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perfectirishgifts · 4 years ago

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Giving Cinderella Her Due: A Look At Cabernet Franc

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Giving Cinderella Her Due: A Look At Cabernet Franc

Tenute Argentiera’s iconic Ventaglio Cabernet Franc vineyard in Bolgheri

“Cab Franc is the ultimate Cinderella grape,” exclaims Leah Jørgensen, owner and winemaker of Jørgensen Cellars in Willamette Valley. “Historically, in Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot got all the attention, while Cab Franc was the one who did all the work. The truth is she’s the belle of the ball.”

While its hard to imagine the parent of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Carménère being underappreciated, Cabernet Franc is often overlooked by wine lovers. Yet, it remains a secret weapon of wine makers. It’s time to start pay attention to Cabernet Franc.

As a blending grape, Cabernet Franc plays well with others. It delivers high acidity, smooth tannins, and notes of spice and herbs, making it more than capable of taking the lead in blends from Napa Valley and Bordeaux’s Right Bank, most notably in Château Cheval Blanc. Recently, it is making a name for itself as a single variety wine.

Cabernet Franc grape close up. Saumur, France

Uco Valley is home to Argentina’s top Malbec. However, Gualtallary, within the Tupungato GI, has an ace up its sleeve—Cabernet Franc. “The potential power of Cabernet Franc illustrated through our terroir is best expressed here,” shares Gonzalo Fernandez Gregorat, winemaker of Rutini Wines, who has been producing Cabernet Franc in the region for 20 years. Rodrigo Serrano, winemaker of Domaine Bousquet, attributes the wine’s soft expressions in the mouth to the region’s elevation and alluvial soil. In the hands of the region’s top producers, the grape transforms into the sexy elegance of the Argentine Tango.

Under the Tuscan Sun, Tenuta Argentiera’s Ventaglio Vineyard, on their Bolgheri estate, signals a new awakening for the property. Ventaglio, meaning fan, represents the winery’s cru, or best, vineyard. And, it’s all planted with one grape: Cabernet Franc. “Ventaglio is my heart and blood—the place I find a new beginning,” shares owner Stanislaus Turnauer. Produced in small amounts in the best vintages, Ventaglio represents the flagship of Argentiera’s portfolio, taking expectations and understanding of the grape to new heights—a Cru Super Tuscan comprised mainly of Cabernet Franc.

Napa Valley wineries such as Gamble Family Vineyards, Ehler’s Estate, and Cliff Lede Vineyards produce rich, robust expressions of Cabernet Franc. Chris Tynan, winemaker of Cliff Lede Vineyards, believes Napa hosts the ideal conditions for the grape to ripen “to perfection.”

Inspired by Right Bank Bordeaux, the Cliff Lede High Fidelity “spotlights the playful symbiosis of Cabernet Franc and Merlot, accentuating their individual layers of complexity.” Jason Lede, hospitality manager of Cliff Lede Vineyards “loves it for its plush, fruit-forward qualities.” Adding, “It’s approachable yet still has incredible concentration.”

Both Leah Jørgensen as well as Alison and Eric Smith Story, owners of Smith Story Wine Cellars in Anderson Valley, find their Cabernet Franc inspiration in France’s Loire Valley. And, both believe the trick to an exceptional glass starts in the vineyard.

To limit the grape’s natural “greenness,” Smith Story carefully monitors the grape, harvesting once a perfectly ripe mid-core is achieved. “Resulting in a vibrancy and a nice lift of acidity at the end is a truly magical sip found in our Smith Story Cabernet Franc,” shares Alison Smith Story.

Adding to this, Jørgensen maintains the timing of leaf removal and irrigation of the vine is key in limiting the wine’s greenness while it ripens. This allows the fruit to shine as the green notes become tertiary, creating a pleasant herbal expression. She also contends, in order to coax out the grape’s fruitiness, new oak should never be used in aging.

Jørgensen Cellars offers a variety of expressions of Southern Oregon Cabernet Franc.

Jørgensen sources her Cabernet Franc from Applegate and Rouge Valleys, areas of Southern Oregon containing limestone soil with ancient marine sediments similar to the Loire Valley. Crater View Ranch Vineyards, the source for some of her fruit and a vineyard she believes grows some of the best Cabernet Franc in the world, contains a high concentration of this soil. Because Loire Valley is revered for its expressions of the grape, these soil similarities offer Oregon growers guidance in cultivating the fruit.

Cabernet Franc’s acidity and tannin structure allows Jørgensen to craft a unique expression—a blanc wine, inspired by former Anne Amie winemaker Thomas Houseman’s L’Iris white Pinot Noir as well as Crémant de Loire sparkling wines. However, she is not making an arbitrary white wine from red grapes. Rather, building on the grape’s structure for intentional symmetry between the white and red wines.

Lori and Mike Budd, owners of Draceana Wines in Paso Robles, feel in love with Cabernet Franc at first taste many years ago. In 2013, the couple launched their own label with one wine. “After hunting California, we realized there was not a lot of Cab Franc out there. So, we decided to form our own niche with the foundation of the wine we really, really love,” explains Lori Budd.

Today they craft two styles. A classic multi-site clonal cuvee, and single site and clone reserve expression. “The reserve is mother nature in a glass,” shares Budd. “There are so many different expressions of the grape—there’s a Cab Franc for everyone,” believes Lori Budd.

Surprised a grape with Cabernet Franc’s pedigree did not have its own celebration day, Budd says the “Jersey girl in her” took up the charge to correct this oversight. In 2015, she single-handedly established December 4 as #CabFrancDay.

The date honors Cardinal Richelieu, who is credited with bringing cuttings of the grape to the Loire Valley in the 17th century. Lore holds he planted the vines at St Nicolas de Bourgueil where it grows to this day. From its humble beginnings, #CabFrancDay is now an international celebration.

While its increasingly easier to find wineries focusing on this grape, it remains underappreciated. “Cabernet Franc is an underdog—it needs to be fought for,” explains Budd. “It delivers so many different expressions. There is a Cab Franc out there for everybody.”

a selection of high-quality Cabernet Franc wines

2017 Cliff Lede Vineyards ‘High Fidelity’ Napa Valley ($95) is crafted of 48% Cabernet Franc, 43% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Sauvignon in a nod to both Right Bank Bordeaux and classic rock n’ roll, in a “Smoke On The Water” sort of way. Notes of black currant, fig jam, black pepper, smoked charcuterie, and fresh tobacco dazzle the senses. Concentrated yet approachable, with a crushed velvet mouth-feel and a long, mouth-watering finish.

2018 Domaine Bousquet GAIA Cabernet Franc Gualtallary Estate Vineyard Uco Valley ($30) represents the first time the wine is produced as 100% varietal. It offers soft aromas of bright fruit, mint, pepper, warm baking spice, and floral notes. Firm, gripping tannins contrast its fruit-forward juiciness and mid-palate minerality. Its broad on the palate with a lingering freshness.

2018 Jørgensen Cellars Mae’s Vineyard Blanc de Cabernet Franc Applegate Valley Oregon ($30) is a stunning wine. Layers of lemon, apricot, and apple are joined by fresh picked savory herbs, fresh white flowers and blossom, white tea, and trailing toasted hazelnuts leap from the glass. Complexity follows through on the palate with rich texture balanced by firm acidity, offering an elegance and mid-palate lift. This wine is a must.

2018 Jørgensen Cellars Cabernet Franc Southern Oregon ($25) follows in the footsteps of the Blanc in that it is layered and complex. Aromas of a dried bouquet leap from the glass of this flagship red wine, followed by delicate berries, warm spice, savory dried herbs, and trailing smoke. Vibrant best describes the palate, its fresh with lots of energy and lift. A steal for the price.

2016 Jørgensen Cellars ‘Clos Rouge Valley’ Reserve Cabernet Franc Southern Oregon ($50) falls to the opposite end of the spectrum, word descriptors do no justice in this distinction. Elegant layers of red floral notes (fresh and dried) mingle with tea, savory herbs, cocoa bitters, and black pepper, but more than the sum of its part, the flavors weave together like a tapestry. With a crushed velvet mouth-feel and linear focus, this medium-bodied wine begs for food.

2018 Ravine Cellars Cabernet Franc Finger Lakes New York ($21.95) is a bold single variety wine. Dark fruit, olive tapenade, dried herbs, fresh tobacco, and trailing pepper elicits the senses. Fine-grained tannins from large cask aging offer a smooth mouth-feel. A fruit-driven plate is juicy yet balanced with earthiness in a full-bodied wine with a long finish.

2016 Smith Story Cabernet Franc Sonoma Valley ($48) is a single variety wine intentionally crafted in an elegant, refined style. It offers bright notes of red and black fruit mingling with fresh herbs, violets, subtle spice, and black tea. The palate is fresh with nice lift and mouthwatering acidity. A food wine in a classic old-world style.

2015 Tenuta Argentiera Ventaglio Bolgheri IGT ($300) is the inaugural release. It is crafted of 85% Cabernet Franc and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine stands out for its cru quality: Lush, sultry, layered, complex, and structured. It’s robe of dark fruit, crushed flowers, dried herbs, warm spice, and a cedar, tobacco, mineral earthiness goes on for days on the palate. Long age-ability but hard to resist now.

2018 Zuccardi ‘Poligonos’ San Pablo Cabernet Franc ($30) is located in the center of Uco Valley, in the heart of Tunuyán, a region defined by its close proximity to the Andes Mountains. Winemaker Sebastián Zuccardi vinifies this wine in concrete vats with indigenous yeast. The resulting 100% Cabernet Franc is fresh and lively, with layers of blue and red fruit, dried herbs, and graphite. The palate exhibits tension between its smooth tannins and bold mountain nature, walking a tight-rope between new and old-world styles.

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topfygad · 5 years ago

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Uco Valley Wine Tour, Mendoza, Argentina

With beautiful wineries, vineyards and top restaurants, find out whether going on an Uco Valley wine tour is the best way to explore this region near Mendoza, Argentina.

It was just after 9am, and all I could think about was wine. It may sound like I’m bordering on alcoholism but no, I was in Mendoza, Argentina – an area known specifically for its production of Malbec. Today, I’d be learning about wine, exploring a few vineyards and hopefully tasting a whole load too.

In the safe hands of Kahuak (one of Mendoza’s top tourism agencies) and with bubbly tour guide Anna Laura leading the way, we headed out of the city to the Uco Valley. The tour would take us towards the snow-capped Andes to visit three of the Uco Valley’s top wineries – Salentein, Domaine Bousquet and Andeluna.

Beautiful views on the journey to the Uco Valley

The valley lies around 150km south of Mendoza. It’s a lush region with fields packed with crops (everything from garlic, onions and tomatoes to cherries, nuts and melons) and endless rows of vines. It’s considered Argentina’s ‘new world’ when it comes to wine. Formerly a region producing average quality table wines, Salentein arrived and changed everything. Their icon wines swiftly made a name for themselves, and several others followed suit.

As we passed a checkpoint at Tepungato (meaning viewpoint of the stars in a native language) we spotted plenty of luxury hotels with large gates and long drives. We heard how celebrities frequent these places as they offer ultimate privacy… in fact Ricky Martin happened to be staying at one of them during our visit!

So why does the Uco Valley produce such great wine? The climate here helps produce grapes with thicker skins, creating more sugar and a greater depth of flavour. In fact, the skins are 3 times thicker than Argentina’s other wine-producing regions – Maipu and Lujan de Cuyo.

Bodegas Salentein

The reception building at Bodegas Salentein is quite a sight. Heavy brutalist architecture in an area of outstanding natural beauty, with a bizarre collection of abstract sculptures standing tall in front. When I ventured inside and looked out to the next building (the winery) things really stepped up a notch. Red roses topped many of the vines, the beautifully snowy Andes jutted out behind, the sky a bright shade of blue, and then the winery in front – a spectacular symmetrical slither. It really was breath-taking.

The winery housed the fermentation area, wine production areas, bottling room and an incredible cellar. We learned about their 3 icon wines and how around 50% of their wine is exported to 40+ countries. Well, with 5000 barrels in the cellar, it would be greedy if the Argentines kept it all to themselves!

Wine production room at Salentein Winery, Uco Valley

After visiting Lapostolle and Vina Montes in Chile, I felt I’d seen some of the most spectacular cellars in the world… but this was something else. The barrels lay on steps leading down to a huge circular area, like an old roman amphitheatre, with large columns leading up to the viewing area above. A grand piano sat in the middle, and I couldn’t resist but play a few tunes. I loved that this was a winery with a real arty side – from the sculptures and paintings, to the regular music recitals they hold in the cellar – creativity oozed out of it.

We learned plenty about wine… but eyes on the prize, it was time to enter one of the spectacular wine tasting rooms. We sampled several wines starting with a deliciously light chardonnay (yes that’s not an oxymoron!) with notes of tropical fruits and only a light oak flavour. The pinot noir had been aged for 10 months and tasted almost like a rose wine, with flavours of strawberries, raspberries and vanilla, then an aftertaste that tasted more of a red. The 14-month aged malbec packed a punch! With its deep purple colour, flavours of red fruits and a long, totally delicious, aftertaste!

After half an hour in the dark cellars, we emerged back into the scorching temperatures and bright daylight. No time to sober up, the next winery was moments away.

Domaine Bousquet

Unlike most wineries in the region, Domaine Bousquet is fully organic – in fact it’s the largest in Argentina. It was great to hear the story behind the place. The French owner had been desperate to set up the organic winery in the south of France but couldn’t find a location with the perfect climate. He travelled the world and in 1998 fell in love with the Uco Valley. He bought several hundred hectares and set to work. Producing 3 million litres a year, Domaine Bousquet exports 90%, mainly to Scandinavia and other European countries.

It was a lovely location, with their own natural reservoir, and a spectacular bar looking out to the vines.

Reservoir and view of the Andes at Domaine Bousquet Winery, Uco Valley

Amazing views from the wine tasting bar at Domaine Bousquet Winery, Uco Valley

They have 4 different lines; Premium, Reserve, Grande Reserve, and Icon. It was interesting entering one of the working production rooms. Unsurprisingly really, it reeked of wine, and was very industrial. Watching men moving crates of grapes around on small trucks felt worlds away from opening a lovely bottle of red at home with dinner.

We sampled a light, crisp summery 2015 Chardonnay, followed by a Reserve Pinot Noir from 2013, followed by the big one – the Malbec Gran Reserve 2012. At 15% it’s the strongest one in their range. They were so different from the wines at Salentein, despite being produced metres away from each another.

Andeluna

Again, with no time to sober up, we rolled back into the bus to Andeluna where we’d finally eat something. When tipsy, I usually crave carbs, but this wasn’t the end of the night, it was early afternoon and we were about to tuck into a 6 course-tasting menu… with wine pairings!

Andeluna vineyards, Uco Valley

Usually I take plenty of notes during restaurant reviews so I know I’ll be able describe everything to you in great detail. My notes for this meal seem to be just a few lines long. No this wasn’t because I didn’t enjoy it – quite the opposite. I enjoyed it so much I forgot about the notes. Luckily, I took plenty of photos and a menu, so all is not lost!

Andeluna Restaurant, Uco Valley

We started with a roasted watermelon carpaccio topped with rocket and a balsamic reduction. It was a really surprising dish – it looked like beef carpaccio, and was salty and meaty in flavour, despite being fruit!

Watermelon carpaccio at Andeluna Restaurant, Uco Valley

Next up a squash pastry topped with ricotta and cured ham, and peaches – again a wonderful mix or sweet and savoury, washed down with an oaky glass of Altitud – a chardonnay from Andeluna’s Reserva line.

Squash pastry with ham, cheese and peaches at Andeluna Restaurant, Uco Valley

The next course was a large fried ravioli stuffed with cheese and served with a salsa containing tomatoe, onion, coriander and pepper. This came with a powerful glass of Andeluna’s 2014 Malbec.

Fried ravioli at Andeluna Restaurant, Uco Valley

When the huge slab of filet mignon arrived, I was already feeling a little full, but it looked delicious. It came with a lemon and oregano butter, a saffron mayo and cute beetroot stars, with crunchy toasted pistachio adding a bit of texture. I went to watch the chefs at work as they fried steaks for the whole table perfectly to order. Flames licked the ceiling as the chefs seasoned the steaks with large pinches of salt and pepper. As ever, a little on the salty side for me, but the full bodied Andeluna Pasionado matched the dish beautifully.

I enjoyed a coffee outside on the terrace gazing out at the bright blue sky and lush green vineyards, and quietly reflected on a great day. It had been tiring – eating and drinking often is… but I’d just about survived. I knew I wouldn’t need another meal, or another glass of wine that day, but that probably wouldn’t stop me!

White chocolate mousse with preserved cherries, coconut textures at Andeluna, Uco Valley

Andeluna Restaurant, Uco Valley

Andeluna vineyards, Uco Valley

If you’re staying in Mendoza, you can book tours to the vineyards in nearby Lujan de Cuyo, but I’d certainly recommend heading out to the Uco Valley as it’s as much about the scenery and architecture as the wine.

Thanks to Kahuak for inviting me along to experience their Uco Valley Wine Tour. The tour costs AR$ 2300 (approx. £112) which includes tours and tastings at 2 wineries, plus a 6 course lunch with tastings. Find out more about the tours they offer here.

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wineanddinosaur · 5 years ago

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The 50 Best Wines of 2019

It’s been another wine-filled year at the VinePair HQ, and while the months passed by in a blur, 50 bottles stood out above the rest and etched a place in our memories. To help readers enter the new year (and decade!) with a list of wonderful experiences to discover with a glass in hand, we’re sharing our top 50 wines of 2019.

As in previous years, this annual ranking tells a story in 50 bottles. These labels are not only the wines we enjoyed the most over the past 12 months; they’re what we consider to represent the most important trends in wine right now.

Leading the conversation is the class and quality offered by American Chardonnay. The days of “anything but Chardonnay” became a distant memory when we tasted the bottles of several domestic producers, who are highlighting the wonders and nuance of the world’s most popular white variety.

As the months went on, we became increasingly excited about Spanish wines, especially those from less explored regions, grapes, and producers. Our staff, panelists, and wine director agree Spain is currently offering some of the best value for money, and most exciting drinking experiences right now.

It’s also been a year of triumphant comebacks from grapes that, but for the noble work of a few producers, could have become extinct. Italy more than any other nation proved notably nostalgic in this respect.

All wines in this ranking were first sampled and reviewed by VinePair’s tasting department. We then compiled a “short list” of bottles that received an A+ or A rating, and whittled that list down to 50 wines using multiple criteria.

All bottles must be readily available in the U.S., offer great value for money, and be drinking well right now. None of the wines from last year’s list could be considered for inclusion, and we placed a limit of one bottle per winery.

The VinePair staff then debated, and debated again where each bottle should place. We finally tasted the potential top 10 multiple times to cement our final ranking.

Here are VinePair’s top 50 wines of 2019, tasted and ranked.

50. Trivento Amado Sur 2016 ($14)

Malbec lends a medium-bodied, dark-fruit core to this affordable Argentine blend. Bonarda lifts the wine, adding juicy strawberry notes, while a splash of Syrah finishes things off with peppery, herbaceous vibes. This wine is fun and lively, and we believe everyone will love it.

49. Château Rieussec R de Rieussec Blanc Sec 2018 ($25)

Bordeaux might be best-known for its red blends, but the region also makes awesome whites like this zippy Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon blend. It is simultaneously salty and sweet, yet racy acidity and tart green apple notes are present to balance it out.

48. Peter Zemmer ‘Rollhutt’ Pinot Noir 2017 ($19)

From Alto Adige in northeastern Italy comes this soft and elegant Pinot Noir. Dark cherry and redcurrant flavors give the wine a fruity flavor, while notes of crunchy leaves and freshly turned soil add nuance. A bonafide bargain at less than $20.

47. LAN Gran Reserva Rioja 2010 ($23)

A regional stalwart, LAN’s three-letter name is shorthand for wines of quality, balance, and exceptional value. Its 2010 Gran Reserva, the current release, is rich in tart red-fruit character, sweet and spicy oak notes, and the leathery, tobacco-leaf hallmarks of age.

46. Felsina Berardenga Chianti Classico DOCG 2016 ($24)

This soulful Chianti Classico stays true to the traditional style, with aromas and flavors of ripe cherries and forest floor. Some swirling and a little patience coax out vibrant blackberry notes and a crack of black pepper. Did someone say pasta dinner?

45. Domaine Bousquet Brut Rosé NV ($10)

Made from organic, hand-picked Pinot Noir grapes in Argentina’s Uco Valley, we can’t figure out exactly how this wine is so cheap. But affordability is by no means its only attribute. This South American sparkler is concentrated, fruity, and refreshing, and begs to be bought by the case-load.

44. Freemark Abbey Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 ($44)

This structured Cabernet Sauvignon is beautifully balanced, offering nuanced notes of blackberry, cherry, fresh tobacco leaf, and leather. While $44 is no paltry sum, in the realm of Napa Cab, and from a noteworthy, historic producer, this is as close as you will find to a bargain bottle in the category.

43. Sokol Blosser Evolution White Blend NV ($15)

An outlier in every sense, this multi-vintage white blend contains a total of nine different grape varieties, including Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay, and Semillon. Intensely aromatic, it is the perfect answer to that trickiest of wine pairing conundrums: What pairs well with spicy, fusion-style cuisine?

42. Gustave Lorentz Crémant d’Alsace Brut NV ($24)

Outside of Champagne, Crémant d’Alsace is France’s leading sparkling wine appellation. This 100 percent Pinot Noir rosé is a great example of why the category deserves international attention. Grapefruit brûlée leaps out on the nose, while the palate is a soft and silky mix of wild strawberries and cherry coulis.

41. Cantina Tramin Kellerei ‘Stoan’ 2017 ($33)

This aromatic white wine contains a non-traditional mix of Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, Sauvignon Blanc, and Gewürztraminer grapes. Each variety is individually fermented in large oak barrels before the wines are blended and left to age for several months in bottles. The end result is an impeccably balanced wine with intense fruity aromas and flavors, and a lasting, creamy finish.

40. Niner Wine Estates Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 ($35)

A sprawling wine region on California’s Central Coast, Paso Robles highlights the softer side of Cabernet Sauvignon. This bright and juicy red has a velvety palate that’s rich in black-fruit flavors. The variety’s signature tannins are present but seamlessly integrated, while refreshing acidity keeps things lively.

39. Bodegas Nekeas ‘El Chaparral de Vega Sindoa’ Old Vine Garnacha 2018 ($26)

Made from grapes grown on 70- to 100-year-old vines in Spain’s Navarra wine region, there’s a lot going on in this wine. Red fruit aromas are seasoned with hints of clove, mint, eucalyptus, and cracked pepper. The palate is lean, fruity, and structured. For just $14, this is outstanding winemaking.

38. Jean Reverdy et Fils Sancerre ‘La Reine Blanche’ 2018 ($21)

Displaying all the hallmarks of classic Sancerre, this wine has a citrus and green fruit core, topped off with subtle bell pepper and a flinty finish. Lively acidity calls out for some creamy goat cheese or a light seafood dish.

37. Markham Vineyards Napa Valley Merlot 2014 ($21)

One of Napa Valley’s oldest wineries, Markham Vineyards offers this stunning Merlot for just over $20. Off the bat, it’s a little reserved, but soon serves fruity cherry and plum flavors, textured by black pepper and earthy cassis. Grab a decanter, fire up Netflix, and your Saturday night is sorted.

36. Domaine Matrot Meursault 2017 ($99)

This Meursault is exactly the style of Chardonnay many New World producers dream of emulating. It is the definition of balance and delicate oak influence, with vanilla and baking spice aromas mingling with pear and green apple. The palate is rich and luxurious, and goes a long way to justifying the wine’s lofty price tag.

35. Torbreck Barossa Valley Woodcutter’s Shiraz 2017 ($23)

Sure, the bottle label reads 15 percent ABV, but your palate will say otherwise when sipping this graceful Shiraz. You’ll focus on its punchy sour cherry fruit notes, soft tannins, and long, earthy finish. It’s full-bodied, but in a comforting way, like your favorite below-40 winter jacket.

34. Viña Garces Silva Amayna Sauvignon Blanc 2018 ($25)

Character-wise, Chilean Sauvignon Blanc falls midway between the in-your-face nature of New Zealand “Savvy B” and the elegantly restrained wines of Sancerre. Viña Garces creates an excellent example of this with notes of gooseberries, white peaches, and basil. Its acidity is less intense than other wines made from the variety, providing a slightly heavier texture, which we love.

33. Remhoogte Reserve ‘Honeybunch’ Chenin Blanc 2017 ($25)

Earthy aromas of a bruised apple, lime, and honeysuckle leap out of this South African Chenin Blanc, and are soon followed by notes of quince paste, jasmine, and a waft of ginger. The depth of descriptors continues onto the palate, which has a soft, creamy texture and zesty finish.

32. Domaine Le Tour Vieille Banyuls Reserva NV ($24)

Sweet, fortified Banyuls wines are made in a similar manner to Port but feature the native grapes of France’s Roussillon region (namely Grenache and Carignan). As with all great dessert wines, the most attractive aspect of this Banyuls is its refreshing acidity, which holds together sweet dried apricot and caramel notes. A lengthy, nutty finish means you won’t forget about it in a hurry.

31. Marco Felluga Molamatta Collio Bianco 2015 ($24)

From Italy’s Friuli-Venezia Giulia region, this wine is full-bodied and structured, but refreshing at the same time. It pairs with almost all foods, though jibes best with poultry and seafood. Best of all, it will comfortably age for a few years in your cellar (read: wine rack inside your closet).

30. Bodegas Agro de Bazán Granbazán Etiqueta Verde 2018 ($19)

When Albariño is “done” right, the wine’s intense acidity is matched by concentrated fruit flavors. This bottle is one such success story, with mouthwatering acidity that seems to magnify flavors of lemon, ginger, dried apricots, and wet stones. It is an ideal pre-dinner bottle, pairing well with Spanish cheeses, almonds, and salty olives.

29. Tommasi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 2015 ($65)

The nose on this wine is alive with aromas of savory baking spices, caramelized plums, and cracked black pepper. It’s full-bodied and vibrant on the palate, with added notes of dark cherry and espresso. Neither its profile nor its price tag make this an “everyday” wine, but this is Amarone at its harmonious best, and a bottle fit for special occasions.

28. Craggy Range Winery Te Muna Road Vineyard Pinot Noir 2016 ($27)

If your prior experiences with New Zealand only include Sauvignon Blanc and the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, it’s time you discovered the nation’s expressive Pinot Noir wines. This one has a fruit-forward character with notes of seasoned dried herbs, truffle, and pipe tobacco. Oak aging gives further aromas, including desiccated coconut, and adds playful tannins to the palate.

27. Inama Vigneti di Foscarino Soave Classico 2017 ($24)

Soave means “smooth” in Italian, and that’s the perfect descriptor for this wine. It has a rich nose that opens with intense aromas of pears and wet rocks. With a swirl, sweet jasmine petals float with the scent of tart white peaches. The palate is rich and weighty, but kept in check by medium acidity.

26. Domaine Karydas Naoussa Xinomavro 2015 ($30)

The translucent cherry hue of this Xinomavro belies its powerful character. Reminiscent of the Nebbiolo wines of Barolo and Barbaresco, this complex red has striking aromas of cherries and potting soil that continue onto the palate. They’re met there by intense tannins and bracing acidity, which eventually give way to the graceful perfume of violet petals.

25. Rusack Vineyards Santa Barbara County Chardonnay 2017 ($29)

From the moment this Chardonnay hits your palate, it doesn’t let go. Prepare to be tongue-struck with green apples, lemon zest, and chalk dust (sounds strange, tastes delicious). There’s oak influence too, but the typical descriptors (vanilla, toast, and butter) are subtle.

24. Nalle Winery Dry Creek Valley Estate Old Vine Zinfandel 2015 ($45)

In an ideal world, all old vine Zinfandels would follow this wine’s lead: relatively low alcohol content (13.8 percent ABV), refreshing acidity, and concentrated fruit flavors that include earth, dark berries, and pepper, rather than just jammy dark fruit. It’s only available from the winery’s website, and will set you back almost $50, but this wine is worth it.

23. Domaine Matrot Auxey-Duresses Côte de Beaune 2016 ($40)

This a relatively affordable introduction to the red wines of Burgundy. It’s heavy on the nose but treads lightly on the palate, with baking spice aromas and dark cherry notes traveling to the supple, velvety palate. You could stash it away for a few years, but this wine is drinking more than fine right now.

22. Tenute Cisa Asinari Marchesi di Gresy Martinenga ‘La Serra’ Moscato d’Asti NV ($18)

This is the best Moscato d’Asti on the market right now. This low-ABV sparkling wine will brighten up any brunch or aperitivo hour with its gentle bubbles, orange blossom, sage, honeysuckle, and lavender notes.

21. Gruet Blanc de Noirs NV ($16)

Made using the “traditional method,” where secondary fermentation takes place in-bottle, this majority-Pinot-Noir Blanc de Noirs spends a minimum of 24 months aging on lees. The result is a complex, layered sparkling wine, with notes of baked apples, vanilla, and toasted brioche on both the nose and palate. The wine retails for a barely believable $16, and can be found pretty much everywhere, making it a staple on our wine shelf.

20. Familia Zuccardi ‘Aluvional’ Paraje Altamira 2014 ($89)

When you first inhale this wine’s aromas, for a brief millisecond it feels like you’re about to taste the type of jammy, approachable Malbec that won over American palates in the early aughts. Then, from nowhere, complex notes of herbs, flinty minerals, and dried earth take center stage. From this point onward, it’s overwhelmingly apparent that this is an outstanding bottle and the future of fine wine in Argentina.

19. Domaine Sigalas Santorini Assyrtiko 2018 ($32)

If you like zesty, mineral-rich whites, or have a big ol’ fillet of fish waiting to hit the plancha, this is the wine for you. The very same lemon zest you’ll season your fish with is present on the wine’s nose, as are wet rocks, pepper, and crisp white pears. Its palate is lively, with vibrant acidity and a concentrated green-fruit flavors.

18. Château Batailley Grand Cru Classé 2015 ($81)

One of the oldest estates in the Médoc, Château Batailley is a fifth-growth producer located in Pauillac. Within the appellation, its wines have a longstanding reputation for great value (relatively speaking), and the 2015 vintage is no exception. It has concentrated black currant, leather, tobacco, and white pepper aromas. On the palate, it is simply luxurious. If you want to splurge on Bordeaux, look no further.

17. Bodegas Avancia ‘Cuvee de O’ Mencia 2017 ($16)

While Mencía is best associated with Spain’s Bierzo D.O., when grown in the neighboring Valdeorras D.O., the wines take on a slightly lighter profile and offer more complexity. This bottle is a stunning example of that and shows further nuance from oak aging. Its aromas include wild berries, cracked pepper, and dried herbs. Blackberries and a savory vegetal note arrive on the palate, along with grippy tannins and a persisting finish.

16. Angela Estate ‘Abbott Claim’ Pinot Noir 2015 ($57)

Hailing from a tiny subregion within the Willamette Valley AVA, the Yamhill-Carlton District, this Pinot Noir is decidedly Old World in character. It is complex and nuanced with an attractive bouquet that includes topsoil, green leaves, and tart red cherries. Red-fruit flavors continue on the palate, which has well-integrated tannins and textured minerality.

15. Clos Du Val Three Graces 2016 ($180)

From a famed wine estate in Napa Valley’s Stags Leap District, Three Graces is a Cabernet-Sauvignon-driven blend that also includes Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. It is fruity, structured, and layered, with well-incorporated tannins providing the finesse its name suggests. This wine is drinking remarkably well right now, despite its young age. It promises to get even better with time.

14. Ravines Wine Cellars Cabernet Franc 2017 ($21)

This wine is a great example of why Cabernet Franc is fast becoming the Finger Lakes’ signature red variety. Its aromas transport you to an afternoon walk through an autumnal forest, with brambly black fruit backed up by fallen leaves and damp stones. The palate has a subtle grip and generous acidity, and its 12.9 percent ABV allows a lengthy drinking experience.

13. Elvio Cogno ‘Anas-Cetta’ Langhe Nascetta di Novello 2016 ($30)

Elvio Cogno was one of a handful of producers that saved Nacsetta, Langhe’s only indigenous white variety, from extinction in the early ‘90s. This wine proves what a loss that would have been. It’s highly aromatic, with citrus and tropical fruit notes, plus a whiff of cannabis. Savory flavor kicks in on the palate, with hints of sage and rosemary.

12. Copain ‘Les Voisins’ Syrah Yorkville Highlands 2015 ($34)

Restrained and balanced, this is California Syrah at its finest. Made using grapes from three different vineyards in Mendocino County’s Yorkville Highlands, this wine has scents of bold blackberries, tart plums, and just a sprinkling of baking spices. The aromas carry through to the palate, which is medium-bodied with firm, well-rounded tannins. Pair with lamb or any other grilled red meat.

11. Laurent-Perrier ‘Grand Siècle’ No. 24 ($140)

Laurent-Perrier makes its prestige cuvée, Grand Siècle, using a blend of three wines produced exclusively from grand cru vineyards in vintage-quality years. Each release comprises a different blend, distinguished by an “Iteration” number displayed on the bottle’s label. Number 24, the current release, has a lively, complex bouquet of green apples, dried white flowers, orange zest, and flint. Its palate is concentrated and vibrant, with a strong fruit core. This is an expressive, age-worthy Champagne and offers great value compared to the prices of other prestige cuvées.

10. Jermann Pinot Grigio Venezia Giulia IGT 2017 ($23)

Seldom do we think of Pinot Grigio as a variety that can offer depth and character, but Jermann proves this is absolutely the case. From Friuli-Venezia Giulia in northeastern Italy, this wine is aromatic, elegant, and texturally intriguing. It starts with aromas of flowers and citrus fruit, before stone fruit and mineral notes emerge. The wine has a broad mouthfeel that’s lifted by energetic acidity and textured by chalky minerality. While it’s more expensive than many wines made using this variety, this is absolutely not your average Pinot Grigio.

9. Long Meadow Ranch Napa Valley Merlot 2014 ($36)

Long Meadow Ranch farms 90 acres of organic vineyards in the heart of Napa Valley. Though better known for its Cabernet Sauvignon wines, the estate’s 2014 Merlot was the bottle that really grabbed our attention. From one of the warmest and driest vintages on record, this Merlot is big, bold, and balanced with acidity and tannins for long-term aging. At present, it has pronounced cherry tree aromas (fruit, leaf, and bark) and hints of vanilla and plums that continue onto its silky palate. The definition of a fine wine, this bottle promises to get better still with age.

8. Graci Etna Rosato 2018 ($21)

This Sicilian rosato (in French, rosé) is made from Nerello Mascalese, a dark-skinned red variety commonly grown in the volcanic soils of Mount Etna. Graci transforms those grapes into an attractive copper-colored rosé via gentle pressing, avoiding maceration. It then ferments the must in large concrete tanks. What emerges is a perfectly balanced rosé that serves equal parts fruit character, acid, and tannins. The concentration of flavors and aromas is intense, while the wine’s mouthfeel is soft, smooth, and even slightly creamy. Forget Provence, Etna rosé is where it’s at.

7. Château Fonplégade Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classé 2012 ($46)

Founded in 1852, Château Fonplégade is located on Bordeaux’s Right Bank, on the southern hillside of Saint-Émilion. The property’s name translates to “fountain of plenty” and derives from a 13th-century stone fountain situated on one of the estate’s vineyards. Grand Cru Classé, the property’s flagship wine, is a soulful Merlot-dominant blend that also contains a seasoning of Cabernet Franc. Prior to bottling, the wine spends 20 months aging, with 85 percent of the blend resting in new French oak, and 15 percent in concrete eggs. Pouring an intense dark ruby, the wine’s aromas are reminiscent of cranberry sauce and cherry compote, while bottle age has added earthy notes of leather and tobacco leaf. It’s plush and velvety on the palate, and serves a long-lasting finish.

6. Ridgeview Cavendish Brut NV ($43)

While winemakers around the world strain to adapt to warming climes, a handful of regions are currently reaping its benefits. Among the most notable is southern England, whose high-quality sparkling wine industry continues to garner international attention. Ridegview, one of the frontrunners of the movement, founded in 1995, has spent the last two decades producing sparkling wines using the same grapes and techniques as Champagne. Pinot Noir drives the estate’s Cavendish blend, which whiffs of cherries and sweet pastry and lands a structured, mineral-rich mousse on the palate. Perfect for parties and food pairings, next time you’re in the mood for bubbles or life calls for celebrations, take this bottle over your go-to Champagne.

5. G.D. Vajra Langhe Nebbiolo 2017 ($22)

Piedmont is the home of the Nebbiolo grape, which famously stars in the fabled wines of Barolo and Barbaresco. For much more affordable expressions of the variety, and wines that are approachable in their youth (read: ready to drink ASAP), drinkers should look to the Langhe hills and bottles such as this from G.D. Vajra. This wine serves a fruit-forward expression of Nebbiolo, with concentrated sour cherry notes that are pleasurably disrupted by a vibrant acidity on the palate. The acidity stops the wine’s heavy fruit character from overwhelming the palate, while a rigid but approachable tannic structure holds everything together. The beauty of this wine is its youth, and for this price, you can afford to serve it on the midweek dinner table.

4. Barboursville Vineyards Reserve Viognier 2017 ($22)

If you have yet to try Viognier or are looking to take a dive into the wines of Virginia, start here. Founded by Virginia Governor James Barbour in 1814, and purchased by Italy’s Zonin family (of Prosecco fame) in 1976, Barboursville Vineyards provides compelling evidence of Virginia’s potential as a world-class winemaking region. With this release, the estate also cements the notion that Viognier should be Virginia’s signature white variety. This wine is an excellent example of its aromatic grace and the balance Viognier can display. Its nose is rich in mineral notes, apricot, and orange blossom, while the low-alcohol palate shows great acidity and luxurious viscosity.

3. Mastroberardino ‘Radici’ Taurasi DOCG 2014 ($54)

The Mastroberardino family’s contribution to preserving the legacy of quality winemaking in Italy’s Campania region cannot be overstated. With local vineyards ravaged by phylloxera and World War II, many farmers understandably decided to rip out indigenous vines and replace them with higher-yielding varieties. Not the Mastroberardinos, who stayed true to the region and, in turn, saved such native varieties as Greco, Fiano, and Aglianico from almost certain extinction. The latter of the three is showcased in the Radici Taurasi DOCG, Mastroberardino’s flagship wine. Hugely age-worthy, and released following already-considerable periods in oak and bottle, this wine is the standard-bearer for Aglianico. It’s one of the finest examples of balance you will come across and sets the bar for both the variety and region.

2. Comando G ‘La Bruja de Rozas’ Sierra de Gredos 2017 ($25)

Made from Garnacha grapes grown on high-altitude old vines in Spain’s Sierra de Gredos region, this wine’s aromas include dark cherries, cranberries, earth, pepper, raw meat, and star anise — to name just a few. The palate starts light, before the grape’s intense fruit character kicks in. And it’s not over there. Mouthwatering acidity and grippy, complex tannins quickly present themselves, prolonging the fiesta taking place in your mouth. If there’s a better wine being made at this price point in Spain or anywhere else in the world right now, we’ll be damned. La Bruja de Rozas will grab your senses with its depth of aromas and flavors and never let go, then leave you dazed knowing that you have tasted something truly special.

1. Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Chardonnay 2016 ($50)

Though its history stretches back to the late 19th century, Chateau Montelena is best known for the success of its Napa Valley Chardonnay during the now-legendary 1976 Judgement of Paris blind tasting. Deemed by a group of (mainly) French judges to be the best Chardonnay of 10 bottles from California and Burgundy, the victory signified a coming-of-age for America’s wine industry, helping place Napa Valley on the map of the world’s finest wine regions. Produced on the 40th anniversary of that historic event, Chateau Montelena’s 2016 Napa Valley Chardonnay shows that the estate is continuing to operate at the highest level. It offers a blueprint for what oaked American Chardonnay should taste like — beyond butter. Instead, elegance and power shine through in the grape’s mineral-driven flavors of fresh melon, apple, and honeysuckle. Meanwhile, careful and considered oak aging provides nutmeg notes and a soft, creamy texture. Buy this wine and raise a glass to the past, present, and future of Napa winemaking.

The article The 50 Best Wines of 2019 appeared first on VinePair.

source https://vinepair.com/articles/best-wines-2019/

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isaiahrippinus · 5 years ago

Text

The 50 Best Wines of 2019

The VinePair staff then debated, and debated again where each bottle should place. We finally tasted the potential top 10 multiple times to cement our final ranking.

Here are VinePair’s top 50 wines of 2019, tasted and ranked.

50. Trivento Amado Sur 2016 ($14)

49. Château Rieussec R de Rieussec Blanc Sec 2018 ($25)

48. Peter Zemmer ‘Rollhutt’ Pinot Noir 2017 ($19)

47. LAN Gran Reserva Rioja 2010 ($23)

46. Felsina Berardenga Chianti Classico DOCG 2016 ($24)

45. Domaine Bousquet Brut Rosé NV ($10)

44. Freemark Abbey Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 ($44)

43. Sokol Blosser Evolution White Blend NV ($15)

42. Gustave Lorentz Crémant d’Alsace Brut NV ($24)

41. Cantina Tramin Kellerei ‘Stoan’ 2017 ($33)

40. Niner Wine Estates Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 ($35)

39. Bodegas Nekeas ‘El Chaparral de Vega Sindoa’ Old Vine Garnacha 2018 ($26)

38. Jean Reverdy et Fils Sancerre ‘La Reine Blanche’ 2018 ($21)

37. Markham Vineyards Napa Valley Merlot 2014 ($21)

36. Domaine Matrot Meursault 2017 ($99)

35. Torbreck Barossa Valley Woodcutter’s Shiraz 2017 ($23)

34. Viña Garces Silva Amayna Sauvignon Blanc 2018 ($25)

33. Remhoogte Reserve ‘Honeybunch’ Chenin Blanc 2017 ($25)

32. Domaine Le Tour Vieille Banyuls Reserva NV ($24)

31. Marco Felluga Molamatta Collio Bianco 2015 ($24)

30. Bodegas Agro de Bazán Granbazán Etiqueta Verde 2018 ($19)

29. Tommasi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 2015 ($65)

28. Craggy Range Winery Te Muna Road Vineyard Pinot Noir 2016 ($27)

27. Inama Vigneti di Foscarino Soave Classico 2017 ($24)

26. Domaine Karydas Naoussa Xinomavro 2015 ($30)

25. Rusack Vineyards Santa Barbara County Chardonnay 2017 ($29)

24. Nalle Winery Dry Creek Valley Estate Old Vine Zinfandel 2015 ($45)

23. Domaine Matrot Auxey-Duresses Côte de Beaune 2016 ($40)

22. Tenute Cisa Asinari Marchesi di Gresy Martinenga ‘La Serra’ Moscato d’Asti NV ($18)

21. Gruet Blanc de Noirs NV ($16)

20. Familia Zuccardi ‘Aluvional’ Paraje Altamira 2014 ($89)

19. Domaine Sigalas Santorini Assyrtiko 2018 ($32)

18. Château Batailley Grand Cru Classé 2015 ($81)

17. Bodegas Avancia ‘Cuvee de O’ Mencia 2017 ($16)

16. Angela Estate ‘Abbott Claim’ Pinot Noir 2015 ($57)

15. Clos Du Val Three Graces 2016 ($180)

14. Ravines Wine Cellars Cabernet Franc 2017 ($21)

13. Elvio Cogno ‘Anas-Cetta’ Langhe Nascetta di Novello 2016 ($30)

12. Copain ‘Les Voisins’ Syrah Yorkville Highlands 2015 ($34)

11. Laurent-Perrier ‘Grand Siècle’ No. 24 ($140)

10. Jermann Pinot Grigio Venezia Giulia IGT 2017 ($23)

9. Long Meadow Ranch Napa Valley Merlot 2014 ($36)

8. Graci Etna Rosato 2018 ($21)

7. Château Fonplégade Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classé 2012 ($46)

6. Ridgeview Cavendish Brut NV ($43)

5. G.D. Vajra Langhe Nebbiolo 2017 ($22)

4. Barboursville Vineyards Reserve Viognier 2017 ($22)

3. Mastroberardino ‘Radici’ Taurasi DOCG 2014 ($54)

2. Comando G ‘La Bruja de Rozas’ Sierra de Gredos 2017 ($25)

1. Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Chardonnay 2016 ($50)

The article The 50 Best Wines of 2019 appeared first on VinePair.

source https://vinepair.com/articles/best-wines-2019/ source https://vinology1.tumblr.com/post/189613655614

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johnboothus · 5 years ago

Text

The 50 Best Wines of 2019

The VinePair staff then debated, and debated again where each bottle should place. We finally tasted the potential top 10 multiple times to cement our final ranking.

Here are VinePair’s top 50 wines of 2019, tasted and ranked.

50. Trivento Amado Sur 2016 ($14)

49. Château Rieussec R de Rieussec Blanc Sec 2018 ($25)

48. Peter Zemmer ‘Rollhutt’ Pinot Noir 2017 ($19)

47. LAN Gran Reserva Rioja 2010 ($23)

46. Felsina Berardenga Chianti Classico DOCG 2016 ($24)

45. Domaine Bousquet Brut Rosé NV ($10)

44. Freemark Abbey Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 ($44)

43. Sokol Blosser Evolution White Blend NV ($15)

42. Gustave Lorentz Crémant d’Alsace Brut NV ($24)

41. Cantina Tramin Kellerei ‘Stoan’ 2017 ($33)

40. Niner Wine Estates Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 ($35)

39. Bodegas Nekeas ‘El Chaparral de Vega Sindoa’ Old Vine Garnacha 2018 ($26)

38. Jean Reverdy et Fils Sancerre ‘La Reine Blanche’ 2018 ($21)

37. Markham Vineyards Napa Valley Merlot 2014 ($21)

36. Domaine Matrot Meursault 2017 ($99)

35. Torbreck Barossa Valley Woodcutter’s Shiraz 2017 ($23)

34. Viña Garces Silva Amayna Sauvignon Blanc 2018 ($25)

33. Remhoogte Reserve ‘Honeybunch’ Chenin Blanc 2017 ($25)

32. Domaine Le Tour Vieille Banyuls Reserva NV ($24)

31. Marco Felluga Molamatta Collio Bianco 2015 ($24)

30. Bodegas Agro de Bazán Granbazán Etiqueta Verde 2018 ($19)

29. Tommasi Amarone della Valpolicella Classico DOCG 2015 ($65)

28. Craggy Range Winery Te Muna Road Vineyard Pinot Noir 2016 ($27)

27. Inama Vigneti di Foscarino Soave Classico 2017 ($24)

26. Domaine Karydas Naoussa Xinomavro 2015 ($30)

25. Rusack Vineyards Santa Barbara County Chardonnay 2017 ($29)

24. Nalle Winery Dry Creek Valley Estate Old Vine Zinfandel 2015 ($45)

23. Domaine Matrot Auxey-Duresses Côte de Beaune 2016 ($40)

22. Tenute Cisa Asinari Marchesi di Gresy Martinenga ‘La Serra’ Moscato d’Asti NV ($18)

21. Gruet Blanc de Noirs NV ($16)

20. Familia Zuccardi ‘Aluvional’ Paraje Altamira 2014 ($89)

19. Domaine Sigalas Santorini Assyrtiko 2018 ($32)

18. Château Batailley Grand Cru Classé 2015 ($81)

17. Bodegas Avancia ‘Cuvee de O’ Mencia 2017 ($16)

16. Angela Estate ‘Abbott Claim’ Pinot Noir 2015 ($57)

15. Clos Du Val Three Graces 2016 ($180)

14. Ravines Wine Cellars Cabernet Franc 2017 ($21)

13. Elvio Cogno ‘Anas-Cetta’ Langhe Nascetta di Novello 2016 ($30)

12. Copain ‘Les Voisins’ Syrah Yorkville Highlands 2015 ($34)

11. Laurent-Perrier ‘Grand Siècle’ No. 24 ($140)

10. Jermann Pinot Grigio Venezia Giulia IGT 2017 ($23)

9. Long Meadow Ranch Napa Valley Merlot 2014 ($36)

8. Graci Etna Rosato 2018 ($21)

7. Château Fonplégade Saint-Emilion Grand Cru Classé 2012 ($46)

6. Ridgeview Cavendish Brut NV ($43)

5. G.D. Vajra Langhe Nebbiolo 2017 ($22)

4. Barboursville Vineyards Reserve Viognier 2017 ($22)

3. Mastroberardino ‘Radici’ Taurasi DOCG 2014 ($54)

2. Comando G ‘La Bruja de Rozas’ Sierra de Gredos 2017 ($25)

1. Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Chardonnay 2016 ($50)

The article The 50 Best Wines of 2019 appeared first on VinePair.

Via https://vinepair.com/articles/best-wines-2019/

source https://vinology1.weebly.com/blog/the-50-best-wines-of-2019

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cacophonyofolives · 7 years ago

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Drunken Globetrotting Good Ideas (Domaine Bousquet Recent Releases)

Anne Bousquet

Anne Bousquet has some of her best ideas when drunk.

This isn’t something that I have experienced firsthand, mind you, but comes by way of her own admission (during an NYC media lunch at which I was recently a guest). And it’s the opinion of her wine-growing father, Jean Bousquet.

More on that later. The point is that some of Anne’s vinous ideas (sober or not) are very, very good. Such as her credo that “we just want to make high quality wines that others can afford.” That one is definitely a winner, as her wares from Domaine Bousquet harken back to a time when many of us marveled at the QPR of Argentina’s wines.

The backstory goes something like this: Anne grew up in a wine-centric family in Southwest France, moving to Minnesota and then Boston to pursue education and work, respectively. While she was busy building up her CV, dad Jean (in the 1990s) decided to plant vines in the Gualtallary Valley of Tupungato in Argentina. Jean knew a good thing when he saw it, favoring the high elevation conditions there and planning to go organic. Anne was in the process of moving to Brussels when dad called, suggesting that she come back to the family biz, which a few years later saw Anne moving yet again to another country to join her father in tiny-put-promising Tupungato as the eventual Domaine Bousquet CEO. Subsequent culture-shock ensued.

“The town of Tupungato hadn’t done much to capitalize on tourism,” Anne told me, ” so the wines really had to step up.” The last few years have seen Tupungato’s more forward-thinking wineries take the lead in terms of the type of gastronomy-focused endeavors that are meant to attract wine-lifestyle-loving tourist dollars to the region. But to do that, the wines have to be worth the trip, which in this case, they are.

By the way, Anne now splits time between Miami (where Bousquet’s importing company is based) and Tupungato, because apparently her passport had a little bit of space left on it…

NV Domaine Bousquet Brut Rosé (Tupungato, $13)

Now this was a bit unexpected; a charmat-method Pinot/Chardonnay blend that takes full advantage of the freshness that Bousquet’s high-elevation vines are capable of preserving. A gorgeous pale salmon color, an emphasis on bright raspberry and strawberry fruitiness, and a hint of earth and rose petal all combine into something that is ridiculously gulpable, and yet carries just enough complexity to make you pause said gulping momentarily in order to ponder its finer points.

2016 Domaine Bousquet Reserva Malbec (Tupungato, $18)

One of those wines that make you wonder why the price tag doesn’t have a higher number on it, this Malbec is 100% estate fruit and sees a smidgen of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah mixed in to the final blend. Ten months in French oak (in increasingly reused percentages) rounds this out into a rich, jammy, dark-fruited palate profile, but the main draw is the amalgam of violets, savory meatiness, mineral, and spice on the nose. Focused, fresh, and at turns lovely (yes, I wrote “lovely” with respect to Malbec), it’s a great food-friendly choice that punches a bit above its weight class.

2015 Domaine Bousquet Gaia Red (Gualtallary, $20)

Ok, we can finally get to the drunk story. As Anne relayed the tale to me, half-jokingly: “I was drunk in a restaurant in Adelaide, and I called my father, who was planting the vineyards in Argentina, and I said ‘you have to plant Syrah! I’m in love with it!’ It was maybe the only time with business that my father listened to me. He said, ‘I always told you, you have your best ideas drunk!’ We like Syrah, because we’re from the South of France.” It’s also worth mentioning that the subsequent wine takes its name from the Greek Mother Earth goddess, who was the parent of Uranus (insert your own immaturely crude joke here).

A wine with that kind of history had better be pretty good, and Gaia is absolutely good enough to live up to that story. A blend of 50% Malbec, 45% Syrah, and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon, all grown at about 4000 feet elevation and taking advantage of the natural acidity preserved in the grapes farmed at those heights. This wine is a beast, but a tamed one; Deep, plummy red and black fruits mingle with minerals, spices, graphite, game meat, and pepper. Stick the words “Napa Valley” on this label and the wine would likely be selling for about $50, so I consider the sub-$30 price in this case to be a nice bargain. That Syrah is promising indeed, and probably the main contributor to the sexiness that this red exudes.

Cheers!

Grab The 1WineDude.com Tasting Guide and start getting more out of every glass of wine today!

Shop Wine Products at Amazon.com

Copyright © 2016. Originally at Drunken Globetrotting Good Ideas (Domaine Bousquet Recent Releases) from 1WineDude.com - for personal, non-commercial use only. Cheers! source http://www.1winedude.com/drunken-globetrotting-good-ideas-domaine-bousquet-recent-releases/

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sommeliercourses · 7 years ago

Text

Drunken Globetrotting Good Ideas (Domaine Bousquet Recent Releases)

Anne Bousquet

Anne Bousquet has some of her best ideas when drunk.

By the way, Anne now splits time between Miami (where Bousquet’s importing company is based) and Tupungato, because apparently her passport had a little bit of space left on it…

NV Domaine Bousquet Brut Rosé (Tupungato, $13)

2016 Domaine Bousquet Reserva Malbec (Tupungato, $18)

2015 Domaine Bousquet Gaia Red (Gualtallary, $20)

Cheers!

Grab The 1WineDude.com Tasting Guide and start getting more out of every glass of wine today!

Shop Wine Products at Amazon.com

Copyright © 2016. Originally at Drunken Globetrotting Good Ideas (Domaine Bousquet Recent Releases) from 1WineDude.com – for personal, non-commercial use only. Cheers! Source: http://www.1winedude.com/drunken-globetrotting-good-ideas-domaine-bousquet-recent-releases/

from Linda Johnson https://meself84.wordpress.com/2018/02/15/drunken-globetrotting-good-ideas-domaine-bousquet-recent-releases/

0 notes

static-pouring · 7 years ago

Text

Drunken Globetrotting Good Ideas (Domaine Bousquet Recent Releases)

Anne Bousquet

Anne Bousquet has some of her best ideas when drunk.

By the way, Anne now splits time between Miami (where Bousquet’s importing company is based) and Tupungato, because apparently her passport had a little bit of space left on it…

NV Domaine Bousquet Brut Rosé (Tupungato, $13)

2016 Domaine Bousquet Reserva Malbec (Tupungato, $18)

2015 Domaine Bousquet Gaia Red (Gualtallary, $20)

Cheers!

Grab The 1WineDude.com Tasting Guide and start getting more out of every glass of wine today!

Shop Wine Products at Amazon.com

Copyright © 2016. Originally at Drunken Globetrotting Good Ideas (Domaine Bousquet Recent Releases) from 1WineDude.com - for personal, non-commercial use only. Cheers! Source: http://www.1winedude.com/drunken-globetrotting-good-ideas-domaine-bousquet-recent-releases/

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perfectirishgifts · 4 years ago

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Giving Cinderella Her Due: A Look At Cabernet Franc

New Post has been published on https://perfectirishgifts.com/giving-cinderella-her-due-a-look-at-cabernet-franc/

Giving Cinderella Her Due: A Look At Cabernet Franc

Tenute Argentiera’s iconic Ventaglio Cabernet Franc vineyard in Bolgheri

Cabernet Franc grape close up. Saumur, France

Jørgensen Cellars offers a variety of expressions of Southern Oregon Cabernet Franc.

a selection of high-quality Cabernet Franc wines

From Food & Drink in Perfectirishgifts

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topfygad · 5 years ago

Text

Uco Valley Wine Tour, Mendoza, Argentina

With beautiful wineries, vineyards and top restaurants, find out whether going on an Uco Valley wine tour is the best way to explore this region near Mendoza, Argentina.

Beautiful views on the journey to the Uco Valley

Bodegas Salentein

Wine production room at Salentein Winery, Uco Valley

After half an hour in the dark cellars, we emerged back into the scorching temperatures and bright daylight. No time to sober up, the next winery was moments away.

Domaine Bousquet

It was a lovely location, with their own natural reservoir, and a spectacular bar looking out to the vines.

Reservoir and view of the Andes at Domaine Bousquet Winery, Uco Valley

Amazing views from the wine tasting bar at Domaine Bousquet Winery, Uco Valley

Andeluna

Andeluna vineyards, Uco Valley

Andeluna Restaurant, Uco Valley

Watermelon carpaccio at Andeluna Restaurant, Uco Valley

Squash pastry with ham, cheese and peaches at Andeluna Restaurant, Uco Valley

The next course was a large fried ravioli stuffed with cheese and served with a salsa containing tomatoe, onion, coriander and pepper. This came with a powerful glass of Andeluna’s 2014 Malbec.

Fried ravioli at Andeluna Restaurant, Uco Valley

White chocolate mousse with preserved cherries, coconut textures at Andeluna, Uco Valley

Andeluna Restaurant, Uco Valley

Andeluna vineyards, Uco Valley

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topfygad · 5 years ago

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Uco Valley Wine Tour, Mendoza, Argentina

With beautiful wineries, vineyards and top restaurants, find out whether going on an Uco Valley wine tour is the best way to explore this region near Mendoza, Argentina.

Beautiful views on the journey to the Uco Valley

Bodegas Salentein

Wine production room at Salentein Winery, Uco Valley

After half an hour in the dark cellars, we emerged back into the scorching temperatures and bright daylight. No time to sober up, the next winery was moments away.

Domaine Bousquet

It was a lovely location, with their own natural reservoir, and a spectacular bar looking out to the vines.

Reservoir and view of the Andes at Domaine Bousquet Winery, Uco Valley

Amazing views from the wine tasting bar at Domaine Bousquet Winery, Uco Valley

Andeluna

Andeluna vineyards, Uco Valley

Andeluna Restaurant, Uco Valley

Watermelon carpaccio at Andeluna Restaurant, Uco Valley

Squash pastry with ham, cheese and peaches at Andeluna Restaurant, Uco Valley

The next course was a large fried ravioli stuffed with cheese and served with a salsa containing tomatoe, onion, coriander and pepper. This came with a powerful glass of Andeluna’s 2014 Malbec.

Fried ravioli at Andeluna Restaurant, Uco Valley

White chocolate mousse with preserved cherries, coconut textures at Andeluna, Uco Valley

Andeluna Restaurant, Uco Valley

Andeluna vineyards, Uco Valley

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source http://cheaprtravels.com/uco-valley-wine-tour-mendoza-argentina/

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