sauvignon clone in France.  It was thought to be a Merlot clone in Chile.  It was trying to blend in, but it is now being seen more for who it is on its own.  In fact, as old as the varietal is, it wasn’t recognized as a distinct variety in Chile until 1998.  It took some time for Carménère to step into the spotlight.

The grapes come from San Bernado Vineyard in The Maipo Valley which is temperate with a dry, hot summer and a rainy winter.  The soil is sand, stones, and clay with good drainage.   It is produced in small quantities and aged for 16 months in French Oak.

The color is a rich crimson with hues of violet as to be expected from Carménère.  The nose, well, I am the wrong person to ask right now, but it is spicy for sure.  I think it needs to open because I am getting a lot of alcohol.  The flavor, spicy and full-bodied.  Earthy leather and some black fruit that I can’t discern.  The finish is smoother than I expected from the nose.   Which has, in fact, softened with some air.  My co-taster (aka hubby) picked up black cherry, plum, cocoa.  I am a fan of Carménère, for sure.  I like how it is bold, yet drinkable.  The tannins a bit softer, but it is still sturdy.  Some that I’ve had were a bit harsh, with something to prove, but this one seems quite comfortable in its skin (ahem).  A smoky, smooth finish, this is one I would get again.

The beauty of Single Vineyards is, I think, in being able to compare them to one another as I did with the Rieslings at Lamoreaux Landing.  I wish I had another Carménère from a different vineyard to note the differences, although that might be wasted on me at this point in time.  The differences would have to be pretty pronounced for me to pick them up right now.

Blending is typically a beautiful thing when it is done right.  It can bring out the best in both grapes.  Rough edges can be smoothed.  What was a bit flat can be brought to life.  Too much acid can be softened.    When conditions get rough, even the sturdiest grapes need a partner.  A difficult season or a small harvest happens to the best of them.  But there are as many times when the right conditions allow, no, command that a grape is seen on its own.  In its purest form.  When it has a chance to shine.  When we can see why, given the right conditions, the proper care, it deserves to be seen for all that makes its beauty unique.

An Ode to Vintners, Viticulturists, and lovers of the vine

In honor of today being March 12th, Deed Day at Gundlach Bundschu, I thought it was only appropriate that I dedicate this post to the Bundschu Family, other farmers of the vine, and all wine lovers in general. Although I have had an affinity for the product of the science, I had not done much digging into oenology until last year when doing research for the Deed Day Poetry competition.  My desire to learn about the nuances of winemaking, the histories of the  families, and viticulture has only grown since then.   

154 years ago, Jacob Gundlach purchased the 400 acres in Sonoma.  Six generations later, through prohibition, San Francisco’s quake, and the renaissance of the Napa/Sonoma wine industry, the Bundschu Family carries on the tradition of making fabulous wines.  They continue to honor the past, while adapting to modern technologies.  Amazing people, an amazing place, and amazing wine. I hope you enjoy the piece I wrote to commemorate the celebration last year. Cheers!

He retraces the steps of those that came before him

Balancing the yoke of four generations

Sorrows of the past, visions of the future 

Early blossoms cover pear trees

Bud break, Energy, pooled

Bark pulling away, ready for growth

 The time for grafting

A merger of strength and resistance

New Hope at Rhinefarm

 

He retraces the steps of those that came before him

Balancing the yoke of five generations

Replanting the past, visions of the future

Hues of fruit are changing

Prune the tested vine,

Flesh develops, the yield is set

The time of Veraison

Forging toward fruition

New Hope at Rhinefarm

 

He retraces the steps of those that came before him

Balancing the yoke of six generations

Honoring the past, visions of the future

Toasted leaves curl on tired vines

Energy poured into fruit

Bursting on the vine

The time for harvest has come

Inspiration, Innovation flourish

New Hope at Rhinefarm

 

A Sunny Saturday at Solaro

It is hard to beat Austin in March.  The Mountain Laurels, with their grape scented clusters, are in full bloom.  The landscape is painted with every green you can imagine.  The sky, cerulean and vast, illuminates the rebirth.  It is almost criminal to stay inside.  So when my parents offered us a date this past weekend, there was only one thing on my mind- a Hill Country Winery.

There are several wineries within a thirty minute drive of Austin, and I have hit most of them, but I was looking for a new adventure.  My husband and I decided it was time to hit Solaro Estate in Dripping Springs. 

This winery is truly a labor of love.  The family has incorporated the Old World traditions from their family winery in Solaro, Italy.  The wines are produced using only grapes grown in Texas.   Some are grown on their 160 acres, others are purchased from the Texas vineyards that have the most favorable conditions for the particular varietal.  The family is directly involved in every step, from picking the grapes to hand racking the wines.  Jessica, our host for the tasting, educates the guests and pushes the button to cork the bottles on bottling day.  The dedication and love are reflected in the wines.

We began our tasting with a Montage Blanc (70% Viognier, 20% unoaked Chardonnay, 5% Muscat Canelli, %5 Chenin Blanc).  Honeysuckle nose, medium body, well-balanced.  Soft peach and floral with a clean finish.  A great sipping wine.  Our next white was Arancia, a dry orange muscat.  Big flavor in front.  Think orange creamsicle with out the sugar.  Since I prefer dry wines in general, I really liked this take on what is typically a sweeter wine.  This wine received a Silver medal in the Finger Lakes Competition.  In fact, of the six wines Solaro submitted, four medaled in the competition.

We transitioned to reds in a big way.  The 2010 Mourvèdre is big.  There is nothing “young” tasting about this wine.  Cherry, vanilla, earthy nose.  Soft, round, cherry, and plum with rustic heft.  Then we had the Lisse, which means smooth.  The blending of 40% Merlot with the Mourvèdre changed it up.  It added surprising tart qualities (in a good way) and a long finish which inspired the name.

Sangiovese does well when grown in limestone so it is a natural fit in Texas.  As with the other red wines at Solaro, it is unfiltered, a beautiful ruby-red.  Bright, silky, Strawberry spice.  The Tempranillo was incredibly smooth.  Soil and spice and everything nice; it developed with each sip.  Solaro also does a Bordorosso, an even blend of Merlot and Tempranillo which is held for 27 months in French Oak.  Rich fruit and chocolate.  The Merlot brought out even more spice in the Tempranillo.

Finally, the pièce de résistance: Cheval 5.  Solaro is home to five Thouroughbred horses, thus the name of this winner.  A blend of Tempranillo, Mourvèdre, Sangiovese, Barbera, and Ruby Cabernet.  (If you are, as I was, unfamiliar with Ruby Cabernet, take the time to read up on it.  An interesting hybrid.)  Raspberry and rhubarb on the nose.  A brilliant red.  Fruit in the front, huge in the mid-palate, and an incredibly smooth finish.  An amazing wine.  If you are lucky enough to spend a Saturday at Solaro, you can sample this beauty by the glass at a great discount while listening to their music series.  This wine alone is worth the visit.

I love being “wowed” by Texas wines. I love seeing family-run wineries excel at what they are doing.  I love when the people at a winery add to the charm of the experience.  Solaro Estate exceeded my expectations in each of these areas and was an all around delight.  A perfect way to get outside and spend a spring afternoon near Austin.   With the impending release of the Barbera, I think we will be heading west again soon.

A Taste of Home-Lamoreaux Landing

A few weeks ago, I had my first weekend away since becoming a mom four years ago.  When the possibility of a weekend jaunt arose, it was clear where I wanted, no needed, to go-home.  Well, not quite home, but close.  Although I have been in Austin for nearly half of my life, Upstate New York will always be home. So a trip to the Finger Lakes, to visit one of my dearest friends, was just what I needed.

I had visited Ithaca in the mid-90s and had stopped at a winery, but was just learning about wine at the time, so I thought I would have my hosts pick a few possibilities.  I was intrigued by the wine offerings at Lamoreaux Landing, but knew that was going to be our destination after corresponding with one of the owners, Josh Wig.

Lamoreaux Landing sits above Seneca Lake with magnificent views and an inviting tasting room.  Towering windows,warm wood floors, great displays, and plenty of browsing room.  A space large enough to accommodate summer crowds, cozy enough to linger on a quiet winter day.  As impressive as the room is, it pales in comparison to the wines.

When tasting, I find that the host can make or break your experience. Laura, the Special Events Coordinator, was our host and could not have been better.  Warm, patient, knowledgeable and an all-around pleasure.    We started with the Riesling.  They do six Rieslings here, three are Single Vineyard.  All were fabulous.  The ’08 Reserve has a good balance of minerality and fruit- a touch of citrus and orange blossom. The ’10 had more of a lemony long finish.  The ’10 Semi Dry had softer, honeyed fruit and a long finish.  Of the Single Vineyards, Red Oak was our favorite.  Really big flavor.  Honeysuckle and pear, creamy and delicious.  Although grown so close geographically, each SV Riesling was so different.  Round Rock has a clean minerality (shale/slate) and a touch of gooseberries (I got currant or something, but borrowed gooseberries from their description).  Yellow Dog has more stone fruit , blossoms, and a touch of citrus.

Knowing my palate would only stand so much tasting, we skipped around after the Rieslings and tried a few that were new to me.  The 42 North was an interesting blend.  Mostly Moscato, this wine had fruit and floral notes with a touch of spice (coriander) and would be great with Thai.  The 08 Chardonnay was lovely.  Held  mostly in oak, it had the creamy roundness you would expect, but the time in stainless steel gives the fruit more of a chance to shine.  At $12.99 it is a bargain.  The Estate Red is another excellent bargain.  Cab Franc, Pinot, and Merlot.  Perfectly balanced and a perfect Monday wine at $11.99.  Finally, the big surprise for me was a 2009 T23 Cabernet Franc.  An unoaked Cabernet Franc.  I have never had anything like it.  It has all the big fruit, earthy herbs that you would expect from a Cab Franc and yet, it had a light finish.  Cranberry and soft tannins, this wine would be really versatile in pairings.  Big enough, but not too big for about anything.  Really interesting wine.

When we headed out to Lodi, I had read the accolades in popular publications.  I was impressed by the property. I was rooting for my home state so I was really hopeful that I would like the wine.  I didn’t just like the wine, I LOVED the wine.  I was blown away by the quality for the price point.  I tried things that were completely new to me and was tickled by the depth and variance in the Single Vineyard Rieslings.  And to top it all off, the people were as delightful as the wine.  I cannot recommend this winery enough.  I’d like to say the day was without but disappointment, but there was one.  A big one.  They can’t ship to Texas.  Devastating.  But all the more reason to head back home.

Playing Catch Up

So, I have a back log of wine pairings/tastings/reviews from recent weeks and rather than inundate with several posts, I am consolidating. Short and sweet. Then I can finally move on to the Lamoreaux Landing winery review from two weeks ago. Here we go-

Date Night dinner-Chicken Parmesan with ZD Rosa Lee Barbera(25). This is a fantastic medium bodied wine. Bright fruit, silky finish, vanilla and spice. Paired really well. This is a limited production wine so, if you want to taste its deliciousness, you best jump on it. I did the flour, egg, bread crumbs/herbs prep on the chicken. The Panko bread crumbs gave it a perfect crisp coating. I cheated on the sauce and used some Muir Glen organic sauce and added diced tomatoes, herbs, and wine. One of my best attempts.

Last night it was rather chilly in Austin and we wanted some comfort food. I dug through the pantry and freezer and did a quick, healthier version of Chicken and Dumplings. I sautéed onions and celery, used boneless, skinless breast and poached them in broth. Added poultry seasoning, thyme, and s&p. I used the Pioneer Woman recipe for dumpling recipe for a guide and did a corn/flour combo but used buttermilk powder/1% milk and added tarragon and thyme to the dumplings. I thickened the broth a bit with flour but it was on the soupier side. I added some peas and carrots and voila. The flavors paired really nicely with an 06 Gundlach Bundschu Pinot Noir. The earthiness of the herbs in the food brought out the minerality in the wine. Red fruit and spice, bright with a long clean finish.

On my recent trip to Ithaca, in addition to the winery visit, I had a couple of new tasty treats. One was an Arneis. I had never had this Piedmonte White and it was wonderful. Sometimes referred to as a Barolo Bianco, this grape has great pear and nutty flavors. Laura, my fellow flight friend got strong nutmeg notes in the Cristina Ascheri Arneis ($20) we had at Ithaca’s Just a Taste. It paired really nicely with the warm brie and apple crostini. A gem.

Finally, I would be remiss in not mentioning a fantastic bottle of bubbles. With all the fun we were having, I forgot to write down the producer (my hosts are looking into it) but it was a Chardonnay and Malbec blend. I had never had Malbec in sparkling wine so I had to give it a try. Really fantastic-lots of body, yeast, and fruit and under 20. We all really enjoyed the bottle. I know it is near blasphemy to not have the name of the bottle, but there are very few making bubbles with Malbec. If you find some, treat yourself and let me know what you think. And the name of the producer. Ooops.

Hope you have some fantastic food and wine planned for Valentine’s Day! Not a fan of overpriced flowers, waxy chocolates, or over-crowded restaurants so, for us, it is just reason to open a good bottle. I am thinking a super velvety, round and sexy Noir de Noir (Alicante Bouchet) by Wellington.  And some Prosecco for dessert.  What are you opening?

The Inaugural SAHMmelier Play and Taste Party starts tomorrow!

A few days ago, a friend (we’ll call her “Mama K)” posted on my Facebook page about wanting to taste the Dreaming Tree wines.  If you missed the post, Dreaming Tree is the collaborative effort of Mr. Dave “Yummy” Matthews and Sonoma winemaker, Steve Reeder.  Mama K said that if his wine was anywhere near as good as his music, we were in for  a treat.  A few days later, I found a bottle and we set up a playdate.

Then we got to brainstorming.  What if we had a few moms join us, then we could all discuss the wine?  Even better, what if several SAHMs and friends, near and far,  joined us and wrote their own reviews? And thus was born, The SAHMmelier Play and Taste Party.

Dreaming Tree Crush is currently on sale at Target for only $9.99 which makes it a perfect candidate for a “Monday Wine.”  Plus, it will be easy to grab a bottle when you are out buying diapers or detergent.  The website has a full tasting notes page on the wine, but I am going to challenge you to NOT look at it until you have tasted and given your own descriptors.  Remember, they don’t have to be “correct.”  Just enjoy the discovery!  We will post our reviews and encourage you to comment with your thoughts on the wine.  Each month we will pick a new wine and announce it a few days before the Taste and Play.  If you have a suggestion for a Monday wine , let us know.

Now, don’t worry.  We are all responsible moms and will only be tasting.  There won’t be time for more than a sip or two amongst the bedlam of little ones anyway.  But, it will be a great social escape at the end of a long day.    So, how about it?  Want to play?

Poetry in Motion Part 1

It was about a year and a half ago when I first decided to “put myself out there.”  Writing again…publically…as in let-someone-I don’t-know-read-my-thoughts.  I hadn’t written anything creatively in years.  Not since the tumultuous relationship of my 20s with the distant artist type.  But I found the right catalyst. My 2 yr old daughter was …

Punt

Usually, in the summer, I like to grill. Scratch that….usually in the summer I like to have my hubby grill. But this past weekend he was knee-deep in a dresser painting project and I had to get creative.
I am a punter. I try to plan meals for the week but, the truth is, I shop generally by what is in season and what is on sale. I have my list of staples and USUALLY have those things in the house. In other words, I cook by mood and what I currently have that needs to get used.
I am also quite frugal, almost to a fault, so most of the wines you see on here will be under $20, even under $10. (I call those Monday wines…more on that later.)
I needed to cook a pork tenderloin so I sliced some peppers, onions, cut some oregano, sage, and rosemary from the garden, and tossed it all in a pan with fingerling potatoes, olive oil, and salt and pepper. Five minutes before it was done, I crumbled goat cheese on top.
Now for the wine. I have learned that when you ship wine, you are supposed to let it sit for two weeks. This can be a challenge for me. I have very few bottles that I have allowed to age. The special occasion wines we order from some of our favorite wineries generally have a better chance because I rarely deem an occasion “worthy.” (See frugal comment above).
We returned home from a trip to Sonoma recently with a few favorites. Although we had only been home 10 days, we had put in a hard day and it was Saturday night, so 2 weeks be damned, I opened a bottle of Tempanillo Rose from Gundlach Bundschu. It is my favorite rose to date. Light enough to drink solo on a hot summer day, but enough backbone to stand some bolder flavors. Dry, yummy, strawberry notes start, but when I paired it with the pork, it developed into a whole different experience. There was a surprising minerality, still light, but not overpowered by the herbs. As I said, it held its own.
Wine-Yummy. Ideal for picnics, light appetizers (prosciutto and melon, goat cheese and crackers) lighter fare.
Pairing Grade-B If buying specifically for the meal, I would have maybe done a Pinot, but for a punt, it did just fine.