Making Time For Summer Wine

It’s that time for summer wine. When I think of summer wine, I have fond memories of Michael David’s Viognier (one of my all-time favorite wines).

You have your Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Fume Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Viognier, Riesling and all the other white wines that say: “Summer is here!” (so let’s start drinking).

Also, check out Lagaria’s Pinot Grigio or Bastianich Rosato (Italian) wines. The French make some excellent white wine such as Domaine de Saint Peyre Picpoul-de-Pinet.

Spain, Chile, Australia and South Africa produce some very excellent white wines so don’t overlook their bounty of white wines. Australia isn’t only famous for its Shiraz.

Happy Summer Wine Drinking and think of me as you sip your Viognier this season!

A Bevy of Barbera–northern California style

April 14, 2008

I attend a monthly wine tasting at one of the best coffee houses in Auburn (Courthouse Coffee). Pescatore Winery, a northern California Foothills winery located in Newcastle, CA, is on the top of my list for a great Barbera. I’m lucky to live in the Foothills so I’ve been able to taste some delicious local samples (ok, I’ve drunk a lot of the local wine).

Barbera, Italy’s most common red grape grown in the Piedmont Region, boasts a light, crisp fruity taste. The color resembles a shade lighter than a Merlot. Barbera is a sexy red that is perfect for the warmer spring weather. The grape is highly acidic and it grows well in hot climates. Because of the warmer climates in California, Barbera wines are making a favorable appearance here in California.

Barbera has been touted as a “fad” wine, but there is nothing trendy about this wine. It’s a timeless classic red that is a bit lighter and more fruity than more fuller-bodied Italian red wines.

Here are some other local northern California wineries that produce a comparable Barbera: Sobon Family Vineyards (Amador County) 2004 ReZerve Barbera and Renwood (Amador County) 1997 Barbera.

You don’t have to travel to Italy to enjoy a delicious Barbera. Just look to the hills of northern California for a true Barbera tasting experience.

Happy Tasting!

Boutique Wines for the Vino Elite

March 25, 2008

I apologize for my long absence in Blog Land. However, I’m back with a vino vengeance and in my absence, I’ve discovered some amazing wines.

You actually don’t have to be a wine elitist to enjoy boutique wines, but you will have to pay to play with these sumptuous wines. Over the holiday weekend, I had an incredible Malbec from a small winery out of the Lodi area, Pasos. Lodi produces some of the best grapes in northern California. This was, by far, one of the best Malbecs I’ve sipped (ok, I sipped half the bottle). Pasos doesn’t sell their wine commercially but it can be found at their winery and also offers a wine club you can join. That’s the drill with these boutique wines that don’t sell in your local markets. They usually offer wine club membership (pay a pretty penny but you get every penny’s worth of wine shipped to you monthly or every few months).

Back to this marvelous Malbec…first, the bottle is gorgeous (Chris, that dig was for you!) and according to the description: “New French and Hungarian oak barrels were used for the best possible flavor profiles of vanilla and exotic spices to enhance the overall wine-tasting experience. Malbec is one of the six red Bordeaux grape varieties that also do very well in the Lodi region. Try with grilled red meats.” This tasted fabulous with lamb and I cannot sing this Malbec’s praises enough. It was smooth with just enough spice and bite to it. It was a true marriage–one that I will be committed to eternally (when I get my hands on another bottle). For more information on their prices and wine selection, check out www.pasoswines.com (they are located in Lockeford, CA).

I’m not a big fan of white wine, but Tangent Winery out of Paso Robles produces a tasty Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier and Pinot Gris. These are my top white wine picks. I had the privilege of writing the wine list for my friend’s coffeehouse (Courthouse Coffee located in historic downtown Auburn, CA). She is carrying Tangent and a myriad of incredible boutique wines including Farnese (Italian) Sangiovese, Lagaria (Italian) Pinot Grigio and Justin Wines’ Obtuse (a dessert wine made entirely from Cabernet Sauvignon). Steel Wine’s Shooting Star Chardonnay is very representative of the fabulous wine produced out of Santa Barbara County. Wine tasting in Santa Barbara County is on my vino to-do list!

Fortunately, I was “forced” to taste the wine in order to create the coffeehouse’s wine list. It was a tough job but a true wine-o needed to be called in to handle such a wine tasting feat. One of the wines that I declared (after a few glasses) I could drink daily was a French sparkling white wine, Bailly-Lapierre Brut Reserv Blanc (Cremant de Bourgogne). It tasted better than some of the more expensive champagnes I’ve sampled. It has a subtle blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Aligote: “It’s an exemplary sparkling wine with intense fruit and a long finish.” Coupled with a bowl of strawberries and a veranda overlooking the French Riviera, this wine showcases all things French in this juicy sparkling wine.

Since boutique wines produce smaller quantities of wines (thus, why they are called boutique wines), their prices are a bit more expensive but worth the higher cost. You are getting exceptional quality over mass-produced every day wines. It’s definitely worth the $20-50 price range (per bottle) and these wines will definitely taste better with age.

Paired with exceptional food and quality wine drinking partners, you will quickly learn to love and appreciate boutique wines. Boutique wines are as snobby and elitist as I’ll get when drinking “fine wine.”I still love my $6 bottles of Shiraz but I definitely won’t pass up a boutique winery now.

Cheers!

The Ozzies Know Their Fizz: The Down Low on Sparkling Shiraz

The Australians really hold the magical secret when it comes to all wines bubbly:  the tantalizing and mesmerizing Sparkling Shiraz.  After perusing my “top secret Australian contacts,” I was informed there’s a new player out there:  Hungerford Hills.  This award-winning Australian (NSW) winery just launched its Sparkling Rose (not the rose of the boxed wine variety) but a sparkling bubbly that hints strawberry and blackcurrant and boasts a Pinor Noir base.  Hungerford Hills also touts three other luscious sparkling wines: Dalliance, Cardinal and Cuvee.   Dalliance Pinot Noir Chardonnay won “Sparkling Wine of the Year” at the NSW Wine Awards.  Yes, wines do actually win awards, especially in coveted  Wine-Land (aka Australia).

 If anyone asked me where I would want to go on my dream vacation, I would have to respond with vino zeal–Australia, of course (so I can sample all the fabulous Shiraz and its twin-sister bubblies!)

 Other top Sparkling Shiraz recommendations (I come from the Land Down Under…yes, the Australians win my top pick AGAIN!):

1. Banrock Station Sparkling Shiraz (Silver Medal, International Wine Challenge 2007)

2. Dorrien Estate Lockwood Smith Sparkling Shiraz (hails from the Barossa Valley that produces some of the most fabulous Australian wine)

3. Paringa 2004 Invidual Vineyard South Australia Sparkling Shiraz (for the low, low price of $10.99 and great fun to sip by itself!)

I know I’m obsessed with the Australian Shiraz.  Maybe I should just write a blog solely dedicated to all wine that is Sparkling Shiraz.

 Happy Fizzy Drinking!

It’s Fall–it’s time for the Wine Chugging Events, I mean Wine Festivals!

It feels like Fall.  We just had a torrential downpour here in Sacramento for the past few days.  There’s a chill in the air and I can smell the grape harvest in the air.  Awww, yes, I can catch a whiff of Merlot.  Oh yes, there’s that Cabernet.  Awww, there’s that sexy Sangiovese calling my name.

 Yes, it’s that time, wine sippers.  It’s time for the glut of Fall wine festivals that have begun.  I planned a wine event so this is the time for the rash of wine chugging events.  Actually, they are officially called wine tasting festivals, but we all know the real reason for these events–to drink fabulous wine, sample incredible eats and to feel that luxurious wine buzz. 

 I am not promoting wine festivals as a reason to get sloshed.  It’s just interesting how those small wine samples sneak up on you after you have sampled oh say, 100 wineries.  Wine drinkers need to pace themselves and make sure you to nibble on some cheese and crackers as you journey through the festival.

 Also, they have those wine tasting plates available for a reason. I’d definitely grab one when you enter the event. Don’t be caught walking around like a novice wine drinker by juggling your sample glass and a plate full of teetering edibles. 

 Here are a few VinoGirls tips for the wine festival goer:

1.  Wear comfortable shoes.  You will be walking around (maybe making a second or third return to that favorite winery who serves the impeccable Cabs). 

 2.  Do not wear white or light colored clothing.  There is always going to be Mr. or Ms. Klutzy Wine Guzzler who will bump into you, spilling the blood-red Cabernet down the front of your shirt.  Even though you might look morbid, I’d suggest wearing all black.  You won’t go wrong if someone dumps an entire case of red wine on you throughout the day!

 3.  Do not get into arguments with the wine maker or server.  They know what they are talking about since obviously, they made the wine and are serving it.  I’ve actually seen wine samplers argue the bouquet and other wine points with the wine maker.  It was very sad and very novice of them.    Don’t be a wine sipping ass!  Just drink and enjoy!

 Remember if you do attend one of these wine chugging events to drink responsibly and have a designated, non-guzzling attendee on hand (or call a taxi or use their shuttle services–a lot of wine festivals now have shuttle services for the wine gluttons who proceed to drink themselves stupid).

 Enjoy the Fall harvest.  I plan to attend at least one wine chugging festival in the foothills in the next few months.  The grapes are calling my name!

Sassy South African Wines–What’s the Happs?

I’ve stumbled upon some fabulous South African wines.  South Africa has been producing wine for many years, however due to political reasons their wine exports were very slow.  However, the South African wine market to the U.S. and abroad is booming and I am spotting more and more South African wines lately.

The weather and terrain are excellent for producing Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Pinotage (a cross between Pinot and Cinsault), Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Riesling and Chardonnay.  Some of the popular wine producing regions are Western Cape and Stellenbosch.

Sauvignon Blanc seems to be the most popular of the  South African wines (along with their native Pinotage).  I have stumbled upon an amazing Sauvignon Blanc (or as my friend calls it, it’s going to kick you in the ass and make you buzzed fast wine!)  I found this gem at World Market on sale for $4.49 (I always love to check the clearance wine sales–this tasty wine was half off its regular price): Brampton Sauvignon Blanc 2006 (Western Cape, South Africa).  At first, it packed a punch (very strong, bold Sauvignon Blanc but it mellowed out as we drank more).  It has fruity undertones ranging from lichee to gooseberry to passion fruit.  For the white wine fans, Brampton also produces an Unoaked Chardonnay and a Viognier.  I haven’t delved into their other whites but never say never!  For red wine drinkers, they also produce OVR (Old Vines Red–varietals include Cabernet, Merlot and Shiraz).  Their OVR will be on my next red wine to try list!

 I’ve seen a nice selection of South African wines at Trader Joe’s (it’s not a huge section but they do carry a nice selection) and World Market has quite an array.  If you’re looking for a fabulous wine to take to a dinner party, I highly suggest bringing a tasty and sassy South African wine.  Your hosts will be impressed!

Red Wine for the Broke and Not so Wine Savvy: Inexpensive Reds that will woo your woman or man!

 

What happens when you’re on a budget and you just found out that the woman or man you’re dating loves wine and you don’t know anything about wine?  Maybe you’re at a restaurant and your hottie date asks you to make the wine selection when the waiter hands you the wine list.

 

Let me end the myth right now.  You have been under the misconception that a good bottle of wine has to be expensive.  That’s false. I’ve learned that even those who aren’t making the six figure salary (including myself–a poor, struggling writer) can still afford a fabulous wine and youd don’t have to spend a lot of money.  Here are some of my favorite red wines that are under $10.  I tend to shop for my wine at Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods Market, Cost Plus Market Place, Beverages and More and sometimes the club membership stores (Costco and Sam’s Club) carry great, inexpensive selections.  I drink wine that tastes good and I don’t sit around sniffing the bouquet (ok, sometimes I do).  Prices vary between stores but they are comparable.

I’m a sucker for a delicious Cabernet Sauvignon and I love my red wine.  “Two Buck Chuck”, as its affectionately dubbed because of its $1.99 price tag, produces decent wines for the low, low price pf $1.99.  My favorite Charles Shaw wines is their Cabernet Sauvignon.  It’s one of my favorite “daily drinking,” post-work day wines.  I always have a bottle of Two Buck Chuck on my person (I mean, in my household).  If you need to buy cases of wine for a party or event and don’t want to spend a lot of money, Charles Shaw (carried exclusively by Trader Joe’s) is a good way to go for inexpensive, good wine in bulk.

I’ve mentioned my obsession with Australian wines.  If you want to impress your man or woman, an Australian Shiraz will win his or her wine-drinking heart.  Australia is one of the top-producing wine regions in the world and is known for its excellent Shiraz.  By far, Rosemount Estate is one of my all time favorite, inexpensive Australian wines.  You can find Rosemount Estate in most stores as it’s become a very popular and well-liked Australian wine here in the U.S  I love their Shiraz/Cabernet blend (I’ve found it ranging from $5.99 to $6.99).  It’s smooth and subtle and for those non-red wine drinkers it’s a good introduction to Shiraz.  I’ve found Rosemount on sale at the grocery stores so keep your eyes on the wine sales in the wine sections of your local supermarket.  I’ve noticed that a lot of the chain stores are carrying a lot of Australian wines.

I’m a huge fan of the Sonoma County wineries.  I’ve been a long time drinker of Ravenswood (a Sonoma County winery).  You can’t go wrong bringing over a bottle of Ravenswood (as it’s been a long-established and popular winery in the Napa Valley/Sonoma County area).  The Ravenswood ”Vintners Blend” Zinfandel is a little less costly compared to the Sonoma Zinfandel.  I’ve seen some of the major chain supermarkets carry the “Vintners Blend” Zinfandel for around $6 to $7.

These are just a few wines that won’t break the bank and will impress the wine connoisseur in your life.  Now if they ask you to swirl and spit, you might want to start reading about wine tasting tips.  Grab that bottle of Shiraz and get ready to woo!      

Welcome to Vinogirl’s Blog about All Things Vino!

So you love your vino.  You like sipping it while chatting with friends or maybe you think you’re so cool because you actually know what an Australian Shiraz is (no, it’s not the name of a new indie band from Oz-Land).  Perhaps, you know absolutely nothing about wine but are trying to impress that really hot woman or man you just met who throws out phrases like “the fruity bouquet of this Viognier.” Huhhhh?

 For those who are vino connoisseurs or for those not-so-user friendly wine-o’s, it will be my mission on this blog to inform you about the latest and greatest and the not-so-expensive wine finds here in northern California.  I live in the Land of the grape-o-plenty here in Sacramento, Calif. and will unearth local hidden wineries that aren’t mainstream but produce  some of the finest wines in northern California.  I will also touch upon the hot international wine trends and will unravel the mysteries surrounding wines ranging from Australian to  Chilean wines.  So get ready to sit back, sip your Sauvignon Blanc and enjoy this vino journal of all things wine, wine, and more wine from just a normal, every day 35 year old woman vino consumer who lives, breathes and yes, even drinks wine.