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!

Winter Wine Project: Kung Fu Girl Riesling

This post will definitely put the "winter" in Winter Wine Project! Why? Because of all the snow! As a February baby, I have always loved winter. Sure it's chilly, but I love getting outside and then coming back home to warm up with some hot chocolate or coffee. This time around, however, I decided to warm up with a different drink of choice - wine! More specifically, the next wine from my winter wine project, the 2012 Kung Fu Girl Riesling from Washington State. Check out my review below, along with some fun action shots from my snow day!

My snow day, views from winery (bottom left) and the park near my house!

So fun fact about the Kung Fu Girl label, it was one of the first wine's I picked up early in my wine-drinking career. I had just turned 21 and I was visiting my sister in Boston. We stopped in a random wine store downtown and I saw the Kung Fu girl label and thought, "this is a fun label and I like riseling, so let's try it!" These days I go into the wine shop with a little more direction about what I may buy, but that goes to show that using a fun label that jumps off the shelf is definitely helpful in the U.S. wine market. With that said, I was so excited to see Kung Fu Girl on not only WS 100 Outstanding Values, but it made the cut for Top 100 Wines of 2013. Way to go Kung Fu Girl! I am excited to see if the wine lives up to both this ranking and the delicious wine that I remember. 

But first, let's chat about wine making in Washington State. This state produces the most wine in the U.S., after California of course. The top varietals grown in Washington include: Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Riesling, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc and Gewurtztraminer. But the most notable wines are often made with Merlot or Syrah grapes.

Charles Smith Riesling Columbia Valley Kung Fu Girl Evergreen 2012.

Grapes: 100% Riesling. Classically, Riesling produces white wines with a strong citrus flavor balanced with a complex minerality. Many of the best Rieslings are made in Alsace or Austria. Please don't knock this grape until you try it. Also, if you have a sweet Riesling that you don't like, keep trying them, it is definitely a complex grape that requires patience to appreciate because there are so many styles out there!

Where it's From: Washington State, Columbia Valley AVA (American Viticultural Areas). Columbia Valley is one of the largest AVAs in the United States, approximately 30,000 acres. Kung Fu Girl is grown specifically at Evergreen vineyard.

Alcohol: 11%

Winemaker's Notes: "This wine kicks ass with tons of complexity, showing shoes of white peach and slate. Focused acidity finishing with mandarin orange and lots of minerality." Pairs well with spicy dishes or grilled seafood.

My Thoughts: I have missed this wine!!! First thing you notice off the bat is the strong notes of peach - they were not lying! I can also smell hints of slate or stone (kind of like the smell of a stone beach - weird description I know!). The taste is awesome and definitely deserving of its awards - soft citrus fruit up front with the perfect bite of acidity at the end. You should run, not walk, to your nearest wine store and pick this up ASAP. I'm beginning to wonder if my skepticism against WS has been mistaken for all these years.

So that brings us to the end of today's tasting for the Winter Wine Project. Please be sure to share your thoughts in the comments below. Next time, we will be tasting A to Z Wineworks Pinot Noir 2011, from Oregon. 

Happy Holidays and Cheers!

Grape Tales: Syrah

Syrah: "It's a sexy beast of a wine, that warms the mortal soul with ripe, rich fruit and manageably moderate tannins." - Mark Oldman

Photo Source

Could not have put it better myself! When I saw the above quote, it reminded me how much I love the "sexy beast" that is Syrah, how I can't wait for cooler nights to open some and that I need to write a post completely dedicated to Syrah. If you are watching the news, listening to NPR or basically being an active participant in society... you know there has been a bit of drama going down in D.C. What better way to celebrate the government dysfunction than with a lovely glass of Syrah?

Introduction.

  The blog has introduced the Syrah grape

before.

 But as a reminder, Syrah and Shiraz are actually the same grape! (And actually one of my favorites!) The grape originated in Southern France and is known for it's intense flavor. Thus, Syrah is commonly a blending grape.

Photo Source

Growing Profile.

  Now for the details on the production of Syrah.

Where it's grown:

  Rh

ône 

Valley, France and Austrailia (under Shiraz).

Common Characteristics:

Blackberry, tar, leather, anise, black pepper, smoke and earth. (Totally deserving of it's "sexy beast" nickname, right?!)

Acidity:

 Low to medium

Tannin:

 High

Alcohol:

 High

Now that we have covered the basics, time to delve deeper into the details. First, remember that Petite Syrah and Syrah are actually 

different grapes.

 Syrah (aka Shiraz) is considered one of the noble grapes. While, Petite Syrah is a humble French grape also known as Durif. The difference tends not to matter in the end because both grapes made intense red wine. If you are wondering what type of food to pair with Syrah, it goes great with heavier foods like stews, steak, lamb or anything charred or served with a pepper sauce. (yum!)

Producers to look for: Chateau St. Michelle, Rabbit Ridge, or Columbia Crest.

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.

Big Six Grapes: The Results!

The Enthusiasts! had their first wine club meeting last night, and the results are in! 

Below is the list of wines we tasted, some commentary and an average group score. Scores based  on 1-5, 5 being high. Full disclosure, the group contained a lot of self-proclaimed NBWW'ers (Nothing But White Wine) so take the scores with a grain of salt... but maybe over time I can convert them. :)

(1) Wine: Loosen Bros Riesling 2011

Grapes:

100% Riesling

Where its from:

Mosel, Germany

Vintage:

2011

Alcohol:

8.5%

Comments:

The label says... elegant and racy style from slate-soil with a refreshing crisp taste that cools the palate. The group said... the wine was "sweet, light and fresh."

Recommend to a Friend?

Maybe, depending on friend's style. The group score for this wine was 3.3, with voter's likely turning based on sweetness. Overall, I thought it was a balanced wine that would likely go great with spicy food and refreshing for those who don't mind a bit of sweetness.

(2) Wine: Chateau de Sancerre

Grapes:

 100% Sauvignon Blanc

Where its from: 

Sancerre; Part of Loire Valley Region of France

Vintage:

 2011

Alcohol:

 13%

Comments:

 The label says... fine expression of crisp minerality and refreshing peach and  citrus qualities. The group said... "light, tart and balanced."

Recommend to a Friend?

 Maybe. Again the average score here was a 3.3. Overall, I really enjoyed this wine as it was balanced and refreshing. Full disclosure... I am

obsessed

 with sauvignon blanc. Next time, I will be sure to put our goat cheese and I am sure the wine will get a higher score.

(3) Wine: Buitenverwachting Husseys Vlei Sauvignon Blanc

Grapes:

 100% Sauvignon Blanc

Where its from:

Constantia, South Africa (Costal Region)

Vintage:

 2010

Alcohol:

 13.5%

Comments:

 The group said... low to nonexist scent, but the taste is strong and peppery, almost like green peppers.

Recommend to a Friend?

 Yes! Group score of 4.3 Overall, I feel that people either love or could go without this wine. Personally, it was a wine that blew my mind. As an avid sauvignon blanc drinker, loving the crisp citric taste of most styles, I was totally surprised at the green pepper taste with this wine. A perfect addition to any salad (depending on dressing choice). However, if you are not looking for the "salad in a glass" vibe of this wine, might want to choose another label.

(4) Wine: Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi

Grapes:

 100% Chardonnay

Where its from:

California

Vintage:

 2011

Alcohol:

 13.5%

Comments:

 The label says... rich and elegant, vibrant fruit and spice notes with creamy texture. The group said...definitely "creamy texture, medium oak." 

Recommend to a Friend?

 Maybe. Group score of 3.1. Again, it seems that people are love or are not a fan of oak. Personally, I sit in the not-a-fan-of-oak camp, but I still enjoyed this wine. The oak was complimentary and not overbearing. Overall, a balanced wine.

(5) Wine: Kevin O'Leary Unoaked Chardonnay

Grapes:

90% Chardonnay, 5% Chardonnay Musque, 5% Sauvignon Blanc

Where its from:

surprisingly, Niagara Peninsula, Canada

Vintage:

 2011

Alcohol:

 12%

Comments:

 The label says... light creme brulee, fresh lemon juice, apple, and minerality notes, wine is full, balanced and mouth-filling. The group said... "fresh and tasty."

Recommend to a Friend?

 Yes! Group score is 3.6. I was surprised to be drinking a wine from Canada, even more so that it was so tasty!

(6) Wine: Meiomi Pinot Noir

Grapes:

 Pinot Noir (51% Monterey County, 26% Sonoma County, 23% Santa Barbara County)

Where its from:

Monterey, Sonoma and Santa Barbara County, California

Vintage:

 2011

Alcohol:

 13.9%

Comments:

 The label says... perfect layers of spice, bright berry flavors and rich texture. The group said... "smooth with light berry flavor."

Recommend to a Friend?

 Yes! Group score was a solid 4.

(5) Wine: Los Osos J. Lohr Paso Robles Merlot

Grapes:

78% Merlot,17% Malbec, 4% Zinfandel, 1% Petie Verdot

Where its from:

Paso Robles, California

Vintage:

 2011

Alcohol:

 13.5%

Comments:

 The label says... aromas of raspberry, red currant, and blackberries with rich, concentrated and velvety texture. The group said... "red fruit flavor yet complex texture."

Recommend to a Friend?

 Maybe. Group score 3.1. Personally, I thought it was better than the cabernet sauvignon we tasted next, but still nothing to write home about.

(6) Wine: Sterling Vinter's Collection Cabernet Sauvignon

Grapes:

 100% Cabernet Sauvignon

Where its from:

Sonoma, California (Central Coast)

Vintage:

 2009

Alcohol:

 13.5%

Comments:

 The label says... lush blackberry, cherry and black currant with vanilla and spice from oak aging.

Recommend to a Friend?

 Yes. Group score 3.5.

(7) Wine: The Wolftrap Syrah Blend

Grapes:

 65% Syrah, 32% Mourvedre, 3% Viognier

Where its from: 

Western Cape, South Africa

Vintage:

 2011

Alcohol:

 14.5%

Comments:

 The label says... spicy, aromatic, red blend that has been matured in oak. The group said... "smells burnt."

Recommend to a Friend?

 No? The group score was 2.5. However, if I could have a save card, I would use it on this wine. (Yes, blaming the  low score on the NBWW-ers.) Yes, I typically love syrah, but this why was still complex and interesting on its own. I did notice the burnt smell, but found it interesting and would likely pair well with red meat.

(8) Wine: Layer Cake 100% Pure Shiraz

Grapes:

 100% Shiraz

Where its from: 

South Australia

Vintage:

 2010

Alcohol:

 14.1%

Comments:

 The label says... lush blackberry, cherry and black currant with vanilla and spice from oak aging. The group said... "red fruit flavor but tannic."

Recommend to a Friend?

 No. Group score was 2.8. I've had layer cake several times before. I find it to be a reliable and affordable red wine option, no complaints here. 

What a tasting! I can't believe we tasted eight different wines! Overall, I think everyone learned a lot about what they like in wines and what they don't. One of the main reasons why I like this tasting. Love to hear any comments from the group (I believe some awesome questions were posed and I didn't write them down, so if you comment - I will look them up) or new followers feel free to comment!

Cheers!

The Enthusiasts! NYC Wine Club: Big Six Grapes Details

This post includes an introduction to the big six grapes in more detail. It discusses an overview of tasting wine and suggestions regarding the look, scent and taste of each grape. If you are looking for a great wine book to start your wine education with, I highly recommend

Great Wine Made Simple: Straight Talk from a Master Sommelier

 by Andrea Robinson. It is straight forward, interesting and easy to follow. Check it out

here.

Purpose:

The Purpose of this

 this tasting will illustrate that each grape has its own climate affinity.

Riesling:

Grows best in cool climates. 

Cool zone = Germany, Alsace, France. 

Moderate zone = Austria, Canada, NY Finger Lakes. 

Choosing the wine;

Look for Kabinett or Spatlese on label.

Cool Zone:

Germany, Alsace, France

Moderate Zone:

Austria, Canada, NY Finger Lakes

The look

Pale yellow-green (from both zones)

The scent

The taste

Notice delicate, light body and fruit flavors, acidity may come through as lemony

Flavor mirrors scents of peaches, apricots, citrus. Slightly fuller body

Summary; 

Riesling has expressive flavor and scent. Signature style includes orchard fruits, sometimes floral character and vibrant acidity.

Sauvignon Blanc:

Grows best in cool to moderate climates: 

Cool zone = Loire Valley (Sancerre and Pouilly-Fume) and New Zealand. 

These regions rarely use oak. 

Moderate zone = Bordeaux and Coastal California. 

These regions are more likely to use oak for fuller fruit. 

Fume Blance is used a lot on American labels – this is the fullest bodied style. 

Cool Zone:

Loire Valley & New Zealand

Moderate Zone:

Bordeaux and Coastal California

The look

Pale yellow green to straw yellow

Similar to cool zone but a bit darker

The scent

Notably tart or grassy/herbaceous

Citrus like grapefruit and lime. Possibly peach, honeydew or cantaloupe

The taste

Granny smith apple, tart, and tangy

Fruit flavors represented in scent – citrus and melon.

Summary; 

Like Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc has vibrant acidity. 

Medium body and classic flavor range from tart apple to citrus (especially lime and grapefruit) to honeydew melon and peach. 

Great range and availability.

Chardonnay:

Successfully grown in many regions.

Cool Zone:

Burgundy (Macon, Pouilly-Fuisse, Chablis)

Moderate Zone:

Coastal California

Warm Zone:

California warm spots

Notes

Almost all Burgundy is made from chardonnay, no oak traditionally

Most have some oak

Oak is likely a factor

The look

Pale yellow-green

Pale yellow-green to straw yellow

Yellow-gold

The scent

Less tart than Riesling or sauvignon blanc.

Fruit salad in a glass – lemon, orange, tangerine, peach and melon

Exotic – pineapple and mangos, maybe apricots, mandarin orange and spice.

The taste

Flavors are delicate with refreshing tartness from acidity

Lots of fruit, juicy lip-smacking style.

Luscious, much richer and riper fruit flavor.

Pinot Noir:

Grows best in cool to moderate climates. 

Pinot noir from all major regions is typically oak aged, but matched to intensity of fruit. 

Known as “chef’s wine” because it typically pairs well with a variety of foods. 

Cool Zone:

Burgundy, Oregon, and New Zealand

Moderate Zone:

California

The look

Dark pink to translucent ruby red

Ruby red to violet

The scent

Predominant scents are tangy red berries – cranberry, cherry.

Scents are riper, black cherries and raspberries, still tang that makes your mouth water. Potential sweetness from oak.

The taste

Taste is tangy and mouthwatering, all red berries with a little spice.

Acidity is less prominent than cool zone. Therefore, less tart and more juicy.

Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon:

Grows best in moderate climates. 

Taste ranges from dark berries to plums.

To learn of the complexity of these grapes should be examined through classic European Regional Wines.

Merlot

• Tends to be medium body and some oak agin.
• Look for wines from: Washington State, California, Chile.
• The look; Ruby red
• The smell; Predominant scents are plums and dark berries, some oakiness including vanilla or spice.

Cabernet Sauvignon

• Famous as main ingredient in French Bordeaux, arguably trumps merlot 9/10 times for the money.
• Generally full bodied with ample tannins that should be matched by fruit.
• Fruit tastes typically of blackcurrant and cassis.
• Some oak aging.
• Look for wines from: California, Chile
• The look; Ruby red to dark purple
• The smell; Similar to merlot.

The Taste!

• The taste of merlot and cabernet sauvignon is similar. Try to concentrate on tannin and body to differentiate.

Shiraz and Syrah

Shiraz vs. Syrah, What is the difference? Nothing! They are actually the same grape!

• One of the most popular red varieties in the world
• Possible name origins: Syracuse (city in Italy, speculated to be its place of origin); Shiraz (city in Iran); corruption of “Scyras,” by which it was originally known in Australia
• “Old World home” in France’s northern Rhône region; now grown extensively in France, Italy, Spain, Australia, US, Chile, Argentina, South Africa
• Grows best in moderate to warm climates
• The Look; Dark ruby red, often with fuchsia pink tinged rim that is typical of young wines.
• The Smell; Soft plum and berries, especially raspberries. Maybe sweet baking spice like cinnamon or clover.
• The Taste! Fruit flavor typically echoes scent.  Warmer climates yield the flavor of wild black fruits laced with spices, chocolate and even licorice. purple and red flowers; peppery and meaty; big and firm structure.

Not to be confused with Petite Syrah… 

Different grape, also known as

Durif

is a variety of red wine grape primarily grown in California, Australia, France, and Israel.

Cheers!

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