House red affordable

• August 2009

  Snooth was happy to be able to host The Big House Wine Company’s winemaker, Georgetta Dane, while she was making the rounds here in New York last week. Georgetta, originally from Romania and trained in food sciences as well as oenology, happened to fall into the wine business in... Read moreSnooth was happy to be able to host The Big House Wine Company’s winemaker, Georgetta Dane, while she was making the rounds here in New York last week. Georgetta, originally from Romania and trained in food sciences as well as oenology, happened to fall into the wine business in her home country but is certainly making a name for herself while defining the style at Big House wines. Some of you might associate the Big House label with the irrepressible Randall Graham who founded the brand. For some two years now it’s has been functioning independently of Mr. Grahams Empire with the desire to continue to provide complex and interesting wines at affordable prices. One way of keeping the value proposition in balance is to avoid competing for the big money wines, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in particular. In their place Georgetta and Big House wines rely on a vast palette of grapes, 42(!) in total. By drawing on the nuances from each grape, Georgetta builds wines of quality and consistency, a difficult challenge indeed. While speaking with Georgetta, we were able to review her winemaking philosophy, which she compares to a perfumer.  Each varietal wine at Big House is vinified separately, with the exception of the Big House Pink which is produced via the saignée method, bleeding some pink juice from many vats of fermenting red wines to alter the juice to solids ratio in those reds, adding some oomph to the reds and providing a complex base for the wonderful “Pink” they produce. Once each wine has finished fermenting Georgetta begins the intricate task of creating the final blend that will become either the Big House White or the Big House Red. In the case of the red there may be over 20 varieties in that final blend. The base is always a big, bold wine full of dark fruits. To that base Georgetta adds a middle drawn from “Italian varieties” that are valued for their “ insane fruit that brings harsh tannins but they disappear into the base.” The final layer of the wine consists of the top notes contributed by perfumed and spicy varieties, perhaps even a floral white to add some lift to the nose. The process is repeated for the white in much the same manner yielding wines that are full yet deliver a remarkable amount of complexity and even finesse at their price points. There are two tiers of wines produced by the Big House Wine Company, located in Soledad California with vineyards that surround the Soledad State penitentiary, hence the name. The original Big House wines: White, Pink and Red, represent the “lower tier” while the more distinctive offering: The Birdman, The Lineup, The Slammer, and The Prodigal Son, are the “upper tier”. In addition the Big House Wine Company also represents the Cardinal Zin brand which was sold by Randall Graham along with the big house wines. While these wines offer great value and are lovely on their own and with food I am hopeful that Georgetta might some day have a free hand with some of the varietals she currently works with. I look forward to trying her, Charbono, Tempranillo and Teroldego! 2008 Big House White This is surprisingly aromatic with a base of apricot fruit topped with very floral notes that recall viognier and a bright lemon drop tone that is complimented by bay leaf, herb, and powdered sugar notes. Medium full in the mouth with enough acidity to balance the touch of sweetness here. A bit simple in the mouth, it's pretty front loaded but does return some nice floral character on the moderately long finish. 84pts. ~ 2008 The Birdman Pinot Grigio A nice note of almond milk greats the nose followed by a grassy, dandelion note that is more wildflower than green grass. In the mouth there is almost a hint of minerally tannin here with decent acids supporting a round but well balanced mouth feel with nice kiwi fruit and a minty top note that leads to a clean, spicy finish of decent length. 86pts ~ Big House Pink 2008 Still a touch tanky on the nose with some floral notes and lightly jammy strawberry fruit that picks up a bit of nuanced spice, tea, sandlewood and juniper berry. In the mouth this is bright and juicy with a lean, crisp feel that partners well with the slightly earthy, tarry spice tones. Not a fruit bomb but with fresh strawberry and a hint of peach. 87pts ~ ~ Big House Red 2006 A touch grassy at first but then gaining a bit more of an earthy edge that evolves into a dried floral tone. Fairly nice wild red berry fruit on the nose with a core of grapy and lightly gamy tones. The bright acids in the mouth help to support nice sour berry flavors and the modest, if slightly angular, tannins add volume in the mouth with a salty, mineral tang on the back end that leads to a surprisingly long finish. A very solid table wine with character. 86pts The Lineup 2006 A Grenache/Syrah/Mourvedre blend Very perfumey nose with subtle gamy undertones supporting blue fruits and a snappy Syrah element with a a nice hint of sisal and dried flowers. Nicely balanced in the mouth with a fresh lively feel and intense juicy red berry fruits with hints of spices, cigar box, leather and black pepper adding nice complexity to the black plum fruit on the finish. 86pts The Slammer Syrah 2006 Another nicely perfumed nose with pepper, tar, wood spice violets and maple bacon all adding depth to the blackberry fruits. Bright and crisp in the mouth with a touch of woodspice brownie up front followed by sweet, but not sugary, red fruits that have a nice vegetal/violet top note that gains intensity but is not off-putting since it offers nice contrast to the fruit. A nice balance of flavors though this does finish a touch short. 87pts The Prodigal Son Petit Sirah 2006 This smells nicely earthy with a slight edge of char right out of the bottle. Big black grape skin and blueberry fruit are edged with hints of petrol, powdered sugar and bay leaf. This is round and fleshy with plenty of acid to help support the red cherry fruit and nice sandpapery tannins that add a hint of astringency to the mouthwatering mid-palate.  With that blueberry dichotomy of sweet and sour this remains lively in the mouth with good length and volume and a nice finish with a touch of asphalt and hint of woody mintiness reinforcing the slightly rustic quality of the wine. 88pts Cardinal Zin 2006 A touch stewy on the nose with slow to open notes of macerated cherry with hints of cocoa, pipe tobacco, coconut and eucalyptus. Supple in the mouth with good acids and slightly chewy tannins that are well integrated in the dark wild plum fruits. The back end shows a bit more spicy and wood tones with a touch of woody astringency that adds to the red currant fruit tones on the final. A well rounded and well behaved Zin. 86pts Gregory Dal Piaz Community Manager Snooth    (hide)

  Forum post in the topic The Warden: Georgetta Dane... by Gregory Dal Piaz

  
  

• August 2009

  The Warden: Georgetta Dane blends at the Big House. Snooth was happy to be able to host The Big House Wine Company's winemaker, Georgetta Dane, while she was making the rounds here in New York last week. Georgetta, originally from Romania and trained in food sciences as well as... Read moreThe Warden: Georgetta Dane blends at the Big House. Snooth was happy to be able to host The Big House Wine Company's winemaker, Georgetta Dane, while she was making the rounds here in New York last week. Georgetta, originally from Romania and trained in food sciences as well as oenology, happened to fall into the wine business in her home country but is certainly making a name for herself while defining the style at Big House wines. Some of you might associate the Big House label with the irrepressible Randall Graham who founded the brand. For some two years now it's has been functioning independently of Mr. Grahams Empire with the desire to continue to provide complex and interesting wines at affordable prices. One way of keeping the value proposition in balance is to avoid competing for the big money wines, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in particular. In their place Georgetta and Big House wines rely on a vast palette of grapes, 42(!) in total. By drawing on the nuances from each grape, Georgetta builds wines of quality and consistency, a difficult challenge indeed. While speaking with Georgetta, we were able to review her winemaking philosophy, which she compares to a perfumer.  Each varietal wine at Big House is vinified separately, with the exception of the Big House Pink which is produced via the saignée method, bleeding some pink juice from many vats of fermenting red wines to alter the juice to solids ratio in those reds, adding some oomph to the reds and providing a complex base for the wonderful “Pink” they produce. Once each wine has finished fermenting Georgetta begins the intricate task of creating the final blend that will become either the Big House White or the Big House Red. In the case of the red there may be over 20 varieties in that final blend. The base is always a big, bold wine full of dark fruits. To that base Georgetta adds a middle drawn from “Italian varieties” that are valued for their “ insane fruit that brings harsh tannins but they disappear into the base.” The final layer of the wine consists of the top notes contributed by perfumed and spicy varieties, perhaps even a floral white to add some lift to the nose. The process is repeated for the white in much the same manner yielding wines that are full yet deliver a remarkable amount of complexity and even finesse at their price points. There are two tiers of wines produced by the Big House Wine Company, located in Soledad California with vineyards that surround the Soledad State penitentiary, hence the name. The original Big House wines: White, Pink and Red, represent the “lower tier” while the more distinctive offering: The Birdman, The Lineup, The Slammer, and The Prodigal Son, are the “upper tier”. In addition the Big House Wine Company also represents the Cardinal Zin brand which was sold by Randall Graham along with the big house wines. While these wines offer great value and are lovely on their own and with food I am hopeful that Georgetta might some day have a free hand with some of the varietals she currently works with. I look forward to trying her, Charbono, Tempranillo and Teroldego! 2008 Big House White This is surprisingly aromatic with a base of apricot fruit topped with very floral notes that recall viognier and a bright lemon drop tone that is complimented by bay leaf, herb, and powdered sugar notes. Medium full in the mouth with enough acidity to balance the touch of sweetness here. A bit simple in the mouth, it's pretty front loaded but does return some nice floral character on the moderately long finish. 84pts. ~ 2008 The Birdman Pinot Grigio A nice note of almond milk greats the nose followed by a grassy, dandelion note that is more wildflower than green grass. In the mouth there is almost a hint of minerally tannin here with decent acids supporting a round but well balanced mouth feel with nice kiwi fruit and a minty top note that leads to a clean, spicy finish of decent length. 86pts ~ Big House Pink 2008 Still a touch tanky on the nose with some floral notes and lightly jammy strawberry fruit that picks up a bit of nuanced spice, tea, sandlewood and juniper berry. In the mouth this is bright and juicy with a lean, crisp feel that partners well with the slightly earthy, tarry spice tones. Not a fruit bomb but with fresh strawberry and a hint of peach. 87pts ~ ~ Big House Red 2006 A touch grassy at first but then gaining a bit more of an earthy edge that evolves into a dried floral tone. Fairly nice wild red berry fruit on the nose with a core of grapy and lightly gamy tones. The bright acids in the mouth help to support nice sour berry flavors and the modest, if slightly angular, tannins add volume in the mouth with a salty, mineral tang on the back end that leads to a surprisingly long finish. A very solid table wine with character. 86pts The Lineup 2006 A Grenache/Syrah/Mourvedre blend Very perfumey nose with subtle gamy undertones supporting blue fruits and a snappy Syrah element with a a nice hint of sisal and dried flowers. Nicely balanced in the mouth with a fresh lively feel and intense juicy red berry fruits with hints of spices, cigar box, leather and black pepper adding nice complexity to the black plum fruit on the finish. 86pts The Slammer Syrah 2006 Another nicely perfumed nose with pepper, tar, wood spice violets and maple bacon all adding depth to the blackberry fruits. Bright and crisp in the mouth with a touch of woodspice brownie up front followed by sweet, but not sugary, red fruits that have a nice vegetal/violet top note that gains intensity but is not off-putting since it offers nice contrast to the fruit. A nice balance of flavors though this does finish a touch short. 87pts The Prodigal Son Petit Sirah 2006 This smells nicely earthy with a slight edge of char right out of the bottle. Big black grape skin and blueberry fruit are edged with hints of petrol, powdered sugar and bay leaf. This is round and fleshy with plenty of acid to help support the red cherry fruit and nice sandpapery tannins that add a hint of astringency to the mouthwatering mid-palate.  With that blueberry dichotomy of sweet and sour this remains lively in the mouth with good length and volume and a nice finish with a touch of asphalt and hint of woody mintiness reinforcing the slightly rustic quality of the wine. 88pts Cardinal Zin 2006 A touch stewy on the nose with slow to open notes of macerated cherry with hints of cocoa, pipe tobacco, coconut and eucalyptus. Supple in the mouth with good acids and slightly chewy tannins that are well integrated in the dark wild plum fruits. The back end shows a bit more spicy and wood tones with a touch of woody astringency that adds to the red currant fruit tones on the final. A well rounded and well behaved Zin. 86pts Gregory Dal Piaz Community Manager Snooth    (hide)

  From the article The Warden: Georgetta Dane blends at the Big House.

  
  

• July 2009

  here you go guys, where we ate in Napa. Only one disappointment and it's mostly because the price didn't really fit the food. Hope you enjoy. We went to Napa with a whole list of plans about where we'd eat but somehow, when we arrived and got to know the locals, those plans... Read morehere you go guys, where we ate in Napa. Only one disappointment and it's mostly because the price didn't really fit the food. Hope you enjoy. We went to Napa with a whole list of plans about where we'd eat but somehow, when we arrived and got to know the locals, those plans changed drastically. We canceled our reservations at Meadowood because a common comment we'd hear from locals was "Meadowood is good... But". After a while we got the point and canceled our reservation. In fact, the only place we ate at that we intended to eat at on our trip was Pizzeria Tre Vigne and it was as relaxing, enjoyable and affordable as everyone said. The first night we went for real comfort. Deciding, with the jet lag, the last thing I wanted to do was to drive anywhere. Our hotel recommended a local brewery / restaurant named Silverado Brewing Company and so my first night there… I drank Beer in Napa. But hey it was local beer and the Silverado Brewing Company is another spot that should be on anyone’s list of local eating spots. They had five micro brew beers on tap. One was a Hefeweizen, which I was very impressed by. German beer is the beer I reach for out of preference and this glass held it's own in every way. The food was great too. Good size portions, perfectly seasoned and a very dynamic menu. Day two we went upscale and checked out another local favorite, The Martini House. Sampling the Chef’s tasting menu, with wine pairings, sitting in the middle of a garden with fountain was great and extremely relaxing. The food was well thought out and highly enjoyable but not quite as good as the prices would suggest. Following in the same vein, the wine pairings were okay but not the “ohh, ahh” type revelations that you’d expect. I have a feeling from the recommendations we received that Martini House might have been having an off night. One of the strange parts of our meal was when we received the main course, which was a Filet mignon with red reductions sauce and lardoons. What did it taste like? Honestly, it tasted like a bacon cheeseburger. Day three brought us to the favorite of the trip. We asked the locals for a comfortable spot that still had really good food. The recommendation was, COOK. Cook is a small restaurant in CA 29 in St. Helena. The food is primarily Italian. The atmosphere is great. Mood lighting, soft colors, comfortable seating and almost every seat gives you a view of the kitchen. This was an amazing meal with a nice fine dining twist on comfortable Italian foods. The wines list had a great section of ½ bottles that allowed us to have a refreshing Jerrman Chardonnay with our appetizers and a big brooding Shafer Merlot with the entrees. We left Cook smiling from ear to ear and the price was about 2/3 the price of Martini House. This is a must stop location if you’re in St. Helena. I can’t stress that enough. Day four, our last night, we went to Tre Vigne Pizzeria. Now we’re talking California pizza done well. No bells and whistles here, just really good, affordable food. They didn’t even charge us corkage. We ate like Kings, drank well and paid about $45 with tip. (I’m not kidding). In NYC we would have paid twice as much for the same place. Again, I’d highly recommend this spot for your comfort night in Napa.    (hide)

  Forum post in the topic Napa Tasting Part 2 (EMH... by Eric Guido

  
  

• May 2009

  Explore these ten sparkling and still wines, perfecting pairings for brunch on Mother’s Day or any Sunday! Mother’s Day is the perfect time of year to both honor the mothers in one’s life and to contemplate the perfect wines for Sunday brunch. Since brunch can by definition... Read more Explore these ten sparkling and still wines, perfecting pairings for brunch on Mother’s Day or any Sunday! Mother’s Day is the perfect time of year to both honor the mothers in one’s life and to contemplate the perfect wines for Sunday brunch. Since brunch can by definition include breakfast and lunch foods, the wines that are perfect pairings for the meal are wide-ranging. Nonetheless, there are a few consistent go-to’s that are really perfect for the meal. Sparkling Wine With its effervescence and sometimes subtle sweetness, sparkling wine is probably the #1 brunch wine, and all the more perfect for Mother’s Day in the spirit of celebrating mom. Prosecco is often an ideal brunch choice: it is affordable, often has subtle sweetness from traces of residual sugar, and its often fine bubbles literally dance on one’s palate, making it a welcomed, gentle approach to the day and meal. La Tordera Prosecco  is particularly delicious; it includes small amounts of Chardonnay, enhancing the wine’s creamy character. It offers gentle flavors of white peach and honeysuckle, making it a truly perfect way to begin a meal and perhaps your Mother’s Day. If you’re more inclined to stick to a more classic sparkling wine, Champagne itself is always a wonderful brunch pairing, and particularly sparkling rosés. With its light ruby color, it blends in perfectly with a table filled with juices and flowers; a bone-dry brut rosé is an extremely versatile sparkling beverage, one that can readily pair with either omelets or salads, locks and bagel or fruit salad. Ayala Majeur Rosé Champagne offers up flavors and aromas of red fruits such as strawberry, raspberry, and red plum, which are wonderfully balanced with the fine beads and elegant effervescence trademark of an Ayala Champagne. If mom or the fellow brunch guests are  big fans of a sparkling wine that’s truly on the sweet side, Castello Banfi Rosa Regale Brachetto d’Aqui  is an ideal choice. Deep rose color, from the exquisite Castello Banfi in Tuscany, it is superbly feminine and wonderfully sweet without being cloying, offers flavors of juicy, ripe raspberries and strawberries. Still Rosé If sparkling wine is not the preferred choice of mom or the brunch crowd, rosés are offer a great alternative. Like Brut Rosé, still rosé is a particularly great brunch wine, as it too can be bone dry or juicy and slightly sweet. Some of the world’s most elegant rosés come from Provence, France, specifically the Bandol region. Bandol rosés are often cantaloupe or light pink in color, lean, and almost universally elegant. Domaine Tempier  makes one of the most renowned rosés from the region: light salmon in color, with subtle notes of peaches in cream, it is also beautifully packaged, making it perhaps a perfect Mother’s Day gift let alone brunch wine selection. Similar in packaging and style to Domaine Tempier’s rosé is Napa Valley’s Sullivan Vineyards “Pink Ink.”  Slightly ruby rose color, the Pink Ink offers the expected strawberry notes with less expected but welcome hints of pear and Meyer lemon. On a totally opposite end of the rosé spectrum but equally delicious is Pretty Sally’s Rosé of Cabernet. A rosé of Cabernet is the “red wine lover’s” dream rosé: it is dry, hearty, and has juicy raspberry flavors throughout. Would work well with a range of brunch foods, from Eggs Benedict to bacon! In Depth: 10 Perfect Brunch Wines Here are ten affordable brunch wines from around the world, perfect for your Mother’s Day brunch. All wines were chosen by Alyssa J. Rapp, the Founder & CEO of Bottlenotes.com La Tordera Prosecco NV Close to Venice, the Prosecco Wine Road of Valdobbiadenne, Italy abounds with beauty. Its hillside vineyards, top-notch family wineries, stellar local eateries, and pristine accommodations make it a dream destination for vacation. You can travel there virtually this Mother’s Day while sipping on La Tordera Prosecco. With trace amounts of Chardonnay, La Tordera offers gentle flavors of white peach and honeysuckle and a creamy finish. Ayala Rosé Majeur Champagne NV Owned by Bollinger, Ayala produces Champagnes of equal caliber but only a fraction of the price of its parent company. Ayala Rosé Majeur is a beautiful pink color and offers up flavors and aromas of red fruits such as strawberry, raspberry, and red plum, which are wonderfully balanced with the fine beads and elegant effervescence trademark of an Ayala Champagne. Bollinger Brut Rosé NV One only hopes that the legendary grande dame of the house, Mme. Lily Bollinger, would have approved of this new wine. She apparently had misgivings about putting the family name on a rosé Champagne, which in the early 20th century was associated with bawdy houses. Banish the thought: Bollinger’s first-ever non-vintage rosé is sexy but definitively high class. At $100 a bottle, it’s a superbly elegant gift for mom or to toast mom over brunch this Mother’s Day! Castello Banfi Rosa Regale Brachetto D’Acqui NV Rosa Regale is superbly feminine and wonderfully sweet without being cloying, offers flavors of juicy, ripe raspberries and strawberries. Deep rose in color, it also makes the perfect visual accent for any brunch table, and is a dynamite pairing for an array of brunch foods, including quiches, glazed hams, and omelets. Paul Chollet Brut Rosé Sparkling Wine Cremant de Bourgogne NV A sparkling wine is not nearly as common from the region of Burgundy as Champagne. Nonetheless, Paul Chollet Brut Rosé sparkling wine from Burgundy makes for a tasty brunch pairing, like many a brut rosé. Since it’s made solely of Pinot Noir, its mouthfeel is round and supple. A perfect pairing for bacon, Eggs Benedict, or Quiche Lorraine. Domaine Tempier Bandol Rosé Domaine Tempier is one of the most established and iconic châteaux of Provence. Its signature Bandol rosé of the 2006 vintage offers pretty floral perfumes, pretty pale pink color, and classic stone fruit (peach, nectarine) and strawberry notes. Its ultra elegant packaging makes it a great gift for mom in addition to a lovely wine to enjoy with Mother’s Day Brunch. Sullivan Pink Ink 2006 In 2001, the Sullivan Family began collaborating with their current winemaker, Philippe Langner, trained by two of Bordeaux's most respected winemakers, Michel Rolland and Jacques Boissenot, for the family’s wines. Pink Ink is the team’s first foray into the world of rosé. Slightly ruby rose color, the Pink Ink offers the expected strawberry notes with less expected but welcome hints of pear and Meyer lemon. Pretty Sally 2006 Rosé of Cabernets Beautiful watermelon color, Pretty Sally Rosé is one of the most elegant from the New World. Aromas of cantaloupe and strawberry on the nose evolve into a delightful, juicy raspberry flavor. A rosé of Cabernet is the “red wine lover’s” dream rosé, and works well with a range of brunch foods, from Eggs Benedict to bacon. Croze 2004 Rosé of Cabernet Avatar Vineyards Croze rosé is a ripe, refreshing rosé made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. It offers bright, candied fruit aromas, and is slightly on the more tart side with light cranberry and pomegranate flavors, a welcomed contrast to a range of brunch foods, from Eggs Benedict to bacon, grilled vegetables or vegetarian omelets. Zacherle 2006 Rosé of Syrah Winemaker Nile Zacherle makes hand-crafted wines of excellence, whether Viognier or Syrah, under the Zacherle brand. His dry rosé of Syrah is made in the traditional French saignée method, offering lovely aromas and flavors of strawberry seed, candied lime, melon, and peppermint. Gamey notes characteristic of the Syrah grape linger underneath and lend depth before charming notes of cinnamon dust complement the finish. With just 78 cases made, Zacherle rosé is extremely limited-production, thus a perfect gift for a wine-loving and wine-collecting mother this Mother’s Day! Alyssa J. Rapp Founder & CEO Bottlenotes, Inc.    (hide)

  Forum post in the topic Ten Great Brunch Wines To Try... by Alyssa

  
  

• May 2009

  Ten Great Brunch Wines To Try This Mother's Day Explore these ten sparkling and still wines, perfecting pairings for brunch on Mother's Day or any Sunday! Mother's Day is the perfect time of year to both honor the mothers in one's life and to contemplate the perfect wines for Sunday... Read moreTen Great Brunch Wines To Try This Mother's Day Explore these ten sparkling and still wines, perfecting pairings for brunch on Mother's Day or any Sunday! Mother's Day is the perfect time of year to both honor the mothers in one's life and to contemplate the perfect wines for Sunday brunch. Since brunch can by definition include breakfast and lunch foods, the wines that are perfect pairings for the meal are wide-ranging. Nonetheless, there are a few consistent go-to's that are really perfect for the meal. Sparkling Wine With its effervescence and sometimes subtle sweetness, sparkling wine is probably the #1 brunch wine, and all the more perfect for Mother's Day in the spirit of celebrating mom. Prosecco is often an ideal brunch choice: it is affordable, often has subtle sweetness from traces of residual sugar, and its often fine bubbles literally dance on one's palate, making it a welcomed, gentle approach to the day and meal. La Tordera Prosecco  is particularly delicious; it includes small amounts of Chardonnay, enhancing the wine's creamy character. It offers gentle flavors of white peach and honeysuckle, making it a truly perfect way to begin a meal and perhaps your Mother's Day. If you're more inclined to stick to a more classic sparkling wine, Champagne itself is always a wonderful brunch pairing, and particularly sparkling rosés. With its light ruby color, it blends in perfectly with a table filled with juices and flowers; a bone-dry brut rosé is an extremely versatile sparkling beverage, one that can readily pair with either omelets or salads, locks and bagel or fruit salad. Ayala Majeur Rosé Champagne offers up flavors and aromas of red fruits such as strawberry, raspberry, and red plum, which are wonderfully balanced with the fine beads and elegant effervescence trademark of an Ayala Champagne. If mom or the fellow brunch guests are  big fans of a sparkling wine that's truly on the sweet side, Castello Banfi Rosa Regale Brachetto d'Aqui  is an ideal choice. Deep rose color, from the exquisite Castello Banfi in Tuscany, it is superbly feminine and wonderfully sweet without being cloying, offers flavors of juicy, ripe raspberries and strawberries. Still Rosé If sparkling wine is not the preferred choice of mom or the brunch crowd, rosés are offer a great alternative. Like Brut Rosé, still rosé is a particularly great brunch wine, as it too can be bone dry or juicy and slightly sweet. Some of the world's most elegant rosés come from Provence, France, specifically the Bandol region. Bandol rosés are often cantaloupe or light pink in color, lean, and almost universally elegant. Domaine Tempier  makes one of the most renowned rosés from the region: light salmon in color, with subtle notes of peaches in cream, it is also beautifully packaged, making it perhaps a perfect Mother's Day gift let alone brunch wine selection. Similar in packaging and style to Domaine Tempier's rosé is Napa Valley's Sullivan Vineyards “Pink Ink.”  Slightly ruby rose color, the Pink Ink offers the expected strawberry notes with less expected but welcome hints of pear and Meyer lemon. On a totally opposite end of the rosé spectrum but equally delicious is Pretty Sally's Rosé of Cabernet. A rosé of Cabernet is the “red wine lover's” dream rosé: it is dry, hearty, and has juicy raspberry flavors throughout. Would work well with a range of brunch foods, from Eggs Benedict to bacon! In Depth: 10 Perfect Brunch Wines Here are ten affordable brunch wines from around the world, perfect for your Mother's Day brunch. All wines were chosen by Alyssa J. Rapp, the Founder & CEO of Bottlenotes.com La Tordera Prosecco NV Close to Venice, the Prosecco Wine Road of Valdobbiadenne, Italy abounds with beauty. Its hillside vineyards, top-notch family wineries, stellar local eateries, and pristine accommodations make it a dream destination for vacation. You can travel there virtually this Mother's Day while sipping on La Tordera Prosecco. With trace amounts of Chardonnay, La Tordera offers gentle flavors of white peach and honeysuckle and a creamy finish. Ayala Rosé Majeur Champagne NV Owned by Bollinger, Ayala produces Champagnes of equal caliber but only a fraction of the price of its parent company. Ayala Rosé Majeur is a beautiful pink color and offers up flavors and aromas of red fruits such as strawberry, raspberry, and red plum, which are wonderfully balanced with the fine beads and elegant effervescence trademark of an Ayala Champagne. Bollinger Brut Rosé NV One only hopes that the legendary grande dame of the house, Mme. Lily Bollinger, would have approved of this new wine. She apparently had misgivings about putting the family name on a rosé Champagne, which in the early 20th century was associated with bawdy houses. Banish the thought: Bollinger's first-ever non-vintage rosé is sexy but definitively high class. At $100 a bottle, it's a superbly elegant gift for mom or to toast mom over brunch this Mother's Day! Castello Banfi Rosa Regale Brachetto D'Acqui NV Rosa Regale is superbly feminine and wonderfully sweet without being cloying, offers flavors of juicy, ripe raspberries and strawberries. Deep rose in color, it also makes the perfect visual accent for any brunch table, and is a dynamite pairing for an array of brunch foods, including quiches, glazed hams, and omelets. Paul Chollet Brut Rosé Sparkling Wine Cremant de Bourgogne NV A sparkling wine is not nearly as common from the region of Burgundy as Champagne. Nonetheless, Paul Chollet Brut Rosé sparkling wine from Burgundy makes for a tasty brunch pairing, like many a brut rosé. Since it's made solely of Pinot Noir, its mouthfeel is round and supple. A perfect pairing for bacon, Eggs Benedict, or Quiche Lorraine. Domaine Tempier Bandol Rosé Domaine Tempier is one of the most established and iconic châteaux of Provence. Its signature Bandol rosé of the 2006 vintage offers pretty floral perfumes, pretty pale pink color, and classic stone fruit (peach, nectarine) and strawberry notes. Its ultra elegant packaging makes it a great gift for mom in addition to a lovely wine to enjoy with Mother's Day Brunch. Sullivan Pink Ink 2006 In 2001, the Sullivan Family began collaborating with their current winemaker, Philippe Langner, trained by two of Bordeaux's most respected winemakers, Michel Rolland and Jacques Boissenot, for the family's wines. Pink Ink is the team's first foray into the world of rosé. Slightly ruby rose color, the Pink Ink offers the expected strawberry notes with less expected but welcome hints of pear and Meyer lemon. Pretty Sally 2006 Rosé of Cabernets Beautiful watermelon color, Pretty Sally Rosé is one of the most elegant from the New World. Aromas of cantaloupe and strawberry on the nose evolve into a delightful, juicy raspberry flavor. A rosé of Cabernet is the “red wine lover's” dream rosé, and works well with a range of brunch foods, from Eggs Benedict to bacon. Croze 2004 Rosé of Cabernet Avatar Vineyards Croze rosé is a ripe, refreshing rosé made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. It offers bright, candied fruit aromas, and is slightly on the more tart side with light cranberry and pomegranate flavors, a welcomed contrast to a range of brunch foods, from Eggs Benedict to bacon, grilled vegetables or vegetarian omelets. Zacherle 2006 Rosé of Syrah Winemaker Nile Zacherle makes hand-crafted wines of excellence, whether Viognier or Syrah, under the Zacherle brand. His dry rosé of Syrah is made in the traditional French saignée method, offering lovely aromas and flavors of strawberry seed, candied lime, melon, and peppermint. Gamey notes characteristic of the Syrah grape linger underneath and lend depth before charming notes of cinnamon dust complement the finish. With just 78 cases made, Zacherle rosé is extremely limited-production, thus a perfect gift for a wine-loving and wine-collecting mother this Mother's Day! Alyssa J. Rapp Founder & CEO Bottlenotes, Inc.    (hide)

  From the article Ten Great Brunch Wines To Try This Mother's Day

  
  

• December 2008

  Break Out the Bubbly Well the results of our Snooth poll are in and you've told us what you want to drink while ringing in the new year! Now we have some recommendations for you! Your replies let us know just what was in this year and I have taken a look at some of my favorite... Read moreBreak Out the Bubbly Well the results of our Snooth poll are in and you've told us what you want to drink while ringing in the new year! Now we have some recommendations for you! Your replies let us know just what was in this year and I have taken a look at some of my favorite producers to create this list that ranges from the least popular category, Tete de Cuvee Champagne, with one recommendation to Classic French Champagne, with 5 recommendations. These are all great wines so you won't go wrong no matter which one you choose! One thing worth remembering, however, is that sparkling wines come in a range of styles and what's written on the bottle doesn't always tell you what's in there. Here's a handy guide to help you navigate the nomenclature and find a wine with a sweetness level you'll enjoy! Brut Nature, Brut Zero or Zero Dosage = Bone Dry Extra Brut or Ultra Brut = Very dry but with a softer edge than Brut Nature Brut = Actually a range that spans quite dry to a softer, yet still dry style Extra-Sec or Extra Dry = Just a touch sweet, emphasizing the fruitiness of the wine. Sec or Dry = Becoming noticeably sweet but still considered dry Demi-Sec = Obviously sweet though some just barely so Doux = Sweet wines, but quite rare to find. 5th Most Popular:Only the best will do! Tete de Cuvee Champagne for me! While the Krug NV Brut Grand Cuvee is not their most expensive Tete de Cuvee it does represent the pinnacle of this style of Champagne: full, rich, oak aged to creamy perfection. It's a splurge worth making for that once a year treat! Krug NV Brut Grand Cuvee $119.99 The composition of the cuvee is a stunning mosaic of flavors where the three champagne grapes, 20-25 growths and 6-10 different years, combine to give Krug Grande Cuvee its complexity, elegance and consistency year after year, blend after blend. To maintain this consistency Krug reserves a large selection of unblended still wines from previous vintages blending them with the youngest crop to create a fully balanced taste. These reserve wines may represent between a third and a half of the cuvee. The bouquet is wonderfully creamy, leading to magical combination of weight and balance on the palate. The long, lingering finish is both nutty and toasty, ending with a final flourish of freshness, leaving one longing for more. --wine.com 4th Most Popular:Spanish Cava Speaking of Tete de Cuvee, one very affordable option worth exploring is Siguras Vuiudas Reserva Heredad. You may have seen the massive bottle with the ornamental metalwork base! It's a real great value in Cava and a wine with some of the fine aged character that distinguishes the top Tete de Cuvee bottlings. Their base bottling NV Brut Reserva is a great choice for parties, fresh, balanced and easy to drink! Siguras Vuiudas Reserva Heredad $16.99 Rating: 88/100 - As reviewed by Wine & Spirits Magazine on 08/09 Sweet floral scents meet chalky notes in the middle of this wine. The structure is soft, with gentle bubbles. Its tart, lime-pulp flavors will match cracked crab. Siguras Vuiudas NV Brut Reserva $8.99 Rating: 92/100 - As reviewed by Wine & Spirits Magazine Grape Tray: Unexpectedly complex, this first hints at smoke, cocoa and dry spices, and that layering rolls into the taste as well. Forward, ripe apple fruitiness rises above a dry hint of apple skin, wrapping up in a citrus and mineral grip. Stylistically it's graceful and austere, perfect for simple grilled shellfish of any kind. 3rd Most Popular:Italian Prosecco or Spumante Next on our list comes the great sparkling wines of Italy and none is as welcome at any celebration as the Veneto's fine Prosecco. Mionetto makes a selection of Prosecco ranging from the rich and polished Sergio Spumante Extra Dry to the delightfully fruity and fresh classic that is NV Prosecco Brut. Add to these the gently sparkling Frizzante, Il Prosecco that caresses the palate and you'll find something that is as well suited for New Years Eve celebrations as it is for New Years day's very late, very quiet brunch! Mionetto Sergio Spumante Extra Dry $8.90 Just a bit sweet but balanced with rich floral tones and notes of dried peach and pear on the palate. Finishes with a touch of orange oil, good persistence and fine mousse. Mionetto NV Prosecco Brut $9.99 100% Prosecco from the Veneto. This wine has an intense fruity bouquet with a hint of golden apple. Brut, fresh and light in body, Mionetto Prosecco Brut is well-balanced and easy to drink. This wine is perfect alone as an aperitif or as a delightful compliment to appetizers such as prosciutto or mild cheese. --NapaCabs.com Mionetto Frizzante, Il Prosecco $13.99 "Grapes 100% Prosecco I.G.T. from Marca Trevigiana - Wine A straw-colored wine with brilliant reflections. The aroma is fruity, reminiscent of pear and citrus with a slightly floral bouquet. The wine is fresh and crisp with apparent apple and peach flavors. This lightly sparkling (Frizzante) wine typifies the traditional wine-maker's Prosecco. - Food Perfect as an aperitif, to complement light cuisine such as grilled fish and vegetables, pizza or to enjoy in everyday social situations." --Importer's Notes 2nd Most Popular:Domestic sparkling wine When talk turns to domestic sparkling wine there is one producer who dominates the discussion. The original, and still the best, American Methode Champenoise - Schramsberg. From their very own Tete de Cuvee, the 2000 Schramsberg Reserve with its captivating melange of spice tones and dried orchard fruits to the classic 2005 Blanc de Noirs and 2005 Blanc be Blanc that capture the house's trademark dry, crisp and complex style. If you're looking for a sweeter style of bubbly don't overlook Schramberg's Cremant that offers a great, perfumed, off-dry, drinking experience, great for capping off a New Year's feast! 2000 Schramsberg Reserve $68.79 2005 Schramsberg Blanc de Noirs $27.99 Fresh fruit is spotlighted in this wine. Strawberry, raspberry and cherry aromas dominate the nose, accented by a delicious creaminess that carries through to the palate. The wine is deepened by the bottle-aged characteristics of caramelized apples and baked dough. A juicy sweet and sour berry palate carries this wine to a satisfying, seamless and memorable finish. --The Wine Buyer 2005 Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs $23.80 The length of the 2005 growing season allowed for the development of ripe fruit character. Fresh crisp apple, lemon chiffon and juicy pineapple all come to mind. Suggestions of warm brioche and hazelnut lead way to a pleasing palate bursting with ripe apple, keylime and plump apricot. The 2005 Blanc de Blancs finishes with refreshing acidity and a quenching palate. While this wine can be enjoyed by itself as an aperitif, it is also perfect with fresh oysters and other shellfish, crab cakes, ceviche and grilled sea bass. It is also delicious with lemon chicken and Thai curries. Serve with aged Gouda or other hard cheeses and asa counterpoint to soft triple creams. Schramsberg Cremant $26.99 Schramsberg Cremant is a delicate off-dry, dessert-style wine: an American original. Cremant is French for "creamy" and traditionally refers to a sparkling wine with less pressure and softer effervescence. Our Cremant has roughly half the pressure of our other sparkling wines, it presents a creamier texture, and has more exotic flavors. --Shop Wine Direct Your Most Popular Selection:French Champagne Finally we come to the original: French Champagne. My favorite house must be Billecart-Salmon with their brilliant, precise and absolutely seductive range of wines. The flagship 1998 Cuvee Nicolas Francois Billecart has Grand Cru breeding through and through with its racy elegance and exceptional length. The NV Brut Rose has that bit of added richness one finds in Rose; yet remains classically lacy Billecart. Both the Brut Reserve and the Brut Blanc de Blanc are about as good as Non-vintage champagne can get and offer all the breeding one expects from Billecart. And for those who like a whisper of sweetness in their bubbly and have a hard time finding a wine that has the complexity of fine Champagne that is just off-dry, the NV Demi-Sec is to die for! 1998 Billecart-Salmon Cuvee Nicolas Francois Billecart Champagne Brut Millesime $54.99 Chardonnay, Pinot Noir: The cuvee was created in 1964 as a tribute to the Champagne house's founder. The wine is a blend of only the best Chardonnay and Pinot Noir fruit from grand cru sites in the Cote des Blancs and the Montage de Reims. A portion of the wine vinified in traditional oak casks creating both a rich and elegant Champagne. --Winemaker's Notes Billecart-Salmon Champagne Brut Rose $84.99 Appearance: Persistent mousse, with fine bubbles rising slowly. Pale salmon pink in color, with a shade of gold. Aroma: A nose of red fruits and fresh pear. Taste: Delicate fruit on the palate, elegant, and showing great finesse. --wine.com Billecart-Salmon Brut Reserve $47.99 Classic French sparkler - dry and balanced. --Winemaker's Notes Billecart-Salmon Brut Blanc de Blancs 82.99 A similar selection of grand cru grapes as the 1998 Blanc de Blancs, however the NV is a blend of two separate vintages. --Winemaker's Notes NV Billecart-Salmon Demi-Sec 46.37 Everything you love from this house and more. This is a nicely off dry Champagne with all the floral, honey character you can crave. An excellent aperitif sparkler. --Astor Wine & Spirits Whatever your style, wherever you're from I hope you enjoy your wines. This New Year's Eve I tip my glass to you for making all this possible! Salute! Prost! Skal! Salud! Chin Chin! Kippis! Zum Wohl! Slainte! Aish Karo! Na zdrowie! Saude! Cheers! L'Chayim! Gan Bei! Prosit Neujahr! Geia mas!    (hide)

  From the article Break Out the Bubbly

  
  

• December 2008

  In case you missed our latest email. Australian Shiraz has had a tough time of it lately. Many fine and historic wines have been pushed to the back burner as inexpensive private labels designed for the American Market have captured an ever increasing share of the demand for Shiraz.... Read moreIn case you missed our latest email. Australian Shiraz has had a tough time of it lately. Many fine and historic wines have been pushed to the back burner as inexpensive private labels designed for the American Market have captured an ever increasing share of the demand for Shiraz. It’s a shame that people have painted Shiraz with such a broad brush since these wines offer value that is hard to compete with! Shiraz is Australia’s most popular red wine and has a history in the country that goes back over 175 years. That history and popularity must mean something. Old Bridge Cellars is so convinced that you’ll come to love these wines as much as we do that they are offering the Snooth community an amazing introductory offer - buy any 3 bottles and receive 25% off your order. Try 6 bottles and the discount jumps to 33%. Just enter your exclusive discount code when you check out: Snooth3pack if you’re ordering 3 bottles or Snooth6pack if you are ordering 6 bottles. With prices like these Shiraz might just become your favorite wine too! https://www.oldbridgecellars.com/store/pc/viewcategories.asp Much of the very inexpensive wine that comes from Australia is to authentic Australian Shiraz as Egg Foo Yung is to Chinese cuisine. They are Shiraz in name only. By using these wines as the yardstick by which to judge Australian Shiraz you miss the great, yet very affordable examples that have the tell-tale signs of explosive fruit, cracked pepper, leather and vanilla that make these wines so compelling! We tend to think of Shiraz as a specific category of wines, and producers around the world have reinforced this notion as they have adopted Shiraz for their bottlings of Syrah that are particularly fruit forward. In fact, Australia’s vineyards span a continent as broad across as the United States with myriad microclimates and styles, all of which deserve your attention. Leeuwin Estate’s 2004 Siblings Shiraz ($20) - Margaret River, Western Australia http://www.snooth.com/wine/leeuwin-siblings-shiraz-margaret-river-2004/ * Offers great complexity on the nose, a lovely mouthfeel and incredible balance * A delicious, sleek, red fruited, cool climate Shiraz from Western Australia * Restrained and elegant yet with all of the intense flavor we’ve come to love * 25% off purchases of 3 bottles * 33% off purchases of 6 bottles https://www.oldbridgecellars.com/store/pc/viewCategories.asp?idCategory=24 Zonte’s Footstep 2007 Shiraz-Viognier ($15) - Langhorne Creek, South Australia http://www.snooth.com/wine/zontes-footstep-shiraz-viognier-2007/ * Adds a dollop of Viognier to the mix yielding a wine with an irresistibly fragrant bouquet * Marries the black fruit of Shiraz to the floral, honied tones of Viognier * Dusty and fruity on the palate with power and length in harmony * 25% off purchases of 3 bottles * 33% off purchases of 6 bottles https://www.oldbridgecellars.com/store/pc/viewCategories.asp?idCategory=31 Kilikanoon’s 2006 The Lackey Shiraz ($15) - Clare Valley, South Australia http://www.snooth.com/wine/kilikanoon-shiraz-lackey/ * Blends parcels of the finest fruit from South Australia * A great introduction to the classic style of Aussie Shiraz * Lovely purity and balance with a layered yet fresh style * 25% off purchases of 3 bottles * 33% off purchases of 6 bottles https://www.oldbridgecellars.com/store/pc/viewCategories.asp?idCategory=127 If you’re just beginning to explore Australian Shiraz there is no finer place to start than the historic house of d’Arenberg. During our recent blind tastings the wines of d’Arenberg stood out with compelling wines at every price point. It is rare indeed to find a selection from any producer that is so good across the board. These are wine to buy and share. You feel as good giving these as gift as you would receiving them! d’Arenberg 2006 Stump Jump ($11) - McLaren Vale, South Australia http://www.snooth.com/wine/darenberg-stump-jump-red-2006/ * A classic Grenache - Shiraz - Mourvedre blend * A blast of raspberry and strawberry fruit in a soft, east drinking style * Fresh and bright this is the crowd pleaser for your next party! * 25% off purchases of 3 bottles * 33% off purchases of 6 bottles https://www.oldbridgecellars.com/store/pc/viewCategories.asp?idCategory=19 d’Arenberg 2004 The Love Grass Shiraz ($19) - McLaren Vale, South Australia http://www.snooth.com/wine/darenberg-love-grass-shiraz-2004/ * Shiraz with a bit of Grenache, Pinot Noir, and Bordeaux varieties adding complexity * Big, rich and chewy with a beguiling freshness that blossoms in the glass * A lovely bit of exotic funk backs up the bright long boysenberry fruit * 25% off purchases of 3 bottles * 33% off purchases of 6 bottles https://www.oldbridgecellars.com/store/pc/viewCategories.asp?idCategory=19 d’Arenberg 2006 The Footbolt Shiraz ($19) - McLaren Vale, South Australia http://www.snooth.com/wine/darenberg-shiraz-footbolt-2006/ * 100% McLaren Vale Shiraz * Quintessential Australian Shiraz with a bold blend of fruit, spice and oak * This SCREAMS VALUE! Great today, tomorrow and for years to come! Buy it by the case! * 25% off purchases of 3 bottles * 33% off purchases of 6 bottles https://www.oldbridgecellars.com/store/pc/viewCategories.asp?idCategory=19 Recommended Wines 25% off purchases of 3 bottles • 33% off purchases of 6 bottles Order Now Innocent Bystander Shiraz-Viognier 2006 Shoofly Shiraz 2005 Penley Estate Hyland Shiraz 2006 Kilikanoon Killerman's Run Shiraz-Grenache 2006 Gregory Dal Piaz Community Manager Snooth    (hide)

  Forum post in the topic Old Bridge Cellars saves you... by Gregory Dal Piaz

  
  

• December 2008

  The Face of Australian Wine Meets the Palate of Snooth's Tasting Panel Australian Shiraz has had a tough time of it lately. Many fine and historic wines have been pushed to the back burner as inexpensive private labels designed for the American Market have captured an ever increasing... Read moreThe Face of Australian Wine Meets the Palate of Snooth's Tasting Panel Australian Shiraz has had a tough time of it lately. Many fine and historic wines have been pushed to the back burner as inexpensive private labels designed for the American Market have captured an ever increasing share of the demand for Shiraz. It's a shame that people have painted Shiraz with such a broad brush since these wines offer value that is hard to compete with! Shiraz is Australia's most popular red wine and has a history in the country that goes back over 175 years. That history and popularity must mean something. Old Bridge Cellars is so convinced that you'll come to love these wines as much as we do that they are offering the Snooth community an amazing introductory offer - buy any 3 bottles and receive 25% off your order. Try 6 bottles and the discount jumps to 33%. Just enter your exclusive discount code when you check out: Snooth3pack if you're ordering 3 bottles or Snooth6pack if you are ordering 6 bottles. With prices like these Shiraz might just become your favorite wine too! Much of the very inexpensive wine that comes from Australia is to authentic Australian Shiraz as Egg Foo Yung is to Chinese cuisine. They are Shiraz in name only. By using these wines as the yardstick by which to judge Australian Shiraz you miss the great, yet very affordable examples that have the tell-tale signs of explosive fruit, cracked pepper, leather and vanilla that make these wines so compelling! We tend to think of Shiraz as a specific category of wines, and producers around the world have reinforced this notion as they have adopted Shiraz for their bottlings of Syrah that are particularly fruit forward. In fact, Australia's vineyards span a continent as broad across as the United States with myriad microclimates and styles, all of which deserve your attention. Leeuwin Estate's 2004 Siblings Shiraz - Margaret River, Western Australia $19.37 A delicious, sleek, red fruited, cool climate Shiraz from Western Australia that offers great complexity on the nose, a lovely mouthfeel and incredible balance. It is restrained and elegant yet with all of the intense flavor we've come to love. Zonte's Footstep 2007 Shiraz-Viognier - Langhorne Creek, South Australia $15.00 Adds a dollop of Viognier to the mix yielding a wine with an irresistibly fragrant bouquet. Marries the black fruit of Shiraz to the floral, honied tones of Viognier. Dusty and fruity on the palate with power and length in harmony. Kilikanoon's 2006 The Lackey Shiraz - Clare Valley, South Australia $8.49 A great introduction to the classic style of Aussie Shiraz that blends parcels of the finest fruit from South Australia. Displays a lovely purity and balance with a layered yet fresh style. If you're just beginning to explore Australian Shiraz there is no finer place to start than the historic house of d'Arenberg. During our recent blind tastings the wines of d'Arenberg stood out with compelling wines at every price point. It is rare indeed to find a selection from any producer that is so good across the board. These are wine to buy and share. You feel as good giving these as gift as you would receiving them! d'Arenberg 2006 Stump Jump - McLaren Vale, South Australia $6.95 A classic Grenache - Shiraz - Mourvedre blend that offers a blast of raspberry and strawberry fruit in a soft, east drinking style. Fresh and bright this is the crowd pleaser for your next party! d'Arenberg 2004 The Love Grass Shiraz - McLaren Vale, South Australia $11.15 Shiraz with a bit of Grenache, Pinot Noir, and Bordeaux varieties adding complexity. Big, rich and chewy with a beguiling freshness that blossoms in the glass.A lovely bit of exotic funk backs up the bright long boysenberry fruit. d'Arenberg 2006 The Footbolt Shiraz - McLaren Vale, South Australia $7.99 100% McLaren Vale Shiraz.Quintessential Australian Shiraz with a bold blend of fruit, spice and oak. This SCREAMS VALUE! Great today, tomorrow and for years to come! Buy it by the case!    (hide)

  From the article The Face of Australian Wine Meets the Palate of Snooth's Tasting Panel

  
  

• October 2008

  Hi Mike and thanks for the question. Chateauneuf is a curious wines in many respects. It's a blend of 13 allowable varieties, perhaps 14 or even 16 if one allows for certain genetic variables in the vineyards! There are red grapes and even white grapes though most Chateauneufs rely... Read moreHi Mike and thanks for the question. Chateauneuf is a curious wines in many respects. It's a blend of 13 allowable varieties, perhaps 14 or even 16 if one allows for certain genetic variables in the vineyards! There are red grapes and even white grapes though most Chateauneufs rely on Grenache to make up the vast majority of the blend. there are several inexpensive Chateauneufs on the market worth trying such as: http://www.snooth.com/wine/domaine-la-milliere-chateauneuf-du-pape-vieilles-vignes-2005/ http://www.snooth.com/wine/chateauneuf-du-pape-grand-veneur-2005-1/ http://www.snooth.com/wine/clos-de-loratoire-des-papes-chateauneuf-du-pape-rouge-2005/ http://www.snooth.com/wine/chateauneuf-du-pape-chante-cigale-2005/ http://www.snooth.com/wine/domaine-du-vieux-lazaret-chateauneuf-du-pape-2005-8/ These all provide a solid C9DP, thats short hand for the new house of the pope, which somehow gets written as the ninth house of the pope! Other wines worth checking out are the many Grenache based blends from the Languedoc Rousillon of Southern France. Some of my favorites have been. http://www.snooth.com/wines/Abbaye+de+Tholomies+Minervois/ http://www.snooth.com/wines/d%27Aupilhac/ http://www.snooth.com/wines/kreydenweiss+perrieres/ http://www.snooth.com/wines/2005+Languedoc/#rimbert:1:1:0:13:sr And then there is the ocean of Cotes du Rhone. That's a real minefield but some that I've enjoyed in the past have been: http://www.snooth.com/wines/cotes+du+rhone+texier/ http://www.snooth.com/wines/cotes+du+rhone+cave+Rasteau/ http://www.snooth.com/wines/cotes+du+rhone+redon/ And the undeniable mac-daddy of them all - http://www.snooth.com/wines/coudoulet+red/ Well that's just a few ideas to get you started. Plenty of good Rhone blends in the $30 and under range and a ton of them barely break $10! It is a value region with very few challengers, though if you want to start exploring other options Spain offers some compelling Rhone blends at affordable pricing and the Rhone Rangers from California can be brilliant too!    (hide)

  Forum post in the topic Châteauneuf-du-Pape... by Gregory Dal Piaz

  
  

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