The Noble Grape Challenge: Pinot Noir and Grenache

Hey there wine nerds! I can't believe it it took me this long to post about my next challenge, but Philadelphia Wine Week really got the best of me. It was a great event and I hope to see it expand next year! Stay tuned for a full post on the topic! But for this post, something a litte different...

Recently, I discussed the fermentation process and the important role it plays in determining the flavor of a wine. But, most wine writers will agree that the majority of a wine's character is determined in the vineyard, specifically with the grapes. Learning about all the grapes used in winemaking is a tedious mission - there are thousands of grape varietals! However, if you are buying wine in a store in the United States, you will see certain varietals more often than others. These are known as the noble grapes.

What makes a grape noble?

I wish I had some intricate story about on ancient nobles in France only drank these certain grapes and blah, blah, blah. But, it is really as simple as - these 18 varietals are most widely grown and also know as the international varietals. Check out the full list below:

“Pinot Noir, Grenache, Merlot, Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Temperanillo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Malbec”

— Red Varietals, (light to full bodied)

“Pinot Grigio, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Moscato, Gewurztraminer, Semillion, Viognier, Chardonnay”

— White Varietals (light to full bodied)

Pinot Noir.

The purpose of this series is to provide an overview on these noble grapes and what makes them so special. To start, I wanted to discuss two red grapes known for producing light-bodied wines. First, the notoriously difficult to cultivate - Pinot Noir! I have discussed Pinot Noir on the blog previously in a few posts. I introduced the grape in a Grape Tales feature and posted an interesting comparison of Pinot Grigio vs. Pinot Noir. But being the noble (and delicious) grape that it is, Pinot Noir definitely deserves some additional discussion here!

Pinot Noir performs best in cool climates (think Oregon). The traditional home of Pinot Noir is Burgundy, France. Fun fact to remember, Red Burgundy is almost always made with Pinot Noir. So if you are looking for a Pinot Noir from France, start with Red Burgundy. It is also grown in Champagne, France. Wine made from Pinot Noir is known for bright red fruit flavors, like cherry, raspberry and strawberry. The level of earth and other savory flavors will depend on where the wine is from. Plus, it usually has medium-high acidity but low tannin.

Grenache.

Delicious!

While Pinot Noir is well-known and deliciously complex, Grenache is a wonderful grape that is sometimes underappreciated in the United States. Grenache is known for ripening later in the growing season and actually loves hot and dry climates. Therefore, you will most likely see it in wines from Spain, Southern France, including Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Want to hear one of the most hilarious, yet wildly accurate descriptions of Grenache ever, it's an "old world wine with California cleavage." (I swear, hilariously accurate). For more awesome commentary like this, check out books by Jay McInerney or Mark Oldman. But seriously, when it comes to flavor, Grenache for its subtle berry flavors and high alcohol content. While these wines are high in alcohol, the commonly lack acid and tanning, which makes Grenache a highly preferable blending grape. In fact, it plays a major role in one of my favorite red blends... ever! The Grenache-Syrah-Mouvedre blend of course! (GSM for short) This blend is traditionally associated with the Rhone Valley, but you can also find this blend in Australia.

Not a bad start for two awesome noble red grapes. Looking forward to your comments on your favorite Pinot Noir or Grenache based wines!

Cheers!

Winter Wine Project: Red Knot Shiraz

I don't know what it is about this Winter Wine Project, but each time I write a new review the weather is at least 15 degrees colder. That's right folks, I'm writing my latest wine review while its a balmy 7 degrees outside. Sounds like perfect red wine drinking weather to me.

Surprisingly,  this is one of the firsts posts discussing wines made in Australia. But the Aussies can definitely hold there own when it comes to New World wine-making. Australia is the 4th largest exporter of wine. The key wine regions are located primarily in the south, including: South Australia, South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia. The major grape varietals grown here are Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Semillon, and Riesling. Wines are typically labeled by the grape varietal and the labeled grape must constitute  at least 85% of the blend.

A fun fact about Australia, GSM blends are very popular. GSM stands for a common red blend made of Grenache, Shiraz and  Mourvèdre. This blend was traditionally associated with Southern Rhône, including Châteauneuf-du-Pape.  The most famous label out of Australia (which I'm sure you have seen once or twice) is Penfolds Grange. Now let's get to the real wine review.

Red Knot Shiraz McLaren Vale Australia (2012)

Grapes: 92% Shiraz, 8% Grenache.

Where it's From: Southern Australia, grapes source from McLaren Vale Vineyard.

Alcohol: 14%

Winemaker's Notes: Deep magenta color. Aromas of black cherry, strawberry, milk chocolate with hints of roasted coffee and vanilla. The palate comprises of summer berries balanced with mild tannin and fresh acidity. Medium body.

My Thoughts:  This wine only gets better the more you allow it to breathe. I feel like a broken record, but I almost every red I drink definitely benefits from decanting. Initially, I thought this wine was off-balanced, but after decanting to really opened up. The berry fruit flavors became more prominent and it was very smooth. Definitely uncomplicated, but very drinkable. 

Until next time, Cheers!

Photo Confessions: The Government Shutdown Countdown

"Discourage litigation. Persuade your neighbors to compromise whenever you can. 

As a peacemaker the lawyer has superior opportunity of being a good man. 

There will still be business enough." 

~ Abraham Lincoln

Photo Source: 

http://www.cagle.com/topics/syria/page/85/

Dear Enthusiasts!

Let's get political.*

As a former political science major from the D.C. area, I learned  pretty early on that the American political system is a bit... dysfunctional. With that in mind, I have endeavored to maintain political neutrality - at all costs (

yet

I do love a good political cartoon!!!). With a government shutdown looming, yet again, I think its time to address the subject... at least from a more creative point of view than your local newscasters. What wine to drink as the countdown to shutdown winds down!

We use wine to celebrate all sorts of events - birthdays, weddings, the countdown to the New Year. And now it seems the threat of shutting down the American government is a recurring "holiday" of sorts so, I think it deserves of wine of its own.

Now what to drink?

 Tough decision right?! Well the first decision was easy, red or white? The threat of government shutdown clearly deserves red.** (It's chilly out!) Now the tough part - which grape to feature? I knew this grape needed to have some attitude, spice, and mouth-drying tannin. This holiday is not a day for smooth and light-bodied Pinot Noir. 

And the winner is... 

Grenache/Syrah blend 

(Grenache aka Garnacha). These red grapes are known for producing wine with personality. The wines are typically medium to full-bodied. As Jay McInerney put it (a favorite wine writer), "its old world wine with California cleavage." Ilove Grenache, but is rare to find Grenache on its own. It is typically blended with Syrah and M

ourvédre (to give it the peppery kick and lower the alcohol content).

Where to look...

Southern Rh

ô

ne, France;

 specifically Chateauneuf-du-Pape or 

Côtes-du- Rhône (more details on these regions later!).

Here's hoping the government gets there act together and there is no shutdown. But just in case, I have a bottle of wine on standby.

Cheers!

*Any guesses on what pop culture reference I was channeling here - hint its a musical.

**Color choice is

not

indicative of political affiliation.