One of the best parts of taking an online wine class is homework. At least the homework for the California Wine Appellation Specialist course offered through the San Francisco Wine School. Homework includes tasting wines from a region in California. For eight weeks, we will learn about different wine regions. This week, the emphasis was on Mendocino county. Two wines were tasted.

Roederer Estate Brut

The Roederer Estate Brut sparkling wine is a multi-vintage (non-vintage) blend of estate grapes from the Anderson Valley AVA. The blend was 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir. The 12% alcohol wine cost $19.99 at Total Wine in Laurel, Maryland. Visit the Roederer Estate website for details.

The sparkling wine was a straw color with a medium depth. There was no observable sediment in the glass or bottle. Aromas and tastes reminded me of pear (predominant), apple, hazelnuts, freshly baked bread and a hint of spice. The light bodied wine was dry with medium acid. Tiny bubbles were persistent after poured in the glass. Five minutes later the number of bubbles was much lower but still had a persistent stream. There were no tannins present. I would rate this wine 4 out of 5 because it offers a great pairing potential. This sparkling wine is great as an aperitif or at the beginning of a meal to accompany appetizers and salad. During the main course pair with pasta that has a white sauce. For dessert match with citrus desserts such as lemon pie.

Courtney Benham 2012 Gewürztraminer

The second wine tasted from Mendocino was a Courtney Benham 2012 Gewürztraminer. The 12.5% alcohol wine was from Mendocino County and made with 100% Gewürztraminer grapes. It sold for $12.99 at Total Wine in Laurel, Maryland. The Courtney Benham line of wines are produced by Martin Ray Winery.

The straw color wine had a green tint with a pale depth. There was no sediment in the glass or bottle. The aroma was predominantly floral and the taste offered green apple, pineapple and flower blossoms. The medium-bodied wine was off-dry. The acidity seemed low; however, it is probably higher since there was some residual sugar present. There are no tannins present in the wine. My personal rating would be 3 out of 5.

The wine has several pairing possibilities. The best pairing is with a rocking chair on a porch on a hot summer afternoon. Add some cheese and crackers.

Homework is fun; however, finding wines from Mendocino County in California was a challenge. Selection was about 1.5% of the wines from California. Next weeks class is on Napa. Finding wines will not be a challenge. Already have several including ones I made.

Cheers,
Terry