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Wine Sip Notes: Chardonnay

October 26, 2021 – 10:42 am

This week our focus is on the well-known grape variety Chardonnay.

Grape Variety: Chardonnay

Harvest of Chardonnay grapes

Species: Vitis vinifera

Chardonnay Styles: Chardonnay still wines are produced with oak and other Chardonnay still wines are unoaked. Chardonnay grapes are frequently used to produce sparkling wines. In the Champagne region, Chardonnay grapes are considered a primary grape for producing Champagne. 

History: Dates back to the Middle Ages; research places the Chardonnay variety to have originated in France, particularly Burgundy.

Where it Grows: Chardonnay is well known in France, particularly Burgundy and Champagne. Chardonnay is also found in Italy, Chile, Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, Chile, Canada, South Africa and the United States.

Chardonnay Notes: apple, pear, citrus, peach, apricot, melon, banana, pineapple, toast, vanilla, butter, minerality

Food to Pair: fruit, fish including salmon and halibut, crab, risotto, cheese, poultry

Interesting Tidbits:

In the Wine Trail Traveler book, …. We wrote, “When tasting a Chardonnay, first determine whether it has been aged in oak or in stainless steel. Then look for nuances in the wine including many types of fruit. Tasters may also note a buttery essence to the wine. Flavors of Chardonnay are influenced and dependent upon the climate where the grapes are grown.”

Note: ABC refers to people who enjoy wine but ask for “Anything But Chardonnay.”

By Kathy | Posted in Wine Notes | Tagged , , , | Comments (0)

Wine Sip Notes: Pinot Noir

October 12, 2021 – 11:33 am

Wine enthusiasts are often intrigued not only with the enjoyment of a well-made wine but are interested in knowing more about the makeup of a wine. To help people along the way, we have started writing short notes about wine grape varieties. This week the focus is on the ancient grape Pinot Noir.

Grape Variety: Pinot Noir

Domaine Lucien Jacob in Bourgogne

Species: Vitis vinifera

Pinot Noir Wine Styles: still wine, sparkling wine (especially champagne)

History:  France is believed to be the origin of the Pinot Noir grape variety. The name Pinot Noir may have been from the French language. ( Pinot: pine and Noir: black)

Pinot Noir is an ancient grape variety that some claim dates back to the Ancient Romans in the 1st century. However, emphasis is placed on the mention of Pinot Noir in the 13th century.

The Pinot Noir grape is also related to Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc. However; the parentage of Pinot Noir is unknown.

Where it Grows: Pinot Noir grapes enjoy cooler temperatures; this is one reason it grows well in Oregon, Burgundy and cooler parts of California, etc. Other areas we have visited that are important growers of Pinot Noir include Canada and New Zealand. The Pinot Noir grape is known to be difficult to grow partly due to the thin skin.

Synonyms we have come across: Pinot Nero (Italy) and Pino Crani (Croatia)
When traveling wine enthusiasts may come across many other synonyms for Pinot Noir.

Food to Pair: Consider pairing a glass of Pinot Noir with pork, beef/veal, duck, salmon and mushrooms.

Interesting Tidbits:

  • Riedel, the producer of quality wine stemware has manufactured a special wine glass just for Oregon Pinot Noir. The top of the stemware is tulip shaped. Riedel also has produced a Burgundian Pinot Noir glass.
  • Did you know that August 18 was designated as Pinot Noir Day?

Enjoy a glass of Pinot Noir soon!

Kathy

By Kathy | Posted in Wine News/Commentary, Wine Notes | Tagged , , , , | Comments (0)

Wine Sip Notes

October 1, 2021 – 12:04 pm

This week the focus is on Cortese.

Wine enthusiasts are often intrigued not only with the enjoyment of a well-made wine but are interested in knowing more about the makeup of a wine. To help people along the way, we will be writing short notes about wine grape varieties. We are starting off with the grape Cortese.

Grape Variety: Cortese

Species: Vitis vinifera

Cortese Wine Styles: still white and rosé wines, sparkling wines

History: One source notes that Cortese was inventoried in 1614 at a castle cellar. Other sources date Cortese back to the mid 1600s; 1659 (in a document)

Where it grows: Italy’s Piedmont

Synonyms: Fernanda Bianca, Raverusto, Cortese deli’ Pastigliano

Food Pairing Suggestions: Consider pairing a glass of Cortese with antipasti, salads, shellfish, fish or white meat.

-or use as an aperitif

Cheers,
Kathy

By Kathy | Posted in Wine Notes | Tagged , , , | Comments (0)

Discovering Prosecco part 2

September 17, 2021 – 5:48 am

Last week I wrote a Prosecco blog about the delightful online Prosecco presentation we participated in earlier this summer. Below is a description of five wine samples we received for the online presentation. 

It is interesting to note that while we conducted a wine tasting this past weekend, some of the participating wine tasters were discussing their preference for sparkling wines. Several mentioned that they prefer Prosecco over Champagne. Terry and I enjoy any sparkling wines that are well made. The Prosseco wines we enjoyed for the presentation were well-made wines

Below is a description of the five Proseccos we tasted. Terry also wrote a haiku for each wine.

Le Contesse Prosecco DOC Treviso Brut

  • Produced with Glera grapes
  • Suggested Use: as an aperitif
  • Also pair with fish dishes
  • Serving temperature: 6-8C (42.8 –  46.4F)

Haiku:

Vibrant Prosecco
Apples, pears, yellow citrus
Await the palate.

Wine Trail Traveler Tasting Notes: The Le Contesse Prosecco DOC Treviso Brut had a light yellow color with light green hue. Multiple columns of small bubbles formed a circumferential mousse on the wine’s surface. The 11% alcohol Prosecco had an aroma that was fruity. The lively mouthfeel offered green apples, pears and citrus. There was a hint of freshly baked bread. The finish was crisp and cleansing. We used this Prosecco as an aperitif.

Gancia Prosecco Doc Rosé Millesimato 2020 Extra Dry

  • Grape varieties: Glera and Pinot Noir
  • Use as an aperitif
  • Pair with appetizers, risotto and vegetables, couscous, fish and meat
  • Also serve with raw fish, seafood and cheese
  • Serving temperature: 8-10C  (46.4 – 50.0F)

Haiku:

Prosecco Rosé
Lively in glass and mouthfeel
Creamy berry fruits.

Wine Trail Traveler Tasting Notes: The Gancia Prosecco Doc Rosé Millesimato 2020 Extra Dry had a pink color with light orange hue and 11% alcohol. Multiple columns of small bubbles formed a total surface mousse on the wine’s surface. This rosé was crafted with mostly Glera grapes and a bit of Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir) for color. The aroma reminded us of red berry fruits. The creamy and lively mouthfeel added to the red raspberry and strawberry notes. Although the wine had 17 g/L residual sugar, it seemed drier. The finish was crisp and fruity. Although we started the wine as an aperitif, we also paired it with baked chicken and vegetables.

Voga Prosecco DOC Rosé Extra Dry Millesimato 2020

  • Produced with Glera (90% and Pinot Nero (10%)
  • Pair with appetizers, white meats or an an aperitif
  • Also can be used for cocktails

Haiku:
Columns of bubbles 
Rise pinkish colored surface
New festive rosé.

Wine Trail Traveler Tasting Notes: The Voga Prosecco DOC Rosé Extra Dry Millesimato 2020 had a salmon color with pink hue. The 11% alcohol wine had multiple columns of small bubbles forming a central and circumferential mousse on the wine’s surface. The rosé Prosecco was composed of 90% Glera and 10% Pinot Nero. The aroma included apple and red berry fruits. The lively mouthfeel was accompanied with notes of apples, red raspberries, citrus and a faint hint of freshly baked bread. The finish was crisp and palate cleansing. We drank this rosé Prosecco with friends using it as an aperitif.

Astoria Prosecco DOC Treviso Extra Dry

  • Produced with Glera grapes
  • Serving temperature 6-8 C (42.8 –  46.4)

Haiku:
Creaminess mouthfeel
The sparkling Glera dances
Aperitif for all.

Wine Trail Traveler Tasting Notes: The Astoria Prosecco DOC Treviso Extra Dry had a light yellow color with a green hue. Multiple columns of bubbles formed a central and circumferential mousse on the wine’s surface. The 11% alcohol wine, crafted entirely of Glera grapes had a slight aroma that offered fruit and flowers. The mouthfeel was very creamy with notes of apple and citrus. The finish was crisp with fruit yielding to a bit of mineral. We used the wine as an aperitif shared with friends.

Tenuta Sant’Anna Prosecco DOC Extra Dry

  • Produced with 100% Glera
  • Serve with appetizers and starters involving light cold cuts and cheeses
  • Serving temperature: 6 – 8C (42.8 –  46.4)

Haiku:

Lively and creamy
Santa Anna Prosecco
Brings on a smile.

Wine Trail Traveler Tasting Notes: The Tenuta Sant’Anna Prosecco DOC Extra Dry was crafted entirely with Glera grapes. The 11% alcohol Prosecco had a straw color. Multiple columns of small bubbles formed a central and circumferential mousse on the wine’s surface. The intense aroma offered flowers and fruit. The mouthfeel was both lively and creamy. The taste reminded us of peaches, green apples and citrus. The finish was crisp and fruity.

If you have not tried a Prosecco sparkling lately, be sure to look for Proseccos at your local wine store. When shopping for Proseccos be sure they are authentic Proseccos with the government seal.

Cheers, Kathy and Terry

By Kathy | Posted in Wine News/Commentary, Wine Notes | Tagged , , , , | Comments (0)

Discovering Prosecco, part 1

September 9, 2021 – 11:49 am

In mid-July 2021, we took part in an online Prosecco presentation and tasting. This online presentation, that focused on Prosecco, was one of the best wine/winery presentations in which we have participated.  The slides used for the presentation and the information conveyed were clear and concise.

Rose Prosecco

The first screen image of the presentation showed the geographical Prosecco region, that is in northeast Italy.

The vast majority of the Prosecco vineyards are flat with only 7% located on slopes. Vineyard soils consist of sand, stone and calcareous.

Grape varieties allowed in the production of Prosecco include: Pinot Nero, Glera, Perera Verdiso and Bianchetta Trevigniana

We found the history of Prosecco to be very interesting as it dates back to 1382 when the wine was produced in the Trieste district within the city of Prosecco. Another screen image also noted that at the beginning of the 16th century “Pietro Bonomo studied Pliny’s Naturalis History (23 – 79 CE) & found the mention of a “Pucin” wine, the ancient Prosecco.

Later, in 1754, ‘Prosecco’ was noted as being produced in Friuli Giulia and Veneto. However it was in the 1800s that Professor Antonio Carpené and Professor Tullio De Rosa created a Prosecco sparkling wine.

More than a century later, in 2009, Prosecco DOC was recognized. The Prosecco D wine characteristics as well as labeling and presentation.

The development of a Prosecco Rosé began and was approved in 2020.

Today every bottle of Prosecco DOC and Prosecco DOC Rosé has a government seal.

Prosecco By the Numbers

  • 24,450 hectares
  • 11,460 grape growers
  • 1,192 wine producers
  • 347  sparkling wine houses

This results in 483.5 million bottles of Prosecco DOC. Recent figures show 16.8 million bottles of Prosecco DOC Rosé  produced which is expected to dramatically increase in 2021.

77.8% of Prosecco is exported to countries including the United Kingdom, United States, Germany and France.

Prosecco is a delightful sparkling wine  which is now also available as a rosé. 
Watch for a review of six Prosecco wines next week.

Cheers!
Kathy

By Kathy | Posted in Wine News/Commentary | Tagged , , , | Comments (0)

Discover the Thanksgiving Farm Vineyard & Winery Experience!

September 2, 2021 – 11:45 am

On Sunday, the last day of August, we made our first visit to a winery since the pandemic began. We were in search of a white wine produced with red grapes that we needed for a wine tasting class later this month. In addition to red and white wines, Thanksgiving Farm Vineyards & Winery emphasizes safety for visitors. To achieve that goal reservations are required and other safety/sanitary protocols are in place. 

A unique Cabernet Franc Wine

While we had been there a few years ago, we were excited to make a return visit. We met Maureen Heimbuch who co-owns Thanksgiving Farm with her husband, Doug. The boutique tasting room remains the same with only the addition of a plexiglass-type screen. Due to Covid no wine tastings are offered at this time. Visitors may purchase a wine kit or bottle of wine to enjoy at a table outside.

Directly outside of the tasting room doors are several tables set up for visitors. A new addition since we had previously visited was the seating on the veranda of the historic home, near the tasting room. The white veranda wraps around the historic house. The veranda is large enough to accommodate several spaced out small seating arrangements. It is a very relaxing and delightful way to enjoy on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon.

Veranda at Thanksgiving Farm

While we enjoyed the wines and relaxing views of the vineyards, we watched swallowtail butterflies flitting about the butterfly bushes planted nearby. 

Maureen offered us a wine kit with six bottles of wine, accompanied with small pretzel packages and bottles of water. Rather than the typical wine tastings offered to visitors, due to Covid, Thanksgiving Farm changed to small six packs of their wines available for sale. At this time the six pack of wines consisted of two whites and three reds and a dessert wine. Each bottle holds 5 ounces of wine.   Each six pack is enough for up to four people. The $45 price for the six pack includes tax.

Thanksgiving Farm Wines

Maureen guided us to a seating area on the veranda which overlooked a large lawn leading to a vineyard in the distance. At this time of the year the grapes are covered with white netting protecting them from birds. As we enjoyed the wines in the six pack, we watched a bird of prey glide over the vineyards, thus protecting the grapes from small birds or voles.

Good to Know About Thanksgiving Farm

Registrations are suggested.
The winery is open most Saturdays and Sundays.
Seatings are currently available from 12 to 2 and 3 to 5.
The one hour between seatings is used to sanitize the tables and chairs.
Currently only those over 21 are allowed on the property.
Thanksgiving Farm wines are available at the winery in Harwood and in Anne Arundel County, Maryland wine shops. The winery also ships wine to the District of Columbia and Florida.

Address 

Thanksgiving Farm Wines
195 Harwood Road
Harwood, Maryland 20776

Visit the Thanksgiving Farm website to learn more.

To learn about the history and more about Thanksgiving Farm, visit the Wine Trail Travel article.

Cheers!
Kathy and Terry

By Kathy | Posted in Winery Tasting Rooms and Cellar Doors | Tagged , , , | Comments (0)

Discover Domaine Éric Louis

August 26, 2021 – 11:14 am
Domaine Éric Louis

Domaine Éric Louis Les Celliers de la Pauline, located in the Loire Valley, recently answered several online interview questions for Wine Trail Traveler. We completed an article about Domaine Éric Louis based on the interview questions, photos and two wine samples they graciously sent to us.

Domaine Éric Louis Les Celliers de la Pauline, is a multi-generational enterprise, that was started in 1860. 

The Domaine Éric Louis article provides details about the history of the winery and vineyards. Wine and food pairings are also suggested. 

Anyone traveling to the Loire Valley will be interested in the numerous activities available for adults and children. Check out the tours to choose from including a Cellar and Goat Farm Tour.

A delightful children’s activity is participating in a Monin syrup tasting.

The Domaine Éric Louis Les Celliers de la Pauline article can be viewed online.

Cheers!
Kathy

By Kathy | Posted in Wine News/Commentary | Tagged , , , , | Comments (0)

10 Facts to Know about Kosher Wine

August 25, 2021 – 3:03 pm

A few years ago, this article appeared on the Wine Trail Traveler blog. Since September 6, 2021  is the start of Rosh Hashanah, I am reposting the article/blog  about kosher wines, with a few minor changes.

pastedGraphic.png
credit: Royal Wine Corp.

I received an interesting and informative email about kosher wines.The following descriptive list about kosher wine is from the email with permission from Royal Wine Corp to reprint.

“What Makes Kosher Wine Kosher – Ten Things to Know About Kosher Wine”

“People may be surprised to know that most kosher certified wines are kosher for year-round use as well as for Passover,” say Buchsbaum. Here are more facts to help you understand what makes wine kosher:

pastedGraphic_1.png
credit: Royal Wine Corp.

1) Kosher wine is made in precisely the same way as ‘regular’ wine. The only difference is that there is rabbinical oversight during the process and that the wine is handled by Sabbath-observant Jews.

2) Not all Israeli wines are kosher. Only about 30% of Israeli wine brands are certified kosher, but the kosher wineries produce over 90% of the Israel wine industry’s output.

3) In the 1980s, there were very few kosher wines. Buchsbaum says that Royal Wine only imported three kosher wines from Bordeaux back then.

4) The number of producers of kosher wines has dramatically increased in the past 10 to 20 years.  To date, Royal Wine Corp. represents more than 60 kosher wine producers. This is due to an increase in interest from consumers who are adding to their kosher wine portfolios, and in some cases building actual kosher wine cellars in their homes, a rare sight just two decades ago.

5) While a number of well-known wineries in countries from all over the world including France, Spain, Italy, and Argentina are crafting special runs of kosher wine, California is not. With the exception of Marciano Estate, which produces a kosher run of their Terra Gratia, a high-end Napa Valley Blend, all kosher California wine is made by fully kosher wineries such as Herzog Wine Cellars, Covenant and Hagafen.

6) The reason many Passover dinners feature red wine is because there’s a rabbinic opinion that red wine is preferable since it’s the same variety that Jews used during their Seders after they escaped Egypt.

7) Kosher wines can range in price from $5.00 a bottle to $500. The average price for a bottle of good kosher wine is $25.

8) The most popular Moscato in the U.S. happens to be kosher. Bartenura produces the largest selling imported Italian Moscato in the U.S. The Moscato in the famous blue bottle sells over 5,000,000 bottles annually, only a fraction of which goes to the kosher market.

9) Currently there is a steady increase in total wine consumption and great interest specifically in high-end Israeli wines, as well as the better French wines.

10) Drinking wine can be a Mitzvah (good deed). Kosher wine is prescribed for use in many Jewish rituals: Bris Milah (circumcision), the wedding chuppa (canopy), and the Kiddush that starts all Sabbath and holiday meals. While most occasions call for just one cup, on the holiday of Purim, wine (in abundance) is the beverage of choice for the festive meal. On Passover, Jews are required to drink four cups of wine at the Seder.”

During our Wine Trail Traveler wine travels Terry and I have encountered a small number of kosher wines. However, the Royal Wine Corp. offers kosher wines from around the world including in the following countries, Israel, France, California, Italy, Australia, Spain, Chile and Argentina.

Cheers!
Kathy

By Kathy | Posted in Wine News/Commentary | Tagged , , | Comments (0)

Fun Ways to Discover Maryland Wines!

August 16, 2021 – 2:29 pm
A wall of wines produced in Maryland

Saturday, August 21, 2021
Wanderland
Location: Shrine of St. Anthony, Ellicott City, MD
Tickets: Available on Eventbrit

Description: Wanderland event will include 12 breweries, 2 Maryland wineries and 9 distilleries. Music and food trucks will be available.

Save the Date: September 18 and 19

2021 Maryland Wine Festival (37th annual celebration)
Location: Carroll County Farm Museum in Westminster, MD
Tickets: Online

Description: Many of Maryland’s wineries will attend the 2021 Maryland Wine Festival. This special festival also includes juried artisans, food, the Maryland Cheese Pavilion as well as live music and entertainment. 

Maryland Wine Explorer Wine Packs

Maryland wineries are also continuing the “Maryland Wine Explorer Wine Packs. These wine packs can be delivered directly to your door. Gift cards are also available for the wine packs.

This time wine lovers can choose from between three packs.

Wine Pack 1:The Shore Meets the Piedmont Meets the South pack includes: 

  • Black Ankle Vineyards 2020 Passeggiata
  • Janemark Winery & Vineyard 2019 Cabernet Franc
  • Love Point Vineyards and Winery 2019 Merlot

Order The Shore Meets the Piedmont Meets the South pack online.

Wine Pack 2: The Elegant and Fun wine pack includes

  • Antietam Creek Vineyards 2019 Chardonnay
  • Broken Spoke Winery2020 Wordplay White
  • Casa Carmen Wines 2020 Viognier

Order the Elegant and Fun wine pack online.

3. Inspire Wine Pack includes:

  • Philosophy Winery & Vineyard 2020 Viognier
  • Old Westminster Winery 2020 Rosé
  • The Wine Collective 2019 Wizard

Order the Inspire wine pack online.

With almost 70 wineries in Maryland, enjoyable wines can always be found!

Cheers!
Kathy

By Kathy | Posted in Wine News/Commentary | Tagged , , , | Comments (0)

Recipe for Sonoma Coast Mignonette

July 20, 2021 – 3:39 pm

If you enjoy oysters, try this recipe from Jordan Winery in Sonoma Valley, California. The winery provided this recipe and photo for the Sonoma Coast Mignonette. The suggested pairings include Hog Island Sweetwater oysters with a Jordan Cuvée or Chardonnay. The recipe also recommends making this recipe 24 hours in advance.

According to the Jordan Winery website, “The addition of salt-cured olives softens the perceived astringency in wine due to their high-fat content.”

Image with permission of Jordan Winery.

Sonoma Coast Mignonette

Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

  • 6 picholine olives
  • 2 Tbsp Jordan Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 Tbsp Champagne vinegar
  • 1 pinch Fleur de sel
  • 2 Tbsp Jordan Chardonnay
  • 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 Meyer lemon, zested
  • 1 shallot, minced
  • 1 Tbsp black pepper, crushed
  • 1 tsp coriander, crushed
  • ½ tsp fennel pollen
  • Fennel frond, minced (optional)

1. Thinly slice the olives and reserve in olive oil.
2. In a non-reactive bowl, combine vinegar, salt, white wine, lemon juice, lemon zest and shallot. 
3. Once salt has dissolved, add remaining ingredients and taste for acidity. Add lemon juice as needed.
4. To finish, fold in olives and minced fennel frond.

Best made 24 hours in advance

Recipe provided by Jordan Winery.

By Kathy | Posted in Wine Notes, Wine/Food/Recipes | Tagged , , | Comments (0)

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