#Carignan-de-Bordeaux

[federer7]

Kermesse des écoles libres, Carignan-de-Bordeaux (Gironde), France, 1973

Foto: François Ducasse

[les-degustations-ugo]

🇫🇷❓❓Hello les amoureux du tire-bouchon. Et vous, connaissez vous les vins de Jeff Carrel❓❓🇫🇷

🍇🍷IGP Côtes Catalanes blanc 2021 cuvée Les Mamettes de @byjeffcarrel 🍇🍷:

🍇 :

85% Grenache Gris

15% Carignan Blanc

👁️ :

Robe de couleur or paille

👃 :

Un nez sur des notes d'agrumes et fruits jaunes

💋 :

En bouche, on a un vin avec un beau gras tout en étant à la fois vif. Sur des arômes de pêche jaune, nectarine, melon, poivre, sauge. Une bonne longueur en bouche avec une finale sur des notes de mangue et de pamplemousse rose.

📜En résumé📜 :

Un vin qui reste sur la fraîcheur. La Grenache n'est pas opulente comme dans certaines cuvées. J'ai vraiment beaucoup aimé cette cuvée qui allie fruité et fraîcheur en fin de bouche. Belle découverte.

🧆Dégusté sur des Couteaux à la Plancha 🧆.

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🍷Quelques accords mets et vin possible avec cette cuvée🍷 :En apéritif avec quelques coquillages, un jambon de pays bien salé ou quelques copeaux de parmesan ou de manchego. En plat, une tête de veau ou des escargots.

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📌N'oubliez pas, boire un canon c'est sauver

un vigneron. Allez voir le site internet du domaine pour voir toutes les cuvées et promotions du moment📌.

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🔞« L'abus d'alcool est dangereux pour la santé, à consommer avec modération »🔞 La plupart des vins ont été dégustés et recrachés. Dégustation non rémunéré.

#lesdegustationsugo #wine #winelover #vino #winetasting #winetime #winelovers #instawine #redwine #winestagram #winery #beer #wineoclock #vin #sommelier #love #vinho #foodporn #winelife #instagood #whitewine #cocktails #drinks #wein #foodie #wineporn #drink

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🗣️🇫🇷Description du domaine @byjeffcarrel 🗣️🇫🇷

Qu’y a-t-il derrière le nom Jeff Carrel?

Une large gamme de vins, certains biologiques, certains issus de Domaines et bien entendu la marque Jeff Carrel.La Maison Carrel comme chai d’élevage et d’affinage.Le Cuvier Carrel pour le vin issu de l’agriculture biologique.Le Domaine d'Ansignan, un vignoble dans les Pyrénées Orientales composé de vieilles vignes, sous le Canigou, la montagne sacrée des catalans.

Ceux qui connaissent les vins de Jeff Carrel savent que ça goûte, et c'est ça le principal.

Nous travaillons principalement en Languedoc Roussillon mais également à Bordeaux, en Beaujolais et en Bourgogne.

Nous élaborons des gammes de vins tous originaux, avec une étiquette singulière et au prix abordable : des vins simples mais pas simplistes.

Des vins avec leur propre univers et leur propre histoire. Faire, de la vigne à la bouteille, des vins à forte identité, avec des valeurs sociétales et environnementales, de la précision technique et de la personnalité.

Et si ces vins existent c’est qu’ils sont le reflet d’une histoire humaine, faite de rencontres, de cultures, de cépages, de climats, et leur seule prétention est d’être sincères.

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⏬🇫🇷Français dans les commentaires🇫🇷🇮🇹Italiano nei commenti 🇮🇹⏬

🇬🇧❓❓Hello corkscrew lovers. And you, do you know the wines of Jeff Carrel❓❓🇬🇧

🍇🍷IGP Côtes Catalanes white 2021 vintage Les Mamettes from @byjeffcarrel 🍇🍷:

🍇:

85% Grenache Gray

15% White Carignan

👁️:

Straw gold colored dress

👃:

A nose with notes of citrus and yellow fruits

💋:

On the palate, we have a wine with beautiful fat while being lively at the same time. With aromas of yellow peach, nectarine, melon, pepper, sage. Good length on the palate with a finish of notes of mango and pink grapefruit.

📜In summary📜:

A wine that remains fresh. The Grenache is not opulent as in some vintages. I really liked this vintage which combines fruity and freshness on the finish. Great discovery.

🧆Tasted on Plancha Knives 🧆.

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🍷Some possible food and wine pairings with this vintage🍷: As an aperitif with a few shellfish, a well-salted country ham or a few shavings of Parmesan or Manchego. As a main course, a calf's head or snails.

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📌Don't forget, drinking a barrel is saving a winemaker. Go to the estate's website to see all the vintages and promotions of the moment📌.

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🔞“Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health, consume in moderation”🔞Most of the wines have been tasted and spat out. Unpaid tasting.

#lesdegustationsugo #wine #winelover #vino #winetasting #winetime #winelovers #instawine #redwine #winestagram #winery #beer #wineoclock #vin #sommelier #love #vinho #foodporn #winelife #instagood #whitewine #cocktails #drinks #wein #foodie #wineporn #drink

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🗣️🇬🇧Description of @byjeffcarrel 🗣️🇬🇧

What's behind the name Jeff Carrel?

A wide range of wines, some organic, some from Estates and of course the Jeff Carrel brand. La Maison Carrel as aging and maturing cellar. Le Cuvier Carrel for wine from organic farming. Le Domaine d 'Ansignan, a vineyard in the Pyrénées Orientales made up of old vines, under the Canigou, the sacred mountain of the Catalans.

Those who know the wines of Jeff Carrel know that it tastes, and that's the main thing.

We work mainly in Languedoc Roussillon but also in Bordeaux, Beaujolais and Burgundy.

We develop ranges of wines that are all original, with a unique label and at an affordable price: simple but not simplistic wines.

Wines with their own universe and their own history. Making, from the vine to the bottle, wines with a strong identity, with societal and environmental values, technical precision and personality.

And if these wines exist, it is because they reflect a human history, made up of encounters, cultures, grape varieties, climates, and their only claim is to be sincere.

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🇮🇹❓❓Ciao amanti dei cavatappi. E tu, conosci i vini di Jeff Carrel❓❓🇮🇹

🍇🍷IGP Côtes Catalanes bianco 2021 vintage Les Mamettes di @byjeffcarrel 🍇🍷:

🍇:

85% grigio granata

15% Carignano bianco

👁️:

Abito color oro paglierino

👃:

Un naso con note di agrumi e frutti gialli

💋:

Al palato abbiamo un vino bello grasso e allo stesso tempo vivace. Con aromi di pesca gialla, nettarina, melone, pepe, salvia. Buona persistenza al palato con un finale di note di mango e pompelmo rosa.

📜In sintesi📜:

Un vino che rimane fresco. Il Grenache non è opulento come in alcune annate. Mi è piaciuta molto questa annata che unisce fruttato e freschezza nel finale. Grande scoperta.

🧆Degustato sui Coltelli Plancha🧆.

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🍷Alcuni possibili abbinamenti enogastronomici con questa annata🍷: Come aperitivo con qualche crostaceo, un prosciutto di campagna ben salato o qualche scaglia di parmigiano o manchego. Come piatto principale testa di vitello o lumache.

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📌Non dimenticare, bere una botte fa risparmiare un enologo. Vai sul sito dell'azienda per vedere tutte le annate e le promozioni del momento📌.

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🔞“L'abuso di alcol è pericoloso per la salute, consumalo con moderazione”🔞La maggior parte dei vini è stata assaggiata e sputata. Degustazione non retribuita.

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🗣️🇮🇹Descrizione i @byjeffcarrel 🗣️🇮🇹

Cosa c'è dietro il nome Jeff Carrel?

Una vasta gamma di vini, alcuni biologici, alcuni provenienti da tenute e ovviamente il marchio Jeff Carrel.La Maison Carrel come cantina di invecchiamento e stagionatura.Le Cuvier Carrel per il vino da agricoltura biologica.Le Domaine d'Ansignan, un vigneto nei Pirenei Orientali costituito da vecchie vigne, sotto il Canigou, la montagna sacra dei catalani.

Chi conosce i vini di Jeff Carrel sa che ha un sapore, e questa è la cosa principale.

Lavoriamo principalmente in Linguadoca Rossiglione ma anche a Bordeaux, Beaujolais e Borgogna.

Sviluppiamo gamme di vini tutte originali, con un'etichetta unica e ad un prezzo accessibile: vini semplici ma non semplicistici.

Vini con il loro universo e la loro storia. Realizzare, dalla vite alla bottiglia, vini con una forte identità, con valori sociali e ambientali, precisione tecnica e personalità.

E se questi vini esistono è perché rispecchiano una storia umana, fatta di incontri, culture, vitigni, climi, e la loro unica pretesa è la sincerità.

[catsnidgett-009]

Parlay In Reverse Chapter 24, Data & Lore

Hey guys I hope everyone has been well! I would start by saying how excited I am that the fic is at this point where I can finally share this with all of you. Alot of this data was written out years ago so Im super stoked that I can share it now as it starts to become relevant to plot. As we start looking to Fleur's side of the pond more as the story progresses. There is a war looming.

Map of Wizarding France: Regions & High Lords

Lordships:

Delacour

Ile-de France

Centre-Val De Loire

Poitou-Charentes

Burgundy

Limousin

Auvergne (Delacour Palace) - Capital

Evreux

Aquitaine

Midi-Pyrenees (Evreux Palace)

Rhone-Alpes

Languedoc-Roussillon

Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur

Corsica

Dampierre

Alsace

Picardy

Normandy

Maiziere

Brittany

Pays de la Loire

Full Breakdown of Houses:

Delacour

Ile-de France (Muggle Capital - Not safe for wizarding kind)

Centre-Val De Loire

Largest Cities:

Tours (House Lavigne)

Orleans (House Janvier)

Bourges (House Bain)

Chateauroux (House Guillaume)

Chartres (House Cadieux)

Joue-les-Tours (House Baudelaire)

Dreux (House Kama)

Vierzon (House Flamel)

Olivet(House Basset*EXTANT) - New Lordship Delacour (Aurelian)

Poitou-Charentes

Major Communities:

Angouleme (House Lefevre)

Bressuire (House Moreau)

Chatellerault (House Picard)

Cognac (House Riviere)

La Rochelle (House Sartre)

Niort (House Tasse)

Melle (House Trottier)

Poitiers (House Vachon)

Rochefort (House Vaillancourt)

Royan (House Varon)

Saintes (House Yotte)

Burgundy

Major Communities:

Autun (House Zabelle)

Auxerre (House Voland)

Avallon (House Houde )

Beaune (House Joubert)

Chalon-sur Saone (House Colas)

Dijon (House Valiquette)

Le Creusot (House Carignan)

Macon (House Baptiste)

Montceau-les-Mines (House Tauzin)

Nevers (House Sarrazin)

Paray-le-Monial (House Laffitte)

Sens (House Carmouche)

Limousin

Brive-la-Gaillarde (House Laframboise)

Gueret (House Sirois)

Limoges (House Helie)

Panazol (House Mondesir)

Saint-Junien (House Harnois)

Tulle (House Dubuisson)

Ussel (House Tetu)

Auvergne (Delacour Palace) - Capital

Aurillac (House Llommedieu)

Chamalieres (House Manigault)

Clermont-Ferrand (House Le Beau)

Cournon-d’Auvergne (House Molyneux)

Issoire (House Picou)

Le Puy-en-Velay (House Regimbal)

Montlucon (House Quebedeaux)

Moulins, Allier (House Courtois)

Riom (House Meunier)

Vichy (House Loup)

Thiers, Puy-de-Dome (House Raba)

Evreux

Aquitaine

Bordeaux (House Quay)

Pau (House Robideaux)

Merignac (House Davolt)

Pessac (House Chausse)

Bayonne (House Garcon)

Perigueux (House Lesage)

Talence (House Vivier)

Anglet (House Frappier)

Agen (House Escoffier)

Mont-de-Marsan (House Lequire)

Dax (House Lehouillier)

Midi-Pyrenees (Evreux Palace)

Albi (House Gautier)

Auch (House Bastarache)

Blagnac (House Dozois)

Cahors (House Heroux)

Castres (House Fluet)

Colomiers (House Audibert)

Lourdes (House Cadoret)

Millau (House Robichaud)

Montauban (House Lavis)

Muret (House Sansouci)

Rodez (House Fortin)

Tarbes (House Guillory)

Toulouse (House Sacre)

Tournefeuille (House Goupil)

Rhone-Alpes

Annecy (House Quin)

Bourg-en-Bresse (House Real)

Bron (House Roux)

Chambery (House Amyot)

Grenoble(House Regis)

Lyon (House Laflamme)

Montelimar (House Reinagel)

Roanne (House St. Croix)

Vienne (House Houx)

Saint-Chamond (House Filiatrault)

Saint-Etienne (House Latendresse)

Saint-Martin-d’Heres (Remy)

Thonon-les-Bains (House Philibert)

Valence (House Liou)

Vaulx-en-Velin (House Salois)

Villeurbanne (House Laforge)

Venissieux (House Drolet)

Villefranche-sur-Saone (House Palin)

Languedoc-Roussillon

Ales (House Contois)

Beziers (House Riveron)

Carcassonne (House Guion)

La Palme (House Dandurand)

Montpellier (House Clos)

Narbonne (House Vaux)

Nimes (House Bergevin)

Perpignan (House Maneval)

Sete (House Dauphine)

Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur

Aix-en-Provence (House Mire)

Antibes (House Belyeu)

Aries (House Saindon)

Aubagne (House Hache)

Avignon (House Dallaire)

Cannes (House Williquette)

Draguignan (House Lusignan)

Frejus (House Groux)

Grasse (House Alarie)

Hyeres (House Voisine)

La Seyne-sur-Mer (House Pigue)

Le Cannet (House Wion)

Mandelieu-la-Napoule (House Santerre)

Manosque (House Monceaux)

Marseille (House Hait)

Martigues (House Gallipeau)

Mougins (House Daquin)

Nice (House Gignac)

Salon-de-Provence (House Zay)

Toulon (House Dargis)

Villeneuve-Loubet (House Sauve)

Corsica (4 lords)

Bastia (House Delfosse)

Corte (House Prefontaine)

Ajaccio (House Anouilh)

Sartene (House Paret)

Dampierre

Alsace

Bischheim (House Ponthieux)

Colmar (House Yount)

Guebwiller (House Carbonneau)

Haguenau (House Beaupre)

ILLKirch-Graffenstaden (House Michon)

Illzach (House Vertefeuille)

Lingolsheim (House Virkler)

Mulhouse (House Compere)

Saint-Louis (House Bercegeay)

Saverne (House Mayeaux)

Schiltigheim (House Betit)

Selestat (House Lacroix)

Strasbourg (House Simonet

Wittenheim (House Martsolf)

Lorraine

Epinal (House Laplante)

Forbach (House Ducote)

Luneville (House Abreo)

Metz (House Laut)

Montigny-les-Metz (House Dauzat)

Nancy (House Mahon)

Saint-Die-des-Vosges (HouseThierry)

Sarreguemines (House Ury)

Vandoeuvre-les-Lancy (House Thomassie

Thionville (House Nys)

Champagne-Ardenne (Dampierre Palace)

Chalons-en-Champagne

Charleville-Mezieres (House Trivette)

Chaumont (House Maupin)

Epernay (House Daoust)

Reims (House Maheux)

Saint-Dizier (House Oriol)

Sedan (House Bedel)

Troyes (House Gagnier)

Franche-Comte

Besancon (House Savoie)

Montbeliard (House Papin)

Belfort (House Desjardins)

Dole (House Vercher)

Vesoul (House Bercier)

Lons-le-Saunier (House Dubas)

Pontarlier (House Marchand)

Gray (House Barse)

Luxeuil-les-Bains (House Lupien)

Champagnole (House Martinet)

Lure (House Dauterive)

Saint-Claude (House Meservey)

Bernadotte

Nord-Pas de Calais

Lille (House Bernadotte)

Arras (House Gorin)

Boulogne (House Saucier)

Calais (House Badeaux)

Cambrai (House Laluzerne)

Douai (House Maison)

Dunkirk (House Tremblay)

Lens (House Perrot)

Lievin (House Lestrange)

Marcq-en-Baroeul (House Gage)

Maubeuge (House Luzier)

Roubaix (House Duchemin)

Saint-Omer (House Medine)

Tourcoing (House Moffet)

Valenciennes (House Cordier)

Villeneuve d’Ascq (House Nardin)

Wattrelos (House Decelles)

Picardy

Abbeville (House Chouest)

Amiens (House Holveck)

Beauvais (House Naud)

Compiegne (House Proulx)

Peronne (House Osier)

Creil (House Chouinard)

Laon (House Friloux)

Saint-Quentin (House Buis)

Soissons (House Nicolette)

Senlis (House Rutan)

Normandy

Mainland:

Avranchin (House Petitjean)

Bessin (House Simonin)

Bauptois (House Hulette)

Bocage Virois (House Pett)

Campagne d’Alencon (House Rideau)

Campagne d’Argentan (House Toye)

Campagne de Caen (House Cherubin)

Campagne de Falaise (House Leclercq)

Campagne du Neubourg (House Lajeunesse)

Campagne de Saint-Andre (House Tite)

Cotentin (House Beausoleil)

Perche (House Pommier)

Domfrontais (House Maggi)

Hiemois (House Boisvert)

Lieuvin (House Frisque)

Mortainais (House Havron)

Pays d’Auge (House Boche)

Pays de Bray (House Magloire)

Pays de Caux (House Deforge)

Pays d’Houlme (House Lussier)

Pays de Madrie (House Rougeux)

Pays d’Ouche (House Perrenoud)

Roumois et Marais-Vernier (House Vadnais)

Suisse Normande (House Pepin)

Val de Saire (House Huguenin)

Vexin Normand (House Tourtellotte)

Islands: (Have fealty to British, French in truth)

Bailiwick de Jersey (House Valcourt)

Bailiwick de Guernsey (House Sequin)

Maiziere

Brittany

Upper Brittany:

Pays Nantais “Nantes” (House Hasbrouck)

Pays Rennais “Rennes” (House Leriche)

Pays de Dol “Dol-de-Bretagne” (House Malon)

Pays de Saint-Brieuc “Saint-Brieuc” (House Parlier)

Pays de Saint-Maio “Saint-Malo” (House Routhier)

Lower Brittany:

Pays Vennetais “Vannes: (House Plasse)

Crnouaille (House Nau)

Leon (House Leib)

Tregor (House Faudree)

Pays de la Loire

Nantes (House Airoldi)

Angers (House Constantineau)

Le mans (House Salvant)

La Roche-sur-Yon (House Du Bellay)

Cholet (House Lemoi)

Saint-Nazaire (House Bault)

Laval (House Frenier)

[wineschool-blog]

Wine Reviews

https://j.mp/2Y9WzyG Wine Reviews https://j.mp/2Y9WzyG Cloudlift Cellars “Halcyon” Cabernet Sauvignon Columbia Valley The gritty backbone of tannins with a whiff of burnt sage and cedar. Plump red fruit flavors take a backseat to eucalyptus. There is great length here, making for a beautiful Cabernet. Wine Rating: 92 Points Double Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon, Horse Heaven Hills Aromas of cassis and wild fennel are coupled with lush tannins and spreadable fruit. There’s enough freshness to keep it all together and enough earthy chocolate to keep things lively. Wine Rating: 91 Points ‌Seven Hills Winery Red, Walla Walla Valley A  Bordeaux style red, primarily Cabernet Sauvignon with small amounts of Merlot, Malbec, and Petit Verdot in the blend. Cedar and wildflowers frame a classy move into old-world finesse. Flavors of Asian five-spice and sun-dried cherries flesh out this beautiful bottling. Wine Rating: 93 Points Rosenblum Cellars Zinfandel, Rockpile Road Vineyard This is beautiful zin that manages to balance its heft with a lashing of fresh acidity. A full-bodied wine with meltingly soft tannins, it is oozing with dense red fruit. Accents of mocha and oak spices on the mid-palate and a smoked vanilla note comes through in the peppery finish. Wine Rating: 91 Points Domaine de Fabregues “Le Coeur Pezenas” Languedoc Mostly Syrah, this bottle is a wild ride into meat town. Beef jerky and smoked game are the core notes, with just a hint of minerality on the finish. There’s some carignan (about 20%) which offers a hint of tobacco and toasted marjoram.  Plenty of dark fruit flavors and olive tapenade in the finish. Wine Rating: 93 Points ‌     ‌ ‌ ‌   ‌   ‌ ‌     ‌ ‌ ‌   ‌   ‌

[johnboothus]

The 30 Best Red Wines for 2021

Wine is for everyone. If you like more expensive, focused wine, awesome. If you just want some everyday bottles to have on hand, great. If your sweet spot is under $30, excellent. And if you’re looking for a good case buy, stupendous. There is so much wine on our market, and it can be difficult to find your match online or in stores.

That’s what we are here for. A couple years ago, VinePair embarked on a journey of reviewing as many wines on the market as possible. Since then, every bottle that comes our way gets a fair shot being tasted. If you see a bottle online or on a shelf, we make an effort to sip and consider it.

Wine is not always about what you can afford. It’s also about occasions and moods. Just because you can afford a $150 bottle of wine doesn’t mean that you are buying that style on the reg. Even if you are comfortable buying a weekly $30 bottle of wine, you may not be spending that on bottles for large get-togethers.

For a sliver of brightness to hold onto as we squint toward the rest of 2021, here are 30 wines to fit every budget. These are some of the bottles that really made us raise an eyebrow this year, but this is just the tip of the iceberg. With a phone in hand, you can always use our review section to see how VinePair feels about a wine you might be looking at on a shelf.

Under $15

Fontanafredda Briccotondo Piemonte Barbera DOC 2018 ($14)

Barbera was once considered an everyday wine in Piedmont. Over the years, winemakers have leveled up the status of this grape, giving it the attention it’s due. But it can still shine on that everyday role, and this one is a clear example. Under screw cap, juicy, and with good acidity, this is a great bottle for casual weeknight pasta nights and is a definite crowd pleaser.

See Review

Famille Perrin Côtes du Rhône ‘Nature’ 2018 ($14)

Sometimes, Côtes du Rhône at this price is oaked heavily, leaving little room for subtlety. This wine is not crazy complex, but it does have a nice earthy vibe and smells like blackberries right off the vine. It’s balanced, easy, and would be a fun wine to pair with a cheese board and some cured meats.

See Review

Imagery Estate Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 ($14)

Cali pumps out a lot of cheap Cab, and it can be tough to find the diamonds in the rough. This wine is just that. It’s soft and rich (probably meaning it has a bit of Merlot in it), but it’s not overloaded with high alcohol. It smells like blackberries and soil — common characteristics when wine production ramps up to a large scale. It’s a good case buy and good for pizza night, but it will also hang with a weeknight skirt steak.

See Review

Familia Zuccardi ‘Zuccardi Serie A’ Malbec 2018 ($14)

How about those walls of Argentine Malbec in wine shops? Pretty crazy, huh? It can be a bit much as you just say “screw it” and grab the coolest label. Well, if you see this wine on the shelf, grab three or four — and don’t look back. It’s one of the best-quality Malbecs in this price range in our market. It’s dark and intense, with moderate acidity lifting just enough on the palate to match a big ol’ messy burger.

See Review

The Pinot Project Pinot Noir 2019 ($13)

This is the American go-to Cali Pinot Noir for all the things. Pizza or burger night, a hefty brunch, a casual lunch, a chill dinner, movie night, date night, watch party, relaxing after work, you name it. It’s chewy and soft, with crowd-pleasing acidity. The alcohol is just right, meaning you can pop bottles all night. Hell, buy a case.

See Review

Planeta La Segreta Sicilia Rosso 2017 ($14)

Sicilian wine needs your attention. It’s out here being awesome and affordable, looking for love. Go get this wine. It has bursting berry fruit from wonderful acidity, making for a balanced, playful palate. It’s a red wine for hanging out early evening and swapping hot goss while snacking on whatever you have lying around. It’s that easy and delicious.

See Review

Louis Jadot Beaujolais 2019 ($11)

Beaujolais Nouveau gets a lot of play on our market. But the region of Beaujolais is not just young bubblegum fruit. This bottle is a good example of how the Gamay grape can go beyond punchy. It is a mouthful of juicy cherries and sandalwood, with crazy acidity and a slight earthy vibe. It’s the bottle you buy by the case for Thanksgiving.

See Review

Santa Julia Reserva Mountain Blend 2018 ($12)

The red blend trend has taken hold. It’s a new-ish category here in the States, used to describe mostly New World winemakers expressing themselves through untraditional grape combinations. Malbec and Cab Franc is definitely not a traditional blend, but it’s working here. You get a deep, dark concentration of fruit from the Malbec, lifted by good acidity from the Cab Franc. You’ll also get a waft of vanilla and some mocha. This is a great bottle to drink alongside a big pile of meat off the grill and a bunch of friends.

See Review

Los Vascos Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 ($10)

Cabernet from Chile comes in many forms — from soft and structured, to grippy, dense, and age-worthy. When done right, it can also be easy-drinking and crowd-pleasing. This is that wine. It’s not too heavy, but it still shows some depth and is ready to drink. I mean, the price is nuts for the quality. Buy it by the case in the name of spontaneity.

See Review

Sierra Cantabria Selección 2018 ($13)

The Rioja region has defined a certain style of Tempranillo: soft, somewhat supple, and structured. Fortunately, that awesome profile lineup can cover all price points. If you like the feel of Pinot Noir but need a good cheap bottle for a weeknight, this is a great grab and go. It’s plush, with a nice, calm fruit core and great acidity. Cheese plates and tapas are in order.

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$15-$30

Dogwood & Thistle Testa Vineyard Carignan 2018 ($26)

Native to Spain, heavily planted in South France, brought to California before the Gold Rush, and almost erased post-Prohibition, Carigan is a survivor. When brave winemakers take on this late-ripening, high-yielding variety and successfully harness its characteristics, you’ll want to see it around more. I know I do after sipping this bottle. It has a deep, concentrated fruit core with a structured, tannic grip. This wine fills the palate, but is balanced with excellent acidity. If you are a Syrah fan, this is a must try. Steak, please!

See Review

Allegrini Palazzo della Torre Veronese IGT 2016 ($17)

This is a quintessential northern Italian red wine, with lively, ripe fruit and a slightly tart edge. Soft yet angular tannins give this wine a quiet structure, while moderate acidity pronounces the smells of just-crushed cherries and savory aged balsamic. It’s the kind of wine that really ties the meal together — any meal, really, though hearty pasta would be buonissimo.

See Review

Balletto Pinot Noir 2018 ($26)

Sonoma offers all types of Pinot Noir from its 18 sub-appellations. It’s a very diverse region, but there is a consistent profile that runs through the county, and this bottle defines that. Expect soft, chewy fruit, with a slight weight on the palate — just enough to let the grapes’ natural acidity lift up the aromas from the core. It has judicious oak exposure and smells like cherries and earth. It would be great with a cheese plate and some nibbles.

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Benziger Family Winery Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 ($16)

Here’s another well-priced Cali Cab with a little more focus. It’s big and balanced, with clear separation of character with the acidity showcasing the concentration of fruit and well-integrated oak. There is a nice, simple harmony here that makes this wine a truly awesome weeknight pairing for steak or the lean grain of a pork loin.

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Tenuta Tascante ‘Ghiaia Nera’ Etna Rosso 2017 ($20)

Say it with me, because you’re about to fall in love: Nerello Mascalese (neh-rello mah-ska-lay-zay). This amazing grape grows on slopes and surrounding hills of an active volcano in eastern Sicily. It is its own unique kind of wonderful, but if you like Pinot Noir or Sangiovese, this wine is your dinner table’s new bestie. It bursts with juicy fruit that smells like cherries and has a slight tannic edge. The balance in this wine is awesome and would even benefit from a quick chill.

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Valle dell’Acate Cerasuolo di Vittoria Classico DOCG 2015 ($21)

This is a Sicilian double whammy! I am telling you, wine lovers: Wines from Italian island regions are some of the best everyday and communal wines. They are bright and focused, with unique aromas. Like this wine. Made from the native grapes Frappato and Nero d’Avola, it wafts with earthy strawberry and cherry aromas. The fruit is chewy but balanced by great acidity and would shine with a beef carpaccio.

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Decibel Wines ‘Giunta’ Malbec Nouveau 2020 ($15)

This is Malbec like you’ve never had it. And from New Zealand! Buy a bunch of bottles, chill this wine down, and drink it with whatever. The savory side plays well with the fruit and will pair with all kinds of cooked meats, from skirt steak to lamb. This wine is a gem.

See Review

Domaines Barons de Rothschild Lafite Légende R 2017 ($15)

Yes, Bordeaux can be delicious and affordable! YESSSS! This bottle has all the things you want in a wine from this region, such as a soft fruit core balanced by moderate acidity. It also has earthy notes of dark berry fruit that bring comfort to the senses. It’s a nice weeknight red to drink with herbed buttermilk chicken or braised duck.

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Sella & Mosca Terre Rare Carignano del Sulcis Riserva 2014 ($15)

This wine is made on an island just north of Sicily called Sardegna. In Sardegna, they call Carignan Carignano. And here, it is softer than most other examples around the globe. It has soft, supple fruit for lovers of wines like Merlot, with a slight tannic frame for the lovers of bigger wines like Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s very versatile and will pair well with artisanal cheeses, seafood pasta dishes like lobster ravioli or, hell, the entire lobster drenched in butter.

See Review

Skouras Saint George Agiorgitiko 2017 ($17)

This wine, paired with mint-flecked grilled lamb, will send you. If you like Chianti, go find this bottle, stat. It has that soft, earthy cranberry and cherry smell, with a medium depth of fruit. But the acidity is higher and really brightens up the wine. The tannins are nice, soft, and ready to please a crowd.

See Review

$50 PLUS

Hirsch Vineyards San Andreas Fault Pinot Noir 2018 ($64)

This Pinot Noir demonstrates the beauty of the coastal Sonoma macroclimate. Chewy cherry fruit wafts up into your noggin on a cloud of bracing acidity. This results in a nice, lean character that is so well balanced, it doesn’t interfere with the depth of the fruit. It’s a master class in restraint, with just the right amount of oak. If I were in Sonoma right now, I would be eating cracklins and roasted chicken in the sun — washing it all down with this bottle, slightly chilled.

See Review

Massolino Barolo DOCG 2016 ($57)

No list would be complete without a wine from the beautiful region of Barolo tucked in the rolling Langhe hills of southern Piedmont in northern Italy. It’s a magical place. Sipping this bottle will take you there. It’s powerful and elegant at the same time. The tannins are grippy, as the wine continues to age, but it’s drinking well now. It’s a wonderful mouthful of balanced cherry fruit, with whispers of where it’s headed in the form of a whiff of leather and rose petals. Guys, this wine is awesome. Stuffed ravioli with a dense, meaty red sauce or a hearty mushroom risotto are in order.

See Review

Allegrini Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 2015 ($72)

When Amarone della Valpolicella is truly balanced, it’s an event. Your eyes widen at the calm depth of fruit and hardworking acidity. Your brain reels at the comfy aromas of dark chocolate and cherry liquor, and you’re slapped in the face as the braised meats and stinky cheeses you pair with it harmonize on your palate. That is this wine.

See Review

Dutton-Goldfield Russian River Valley Zinfandel 2018 ($50)

Napa and Sonoma were once the lands of Zinfandel before other varieties like Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon gained in popularity and took the lion’s share of land. It’s actually still the land of delicious Zinfandel — just less of it is made. So when you find one, grab it. This bottle is an excellent example of how this grape can thrive here. It’s tart and savory — smelling like blackberries and balsamic. It has excellent acidity, demonstrating a texture similar to that of Sangiovese. This wine, paired with a brisket, will make you fall in love. Hoping for more Sonoma Zins in the future.

See Review

Early Mountain Eluvium 2017 ($55)

When we are on the other side of this national health crisis, go to Virginia. Stay in the beautiful Shenandoah, tucked into the Blue Mountains. Hike and paddle during the day, eat venison and local cheeses as the sun sets, and sip some of the most exciting wine in the country. Wines from these hills are bright and balanced, even when brooding. This wine defines that. Dark, supple fruit, with high acidity and satisfying tannins, make for a unique American wine experience.

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Denner Vineyards Dirt Worshipper 2018 ($80)

Ever been to Paso Robles? Like Virginia, this is another wine region to run to posthaste after this craziness is behind us. Paso Robles celebrates grape diversity, while still making popular California varieties like Cab. This bottle shows that California is more than the norm. So much more. It’s so expressive, with dark, concentrated fruit and that Paso acidity that brightens the deepest of wines. It smells like cooking herbs (rosemary, oregano, tarragon) and a quiet layer of black pepper. Another awesome American wine experience.

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Freemark Abbey Sycamore Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 ($146)

I can feel American wine diversifying by the year. More innovation and focus on soil and variety relationships are driving a bright diverse future. But we can’t forget how this all came to be. Founded by Josephine Tychson in the late 19th century, Freemark Abbey survived disease and Prohibition, entering both the red and white categories in the 1976 Judgement of Paris. Dark and brooding, this wine is deserving of aromatic descriptors such as mocha, blackberries, and hints of white and cracked black pepper. It’s still aging with a rustic edge, but is a pleasure to drink now. In a few years, it’ll soften into the legacy it holds.

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Château Montelena Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 ($59)

Château Montelnea was not only an entry into the Judgement of Paris, its 1973 Chardonnay came in first place for white wine. That finesse the judges fell for in 1976 can also be found in the winery’s Cabernet Sauvignon to this day. The elegance lives in the vibrant acidity winding through this wine, casually pronouncing a whiff of plum and blackberry mingling with cracked black pepper. It all comes together on the palate, with an added cassis vibe and well-woven tannins calling from the edge of your palate. This is a special wine.

See Review

Gary Farrell Hallberg Vineyard Pinot Noir 2016 ($50)

If you were to ask, “What is it about Russian River Pinot Noir that sets it apart from the rest of the Pinot on the planet?” I would shove this wine in your face, then take it away and drink it myself. Just kidding, I’d share … think. Cherries, cinnamon, and earthy mushrooms rush up and into your senses, leaving you all swoon-y before you sip. On the palate, the wine is dense, crushed velvet, with supple, chewy fruit that soaks into your palate. It would jive with some legit cheeses, but you might find me just sipping it at cellar temp with just a glass and a sunset.

See Review

Tenuta Col d’Orcia Brunello di Montalcino DOCG 2015 ($56)

In Tuscany, Sangiovese shows itself in many forms, as well as names. Brunello is what they call Sangiovese in the dry, bright region of Montalcino. Here, this grape gains power from the sun — concentrating itself, with skilled hands, into one of the most age-worthy wines on the globe. The nose is cherries cooked into a sweet balsamic reduction and an earthy whiff of the sloping hills this grape grows on. It’s still aging — wow, can these wines age — but it is ready now for a splurgy night complete with a big ol’ steak or a bowl of heavy pasta.

See Review

The article The 30 Best Red Wines for 2021 appeared first on VinePair.

Via https://vinepair.com/buy-this-booze/best-red-wines-2021/

source https://vinology1.weebly.com/blog/the-30-best-red-wines-for-2021

[dandelionwineshop]

THURSDAY NIGHT TASTING 6-8 PM:  GIANCARLO & RIPE WINE IMPORTS

YOU GUYS! January is over and it's time to dance, dance I say! It's time to start having fun again and we have the perfect tasting for you to get back into the swing of things. Join us and our dear friend Giancarlo from RIPE WINE IMPORTS tonight from 6-8 pm to taste some exciting wine from Chile and France. Each of the wines we're pouring tonight are soulful and vibrant and ready to party. Even the labels are vibing hard. Don't be a party pooper... see you later!

LA RAPTURA 2016 MUSCAT, ITATA VALLEY, CHILE

Leonardo Erazo created “A Los Vinateros Bravos” winery in the heart of the Itata region, about 250 miles south of Santiago (Southern Chile). The vines of Itata thrive on steep hills with zero irrigation. Bush vines are very old in this region; finding 100 years old vines is common here. The volcanic and granitic soil provide an extraordinary environment for root growth resulting in very healthy vineyards. Winemaking is simple, using only native yeast and cement tank for fermentation and aging. This slightly skin-macerated, unfiltered Muscat is as authentic as it gets. Lots of citrusy aromatics and acidity that brings vibrancy, tension, and freshness. Drink alone or with a ham sandwich, either way, you're spirits will be lifted. $22

TINTO DE RULO 2016 CARIGNAN, BIO BIO VALLEY, CHILE

Located just south of Itata, in the southern Chilean region of Bio-Bio, Tinto de Rulo is the project of three friends with the same dream; to make artisanal, terroir driven wines. They work closely with small winegrowers, using only grapes from organic vineyards established at least a century ago. They aim to bring out the character of each place, emphasizing minimal intervention in order to showcase all the vineyards' characteristics to the bottle. This Carignan was recently a Gabriel Pick at Dandelion and here's what he says: "You wanna get funky, I wanna get funky... let's get funky. Let's slap a bass guitar and put on leather knee high boots... with heels... stilettos. Fruit, dirt, tomato, blood, acid." I mean... sounds sexy, no? $28

PITHON-PAILLE "GROLOLO", 2016 GROLLEAU LOIRE, FRANCE

We've been selling this earth-driven Loire red made from the Grolleau grape for years. Recently walking by les bouquinistes on the Seine's edge in Paris I saw first hand the play on words here. Grololo is slang for "big boobs" in French and there was a magazine with this as the title. It cracked me up to see... I always knew it as the wine first, you see. Anjou producer Pithon-Paillé originally made this wine for his friends and family to share during harvest time, and was never intended to reach the masses, but alas a wine this fun and good can't be hidden for long. The label had to change for the USA unfortunately, but the wine remains the same. Fruity (blackberry), peppery, easy drinking. A great wine to pair with buttery potatoes and roasted fennel or something beefy. Or as the back label says "vin de fruit, vin de copains, vin de casse-croute. A boire avec quoi? …avec plaisir!" $23

CLOS D'AUDHUY "LES POLISSONS" MALBEC CAHORS, FRANCE

Cahors, about half way between Bordeaux and Toulouse, might be considered the spiritual home of Malbec. Many don't realize Malbec's motherland is actually France, and I will often shove a bottle of Cahors in people's hands when they ask for Malbec rather than those that hail from Argentina. If this hasn't yet happened to you yet, tonight's your chance to taste some OG Malbec. This fresh and bright example from the grape's home turf certainly shows that they're keeping up with the rest of the world. Made in a modern style, this inky Cahors Malbec has wonderful notes of fresh blackberries and black currants. Dry with soft ripe tannins and fresh acidity. There is no oak used here, so the wine is pure and punchy with a vibrancy that would be great to pair with duck, bbq, meaty pastas, or grilled meats. And the label is one to note for Valentine's Day... XO $18

[sylvainlazureen]

Appellation: Côtes de provence Domaine: château Mentone @chateaumentone Cuvée: Excellence Année / Year: 2017 Cépage / Grape: 70% Syrah, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Carignan 🍇 🍇 This is the excellence of Château Mentone, it is the first time that I present this Château of Provence to you. On the nose the wine has notes of black fruit, undergrowth, menthol notes and a little cocoa. In the mouth there are black fruits, a nice acidity and it's tannic. We are really on a Bordeaux style despite the 70% of Syrah. It is a wine that calls for red meat. It's technically very well done. If you open it now you have to decant it for at least 2 hours, but in absolute terms you have to wait another 2 years to drink it. 🍇 🍇 Voilà l'excellence du Château Mentone, c'est la première fois que je vous présente ce château de Provence. Au nez le vin a des notes de fruits noirs, de sous-bois, des notes mentholées et un peu de cacao. En bouche on retrouve les fruits noirs, une belle acidité et c'est tannique. On est vraiment sur un style bordelais malgré les 70 % de Syrah. C'est un vin qui appelle une viande rouge. C'est techniquement très bien fait. Si vous l'ouvrez maintenant il faut le faire décanter au moins 2h mais dans l'absolu il faut encore attendre 2 ans pour le boire. 🍇 🍇 #cotesdeprovence #vindeprovence #vinsdeprovence #chateaumentone #syrah #cabernetsauvignon #carignan #sylvainlazureen #unlimiteduncorked #blogtrip #winephotographer #winephotography (à Chateau Mentone) https://www.instagram.com/p/B9EsDSvCKRc/?igshid=em6fl7el77je

[ninovalibrary]

Soorten Wijn – Alle soorten wijn

De wijn smaakt heerlijk. Maar soms kan het verwarrend zijn; druivenrassen, jaren, regio’s …

Soorten Wijn – Alle soorten wijn

Wat staat er op het wijnetiket?

Wijnsoorten hebben alleen betrekking op wijn gemaakt van een bepaalde druif. Verschillende wijnen in de Verenigde Staten zijn vaak vernoemd naar de dominante druiven die worden gebruikt bij het maken van wijn. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir en Chenin Blanc zijn voorbeelden van druivenrassen. Als een wijnfles verschillende markeringen (zoals Merlot) op het etiket heeft, betekent dit dat de wijn in de fles ten minste 75% van het druivenras is (bijvoorbeeld ten minste 75% Merlot).

Het uiterlijk van wijnen op het etiket vertelt de consument wat hij van de wijn kan verwachten. Daarom is het belangrijk om de basisvariabelen te leren.

Wijnetiketten in Amerika geven ook informatie over plaatsen zoals de hier getoonde Mondavi “Napa Valley” Cabernet Sauvignon. Dit geeft aan dat de Cabernet-druiven in de wijn werden geteeld in het officiële wijngebied van Napa Valley.

De meer algemene generieke namen van wijnrassen worden gebruikt om wijn te beschrijven zonder enige informatie over het type druif dat wordt gebruikt of waar het wordt geteeld. Voorbeelden Rode wijn, Witte wijn, tafelwijn.

Wat staat er op het wijnetiket?

Plaats van herkomst

Namen zoals Chablis of Chianti zijn geborduurd met deze geografische oorspronkelijke namen. Chablis was oorspronkelijk een product uit Chianti, Frankrijk, en een product uit Italië. Deze wijnen gebruikten deze namen om hun plaats van herkomst aan te geven.

Sommige wijnen worden aangeduid met verschillende namen die wijnen alleen aan het begin van het land van herkomst of regionale wijnen toestaan. Pommard uit Frankrijk en Rudesheimer uit Duitsland.

Alle soorten wijn

Alle soorten wijn

Albariño wijntype

Een selectie verse, verfrissende en lichte wijnen en Spaanse witte wijndruiven.

Aligote

Witte wijndruiven geteeld in Bourgondië produceren medium en frisse en droge wijnen met hun kruidige karakter.

Amarone

Een sterk, droog, duurzaam rood gemaakt van een gedeeltelijk gedroogde rode druivenmix uit de regio Veneto in Italië.

Arneis wijntype

Lichte wijn, regio Piemonte in Italië

Asti Spumante

Het is een semi-mousserende wijn verkregen van de druiven van Moscato di Canelli en het dorp Asti in de regio Piemonte in Italië.

Auslese

Het is de naam gegeven aan witte wijnen verkregen uit druiven die zeer volwassen en grote hoeveelheden suiker bevatten.

Banylus

Een Franse wijn van Grenache-druiven wordt verkregen uit de late oogst en geserveerd met chocolade of voedsel, afhankelijk van de smaak van de wijn. Volgens de wet moet wijn 15 procent alcohol bevatten.

Barbaresco

Gemaakt van Nebbiolo-druiven, is het rode wijnras uit de regio Piemonte in Italië lichter dan Barolo.

Bardolino wijntype

Lichtrode wijn uit de regio Veneto in Italië. De wijnen van verschillende druiven zijn granaatkleurig, droog, licht bitter en soms helder.

Barolo-wijnsoorten

Italiaans rood gemaakt van Nebbiolo-druiven. Donker, vol en rijk aan tannines en alcohol.

Beaujolais

Beaujolais is een wijnsoort. Typische, lichte, frisse, fruitige rode wijnen zijn te vinden in Bourgondië, in het zuiden van Frankrijk, in de buurt van Lyon. Gebieden: Beaujolais-Blanc, Beaujolais-dorpen, Brouilly, Chénas, Chiroubles, Fleurie, Julienas, Mouliné-à-Vent, Morgon, Regnie, Saint Amour.

Blanc de Blancs

Champagne of witte wijn gemaakt van witte druiven.

Blanc de Noirs

Witte of blush wijn of champagne gemaakt van donkere druiven. Deze wijnen worden Blanc de Noirs genoemd.

Blozen

De Amerikaanse term voor Rosé. Alle soorten wijn in roze kleur.

Boal of Bual

Produceert medium zoete wijnen geteeld op het eiland Madeira.

Brunello

Dit Sangiovese-type is de enige druif die is toegestaan ​​voor zeldzame zeldzame dure Toscaanse rode Brunello di Montalcino. Zoete zwarte en rode bessen met kauwtannines.

Cabernet Franc

Rode wijndruiven gemengd met Cabernet Sauvignon in Bordeaux. Het is een rode wijn die rijpt vanwege het lage tanninegehalte. Cabernet Sauvignon en een medium-light wijn met meer fruit dan een van de kruidachtige geuren duidelijk zichtbaar in de onrijpe Cabernet Sauvignon.

Cabernet Sauvignon

Fruit, pruimen, zwarte kersen en kruiden, olijven, vanillemunt, tabak, geroosterde ceder, anijs, zwarte peper en kruiden. Na 15 tot 30 maanden verzacht Cabernet tandoor in Amerikaanse en Franse eiken vaten en voegt gefrituurde ceder- en vanillesmaken toe.

Carignan

Het staat bekend als Carignane in Californië en Cirnano in Italië. Carignan, een zeer goede druivenmix voor karafwijn, is in populariteit afgenomen ondanks het uiterlijk in sommige mengsels. Na de dichtheid worden oude wijngaarden gezocht.

Carmenere

Het staat ook bekend als Grande Vidure, dat ooit in Bordeaux werd geplant. Nu vooral geassocieerd met Chili. Carmenere werd in de jaren 1850 in Chili geïmporteerd. Carmenere wordt niet vaak geëtiketteerd door de meeste fabrikanten, en de Chileense overheid ziet het als Merlot.

Spaanse champagne

Spaanse mousserende wijn. De wordt geproduceerd door Champenoise.

Charbono

Het wordt voornamelijk gevonden in Californië (waarschijnlijk Dolcetto). Meestal mager en getuige. Verschillende wijnhuizen produceren nog steeds.

Champagne

Champagne is de enige wijn die mensen in veel stijlen accepteren. Champagnes variëren van brandende, zelden geoxideerde, fruitige en gistkarakters, tot licht en citrus, en alles daartussenin. Elk van deze wijnen kan vervolgens worden vervangen door een bepaalde mate van zoetheid, van droge botten tot suikersiroop. De flesleeftijd verandert ook het gewicht en het karakter van elk van deze stijlen.

Chardonnay

Appel, Peer, Vanille, Vijg, Perzik, Ananas, Meloen, Citrus, Citroen, Grapefruit, Honing, Specerijen, Boter, Boter en Noten. Chardonnay is goed voor de gisting van eiken en vaten die gemakkelijk kunnen worden gemanipuleerd door technieken zoals veroudering en malolactische gisting.

Chateauneuf-du-Pape

De beroemdste wijnen van het zuidelijke Rhônedal worden onder dezelfde naam en in de regio geproduceerd (zomerpoppetjes in Avignon in de pauspopulatie). Duizeligheid met rode, rijke, rijpe en verloren alcoholgehaltes en kauwbare rustieke smaken. Hoewel hier 13 druivenrassen worden geplant, zijn de belangrijkste rassen Grenache, gevolgd door Syrah, Cinsault en Mourvèdre (ook Vaccarese, Counoise, Terret noir, Muscardin, Clairette, Piquepoul, Picardan, Rousanne, Bourboulenc).

Chenin Blanc

De inwoners van de Loire vormen de basis van de beroemde blanken: Vouvray, Anjou, Quarts de Chaume en Saumer. Andere gebieden zijn zeer goed gemengde druiven. In Zuid-Afrika wordt dit Stone en de meeste gecultiveerde druiven genoemd. Californië gebruikt het over het algemeen als een gemengde druif voor algemene tafelwijnen. Je kunt een mooie wijn hebben met meloen, perzik, kruiden en citrus. Grote Loire-wijnen kunnen droog, vers en zoet zijn, afhankelijk van de producent.

Chianti

Het licht robijnrode granaat van deze fruitige druivenmix kan Chianti Riserva worden genoemd als hij drie of meer jaar oud is.

Chianti Classico

Van een aangewezen deel van de wijnstreek Chianti. Om het Chianti Classico-label te ontvangen, moeten zowel de wijngaard als de wijnmakerij zich in het opgegeven gebied bevinden.

Donker rood

Het is de naam die wordt gegeven aan de wijnen die door de Britten worden gebruikt voor rode Bordeaux-wijnen.

Colombard

Bijna allemaal zijn ze de meest gekweekte witte variëteit voor karafwijn in Californië. Overvloedige producten produceren ongeveer 11 ton per hectare en produceren schone en eenvoudige wijnen.

Constantia

Deze legendarische zoete wijn uit Zuid-Afrika was de favoriet van Napoleon. Groot komt uit een landgoed genaamd Constantia.

Cortese

Witte wijndruiven geteeld in Piemonte en Lombardije. De meest bekende voor wijn, Gavi. Druiven produceren een lichte, frisse, evenwichtige wijn.

Dolcetto

Het produceert zachte, ronde, fruitige wijnen met de geur van zoethout en amandelen in het noordwesten van Piemonte.

Eiswein

“Iced wine dessert Een zoete Duitse wijn gemaakt van bevroren druiven in druiven. Bevriezing verzamelt suiker in druiven vóór de oogst.

Frascati

Een Italiaanse fruitige, gouden witte wijn kan droog zijn als dessert.

Fümé Blanc

Zie de Sauvignon Blanc

Gamay

Beaujolais krijgt zijn beroemde fruitige rood alleen van Gamay Noir à Jus Blanc van vandaag. Als het alcoholgehalte laag is en het zuurgehalte relatief hoog, moeten de wijnen onmiddellijk na het bottelen worden gedronken; Het laatste voorbeeld is Beaujolais Nouveau, dat bijna ‘s nachts op planken wordt geplaatst. Het groeit ook in de Loire, maar produceert geen opmerkelijke wijn. Het groeit uitgebreid omdat het wordt geassocieerd met de Zwitserse Pinot Noir; ze produceren meestal wijn.

Gamay Beaujolais

Het is een variëteit uit Californië die ongemarkeerde wijnen produceert. Wordt voornamelijk gebruikt voor het mengen.

Gattinara

Piemonte rood gemaakt van Nebiolo wordt gemengd met andere druiven. Sterk en duurzaam.

Gewürztraminer

Een onderscheidend bloemboeket en kruidige smaak zijn de kenmerken van deze medium zoete wijn. Het wordt over het algemeen verbouwd in de Elzas, Frankrijk en Duitsland, evenals in Californië, Ia, Oost-Europa, Australië en Nieuw-Zeeland.

Grappa

Een Italiaanse geest werd uit de pijp gedestilleerd. Drink na het drinken van droge en sterke alcohol.

Grenache

Het werd eerst gemengd voor de productie van Rose en Blush-wijnen in Californië en gemengd voor de productie van Chateauneuf-du-Pape in Frankrijk. Oorspronkelijk uit Spanje, is het de meest geteelde druif ter wereld. Produceert een fruitige, kruidige, medium bodied wijn.

Johannisberg Riesling

Bekijk het assortiment Riesling-wijnen

Kir Royale

Een snack uit Bourgondië, Frankrijk. Een glas droge witte wijn en een theelepel custard de cassis maken dit populaire drankje. Gebruik champagne of mousserende wijn om Kir Royale te maken.

Lambrusco

Warme, droge, zoete wijn gemaakt van druiven met dezelfde naam, meestal uit Noord-Italië.

Liebfraumilch

Een gemengd Duits wit, halfzoet en zeer neutraal, goed voor 50 procent van alle Duitse wijnexport.

Madeira

Een versterkte wijn genoemd naar het eiland waar druiven worden verbouwd. De wijn wordt langzaam in de tank verwarmd bij een temperatuur boven 110 ° F en kan maanden worden gekoeld. Stijlen variëren van rozijnen, druiven tot rijke en zoete Boal en Malmsey.

Malbec

Merlot en de twee Cabernets vervingen de niet-harde druiven die belangrijk waren in de verschillende mengsels in Bordeaux en de Loire. Argentinië is echter behoorlijk succesvol in deze variabele. In de Verenigde Staten is Malbec een gemengde druif die onbeduidende maar verschillende wijnmakers gebruikt, de meest voor de hand liggende reden is dat het wordt gezien als onderdeel van het gemengde Bordeaux-recept.

Marcin

Een gedistilleerde geest gemaakt van pijpen bekend onder verschillende namen in de wereld. Italië noemt het grappa; Bordeaux, Marc de Bourgogne; Marc de Champagne.

Marsala

Gemaakt van Grillo, Catarratto of Inzolia druiven, deze Siciliaanse wijn kan droog of zoet zijn en wordt vaak gebruikt bij het koken.

Marsanne

Enkele van de oudste wijngaarden ter wereld, populair in Rhône en Australië (vooral Victoria), zijn dichte wijn van plantenschaduw, peren en citrusvruchten. De grote Rhone Rangers in Californië behaalden aanzienlijk succes in deze diversiteit.

Weide

Middeleeuws, een wijn verkregen door het vergisten van honing en water, is gebruikelijk in Europa. De wijnmakers maken nu gearomatiseerd vlees.

Meritage

In 1989 schreef hij zich in bij het Amerikaanse ministerie van handelsmerken en patenten door een groep presidenten die normen wilden vaststellen voor de identificatie van rode en witte wijnen gemaakt van traditionele Bordeaux-melanges. Omdat 75% van een enkele cultivar niet werd gebruikt, hadden ze een naam voor deze wijnen nodig, dus het label kon een bepaalde druivencultivar niet identificeren. De Meritage werd gekozen omdat het een combinatie van twee woorden was: verdienste en erfgoed. Wijn die als erfgoed moet worden vermeld: meng twee of meer Bordeaux-druivensoorten: Rode wijnen / Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere, Gros Verdot, Malbec, Merlot, Petite Verdot en St. Macaire. Witte wijnen / Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadelle en Sémillon. Heb minder dan 90% van elke variëteit. Het wijnhuis maakt de beste wijn in zijn soort. Een alias gemaakt van een Amerikaanse druif en gebotteld van een Amerikaanse druif.

Merlot

Specerijen, groene olijven, kersen en chocolade. Minder bruining dan Cabernet, zachter en zachter, eerder klaar om te drinken. Eik is goed voor veroudering. Het wordt vaak gebruikt als een wijn gemengd met Cabernet om zacht te worden.

Montepulciano

Medium en full colour wijn heeft een goede kleur en textuur. Het staat bekend om zijn kwaliteit en waarde.

Moscato

Zie Muscat-wijnen.

Mourvèdre

Een mooie middelzware wijn met kruidige kersen- en fruitsmaken en medium tannine. Meestal gebruikt in Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

Müller-Thurgau

Het kruis van twee druiven, Sylvaner en Riesling. Het groeit voornamelijk in Duitsland, Noord-Italië en Nieuw-Zeeland. Het kan droog tot licht en medium tot droog zijn.

Nootmuskaat druiven

Ook bekend als Muscat Blanc en Muscat Canelli. Kan worden gebruikt om te mengen met verschillende plant- en bloemtinten. Een veelzijdige druif van Asti Spumante en Muscat de Canelli tot Muscat d’Alsace.

Nebbiolo

Grote druiven uit Noord-Italië, sterke en duurzame wijnen die opvallen in Barolo en Barbaresco. Nebbiolo heeft elders gefaald en heeft nu zelfs een kleine plaats in Californië. In tegenstelling tot Italiaanse variëteiten zijn de wijnen licht en complex.

Petit Verdot

Gemengd met Cabernet Sauvignon uit Bordeaux, Frankrijk.

Petite Sirah

De aroma’s van pruimen en bramen markeren deze diepe, robijnrode rode wijn. Het zit meestal vol met gekauwde tannines. Gebruikt als een gemengde wijn in Frankrijk en Californië. Het gaat niet om de Syrah van Frankrijk.

Pinot blanc

De smaak en textuur die lijkt op Chardonnay wordt gebruikt in Champagne, Bourgondië, Elzas, Duitsland, Italië en Californië en kan een uitstekende wijn maken. Kan dicht en complex zijn met tonen van rijpe peer, gras, citrus en honing.

Pinot Grigio / Pinot Gris

In het beste geval produceert deze variëteit zachte, geparfumeerde wijnen die kleurrijker zijn dan andere witte wijnen. Het groeit voornamelijk in het noordoosten van Italië, maar het groeit in de Elzas als Pinot Gris en staat bekend als Tokay.

Pinot Meunier

Hij groeide op in de Champagne-regio van Frankrijk en bracht Pinot Noir en Chardonnay samen.

Pinot noir

Dit was de nobele druif van Bourgondië. Het is moeilijk om te groeien, maar in het beste geval is het zachter en rijker dan tannines van Cabernet Sauvignon. Smaken van zwarte kers, kruiden en rozijnen met schaduwrijke frambozen eronder. Champagne wordt veel gebruikt bij het maken van mousserende wijn.

Pinotage

Een kruising tussen Pinot Noir en Cinsault. Geteeld in Zuid-Afrika. Het wordt gefermenteerd bij hoge temperaturen en gerijpt in de nieuwe eik voor delicatesse en heerlijke fruitsmaken.

Haven

Versterkte wijn uit de Douro-regio van Portugal. Stijlen zijn Late Bottle (LB), Tawny, Ruby, Aged en Vintage. Meestal zoet en rood.

Retsina

Droge witte Griekse wijn op smaak gebracht met dennenhars. Dit is een verworven smaak gebaseerd op het oude Griekenland. De dominante smaak is terpentijn. Het bloemige aroma en aroma van Riesling-abrikoos en tropisch fruit zijn kenmerkend voor dit brede assortiment wijnen. Stijlen variëren van droog tot zoet.

Roze

Het wordt soms blozen genoemd. Elke zoete en droge lichtroze wijn is een van de variëteiten gemaakt door het verwijderen van rode druivenschillen aan het begin van het gistingsproces, of met een mengsel van rood en wit.

Roussanne

Witte wijndruiven in het noorden van het Rhônedal, de eerste Marsanne, worden gemengd met witte wijndruiven.

Sangiovese

Volle smaken bekend met flexibele texturen, medium met frambozen en anijs. Sangiovese wordt gebruikt in veel fijne Italiaanse wijnen, waaronder Chianti. Deze wijnen worden Sangiovese genoemd.

Sauterns

Bij inenting met Botrytis cinerea, die de zoetheid en alcohol van wijn verhoogt, wordt het vaak een mengsel van Sémillon en Sauvignon Blanc-druiven genoemd.

Sauvignon blanc

Grasachtige en kruidachtige smaken en aroma’s benadrukken soms lichte en medium-body wijn met hints van kruisbes en fruit. In Californië wordt het vaak het Fume Blanc-label genoemd. Nieuw-Zeeland produceert enkele van de beste Sauvignon Blancs in een uitgesproken fruitige stijl.

De Semillon

De basis van de droogste witte wijnen uit Sauternes, Graves en Pessac-Léognan. Ingewikkeld met tonen van vijgen, peren, tabak en honing, kan het een geweldige late oogstwijn maken. Het voegt body, smaak en textuur toe aan de Sauvignon Blanc. Het kan worden gemengd met Chardonnay, maar voegt geen extra toe.

Sherry

Verrijkte wijn uit de regio Jerez de la Frontera in Zuid-Spanje. Palomino is de belangrijkste druivensoort, Pedro Ximénez wordt gebruikt voor meer zoete en zware wijnen. Drogen kan het best worden geserveerd als het is afgekoeld; Gemiddeld tot zoet, het beste op kamertemperatuur. Stijlen van droog tot zeer zoet: Manzanilla, Fino, Amontillado, Oloroso, Pale Cream, Cream, Palo en Pedro Ximénez. Shiraz / Syrah Zwarte kers, kruiden, zwarte peper, teer en zachte tannines maken deze wijn een groeiende favoriet. Samen met vroege drinkbaarheid, heeft het een goed verouderingsvermogen om meer complexe wijnen te creëren.

Soave

Heldere witte wijn in de regio Veneto in Italië. Symphony Symphony is een kloon van UC Davis. Alexandria Muscat en Grenache Gris-druiven werden in 1948 gecombineerd om deze Muscat-smaak te creëren. Heel anders

Hongaarse likeurwijn

Zie Pinot Gris wijnselectie

Traminer

Duits woord voor druiven. Zie Gewürztraminer.

Trebbiano

Trebbiano in Italië en Ugni Blancin in Frankrijk. Het komt voor in bijna elke basis witte Italiaanse wijn en is eigenlijk een goedgekeurd onderdeel van het mengsel dat wordt gebruikt voor Chianti. In Frankrijk wordt het vaak Stilion genoemd en gebruikt voor cognac cognac en Armagnac.

Ugni Blanc

Zie Trebbiano-wijnen

Valpolicella

Lichte, semi-rode, meestal jonge dronken uit de regio Veneto in Italië.

Verdicchio

Italiaans wit met een bleke, lichte en heldere wijn.

Viognier

Viognier is een van de moeilijkste druiven om te kweken. Het produceert een fruitige en kruidige witte wijn met medium en full body, abrikozen- en perzikaroma’s.

Zinfandel

Zinfandels kunnen dik en intens zijn, licht en fruitig, met overheersende frambozensmaken en kruidig ​​aroma. Het is het beste om de smaken van kers, wild fruit en pruim te mengen met huid-, grond- en teertinten. Het is de meest geteelde druif in Californië. Het verandert in witte Zinfandel en sommige zijn zoet.

Bonus – Soorten Wijn

Bonus – Soorten Wijn

De meeste wijnen worden geproduceerd uit de Vitus Vinifera-druivenfamilie: uitzonderingen gemaakt van “Vitis Labrusca” -druiven, zoals Concord. Deze wijnen moeten ten minste 51% van het druivenras bevatten en moeten op het etiket worden vermeld. Als het etiket geen percentage-indicator bevat, moet de wijn ten minste 75% van het type “labrusca” bevatten.

In dit artikel probeerden we informatie te geven over wijnen van A tot Z.

Bron: https://www.wines.com/wine-varietals/

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[delfinamaggiousa]

Château d’Aussières Corbières 2016, Languedoc, France

Although Languedoc’s wine production is among the world’s largest, it’s fair to say that many wine drinkers would have trouble telling you exactly where it is, even though Languedoc’s visibility and the quality of its wines have grown substantially in recent years.

This large and varied area in the south of France deserves to be even better known since it offers some of the best values in the wine world.

I was reminded of this recently as I tasted the 2016 Corbières from Château d’Aussières. Corbières is one of the top appellations in Languedoc, producing mainly red wines from Mediterranean varieties typical of the region.

The 2016 Château d’Aussières Corbières is a blend of 48 percent Syrah, 37 percent Mourvèdre, 8 percent Grenache, and 7 percent Carignan.

This $33 wine is full-bodied yet elegant with no rough edges. Grippy tannins and refreshing acidity support generous red and dark fruit tastes accented by subtle herb, mineral, and milk chocolate notes.

Alcohol is listed at a relatively high 14.5 percent, but the wine’s balance makes that all but irrelevant.

It will pair well with all kinds of meat dishes, roast chicken and turkey, and hearty winter stews. There is a refinement that calls to mind high-end Bordeaux, which may be more than just a coincidence.

Château d’Aussières is the flagship wine from Domaine d’Aussières, a 1,350-acre estate not far from the city of Narbonne. The domaine was acquired in 1999 by Domaines Barons de Rothschild (Lafite), owner of the unparalleled Château Lafite Rothschild and other properties in Bordeaux as well as wine interests from Chile to China.

If you haven’t discovered them, the wines of Languedoc are worth getting to know, and Château d’Aussières is an excellent place to start.

The article Château d’Aussières Corbières 2016, Languedoc, France appeared first on VinePair.

source https://vinepair.com/good-wine-reviews/chateau-daussieres-corbieres-2016-languedoc-france/

source https://vinology1.wordpress.com/2020/01/09/chateau-daussieres-corbieres-2016-languedoc-france/

[road2vegan-blog1]

I DON’T CARE. JUST POUR SOME WINE!!!!

I’m not at the vegan level to be a stickler on making sure my wine is vegan. But for those who are, here is a nice list of options for you. 

Thanks to thekitchn.com 

White Vegan Wines • 2009 Bonny Doon Ca' del Solo Albariño, Central Coast, $16 – Fined lightly with bentonite – vegan friendly.

• 2007 Movia Brda Lunar, Slovenia, $40 – Made from 100% Ribolla Gialla – Totally naturally-made. Not even crushed. Whole bunch fermentation, not fined or filtered. Totally naturally stabilized.

• 2008 La Colombaia Toscano Bianco, Italy, $21 – A blend of Trebbiano and Malvasia. Unfined and unfiltered.

• 2008 Domaine Derain Allez Goutons Vin de Table Francais 2008, $21 – 100% Aligote. Unfined and unfiltered. A favorite white in our house.

• 2009 Domaine de L'Ausseil Papillon, Languedoc, $26 – Southern French blend of White Grenache and Macabeo. Biodynamic and unfined.

• 2008 Domaine de Montrieux , Coteaux du Vendomois, Loire $23 – Unfined and unfiltered.

• 2007 Chateau du Champ des Treilles Blanc, Sainte Foy de Bordeaux, $16 - Biodynamic and fined lightly using bentonite. Classic white Bordeaux blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and Muscadelle, but unoaked, this has long been a favorite go to in our house

Red Vegan Wines • 2009 Stellar Organics Cabernet Sauvignon, Western Cape, $12 – This wine even says 'vegan friendly' on the back label – Fair Trade accredited and organic.

• 2008 Kawarau Estate Pinot Noir 2008, Central Otago, New Zealand, $29 - Unfined and unfiltered.

• 2009 Oliver Cousin Anjou Gamay, Loire Valley, $23 – Organic, unfined and unfiltered.

• 2009 Tissot Poulsard Vieilles Vignes, Jura, France $21 - Vintner Stéphane Tissot is a leader in Jura's organic farming. Again unfined and unfiltered.

• 2009 Casina degli Ulivi Semplicemente Rosso, $17 – A blend of Dolcetto and Barbera from Piedmont. Biodynamic, unfined with just a light filtration. Natural yeasts and winemaking.

• 2008 Mas Foulaquier, Les Tonilliers, Pic Saint Loup, Languedoc $23 – A blend of Syrah, Grenache and Carignan. Biodynamic and unfined

• 2009 Sablonettes Les Copain D'Abord Grolleau, Anjou, Loire, $17 – Made from the local Grolleau grape. Organic, unfined or filtered.

• 2006 Chateau du Champs des Treilles Rouge, Sainte Foy de Bordeaux, $25 - Red Bordeaux blend. Unfined and unfiltered, biodynamic.

[wineschool-blog]

Wine Reviews

https://j.mp/3zcqx2j Wine Reviews https://j.mp/3zcqx2j 90+ Point Wines Available in Philly Victor Vineyards Roadside Red Fun little Zinfandel-based bottle from the town of Victor in California’s Central Valley. Red fruit, port-y raisins, licorice, and milk chocolate notes.  My current “house red” for everyday drinking. Callabriga Dao A serious red from Portugal for very little money. A fistful of mineral and a gritty mouthful of tannin.  Ripe, dark fruit, and Belgian chocolate appear as the wine opens.  It could be cellared for 5-7 years with impressive results. Pillar Box Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon This should be priced at $20 to $25, but it’s not. Its high quality will be evident to anyone picking up a bottle (and I suggest you do). Cedar, smoke, dynamic, lush fruit, with full-bodied, well-balanced, and excellent texture.  What else could you want? Dr Pauly Bergweiler Riesling Kabinett Wehlener Sonnenuhr A balance of peach and Meyer lemon with an undercurrent of ginger. The attack is fleshy pear, and the finish a bright, mineral whoosh—a sexy and versatile wine from one of the best vineyards in Mosel, Germany. French Wine Reviews   Top French Wine Buys Domaine St Eugene Corbieres Rouge Corbieres is a wide swath of vineyards in the Languedoc of France. This bottle captures some of the best aspects of this Mediterranean wine region—dense dark fruit with a dose of minerality that veers toward iron and earth.  Floral and spice notes in the finish complicate things nicely. This would be perfect for a simple beef stew. No 2 et No 5 de Francarney Fronsac Fronsac is an unheralded wine region in Bordeaux, often producing excellent bottles at affordable prices. This bottle is no exception—beautiful aromas of burnt cherry wood and allspice on the nose. Lush plum and Rainier cherries are followed by Earl Grey tea and cracked coriander notes on the palate. Chateau Carignan “Prima” Cadillac Cotes de Bordeaux This is the second release of the “Prima” offered up by the PLCB. The first was 2005, which we opened at the Wine School just a few months ago to the pleasure of our students. Chateau Carignan’s wines are showing great finesse and beauty after a few years in the cellar. 2008 is going to fare in the same manner. While a bit tight right now, give it five years in the cellar for maximum enjoyment. Top Italian Wine Buys Coli Villa Montignana Chianti Classico Riserva Aromas of Birchbark, jasmine, and old suede on the nose. The palate offers up a rustic version of Chianti, with unrefined tannins, bright acidity, and Bing cherry flavors. The finish veers towards refinement with toasted mocha and ripe blackberries. A lovely wine;  I wish that the PLCB would stop claiming this wine has a retail value of $40. The only place in the world that this wine costs that much is a single shop in Malaysia. Zisola Nero d’Avola Another repeat offender in the Chairman’s Selection program. When this wine was first released in Pennsylvania, Jonathan Newman was still the chairman of the PLCB. I am glad to see this wine back, as it’s a great introduction to Nero d’Avola. Medium-bodied and boasting flavors of dark fruit compote, the wine opens into burnt earth and wet basil. Tedeschi Amarone della Valpolicella For years, the popularity of Amarone kept pushing prices higher and higher. Whether it was the Great Recession or simply a movement of American tastes away from this particular style, prices have started to soften. And that is a great thing for us wine lovers. This bottle is one of the more complex and nuanced bottlings, with damson plum and smoked chocolate notes mingling with wildflowers and fennel pollen.

[johnboothus]

The 12 Best-Value Bottles You Can Buy at Total Wine Right Now

VinePair wine enthusiasts, we hear you! Readers have told us how hard it has been to discover new wines during the pandemic. Somms are in short supply, as many restaurants are still closed. Online wine platforms have algorithms that prioritize the same big brands, and many customers are still picking up their wine shop orders curbside. So we reached out to wine professionals we admire to ask for their help. With the challenge to build a 12-bottle case for under $250, these wine pros sifted through hundreds of bottles to find the best case possible — so you don’t have to. (And for wine pros who work with a brand, we also let them choose one of their own wines to highlight.) Then, we choose a retailer that ships nationally, and the pros only learn which retailer they’ll be choosing from after they accept the challenge. Their only guidance? Find wines that will wow wine enthusiasts.

First up is Philippe André, a bubbly-loving sommelier and the founder of The Grand Cru & Co., who accepted our challenge to build an exceptional 12-bottle case from Total Wine. André is a Chicago-based, second-generation sommelier and restaurateur who serves as the U.S. brand ambassador for Charles Heidsieck Champagne. As of June, he is also a board member of the United Sommeliers Foundation. When he’s not educating about wine, André “geeks out” about cigars and foreign cars. He also dabbles in the world of DJing. “Like wine, music can be so personal, intimate and barrier-breaking at the same time,” he says. “Pair the two together, and you’ve got some serious soul healing and recharging going down!”

André grew up in the hospitality industry, working in his family’s restaurant, Oceanique, in Evanston, Ill. While waiting tables, André learned he had a passion (and a gift) for wine. “I put on a Tom Ford suit, and the rest was history!” Today, as the U.S. Ambassador for Charles Heidsieck Champagne, he is the eyes and ears of the winery in the States. He works closely with importers and distributors — as well as with sommeliers and wine collectors through tastings and dinners. Amidst the ongoing pandemic, he is currently “working from home and utilizing video meetings for tastings, presentations, and educational trainings.”

Always looking to discover new wines, André’s approach has had to change a bit during the pandemic: “My success to finding great new wines in this time is subscribing to passionate wine shops and reading their offers and powerful descriptions,” he says. “Kogod Wine Merchants, Tribeca Wine Merchants, Verve Wine, Benchmark all have great consistent offers that I read almost daily.” He recommends that imbibers looking to try new bottles do the same, doing some follow-up research if a particular wine’s description speaks to them. Most important is to “try everything and let yourself be the judge,” he says.

When approached with this challenge, André “literally said out loud, ‘hell yes!’” Though he initially called the team at VinePair “crazy” for requesting 12-bottle cases at this price point, he was apparently “crazy” enough to take on the challenge. To André — a sommelier with Champagne taste (literally) — shopping at Total Wine was “like taking a master chef to Kroger and asking her what she would buy or what she looks for in quality ingredients, it’s fascinating and very personal — was a blast!” He says he’s always been impressed by Total Wine’s vast selection and bang-for-your-buck prices. A lover of large-format wines, he says he never leaves a Total Wine without a 3-liter bottle in hand.

When selecting wines for this case, André had two main goals: Picking bottles with “epic value,” and proving that you can have a “great range of styles while balancing the budget.” He takes pride in the fact that he was able to sneak in a bottle of his beloved bubbles, while still staying within the price limit. “As it takes two decades to make a finished bottle of Charles Heidsieck,” he says, “I’m confident in showing off-the-charts value, and I hope that everyone will agree!”

1: Terre di Talamo Morellino di Scansano Riserva, 2013 ($16.19)

Terre di Talamo is a winery based in the Tuscan Maremma. Located by the sea, the wines from this vineyard are characterized by distinctive minerality. This Sangiovese was aged in small oak barrels. “I love a full bodied red that’s silky smooth. With some nice age and classic Tuscan terroir, the Morellino di Scansano Riserva 2013 by Terre di Talamo is a great representation from one of Italy’s most popular regions. Dried earth and stewed fruit collide to erupt out of the glass of this Sangiovese. I’m loving the value from this, and for a wine that is ready to drink, we are right in the sweet spot. I would pair with a pot roast, decant for 15 minutes, and serve at cellar temp.”

2: Susana Balbo Malbec, 2015 ($19.97)

Susana Balbo is a family-run winery whose owner and namesake is considered one of the most influential women in wine. The winery is located in the heart of Luján de Cuyo Mendoza, an Argentinian region near the Andes Mountains. This Malbec is part of Balbo’s Crios collection, which is dedicated to her children. “The Susana Balbo Malbec is a refreshing representation of balance in a world that is often celebrated for decadence. The restraint and finesse makes this your go-to Malbec from Argentina. Family-owned and operated since 1999 by one of the most influential female winemakers of our time, … this property is always on my radar. Pair with a marinated flank steak and chimichurri. Decant for 20 minutes, and don’t forget that cellar temp!”

3: Chateau Musar Cuvée Jeune Red ($16.19)

Chateau Musar is a family-owned winery located two and a half hours outside Lebanon’s unheralded Bekaa Valley region. This wine is a blend of Cinsault, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon, and was fermented in cement-lined vats; it is unoaked. “By far one of the coolest historic wineries you’ll never hear about. The Chateau Musar Jeaune Red shows a polished approach and incredible value from the Bekaa Valley in Lebanon. Unoaked Cincault, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon are the players here providing medium tannin and herbaceous aromatics that tie in the total package. Pair with rack of lamb, and grab an extra bottle to drink while prepping. Decant for 15 minutes and, as always, serve at cellar temp!”

4: Can Blau Montsant, 2016 ($13.94)

Can Blau is a winery run by one of Spain’s great wine dynasties, the Gil family. It is located in Montsant, a wine region right next to world-famous Priorat that is becoming known for its wines. This wine is a Carignan, Grenache, and Syrah blend that’s aged for a short time in oak. “I first tasted this wine years ago back in my restaurant days while working the floor and was thoroughly impressed. Spain as a country has always over-performed and Can Blau is a killer value. I love the texture and how approachable it is for all wine lovers. This is a wine that will break some barriers without breaking the bank. Decadent package caries to the palate, throw some chorizo or a pork chop in a cast iron and thank me later. Decant for 20 minutes, and serve cellar temp, pretty please!”

5: Hedges Family Wines Cabernet Sauvignon ($16.19)

Another family-owned producer, Hedges Family Estate produces wines in Columbia Valley and Red Mountain — two of the most renowned regions in Washington State. This Cabernet Sauvignon was produced in the former region and was fermented in both American and French oak barrels. “I have had an affinity for the wines of Washington State for quite some time. I’ve found they show a sense of place, vintage variation, and give an authentic representation of the varietals. Hedges is a leading family-owned small producer that checks all the aforementioned boxes. Hitting above its weight class, this is a balanced representation of Cab Sauv that will surprise many wine lovers. Pair with a thick patty, mid-rare burger, and don’t forget to sauté some onions! Decant for 30 minutes. And like a broken record, serve cellar temp, yall!”

6: Château Bertinat Lartigue St.-Émilion ($20.69)

Château Croix de Bertinat produces wine from four appellations, including this Merlot-based Bordeaux blend from a site near the village of Saint-Émilion in Bordeaux, France. Grown in sandy soil, this wine is flavorful and easy drinking. “Bordeaux y’all! Step into this freshness and let’s go! Loud aromatics, classic terroir St.-Émilion is here to stay. Ballin’ on a budget is this golden ticket [to] kick off your weekend or impress the in-laws. Fresh plums and black cherries in a lush garden of lavender. Pair with a curated charcuterie board — don’t skip the bresaola! Decant for 30 minutes and like your boy said, serve cellar temp!”

7: Elk Cove Pinot Noir Willamette, 2016 ($24.97)

Elk Cove Vineyards is a family-owned winery based in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. The vintners consider themselves “Oregon winegrowing pioneers,” having planted their first vines in 1974. This Pinot Noir was made from fruit grown at all six of Elk Cove’s vineyard sites, representing various soil types. “I’ve visited the Willamette Valley in Oregon more than any other wine region. There is an excitement every time I land and I know I’m back in my home away from home. Elk Cove Vineyards is a 45-minute drive from Portland. A beautiful property, including a few legendary Pinot Noir vineyards run by second-generation family-owner and winemaker Adam Campbell. The 2016 Pinot Noir is a boss in the glass and represents a region founded by hard work and passion — something I experienced while working harvest in 2013. An awesome balance and complexity, [this wine] offers one of the best representations of Pinot in this great nation. Pair with baked salmon and decant for 30 minutes and please serve at cellar temp.”

8: Craggy Range Sauvignon Blanc Te Muna Road Vineyard, 2019 ($17.09)

Craggy Range is a vineyard located in New Zealand. Owned and operated by ex-billionaire Terry Peabody and his family, the winery produces grapes in multiple regions of New Zealand, though the winery itself, is situated in Hawke’s Bay. His wife, Mary Peabody, runs Craggy Range’s award-winning restaurant. This Sauvignon Blanc was grown in a cooler climate and in rocky soil, giving it fruit-forward flavor balanced by minerality. “So fresh, so clean, New Zealand’s vibrant expression of Sauvignon Blanc is well harnessed by the team at Craggy Range. Family-owned and female-run is a powerful combo that sets this property apart from the rest. The Te Muna Road Vineyard is cooler than the other side of the pillow, which brings out great texture and mineral[ity] on the palate. Pair with pork belly buns and kimchi, yup!”

9: Leitz Dragonstone Riesling ($13.87)

Leitz Wein, a winery located in the Rheingau region of Germany, is a family operation run by Johannes Leitz. This Riesling is from Leitz’s Drachenstein (or Dragonstone) vineyard. It is marked by its yeasty, minerally character. “People ask me what I drink the most outside of Champagne, and always in my top three is German Riesling. The Dragonstone Riesling by Josef Leitz is a versatile, bright, and refreshing representation. From the historic Rheingau, [this bottle] is an epic value. Orchard fruits like green apple, pear, and grapefruit are finished with a kiss of honey. The Dragontone will pretty much pair with anything you want to throw at it, but I love it with rich fried fish or seafood. Think McD’s Fish Filet. Do it!”

10: Jadot Bourgogne Chardonnay ($13.49)

Located in Burgundy, France, Maison Louis Jadot was founded in 1859. This is a larger winery, owning 528 acres of vineyards. “My second favorite wine of all time, white Burgundy! This is Chardonnay with pure finesse and structure. Nuance and detail are also at play to give you [the] alter ego to the rich and sappy Chard that made you hate it. Louis Jadot is one of my favorite larger houses that can talk the talk and walk the walk. They make an incredible range of wines from $10 to $1,000, yet I find the level of effort across the board to be a true stamp of integrity and dedication. Orchard and stone fruits with vanilla and baking spice and hint of brioche. Get classy for your afternoon Zoom calls and pair with some chèvre and Brie, or turn off your camera and smash Annie’s White Cheddar Mac — don’t forget to hit the bowl with a turn of fresh black pepper, BAM!”

11: Domaine Loubejac Chardonnay Willamette Valley, 2017 ($14.39)

Domaine Loubejac is a winery located in the Willamette Valley, owned by Laurent Montalieu. This medium-bodied Chardonnay was fermented partly in neutral French oak and partly in stainless steel. “On my first trip to Oregon’s Willamette Valley, I quickly realized how amazing the Chardonnay is. Domaine Loubejac’s 2017 is a Chardonnay with body and structure. Volume is up on this with aromatics and medium-plus weight on the palate. I’m feeling the balance and ripe peach and melon that [are screaming] to be paired with chilled king crab and drawn butter — live a little! And your boy says to make sure you use a big glass to let it breathe (and to boss hog it at the same time).”

12: Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve NV ($54.97)

Charles Heidsieck is a Champagne house founded in 1851. Of course, as a Charles Heidsieck ambassador, André went with a bottle of the brand’s Brut Reserve — a Chardonnay and Pinot Noir blend. This bottle is the most expensive in André’s case, but as he’ll tell you, it’s worth every penny. “If you know me, then you know my first love: Champagne! It’s the perfect wine, every time. There is one for every moment, dish, and, of course, the celebration of life! As the first ambassador of the winery to the U.S. in over 160 years, I have some big shoes to fill. Thankfully, the winery team has my back and put two decades of work into this bottle. The Brut Reserve is a blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Meunier grapes grown in the historic Champagne region about an hour outside of Paris. At Charles Heidsieck, we vinify each individual wine separately, using only the first pressing’s taste, and then carefully decide when to blend. The final result is a bottle with over 40 percent of aged wines along with a recent base vintage to create the long finish and vibrant, tiny bubbles we demand in our glasses. There is no greater way to set the stage than popping a bottle of the real deal Holyfield. Charles Heidsieck, a.k.a. “Champagne Charlie,” was the first ambassador of Champagne to come to the U.S., and the Brut Reserve is our walk-up song. I love pairing this wine with decadent and rich dishes, but my favorite of late is the one and only Popeye’s fried chicken sando — a home run!”

Cart Total: $256.20

My Discounts: 10% off box of Winery Direct Wines

Total Savings: -$14.25

Subtotal: $241.95

The article The 12 Best-Value Bottles You Can Buy at Total Wine Right Now appeared first on VinePair.

Via https://vinepair.com/articles/12-best-value-wines-total-wine-2020/

source https://vinology1.weebly.com/blog/the-12-best-value-bottles-you-can-buy-at-total-wine-right-now

[wineanddinosaur]

The 12 Best-Value Bottles You Can Buy at Total Wine Right Now

VinePair wine enthusiasts, we hear you! Readers have told us how hard it has been to discover new wines during the pandemic. Somms are in short supply, as many restaurants are still closed. Online wine platforms have algorithms that prioritize the same big brands, and many customers are still picking up their wine shop orders curbside. So we reached out to wine professionals we admire to ask for their help. With the challenge to build a 12-bottle case for under $250, these wine pros sifted through hundreds of bottles to find the best case possible — so you don’t have to. (And for wine pros who work with a brand, we also let them choose one of their own wines to highlight.) Then, we choose a retailer that ships nationally, and the pros only learn which retailer they’ll be choosing from after they accept the challenge. Their only guidance? Find wines that will wow wine enthusiasts.

First up is Philippe André, a bubbly-loving sommelier and the founder of The Grand Cru & Co., who accepted our challenge to build an exceptional 12-bottle case from Total Wine. André is a Chicago-based, second-generation sommelier and restaurateur who serves as the U.S. brand ambassador for Charles Heidsieck Champagne. As of June, he is also a board member of the United Sommeliers Foundation. When he’s not educating about wine, André “geeks out” about cigars and foreign cars. He also dabbles in the world of DJing. “Like wine, music can be so personal, intimate and barrier-breaking at the same time,” he says. “Pair the two together, and you’ve got some serious soul healing and recharging going down!”

André grew up in the hospitality industry, working in his family’s restaurant, Oceanique, in Evanston, Ill. While waiting tables, André learned he had a passion (and a gift) for wine. “I put on a Tom Ford suit, and the rest was history!” Today, as the U.S. Ambassador for Charles Heidsieck Champagne, he is the eyes and ears of the winery in the States. He works closely with importers and distributors — as well as with sommeliers and wine collectors through tastings and dinners. Amidst the ongoing pandemic, he is currently “working from home and utilizing video meetings for tastings, presentations, and educational trainings.”

Always looking to discover new wines, André’s approach has had to change a bit during the pandemic: “My success to finding great new wines in this time is subscribing to passionate wine shops and reading their offers and powerful descriptions,” he says. “Kogod Wine Merchants, Tribeca Wine Merchants, Verve Wine, Benchmark all have great consistent offers that I read almost daily.” He recommends that imbibers looking to try new bottles do the same, doing some follow-up research if a particular wine’s description speaks to them. Most important is to “try everything and let yourself be the judge,” he says.

When approached with this challenge, André “literally said out loud, ‘hell yes!’” Though he initially called the team at VinePair “crazy” for requesting 12-bottle cases at this price point, he was apparently “crazy” enough to take on the challenge. To André — a sommelier with Champagne taste (literally) — shopping at Total Wine was “like taking a master chef to Kroger and asking her what she would buy or what she looks for in quality ingredients, it’s fascinating and very personal — was a blast!” He says he’s always been impressed by Total Wine’s vast selection and bang-for-your-buck prices. A lover of large-format wines, he says he never leaves a Total Wine without a 3-liter bottle in hand.

When selecting wines for this case, André had two main goals: Picking bottles with “epic value,” and proving that you can have a “great range of styles while balancing the budget.” He takes pride in the fact that he was able to sneak in a bottle of his beloved bubbles, while still staying within the price limit. “As it takes two decades to make a finished bottle of Charles Heidsieck,” he says, “I’m confident in showing off-the-charts value, and I hope that everyone will agree!”

1: Terre di Talamo Morellino di Scansano Riserva, 2013 ($16.19)

Terre di Talamo is a winery based in the Tuscan Maremma. Located by the sea, the wines from this vineyard are characterized by distinctive minerality. This Sangiovese was aged in small oak barrels. “I love a full bodied red that’s silky smooth. With some nice age and classic Tuscan terroir, the Morellino di Scansano Riserva 2013 by Terre di Talamo is a great representation from one of Italy’s most popular regions. Dried earth and stewed fruit collide to erupt out of the glass of this Sangiovese. I’m loving the value from this, and for a wine that is ready to drink, we are right in the sweet spot. I would pair with a pot roast, decant for 15 minutes, and serve at cellar temp.”

2: Susana Balbo Malbec, 2015 ($19.97)

Susana Balbo is a family-run winery whose owner and namesake is considered one of the most influential women in wine. The winery is located in the heart of Luján de Cuyo Mendoza, an Argentinian region near the Andes Mountains. This Malbec is part of Balbo’s Crios collection, which is dedicated to her children. “The Susana Balbo Malbec is a refreshing representation of balance in a world that is often celebrated for decadence. The restraint and finesse makes this your go-to Malbec from Argentina. Family-owned and operated since 1999 by one of the most influential female winemakers of our time, … this property is always on my radar. Pair with a marinated flank steak and chimichurri. Decant for 20 minutes, and don’t forget that cellar temp!”

3: Chateau Musar Cuvée Jeune Red ($16.19)

Chateau Musar is a family-owned winery located two and a half hours outside Lebanon’s unheralded Bekaa Valley region. This wine is a blend of Cinsault, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon, and was fermented in cement-lined vats; it is unoaked. “By far one of the coolest historic wineries you’ll never hear about. The Chateau Musar Jeaune Red shows a polished approach and incredible value from the Bekaa Valley in Lebanon. Unoaked Cincault, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon are the players here providing medium tannin and herbaceous aromatics that tie in the total package. Pair with rack of lamb, and grab an extra bottle to drink while prepping. Decant for 15 minutes and, as always, serve at cellar temp!”

4: Can Blau Montsant, 2016 ($13.94)

Can Blau is a winery run by one of Spain’s great wine dynasties, the Gil family. It is located in Montsant, a wine region right next to world-famous Priorat that is becoming known for its wines. This wine is a Carignan, Grenache, and Syrah blend that’s aged for a short time in oak. “I first tasted this wine years ago back in my restaurant days while working the floor and was thoroughly impressed. Spain as a country has always over-performed and Can Blau is a killer value. I love the texture and how approachable it is for all wine lovers. This is a wine that will break some barriers without breaking the bank. Decadent package caries to the palate, throw some chorizo or a pork chop in a cast iron and thank me later. Decant for 20 minutes, and serve cellar temp, pretty please!”

5: Hedges Family Wines Cabernet Sauvignon ($16.19)

Another family-owned producer, Hedges Family Estate produces wines in Columbia Valley and Red Mountain — two of the most renowned regions in Washington State. This Cabernet Sauvignon was produced in the former region and was fermented in both American and French oak barrels. “I have had an affinity for the wines of Washington State for quite some time. I’ve found they show a sense of place, vintage variation, and give an authentic representation of the varietals. Hedges is a leading family-owned small producer that checks all the aforementioned boxes. Hitting above its weight class, this is a balanced representation of Cab Sauv that will surprise many wine lovers. Pair with a thick patty, mid-rare burger, and don’t forget to sauté some onions! Decant for 30 minutes. And like a broken record, serve cellar temp, yall!”

6: Château Bertinat Lartigue St.-Émilion ($20.69)

Château Croix de Bertinat produces wine from four appellations, including this Merlot-based Bordeaux blend from a site near the village of Saint-Émilion in Bordeaux, France. Grown in sandy soil, this wine is flavorful and easy drinking. “Bordeaux y’all! Step into this freshness and let’s go! Loud aromatics, classic terroir St.-Émilion is here to stay. Ballin’ on a budget is this golden ticket [to] kick off your weekend or impress the in-laws. Fresh plums and black cherries in a lush garden of lavender. Pair with a curated charcuterie board — don’t skip the bresaola! Decant for 30 minutes and like your boy said, serve cellar temp!”

7: Elk Cove Pinot Noir Willamette, 2016 ($24.97)

Elk Cove Vineyards is a family-owned winery based in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. The vintners consider themselves “Oregon winegrowing pioneers,” having planted their first vines in 1974. This Pinot Noir was made from fruit grown at all six of Elk Cove’s vineyard sites, representing various soil types. “I’ve visited the Willamette Valley in Oregon more than any other wine region. There is an excitement every time I land and I know I’m back in my home away from home. Elk Cove Vineyards is a 45-minute drive from Portland. A beautiful property, including a few legendary Pinot Noir vineyards run by second-generation family-owner and winemaker Adam Campbell. The 2016 Pinot Noir is a boss in the glass and represents a region founded by hard work and passion — something I experienced while working harvest in 2013. An awesome balance and complexity, [this wine] offers one of the best representations of Pinot in this great nation. Pair with baked salmon and decant for 30 minutes and please serve at cellar temp.”

8: Craggy Range Sauvignon Blanc Te Muna Road Vineyard, 2019 ($17.09)

Craggy Range is a vineyard located in New Zealand. Owned and operated by ex-billionaire Terry Peabody and his family, the winery produces grapes in multiple regions of New Zealand, though the winery itself, is situated in Hawke’s Bay. His wife, Mary Peabody, runs Craggy Range’s award-winning restaurant. This Sauvignon Blanc was grown in a cooler climate and in rocky soil, giving it fruit-forward flavor balanced by minerality. “So fresh, so clean, New Zealand’s vibrant expression of Sauvignon Blanc is well harnessed by the team at Craggy Range. Family-owned and female-run is a powerful combo that sets this property apart from the rest. The Te Muna Road Vineyard is cooler than the other side of the pillow, which brings out great texture and mineral[ity] on the palate. Pair with pork belly buns and kimchi, yup!”

9: Leitz Dragonstone Riesling ($13.87)

Leitz Wein, a winery located in the Rheingau region of Germany, is a family operation run by Johannes Leitz. This Riesling is from Leitz’s Drachenstein (or Dragonstone) vineyard. It is marked by its yeasty, minerally character. “People ask me what I drink the most outside of Champagne, and always in my top three is German Riesling. The Dragonstone Riesling by Josef Leitz is a versatile, bright, and refreshing representation. From the historic Rheingau, [this bottle] is an epic value. Orchard fruits like green apple, pear, and grapefruit are finished with a kiss of honey. The Dragontone will pretty much pair with anything you want to throw at it, but I love it with rich fried fish or seafood. Think McD’s Fish Filet. Do it!”

10: Jadot Bourgogne Chardonnay ($13.49)

Located in Burgundy, France, Maison Louis Jadot was founded in 1859. This is a larger winery, owning 528 acres of vineyards. “My second favorite wine of all time, white Burgundy! This is Chardonnay with pure finesse and structure. Nuance and detail are also at play to give you [the] alter ego to the rich and sappy Chard that made you hate it. Louis Jadot is one of my favorite larger houses that can talk the talk and walk the walk. They make an incredible range of wines from $10 to $1,000, yet I find the level of effort across the board to be a true stamp of integrity and dedication. Orchard and stone fruits with vanilla and baking spice and hint of brioche. Get classy for your afternoon Zoom calls and pair with some chèvre and Brie, or turn off your camera and smash Annie’s White Cheddar Mac — don’t forget to hit the bowl with a turn of fresh black pepper, BAM!”

11: Domaine Loubejac Chardonnay Willamette Valley, 2017 ($14.39)

Domaine Loubejac is a winery located in the Willamette Valley, owned by Laurent Montalieu. This medium-bodied Chardonnay was fermented partly in neutral French oak and partly in stainless steel. “On my first trip to Oregon’s Willamette Valley, I quickly realized how amazing the Chardonnay is. Domaine Loubejac’s 2017 is a Chardonnay with body and structure. Volume is up on this with aromatics and medium-plus weight on the palate. I’m feeling the balance and ripe peach and melon that [are screaming] to be paired with chilled king crab and drawn butter — live a little! And your boy says to make sure you use a big glass to let it breathe (and to boss hog it at the same time).”

12: Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve NV ($54.97)

Charles Heidsieck is a Champagne house founded in 1851. Of course, as a Charles Heidsieck ambassador, André went with a bottle of the brand’s Brut Reserve — a Chardonnay and Pinot Noir blend. This bottle is the most expensive in André’s case, but as he’ll tell you, it’s worth every penny. “If you know me, then you know my first love: Champagne! It’s the perfect wine, every time. There is one for every moment, dish, and, of course, the celebration of life! As the first ambassador of the winery to the U.S. in over 160 years, I have some big shoes to fill. Thankfully, the winery team has my back and put two decades of work into this bottle. The Brut Reserve is a blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Meunier grapes grown in the historic Champagne region about an hour outside of Paris. At Charles Heidsieck, we vinify each individual wine separately, using only the first pressing’s taste, and then carefully decide when to blend. The final result is a bottle with over 40 percent of aged wines along with a recent base vintage to create the long finish and vibrant, tiny bubbles we demand in our glasses. There is no greater way to set the stage than popping a bottle of the real deal Holyfield. Charles Heidsieck, a.k.a. “Champagne Charlie,” was the first ambassador of Champagne to come to the U.S., and the Brut Reserve is our walk-up song. I love pairing this wine with decadent and rich dishes, but my favorite of late is the one and only Popeye’s fried chicken sando — a home run!”

Cart Total: $256.20

My Discounts: 10% off box of Winery Direct Wines

Total Savings: -$14.25

Subtotal: $241.95

The article The 12 Best-Value Bottles You Can Buy at Total Wine Right Now appeared first on VinePair.

source https://vinepair.com/articles/12-best-value-wines-total-wine-2020/

[isaiahrippinus]

The 12 Best-Value Bottles You Can Buy at Total Wine Right Now

VinePair wine enthusiasts, we hear you! Readers have told us how hard it has been to discover new wines during the pandemic. Somms are in short supply, as many restaurants are still closed. Online wine platforms have algorithms that prioritize the same big brands, and many customers are still picking up their wine shop orders curbside. So we reached out to wine professionals we admire to ask for their help. With the challenge to build a 12-bottle case for under $250, these wine pros sifted through hundreds of bottles to find the best case possible — so you don’t have to. (And for wine pros who work with a brand, we also let them choose one of their own wines to highlight.) Then, we choose a retailer that ships nationally, and the pros only learn which retailer they’ll be choosing from after they accept the challenge. Their only guidance? Find wines that will wow wine enthusiasts.

First up is Philippe André, a bubbly-loving sommelier and the founder of The Grand Cru & Co., who accepted our challenge to build an exceptional 12-bottle case from Total Wine. André is a Chicago-based, second-generation sommelier and restaurateur who serves as the U.S. brand ambassador for Charles Heidsieck Champagne. As of June, he is also a board member of the United Sommeliers Foundation. When he’s not educating about wine, André “geeks out” about cigars and foreign cars. He also dabbles in the world of DJing. “Like wine, music can be so personal, intimate and barrier-breaking at the same time,” he says. “Pair the two together, and you’ve got some serious soul healing and recharging going down!”

André grew up in the hospitality industry, working in his family’s restaurant, Oceanique, in Evanston, Ill. While waiting tables, André learned he had a passion (and a gift) for wine. “I put on a Tom Ford suit, and the rest was history!” Today, as the U.S. Ambassador for Charles Heidsieck Champagne, he is the eyes and ears of the winery in the States. He works closely with importers and distributors — as well as with sommeliers and wine collectors through tastings and dinners. Amidst the ongoing pandemic, he is currently “working from home and utilizing video meetings for tastings, presentations, and educational trainings.”

Always looking to discover new wines, André’s approach has had to change a bit during the pandemic: “My success to finding great new wines in this time is subscribing to passionate wine shops and reading their offers and powerful descriptions,” he says. “Kogod Wine Merchants, Tribeca Wine Merchants, Verve Wine, Benchmark all have great consistent offers that I read almost daily.” He recommends that imbibers looking to try new bottles do the same, doing some follow-up research if a particular wine’s description speaks to them. Most important is to “try everything and let yourself be the judge,” he says.

When approached with this challenge, André “literally said out loud, ‘hell yes!’” Though he initially called the team at VinePair “crazy” for requesting 12-bottle cases at this price point, he was apparently “crazy” enough to take on the challenge. To André — a sommelier with Champagne taste (literally) — shopping at Total Wine was “like taking a master chef to Kroger and asking her what she would buy or what she looks for in quality ingredients, it’s fascinating and very personal — was a blast!” He says he’s always been impressed by Total Wine’s vast selection and bang-for-your-buck prices. A lover of large-format wines, he says he never leaves a Total Wine without a 3-liter bottle in hand.

When selecting wines for this case, André had two main goals: Picking bottles with “epic value,” and proving that you can have a “great range of styles while balancing the budget.” He takes pride in the fact that he was able to sneak in a bottle of his beloved bubbles, while still staying within the price limit. “As it takes two decades to make a finished bottle of Charles Heidsieck,” he says, “I’m confident in showing off-the-charts value, and I hope that everyone will agree!”

1: Terre di Talamo Morellino di Scansano Riserva, 2013 ($16.19)

Terre di Talamo is a winery based in the Tuscan Maremma. Located by the sea, the wines from this vineyard are characterized by distinctive minerality. This Sangiovese was aged in small oak barrels. “I love a full bodied red that’s silky smooth. With some nice age and classic Tuscan terroir, the Morellino di Scansano Riserva 2013 by Terre di Talamo is a great representation from one of Italy’s most popular regions. Dried earth and stewed fruit collide to erupt out of the glass of this Sangiovese. I’m loving the value from this, and for a wine that is ready to drink, we are right in the sweet spot. I would pair with a pot roast, decant for 15 minutes, and serve at cellar temp.”

2: Susana Balbo Malbec, 2015 ($19.97)

Susana Balbo is a family-run winery whose owner and namesake is considered one of the most influential women in wine. The winery is located in the heart of Luján de Cuyo Mendoza, an Argentinian region near the Andes Mountains. This Malbec is part of Balbo’s Crios collection, which is dedicated to her children. “The Susana Balbo Malbec is a refreshing representation of balance in a world that is often celebrated for decadence. The restraint and finesse makes this your go-to Malbec from Argentina. Family-owned and operated since 1999 by one of the most influential female winemakers of our time, … this property is always on my radar. Pair with a marinated flank steak and chimichurri. Decant for 20 minutes, and don’t forget that cellar temp!”

3: Chateau Musar Cuvée Jeune Red ($16.19)

Chateau Musar is a family-owned winery located two and a half hours outside Lebanon’s unheralded Bekaa Valley region. This wine is a blend of Cinsault, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon, and was fermented in cement-lined vats; it is unoaked. “By far one of the coolest historic wineries you’ll never hear about. The Chateau Musar Jeaune Red shows a polished approach and incredible value from the Bekaa Valley in Lebanon. Unoaked Cincault, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon are the players here providing medium tannin and herbaceous aromatics that tie in the total package. Pair with rack of lamb, and grab an extra bottle to drink while prepping. Decant for 15 minutes and, as always, serve at cellar temp!”

4: Can Blau Montsant, 2016 ($13.94)

Can Blau is a winery run by one of Spain’s great wine dynasties, the Gil family. It is located in Montsant, a wine region right next to world-famous Priorat that is becoming known for its wines. This wine is a Carignan, Grenache, and Syrah blend that’s aged for a short time in oak. “I first tasted this wine years ago back in my restaurant days while working the floor and was thoroughly impressed. Spain as a country has always over-performed and Can Blau is a killer value. I love the texture and how approachable it is for all wine lovers. This is a wine that will break some barriers without breaking the bank. Decadent package caries to the palate, throw some chorizo or a pork chop in a cast iron and thank me later. Decant for 20 minutes, and serve cellar temp, pretty please!”

5: Hedges Family Wines Cabernet Sauvignon ($16.19)

Another family-owned producer, Hedges Family Estate produces wines in Columbia Valley and Red Mountain — two of the most renowned regions in Washington State. This Cabernet Sauvignon was produced in the former region and was fermented in both American and French oak barrels. “I have had an affinity for the wines of Washington State for quite some time. I’ve found they show a sense of place, vintage variation, and give an authentic representation of the varietals. Hedges is a leading family-owned small producer that checks all the aforementioned boxes. Hitting above its weight class, this is a balanced representation of Cab Sauv that will surprise many wine lovers. Pair with a thick patty, mid-rare burger, and don’t forget to sauté some onions! Decant for 30 minutes. And like a broken record, serve cellar temp, yall!”

6: Château Bertinat Lartigue St.-Émilion ($20.69)

Château Croix de Bertinat produces wine from four appellations, including this Merlot-based Bordeaux blend from a site near the village of Saint-Émilion in Bordeaux, France. Grown in sandy soil, this wine is flavorful and easy drinking. “Bordeaux y’all! Step into this freshness and let’s go! Loud aromatics, classic terroir St.-Émilion is here to stay. Ballin’ on a budget is this golden ticket [to] kick off your weekend or impress the in-laws. Fresh plums and black cherries in a lush garden of lavender. Pair with a curated charcuterie board — don’t skip the bresaola! Decant for 30 minutes and like your boy said, serve cellar temp!”

7: Elk Cove Pinot Noir Willamette, 2016 ($24.97)

Elk Cove Vineyards is a family-owned winery based in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. The vintners consider themselves “Oregon winegrowing pioneers,” having planted their first vines in 1974. This Pinot Noir was made from fruit grown at all six of Elk Cove’s vineyard sites, representing various soil types. “I’ve visited the Willamette Valley in Oregon more than any other wine region. There is an excitement every time I land and I know I’m back in my home away from home. Elk Cove Vineyards is a 45-minute drive from Portland. A beautiful property, including a few legendary Pinot Noir vineyards run by second-generation family-owner and winemaker Adam Campbell. The 2016 Pinot Noir is a boss in the glass and represents a region founded by hard work and passion — something I experienced while working harvest in 2013. An awesome balance and complexity, [this wine] offers one of the best representations of Pinot in this great nation. Pair with baked salmon and decant for 30 minutes and please serve at cellar temp.”

8: Craggy Range Sauvignon Blanc Te Muna Road Vineyard, 2019 ($17.09)

Craggy Range is a vineyard located in New Zealand. Owned and operated by ex-billionaire Terry Peabody and his family, the winery produces grapes in multiple regions of New Zealand, though the winery itself, is situated in Hawke’s Bay. His wife, Mary Peabody, runs Craggy Range’s award-winning restaurant. This Sauvignon Blanc was grown in a cooler climate and in rocky soil, giving it fruit-forward flavor balanced by minerality. “So fresh, so clean, New Zealand’s vibrant expression of Sauvignon Blanc is well harnessed by the team at Craggy Range. Family-owned and female-run is a powerful combo that sets this property apart from the rest. The Te Muna Road Vineyard is cooler than the other side of the pillow, which brings out great texture and mineral[ity] on the palate. Pair with pork belly buns and kimchi, yup!”

9: Leitz Dragonstone Riesling ($13.87)

Leitz Wein, a winery located in the Rheingau region of Germany, is a family operation run by Johannes Leitz. This Riesling is from Leitz’s Drachenstein (or Dragonstone) vineyard. It is marked by its yeasty, minerally character. “People ask me what I drink the most outside of Champagne, and always in my top three is German Riesling. The Dragonstone Riesling by Josef Leitz is a versatile, bright, and refreshing representation. From the historic Rheingau, [this bottle] is an epic value. Orchard fruits like green apple, pear, and grapefruit are finished with a kiss of honey. The Dragontone will pretty much pair with anything you want to throw at it, but I love it with rich fried fish or seafood. Think McD’s Fish Filet. Do it!”

10: Jadot Bourgogne Chardonnay ($13.49)

Located in Burgundy, France, Maison Louis Jadot was founded in 1859. This is a larger winery, owning 528 acres of vineyards. “My second favorite wine of all time, white Burgundy! This is Chardonnay with pure finesse and structure. Nuance and detail are also at play to give you [the] alter ego to the rich and sappy Chard that made you hate it. Louis Jadot is one of my favorite larger houses that can talk the talk and walk the walk. They make an incredible range of wines from $10 to $1,000, yet I find the level of effort across the board to be a true stamp of integrity and dedication. Orchard and stone fruits with vanilla and baking spice and hint of brioche. Get classy for your afternoon Zoom calls and pair with some chèvre and Brie, or turn off your camera and smash Annie’s White Cheddar Mac — don’t forget to hit the bowl with a turn of fresh black pepper, BAM!”

11: Domaine Loubejac Chardonnay Willamette Valley, 2017 ($14.39)

Domaine Loubejac is a winery located in the Willamette Valley, owned by Laurent Montalieu. This medium-bodied Chardonnay was fermented partly in neutral French oak and partly in stainless steel. “On my first trip to Oregon’s Willamette Valley, I quickly realized how amazing the Chardonnay is. Domaine Loubejac’s 2017 is a Chardonnay with body and structure. Volume is up on this with aromatics and medium-plus weight on the palate. I’m feeling the balance and ripe peach and melon that [are screaming] to be paired with chilled king crab and drawn butter — live a little! And your boy says to make sure you use a big glass to let it breathe (and to boss hog it at the same time).”

12: Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve NV ($54.97)

Charles Heidsieck is a Champagne house founded in 1851. Of course, as a Charles Heidsieck ambassador, André went with a bottle of the brand’s Brut Reserve — a Chardonnay and Pinot Noir blend. This bottle is the most expensive in André’s case, but as he’ll tell you, it’s worth every penny. “If you know me, then you know my first love: Champagne! It’s the perfect wine, every time. There is one for every moment, dish, and, of course, the celebration of life! As the first ambassador of the winery to the U.S. in over 160 years, I have some big shoes to fill. Thankfully, the winery team has my back and put two decades of work into this bottle. The Brut Reserve is a blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Meunier grapes grown in the historic Champagne region about an hour outside of Paris. At Charles Heidsieck, we vinify each individual wine separately, using only the first pressing’s taste, and then carefully decide when to blend. The final result is a bottle with over 40 percent of aged wines along with a recent base vintage to create the long finish and vibrant, tiny bubbles we demand in our glasses. There is no greater way to set the stage than popping a bottle of the real deal Holyfield. Charles Heidsieck, a.k.a. “Champagne Charlie,” was the first ambassador of Champagne to come to the U.S., and the Brut Reserve is our walk-up song. I love pairing this wine with decadent and rich dishes, but my favorite of late is the one and only Popeye’s fried chicken sando — a home run!”

Cart Total: $256.20

My Discounts: 10% off box of Winery Direct Wines

Total Savings: -$14.25

Subtotal: $241.95

The article The 12 Best-Value Bottles You Can Buy at Total Wine Right Now appeared first on VinePair.

source https://vinepair.com/articles/12-best-value-wines-total-wine-2020/ source https://vinology1.tumblr.com/post/629422456329895936

[twelvebyseventyfive]

Blind tasting exam, MW style: what’s it like?

Yesterday. I joined in a tasting session with two MW students who were doing a test practical paper. I’ve never done a tasting like this before, and to be honest, sitting down with 12 wines (all red in this case) and an accompanying set of questions is incredibly daunting, even for someone who tastes all the time. What I lack is any training in the way to approach this sort of structured blind tasting: a logical framework to guide me through, channelling what I know in the pressured situation of an exam. So here are my notes, not written necessarily as exam answers, but just to illustrate what is going through my mind. [I haven’t altered them in any way in light of the answers.] I’m a very open sort of person, so please be easy on me posting my raw notes from this tasting. Unless you’ve sat through it yourself, it’s hard to understand how challenging it can be. I think by posting my comments absolutely unedited, they are more interesting and useful for readers. I merely added in the names of the wines. Thank you to Robin and Anastasia for letting me crash your tasting, and to Nikolai for setting the test.

Q1: Wines 1,2 and 3 are all from the same country of origin. Two of them are made from the same grape variety. Identify the country of origin and the grape varieties used for each one.

So I try the first three wines. They taste European. The middle one is the outlier: paler in colour with sour cherries and plums and good acidity. It tastes quite Pinot Noir-like, but like a Spätburgunder, with some leafy green notes. It just tastes very like a German Pinot, although I can’t say why.

But 1 and 3? Darker in colour. No 1 is quite refined with sweet black cherries and plums. Quite polished and sophisticated, with some silkiness. Ripe but not warm-climate ripe.

No 3 has some bite, with a bit of volatility. It’s bright and fruity with blackberries and black cherries, and some sour cherry character. Very hard to place.

So I’m sort of stumped. I don’t think it’s Italy, although it could be – a Pinot Nero flanked by two Dolcettos, for example. Nor does it seem like France, just because wine 2 isn’t an obvious Pinot Noir (or could it be from Alsace? Hmmm), even though 1 and 3 seem quite French and could be Merlots. And because nothing is riding on this tasting for me, I’m thought of taking a chance and choose Austria, with 2 being a Saint Laurent and 1 and 3 being Blaufrankisch. But then the next question makes me reconsider. What about Germany? Then I can stay with the Pinot Noir and use this for wines 2 and 3, and wine 1 can be something richer, maybe a Dornfelder?

Q2: Wines 2 and 3 are from the same region. Identify the region as closely as possible and comment on the style and quality with particular reference to viticultural techniques.

So now I’m stumped even more and will have to revise my answers to the first question. Before, I thought 2 was Pinot Noir or Saint Laurent, and 3 Merlot or Blaufrankisch. Now, I don’t think that is possible. Now I think that both must be Pinot Noir from somewhere likes Alsace or Germany, but they are completely different.

(2) is all sour cherry and plum and is pale in colour with distinct green notes. (3) is fuller in body and richer, with more fruit, and is a darker colour, and has a bit of volatile acidity. How could this relate to viticultural techniques? Well, if they are German, they could be from the Pfalz or Baden. They don’t taste like the Ahr. Maybe Baden? Soils would make a difference, as would exposure of the site, but the question talks about viticultural techniques. Yield would make different wines, as would trellising technique and interventions such as fruit zone leaf removal. The richer colour of the latter could be because of lower yields, removing the leaves in the fruit zone, and doing a green harvest. Wine 2 with its lighter colour and greener flavours could come from higher cropped vines on less favourable sites.

Answer: the wines were from New Zealand.

1 The Wine Society’s Exhibition Hawke’s Bay Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Malbec 2014 2 The Edge Pinot Noir 2017 Martinborough, New Zealand 3 The Society’s Exhibition Pinot Noir 2016 Marlborough, New Zealand}

Q3: Wines 4, 5 and 6 are all from the same region and made from the same grape variety. Identify the region and grape, and discuss the style and quality of each one, with particular reference to winemaking.

I’ll begin by tasting the wines one by one.

4 – juicy and vivid with fresh acidity and sweet black fruits, with a sour cherry finish. Medium bodied with a really juicy quality. Has high acidity and moderate tannin. Tastes very European, with a few year’s bottle age. Still quite tannic. Has a little bit of warmth so not Bordeaux or Burgundy, but not as warm as the southern Rhone. May be this is Italian with that bitter cherry/damson edge?

5 – sweetly floral on the nose, with good colour. Youthful and aromatic and quite berryish. Juicy, fruit forward palate with good acidity. Tastes quite carbonic and primary, and is very fruit forward with wild strawberries and raspberries. Fresh acidity. This is very European and the brightness is leading me to a carbonic maceration commercial style, possibly Beaujolais. No oak. A commercial wine.

6 – This is sappy and bright with good acidity and a light body. Has freshness, but also a tiny bit of development. Bright, juicy cherry fruit dominates with low-ish tannin and a nice savoury twist. There’s a nice grainy structure, and the fruit isn’t too primary or overpowering. No evident oak.

For me, there are two options. The first is Gamay from Beaujolais, which wine 3 certainly could be, but maybe less so wines 4 and 6. So the other choice would be Dolcetto from Piedmont. What would lead me to the latter is the distinct sour cherry character of wine 4, and the taste of wine 6. These aren’t warm enough to be from the south.

What about winemaking? I think wine 5 is carbonic maceration, made in a way to accentuate the youthful fruitiness. Wine 4 is more structured, so I think conventional maceration and extraction then ageing in neutral oak. Wine 6 has a nice elegance to it, so maybe ageing in large barrels after a short maceration, or could this be aged in concrete? 6 could also be more of a wild-ferment, low intervention wine.

Answer: Beaujolais

4 Thibault Ligier Belair Moulin a Vent Les Rouchaux 2014 5 The Society’s Beajolais Villages 2017 6 Domaine des Chers Saint-Amour 2017

Q4: Wines 7 and 8 are made from the same grape variety. Identify the grape variety. Identify the country and region of origin as closely as possible for each wine, making reference to style and commercial positioning.

So I taste both wines. They are quite dark and fruity. No obvious variety leaps out of the glass to me. This is the stage where you are just waiting for something to identify itself: why can’t one of the wines be really obvious, leaving me with a sense of certainty? So I’m going to have to do this the hard way.

(7) is fruit forward and supple with ripe but restrained black cherry and blackberry fruits, and nice freshness. It’s polished and fruity and clean. Medium tannin, moderate acidity, moderate ripeness. There’s some warmth here. No obvious green notes so I don’t think it is Merlot, and not blackcurranty enough for Cabernet Sauvignon. It could be Syrah (but a relatively warm climate version, there’s no black pepper here), or it could be Tempranillo, which can be a bit generic with no obvious features. I don’t get any obvious oak. It’s warm climate old world or a balanced, slightly cooler new world.

(8) is ripe and sweet with some green olive hints. Rich with some warmth, and hints of tar. Deep in colour with a savoury twist. There’s a subtle hint of mint here that makes me think of Australia, and some tannic structure. Shows a bit of blackcurrant character, too.  Meaty and rich, finishing with a touch of sweetness. Quite a commercial wine, and I reckon it’s Australian.

So I’m going to make a call. I think the variety is Shiraz. The first is either from the Languedoc or from Australia, and it’s a warm climate wine made in a restrained style without too much ripeness or oak. It’s a medium-priced wine. The second is a more commercial Australian Shiraz from a lesser region (or a lesser part of a good region), selling at a lower price.

7 The Society’s Exhibition Hermitage 2014 (made by Chave) 8 The Society’s Exhibition Shiraz 2014 Victoria

Wines 9, 10, 11 and 12 are all made from the same country of origin, but different regions. Identify the country of origin and the grape varieties used for each wine. Identify the winegrowing region of each wine as closely as possible.

I’ll start here by tasting the wines one by one. As I taste, I hope I’ll get some clues.

(9) has liqueur-like black fruits on the nose. It’s supple and taut on the palate with compact structure and hints of leather and spice. Good tannins. Medium-weight fruit, with some warmth to it. But also nice structure. Is it Carignan? It reminds me a bit of Carignan. Quite a serious wine.

(10) has an ashy, gravelly, chalky edge to it that leads me straight to the Cabernet family, and in particular Cabernet Franc. Or it could be Carmenere. This has a bit of development. It’s ripe and generous, with nice green notes.

(11) is lighter in colour, with nice supple, juicy red berry fruits. Quite warm with some generosity. Sleek, ripe and balanced with red fruits and some green tea notes. Could this be Cinsault? It’s pretty harmonious. Or Pais?

(12) is ripe and very fruity with some blackcurrant fruit. Generous and ripe with a rounded blackcurrant fruit character and some pastille notes. I think this could well be Cabernet Sauvignon from a warmer climate.

So, my answer for the country of origin is Chile. I think the first wine is a Maule Carignan, with its fresh acidity and compact black fruit character. I think the second is a Carmenere, and so I reckon this is from Maipo. The third would then be a Pais from Itata or somewhere else down south, and the last a Cabernet Sauvignon, which I’d place in Colchagua.

I’ve either nailed these last four wines, or I’ve got them completely wrong. I guess in the exam you want to get them right, but even if you don’t, if you explain your working, and your working is essentially sound, you could score points even if you come to the wrong conclusion.

Answer: Chile 9 Caliterra Tributo Malbec 2015 Colchagua, Chile 10 De Martino Alto de Piedras Carmenere 2011 Maipo, Chile 11 De Martino Cinsault Old Vines 2016 Itata, Chile 12 The Society’s Exhibition Merlot 2016 Peumo, Chile

  from Jamie Goode's wine blog http://www.wineanorak.com:/wineblog/uncategorized/blind-tasting-exam-mw-style-whats-it-like For Fine Wine Investment opportunities check out Twelve by Seventy Five: http://www.twelve-by-seventy-five.com/

[dandelionwineshop]

Dandelion Wine Thursday Night Summer Wine Tasting 7-9pm

We welcome back Amy of Wine MC2 Selection, one of the more focused books we work with that represent about 30 small natural producers, mostly from France, including the two we will be featuring tonight.  Come taste and enjoy cheese fromEastern District and bread from She-Wolf Bakery!

Domaine Julie Benau Languedoc-Roussillon, France

The Benau family bought their property, a 16th century fortified farmhouse in the south of France, in 1980 and, for the next twenty years or so, they sold all their grape production to the local co-op. In 1999, when their young daughter Julie returned home, they began bottling some of the wine on their own and at her insistence they are aiming for only the highest quality.

Picpoul de Pinet is an appellation composed of 6 communes in front of the bay of Thau, near Sète between Bezier and Montpellier. The land is rich with rocky soil and hillsides producing sunny and noble wine. The vineyards are planted only with Picpoul, which Jancis Robinson says comes from “pique poul” meaning “lip stinger” due to the high acidity in the grapes. James Wilson disputes this and suggests that piquepoul is in fact another name for the Folle Blanche of Armagnac and Cognac – another ‘lip stinging’ grape. In any case, Picpoul is known for its high acidity and since at least the 17th century it was blended with Clairette to give that grape some spine. All of the vineyards in Picpoul de Pinet share a southern exposition, are sheltered by inland hills from the NW wind, enjoy lots of sunshine and the moderation of summer heat by humid ocean breezes.

Julie's 2015 Picpoul de Pinet is the perfect accompaniment to shellfish.  Salty and crisp like an ocean breeze.  There's not a better match for your oysters on the half-shell, your pots of steamed mussels, or your fresh clams off the grill.  Chill and serve!  $16

Julie's 2011 Crop Circle Rouge is a refreshingly original blend that could only come from the Southwest of France.  Bordeaux meets Rhone with a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Carignan, and Cinsault.  Deep and dark and earthy, but lifted with red and black fruits and a rustic spice.  A fun wine to share with friends and to pair with richer dishes like duck confit and cassoulet... is there such a thing as summer cassoulet?  Why not!  $19

Domaine Leon Boesch Westhalten, Alsace, France

Domaine Leon Boesch is located in the commune of Westhalten, in the heart of the Ballons des Vosges nature reserve. 11 generations of winemakers have upheld the tradition of producing fine Alsace wines, and today Gerard and Matthew (Father and Son) continue to create fantastic award winning wines. The door of woven straw that adorns the wine labels is there to remind them of their roots in the Noble Valley.

The vineyards cover 14.5 hectares of which 2.7 are in the Grand Cru Zinnkoepflé, 1.6 in the Clos Zwingel and 4 in Breitenberg. With all the names and major Alsatian wines covered (Riesling, Muscat, Pinot, Sylvaner, Gewurztraminer and Riesling).

Since 2000 the domaine have maintained a Biodynamic certification for their organically produced wines which only strengthens the original traditions laid down generations ago. The French ECOCERT certification (Equivelent of the UK Organic producer certificate) means all the grapes now produced by Domaine Leon Boesch are grown without the use of chemicals.

Domaine Leon Boesch Cremant d'Alscace Zero 2014 has zero sugar added so as you can imagine, this white blended bubbly is BONE-DRY with vivid acidity, lightning quick flashes of citrus and mineral notes across the palate.  Need a refreshing drink after a hot day?  Or a crisp aperitif while sweating over the hot grill?  Or maybe just something to settle your stomach after a giant feast with friends... this is it.  $27