Sunday, April 28, 2013

Grape Varietal Blog- Roussanne 



Roussanne 













There is something special to me about having a nice glass of white wine with friends and family, especially on a beautiful day. White wines have the ability to turn even the most basic meals, into a high quality and memorable time. There is almost no way that I can describe the feeling I get when I open a new bottle of wine. That is why it was not a hard choice for me to decide to write about the white wine varietal Roussanne.
Roussanne is a white wine varietal. The grapes of the varietal grow in the same manner as most other grapes. The grapes usually grow in the shape of a small marble. Because Roussanne is used to make white wine, the color of the grapes is always a shade of light green. But from time to time I saw pictures of Roussanne grapes and some of them were covered in light purple spots. The vines of Roussanne grow very thick. I have never seen vines as large as Roussanne’s but I am sure that there are crazier looking vines in other grape varietals. Roussanne does look like any other average grape, but it is described as being one of the most difficult to grow.
Roussanne grapes are grown to produce a white wine. When it is made right, Roussanne creates a sweet and a strong taste. But something that is unique to Roussanne is that the taste is more similar to a red wine than many other white wines. I think this is an interesting quality that puts Roussanne apart from other white wines. Wine made from Roussanne grapes are described as having a mild oil texture to it. The smell of Roussanne is described almost and strong as the taste. Even Roussanne grapes are said to have a strong smell. Roussanne is described as having a mixed smell between many fruits and some nuts. This to me sounds like a very unique smell to wine that I would definitely like to experience with some close people.





One thing Roussanne grapes are famous for is that many vineyards have trouble growing the grapes. It turns out that Roussanne is extremely sensitive to mildew and rot. I was actually surprised to learn just how difficult growing Roussanne can be for some people. Even under the best conditions Roussanne can sometimes randomly just not grow the way a vineyard intended. This seems like it could have been a huge problem for people who grow Roussanne. I know that if I had to grow a grape varietal and it were to give me the same problems that Roussanne can give, I would definitely think twice about growing Roussanne again. And actually this is the same idea came to many people that grow Roussanne grapes.
In the past the fact that Roussanne was so difficult to grow in vineyards became a serious problem. The amount of Roussanne that was being produced began to decline because it was becoming hard to make. I read about how Roussanne even began to decline even in France. The fact that Roussanne could begin to lose its popularity even in France did make me a little nervous about Roussanne. But apparently Roussanne has been recovering to its previous levels in the past. If this is true, I definitely will have more faith in this grape varietal.
Roussanne wine is now a respectable varietal used for wines in France. It remains popular in France obviously because it it originally from there. But Roussanne grapes have been making their way across the world. Now you can find Roussanne in other places like California, Australia. But there are still smaller places around the world where someone can find other grape varietals. Roussanne can be found in other places around because it does not require any special preparation in growing.
Roussanne can be grown in many different areas around the world because it can handle different types of soil. This is definitely a great quality of Roussanne because it means that less effort is needed to go into making the wine. But even though this is true, Roussanne still is difficult. Just like how I said earlier, Roussanne sometimes just does not grow well or even at all. This shows how that even if someone put their best efforts in making Roussanne, it could all go wrong very quickly. What is even worse is someone planting Roussanne would only know late into the season if their Roussanne would grow correctly.



Roussanne grapes are known for growing sometimes with less than expected amounts. Sometimes this is because Roussanne is very weak against abuse from nature. But other times Roussanne just decides on its own to not grow correctly. And because the grapes ripen later during the growing season a vineyard might not have time to replace the grapes that went bad.
One thing that I keep thinking about are the hard times that vineyards must go through when making Roussanne. That is a huge problem that some people are forced to go through. But if people are able to successfully grow Roussanne grapes for wine, they will have a great tasting wine. I have never heard about a wine that has such a unique flavor and smell. Even though I am not the biggest fan of white wines, the description of Roussanne sounds way too good to not at least try. Roussanne varietals seem like they might be my next choice in wine.

Sources:


Saturday, April 27, 2013

Tasting- Heritage Chardonnay 


I got the box!!!



Name: Heritage  Chardonnay 
Variety: 100% Chardonnay 
Region: California 
Country: United States 
Year: 2011
Price: $21.95/5L

Winery review: "
An excellent, dry white wine with apple and pear flavors. A crisp wine with a clean finish. Semi-dry and medium-bodied.." 

My Review: This chardonnay was definitely enjoyable.  Not a very flavor filled wine, but a nice simple Chardonnay.  Great by itself.  A smooth pear smell on the nose.  The taste was crisp and quick no lingering after taste, which you know I appreciate.  I wouldnt bring this wine out for a nice dinner, however for that price for a whole 5 liter box its a great wine for just sitting around watching a movie with friends!! 

Food: I did not have this wine with food. 

 

Wine Region Blog - Uco Valley, Mendoza Province, Argentina 




                                Uco Valley, Mendoza  Province, Argentina









    




 Uco Valley in Argentina has been referred to as the New Napa Valley of South America. Set in the Mendoza Province and approximately 600 miles west of Buenos Aires, it is known for its continental climate with four distinct seasons, higher elevations, endless supply of water, long growing season, and fertile sandy soil creating the perfect environment to grow and produce top quality wines. Argentina has three main wine regions, the North, Patagonia and Cuyo. The three sub-regions in Cuyo are La Rioja, San Juan and Mendoza. Mendoza is known for its tourist friendly wineries that offer free tours and wine tasting. Argentina is the largest wine exporter in South America and from the 1990’s forward became a top exporter of quality wines. Sixty percent of Argentine wine originates from Mendoza and its sub regions. This province rarely faces insects, fungi, molds or grape diseases due to its climate conditions and location. Surrounded and isolated by mountains and the sea, little to no pesticides is used and in November of 2010, the Argentine government declared wine as Argentina’s national liquor.
     The first recorded commercial vineyard in Argentina was in 1557 by Jesuit Missionaries during the Spanish Colonization of the Americas. Vine cuttings were brought to Santiago del Estero at first then spread to other regions like Mendoza in the 1560’s and wine production began. The Missionaries built complex irrigation channels and dams to bring water down from the melting glaciers of the Andes Mountains. Today vineyards can apply for a government regulated water license so they have access to water in reservoirs if needed. Oak barrels are still used for aging as barrel aged wine is known to be more complex and have a more interesting texture.
     The Mendoza Region has five sub- regions, North, East ,Central, South and Uco. Due to high altitudes with the highest at 5,580 ft above sea level, the ideal conditions exist for growing top quality red and white grapes with great aging capacity. The Uco Valley is 45 miles long and about 15 miles wide. It follows the Tunuyan River north as it flows from the Andean Peaks. The Uco’s three main sub-regions are Tupungato, Tunuyan and San Carlos. The dry, continental climate has temperatures that are cool at night and warm in the afternoon. The Valley boasts a rainfall of about 7-9 inches per year along with sandy soil that may include clay, gravel and limestone. The porous nature of the soil allows the roots to absorb the water efficiently. The town of Tunuyan at a population of 45,000 is the heart of the Uco Valley. Currently there are approximately 20 main wineries producing over 100 brand name wines.





     Uco Valley enjoys greater than 250 sunny days per year to grow quality wines that are rich in color with intense aromas and flavors. Red varieties are predominant in this area and the good acidity levels of the grapes create a good aging capacity on the wines. The top varietals include the red Malbec, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo and Bonarce. White wines include the Chardonnay, Semillon , Torrontes, and Pedro Gimenez. The finest white wines of Mendoza such as Chardonnay and Semillon are from the Uco Valley vineyards. The high altitudes in Tupungato contribute to the flourishing Chardonnay vines. At elevations of 2,800-5,000 ft and up, Uco Valley is the perfect growing environment for many varietals. Semillon, a golden skinned grape that produces a dry, sweet white wine or Barbera, a red Italian wine grape variety that have deep colors and low tannins can be found. The Mendoza region in total is 1,500-5,580 ft above sea level.  One half of the red varieties in Mendoza are Cabernet, Sauvignon, Tempranillo and other Italian varieties .Total vineyard acres is around 390,000 and boasts an annual temperature of 59-66 degrees Fahrenheit.
     Argentine laws dictate that if a grape name is on the label 80% of the wine must be composed of that variety. Laws incorporate all wine regions in Argentina and are not as restrictive as other countries. Instituto Nacional de Vitiviniculturas is the main governing controlling body for the wine industry and declares the beginning date for the harvest usually between February-April of each year. The labels include the Vintage - year the grapes were harvested, Type-red or white, Producer/Proprietary-main name of the vineyard, Country – location wine originates, Region – of the vineyard and Grape Variety – ex. Cabernet Sauvignon. Old Vine might also be included on the label and indicates that the wine product of the grape vines is notably old.  Vines can grow over 120 years old and the older the vine equates to a better wine.

 






      





Sources:
      VINO ARGENTINO-An Insider’s Guide to the Wines and Wine Country of       
                   About Wine by J. Patrick Henderson and Dellie Rey, 2011.
                    www.vinesofmendoza.com
                    www.NY Times.com/2010/11/21/travel/21Mendo

                         

Thursday, April 25, 2013



Tasting:  Trattoria Busa Alla Torre Da Lele





Name: Trattoria Busa Alla Torre Da Lele 
Variety: Pinot Grigio 
Region: Vento 
Country: Italy 
Year: 2008
Price: $7.95

Winery review: Named after the famous restaurant in Italy! This is their house white wine! Coppery color from extended skin contact, round and rich texture with juicy melon aromas and flavors with a sweet fennel note on the ultra smooth finish. Great value Grigio! Drink now.

My Review: This wine was absolutely delicious.  I got a very peary aroma on the nose, not as sweet but more just a blast of pear, very enjoyable.  On the plate it was nice it did not have any bitter after taste.  I got a very pear taste too mixed with semi sweet flowers.  The whole thing was just really light wine, no ending bitter, drinkable on its own.  

Food: I did not have this wine with food. 

Tasting- Lobetia (Chardonnay) 





Name: Lobetia 
Variety: Chardonnay 
Region: La Mancha 
Country: Spain
Year: 2011 
Price: $9.95

Winery review: 
Organically and naturally grown and made, this wine allows the varietal and the terroir to stand out cleanly. Clean, bright color with a greenish-yellow tone. On the nose, exotic fruits like pineapple. Full flavored, fresh, with good acidity in the mouth, it finishes with tropical fruits.


My Review:  Light smelling white.  On the nose it smelled like honey dew melon very sweet and light.  On the palate the same flavored followed with a slight acidity ending, not a boom but a long acidity finish.  This wine was my favorite of the tasting but I am partial to Chardonnays.   

Food: I did not have this wine with food. 


Tasting- Lobetia Tempranillo 




Name: Lobetia 
Variety: Tempranillo 
Region: La Mancha 
Country: Spain 
Year: 2011
Price: $9.95

Winery review: 
Organically and naturally grown and made, this wine allows the varietal and the terroir to stand out cleanly. It shows a nice cherry color with a violet shade because of its youth. Red berries and cherries on the nose. On the palate it is fresh, slightly astringent, and harmonious with a long finish.


My Review:  I was really happy with the taste of this wine. I am not really sure if I would enjoy the taste if I was eating food with this wine but the dark cherry aroma and taste was interesting, maybe for a dessert wine. I would recommend this wine to my friends to try with dark chocolate or sharp cheese.  

Food: I did not have this wine with food. 


Name: Reserve Grand Veneur Côtes du Rhône 



Name: Reserve Grand Veneur Côtes du Rhône 
Variety: 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Cinsault
Region: Rhone Valley 
Country: France
Year: 2010
Price: $39.95/3L

Winery review: 
As for their other values, the 2010 Grand Veneur Cotes du Rhone Reserve (70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Cinsault) displays loads of ripe flavors. It is very concentrated for a Cotes du Rhone, and is actually an amazing wine. Classic garrigue, black cherry liqueur, lavender, licorice and spice box are all present in this full-bodied, intense, and rich Cotes du Rhone. This is a sensational effort to drink over the next 4-5 years, although it might last even longer.

My Review: I did not personally enjoy this wine.  The aroma was nice like dark candy with a little extra sugar.  The taste however was just too much spice at the end.  You got a cherry mild sweetness at first but a boom of spice finished that my palate was not pleased with at all.  

Food: I did not have this wine with food.