Niche Wine Blog

15th Annual Winter Wineland

Can you think of a better way to start out the New Year than to spend it wine tasting...?  Good, neither can I!  Mark your calendar for January 13 & 14 and plan to spend two magnificent days  along the Russian River wine road where you'll get the chance to visit various wineries, meet the winemakers, and taste wines that are not normally offered to the public.  There will be over 105 wineries participating and offering up special treats.  20 lodging facilities will be running special pricing on their accommodations.  However, you should act fast before everything is taken.

Whether you live near or far, this is definitely a weekend not to be missed, especially at the price of $30 for both days.  If you are only interested in attending on the 14th, Sunday, the ticket price is $25...as you can see, for five dollars more it makes much more sense to buy the weekend ticket.  For those of you that would like to participate, but won't be drinking, you can purchase the $10 designated driver ticket.  Don't worry, you still get to sample the delicious foods and will be offered other beverages. 

Check out the website to find out more about this exciting weekend of wine tasting, and to purchase tickets.  After January 7th the ticket price goes up $5 per person so I'd advise purchasing them online before then.   See you there...

Guenoc Victorian Claret '03

 

 

Nestled amongst the mountain ranges that make up Lake County, California is Guenoc Valley, home to Langtry Estate and Vineyards .  This Estate has a long history of award-winning wine production. 

Founded and purchased in 1888 by British Theatre star Lillie Langtry, who boasted that her home-made wine was the "greatest claret" in the country, this vineyard began ranking highly among other Bordeaux wine varietals in international wine competitions. 

After being severely devastated during the years of prohibition, what was left of the vineyard was acquired yet again in 1962.   The only remaining grapes at the time were Syrah, Petite Verdot, and a white grape (not sure which).  The quality of land has proven to be stellar, and since it's rejuvenation the estate has produced some excellent quality varietals.  As proof that Guenoc Valley produces great grapes, in 1981 it became an AVA, and Langtry was known as the first producer in the nation with its own appellation.  While there are 22,000 acres to the entire Estate, only roughly 400 are devoted to vineyards, thus preserving the quality of the grapes produced.

Langtry Estate's highest quality grape and most famous varietal, by far is the Petite Sirah.  This is due to serpentine soils spread throughout the expansive vineyard acreage, which contributes to a terroir that works very well with Petite Sirah.  The high elevation at which Guenoc Valley sits (7,000-12,000 ft above sea level) provides clear, warm days and cool nights.  In addition, the rocky, rich, fertile soils allow the vineyard to stand out from most others in California.  The other varietal that does very well at Langtry is the Sauvignon Blanc.  Together, the two aforementioned grape types have won numerous medals and awards, and individually, the Petite Sirah has won more recognition of any produced in the world.  Other varietals produced on the Estate are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petite Verdot, Carmenere, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec.  Of the whites, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillion, Marsanne, and Viognier are grown.  Now, I know I am giving Langtry all of this praise for their Guenoc wine, which is all deserving, for the most part, but they also have wine that is "so-so".  That's not to say that "so-so" is terrible, but it doesn't deserve the stellar rating of the Petite Sirah.  Read on...

The other day, I had the opportunity to taste a little bit of each varietal in the 2003 Guenoc Victorian Claret.  This wine is a balanced blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc.  And as such, it has a little bit of of a lot of flavors.  It's herbal, fruity, has hints of chocolate and licorice.  Being medium bodied, with balanced acidity and tannins, it pairs well with a variety of different meals.  However, I thought overall it was a bit flat, especially for the price before sale.  I do believe this is a wine that will improve as it matures.  I would keep for 2-3 more years before trying.  I think by then it will prove to be heartier and more flavorful. 

This wine can be found here for $9.99, marked down from $17.99. 

If any of you try it, or have tried it, tell me what you think.  If you've tried others, I'd like suggestions as to what to try.  Until next time...

Rosa Regale

In 1979, a mid-18th century winery in Strevi, the Piedmont region of Italy, was acquired by the Mariani family,  also the owners of Banfi Vintners.  The Estate was originally named Bruzzone, but the Mariani's renamed it Vigne Regali.  The wines produced here are of superb quality, holding the highest certification in Italy that wines can obtain - D.O.C (original location certified) and D.O.C.G (certified and guaranteed).  These designations relate to strict production and cultivation codes and laws - read about D.O.C   Vigne Regali winemakers produce a still red wine, L'Ardì Dolcetto d'Acqui D.O.C., but are also well known for their two fantastic sparkling wines, Banfi Brut Metodo Tradizionale Classico, and "Rosa Regale" Brachetto d'Acqui D.O.C.G.  The latter of the two sparkling wines was highly regarded by the European Courts over two centuries ago, and has thankfully been revived by Banfi. 

Much to my delight, this weekend I had the opportunity to taste this sweet, succulent, semi-dry sparkling red wine - Rosa Regale.  I have not always been a huge fan of Champagne, or sparkling wine.  However, the more I dabble with it, the more I appreciate the different aromas and characteristics.  I have learned how to drink sparkling wine and pair it with certain types of food, which has made me appreciate it that much more. 

I thought the Rosa Regale had wonderful aromas of raspberries, soft hints of rose and strawberry on the nose, with a delectably spicy finish.  Although the flavors were vibrant and full of life, it was a little too sweet for me.  I do often prefer dry sparking wine, but that didn't stop me from taking a few more sips. 

This red sparking is relatively ambidextrous when being paired with different foods.  It will do very well with desserts, dark chocolate, and other nutty or fruity after dinner treats.  It will also match well with spicy Asian and Latin foods.  Because it has a gentle acidity, it is like traditional Champagne in that it will pair with otherwise challenging foods that are difficult to pinpoint.  Some other suggestions are: glazed ham, beets, quiche, salads and cheeses.

I encourage you to go to Vigne Regali website and explore this and all other wines they have to offer.  In addition to general information about the Rosa Regale, they post a lengthy list of reviews that may be of interest.  This sparkling may be unique, but isn't terribly hard to find.  It will run you around $20 and is well worth it!  Enjoy...

California Wine Ripple Effect

So the California wine industry makes a difference after all.  Or so has been confirmed in a new study compiled by a consulting firm, MKF, at the request of both the Wine Institute (WI) and the California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG).  According to an article on winebusiness.com, by Mary-Colleen Tinney, this $103 billion economic impact on the U.S. and $51.8 billion economic impact on the individual state of CA, which grew from $45.5 billion just a year ago, holds much value for California and the nation.  Considered the #1 agriculturally sound product in California, wine production has generated $2.2 billion in sales and $9.2 billion in revenues for wineries.  Being the 4th largest wine producer in the world, CA also has a huge effect nationally in that it sold 74% of its wine production outside of CA.  Additionally, it creates hundreds of thousands of jobs in and around the U.S., causing the collective wages to be $20 billion.  Nationally, most jobs within the wine industry are in restaurants, retail, and distribution of the product.  To read more on this, go to the Wine Business website and read California Wine Industry Has $103 Billion National Impact.  You can also find more industry-specific statistical information by going to the following websites:

Wine Institute
California Association of Winegrape Growers
MKF Wine Business Advisors

Goats Do Roam

So...I'm on this South African wine kick lately, what can I say?  I'm always on the search for wines other than the usual, and I'm definitely on the search for those other than the popular.  What is the flavor of the day, you ask?  It's Goat's Do Roam 2004 Goat-Roti from Fairview Winery , located on Paarl Mountain in South Africa. 

Fairview Winery is located in one of the most historic areas of the Cape winelands.  Winemaking on this land can be traced back to 1699, shortly after European Settlers came to South Africa.  The Fairview label itself did not show face on the wine market until 1974 by a family who had owned the land since 1937.  This label is known for producing quality wine across a variety of different wine varieties. 

The Goats Do Roam label was created in 1999 and, according to Fairview Winery uses "Rhône varieties such as shiraz, cinsaut, carignan and mourvèdre with a dash of local pinotage [...]."  I know, I know, the packaging is a bit goofy, but the quality of wine is really worth mentioning, which illustrates the traditional moral...never judge a book by its cover.  Ok, now that I'm done with my adult after school special, on to the tasting notes:

It's the shade of deep purple (not the band, the color), blended of mostly Shiraz and a hint of Viognier.  It bears a solid richness with floral and fruity aromas, spiciness, and a somewhat peppery flavor.  The tannins are soft and the finish is of a medium caliber.  What gives it the kick is the 15% alcohol level it exudes.  By all means, the wine does quite well consumed now, but it will be at its best in 2-3 years.  This label has won quite a few awards.  While the 2004 isn't advertised, check out the website to see the 2005 and other vintages.  To buy this wine go to:

The Wine Buyer $14.98
The Fine Wine House $16.99

And most of all - enjoy!