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Some "PV"-- Petit Verdot
I had the opportunity last week to have lunch with a former elementary school teacher of mine. When she asked if I would like some wine with our meal. . . I could not refuse! She brought out a bottle of '05 Lost Shore Petit Verdot. Being a Gary Vaynerchuk fan I immediately commented "ah. . . 'PV' ". She gave me a surprised look and asked if I had heard of the "new" varietal to her. Thus began my lesson to the teacher. . . .
The Petit Verdot (“Peh-TEE Vehr-DOUGH”) grape is one of the six approved grapes for making red wines in the Bordeaux region of France (Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec and Carmenere are the others). It is though, along with Carmenere, the "forgotten grape" in Bordeaux. Often late-ripening, which limits its usefulness in the cool weather areas and wherever the season is typically short, Petit Verdot vines tend to produce a lot of vegetation, but inconsistent amounts of fruit. For these reasons, Petit Verdot vines were routinely replaced or abandoned by most Bordeaux producers beginning in the mid-20th Century.
Petit Verdot is occasionally, but rarely bottled anywhere as a stand-alone varietal without moderating its powerful characteristics by blending it with other grape types. PV's powerful dense fruit flavors, dark color, and heavy tannins means that it is often blended as 1% to 3% of the total wine mixtures.
These days, "PV" is attempting a comeback in warmer weather climates where the growing seasons are longer. California and Australia are two areas looking to promote more Petit Verdot in the upcoming years.
Australia's well-respected winemaker Geoff Hardy has taken on the challenge of producing a "stand-alone PV" and boy did he do a nice job!
This Petit Verdot in the glass was a classic deep dark purple. On the nose, I got blackberries and mint, yes mint! The palate was full of concentrated blackberries, violets and some leather with a hint of that mint on the back end. The tannins on this baby were very firm and although this bottle was an '05, it still has some shelf life left to it. This was an interesting lesson for both the teacher and the student. Petit Verdot is not for everyone. . . its deep concentrated flavors are not loved by all, but it is certainly worth the effort to seek out a bottle or a glass to try. As always, expand your palate! Cheers and thus endeth the lesson!
Frappato. . . another Italian export!
In my never ending quest to expand my palate, I relaxed last Sunday afternoon with a bottle of Frappato Di Vittoria or Frappato for short. On the advice of local wine expert Kristin Jonna, I ventured out last week and found a bottle of this Sicilian export. Needless to say, Kristin was again correct in leading me to a truly unique wine experience.
Frappato di Vittoria or Frappato is a red Italian wine grape varietal planted primarily in Sicily. The Frappato grape produces a light bodied wine. It is most commonly seen as a component of Sicily's only DOGC (Denominazione di Origne Controllata) wine, Cerasuolo di Vittoria, which consists of 30-50% Frappato and 50-70% Nero D'Avola. www.planeta.it/ENG/Cerasuolo_ing.pdf
To complicate things a bit, the red Frappato/Frappato di Vittoria is also known under the synonyms Frappato Nero, Frappato Nero di Vittoria, Frappatu, Frappatu di Vittoria, Nerello, Nerello di Catania, and Nero Capitano. Frappato is also the name of a white Italian grape variety. This Frappato is less common than Frappato di Vittoria and is only known under the synonym Frappatu.
Last week was a long week for me, so on Sunday I wanted to "veg" and enjoy something "delightful". Kristin told me that this would hit the spot. She was right!
The Valle Dell' Acate Vittoria Frappato in the glass had a deep ruby red core with copper highlights on the ends. The nose was that of candied red berries and a hint of cough syrup. The palate for me was all "strawberry licorice". The only downside to the wine was its short finish. This is not an overly complex wine. It is though a delightful, light-bodied, fruity, dry red wine. I have read that it is enhanced a bit by being served "chilled", something I did not try, but will certainly attempt in the near future. As always. . . expand that palate of yours and enjoy some of the world's hidden gems! Cheers!
For the weekend, I give you Dolcetto!
Its warm out, barbeques are going, family and friends are visiting more often and you need a good "go to" reasonably priced red wine. . . try some Dolcetto!!
Dolcetto originates from the Piedmont region of Italy, where it is overshadowed by the more powerful and concentrated Nebbiolo. The grape varietal produces deeply-pigmented wines, thick with fruit character, high in natural acidity and having only mild tannins. Dolcetto is best consumed young, because its youthful fruit flavors fade quicker than its acidity.
Ice Wine. . . in the summer?!?!
As we wind down the first week of July 2010, I think I can say confidently that most of us in these United States are going through the same thing—HOT weather. Its been about 95-97 degrees here in southeast Michigan and I know my friends on the east coast are getting hammered worse than we are here in the midwest. What to do? Pools? Air conditioning? Cold beverages? Shade? Ice baths? Ice wine? I like all these ideas but lets discuss ice wine, because it may not be what you think.
Ice wine, or as it's known in Germany, Eiswein, is made from frozen grapes. Since the grapes are picked and processed before they're thawed out, frozen water and highly concentrated sugar and acid is squeezed out. The result is a sweet, fruity dessert wine.
The first ice wine was produced, by accident, in Germany in 1794. As the story goes, the owner of a German vineyard was out of town at harvest time. When he returned, he and his staff decided to pick and process the grapes anyway. The result was ice wine. Originally termed "winter wine," ice wine remained Germany's secret until 1962, when it was produced commercially in Europe.
The grapes for ice wine are naturally frozen. Generally, the grapes are picked by hand in the very early morning hours just after the frost hits. No other method for freezing the grapes can be used— they can't be placed in the freezer to make ice wine! If this inferior method is used, the wine must have a different name.
Once the grapes are harvested, they're immediately pressed. The water, or bits of ice, is extracted. The intense flavor comes from the highly concentrated sugar and acid in the grapes, which did not freeze. After being pressed, the ice wine is stored in oak barrels for several months while it ferments. Germany, Austria, and Canada are known for producing the best ice wine since they have such consistent cold weather. Michigan is starting to develop a strong reputation for its ice wines, so be on the look out fellow "Michiganders". Because the process of producing ice wine is so time consuming, ice wine can be very expensive and comes in small bottles. Ice wine is best served chilled and goes well with any dessert. It should be sipped and savored to be appreciated. Fenn Valley in Michigan makes a fantastic ice wine— "42" from Fenn Valley is a much honored ice wine from "the mitten state" (Tasters Guild International Wine Judging 2010-Gold; Finger Lakes International Wine Competition 2010- Gold; Michigan Wine and Spirits Competition 2010—Double Gold). It has a wonderful bouquet of tropical fruits that all follow on the palate. Sweet hints of apricots, mangos, pineapples and pears. Dessert wines tend to be well-liked by many because of their sweetness and this does not disappoint! $22 at a local market for a half-bottle ($15 from Fenn Valley) this ice wine is a great ice wine at a great price—especially on these hot summer days! Serve chilled and enjoy! Cheers!
The Tweet and Taste Michigan continues next week!
Time has escaped me I must admit! "Summer" here in Michigan has begun with all of my summer activities and I have been busy, busy, busy. So busy that I neglected a recap of the Tweet & Taste Michigan from wineries of the Lake Michigan Shore. Time has flown so fast that the NEXT Tweet & Taste is NEXT week already!! Yep, June 7th featuring the Wines of Old Mission Peninsula, or as they are lovingly referred to "WOMP".
Our last Tweet & Taste involved the wineries of the Lake Michigan Shore, or, "the mitten's west coast". It was a delightful event that introduced us to the Chancellor variety of grape and also allowed us to taste two varietals that I had never had from Michigan wine makers, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. As always, Shannon and Cortney Casey did a wonderful job in hosting and organizing this event. If you have not yet visited their site, please do so. They are tireless in their passion for Michigan wines and the Michigan Wine Industry! In fact, I will let them sum up the last Tweet & Taste Michigan. Take a look at the following link to their video blog recap of Tweet & Taste 3!! www.michiganbythebottle.com/2010/05/podcast-episode-19-tweet-taste-michigan-lms-wineries-recap.html
As I mentioned, we are moving on to Tweet & Taste Michigan 4 featuring the wines of Old Mission Peninsula. In fact, every winery from WOMP will be involved! Next Monday, June 7th at 8:00 pm EST, we will be visiting a little bit of "up north"!
Here are the wineries and some info you might need to obtain their special offerings for the Tweet & Taste:
The wines:
2 Lads- 2009 Pinot Grigio
Black Star Farms Sirius Cherry Dessert Wine
Bowers Harbor Vineyards- 2006 2896 Langley (Meritage)
Chateau Grand Traverse- 2008 Ship of Fools
Brys Estate- 2007 Signature Red
Peninsula Cellars- 2006 Gewurztraminer
You can find more information on how to take part in the Tweet & Taste as well as some special promotions from the wineries on Michigan by the Bottle's site at www.michiganbythebottle.com/ttmi.html
These events are a great opportunity to taste and learn about Michigan wine. Log onto to Twitter and follow along for the dialogue using hashtag #ttmi. Its easiest wine tasting you will ever take part in!
Half-Bottles. . .
You may have seen them in your local wine shop. . . those "little" wine bottles. You may have wondered. . . "what's up with that?" Are they "junior wines", "runt wines", or "leftovers" from their bigger brother bottles? No, they are just real "half-sized" bottles. But should you try one? Well, here is what you need to know.
When my son makes a "big decision" these days, he makes a list of "good" things and "bad" things about whatever he is considering. So I will follow his lead. . .
The "Good". . .
1. Half-bottles are wonderful for a couple (they contain 375 ml, or about 2 1/2 glasses per bottle)— you do not have to worry about the "extra" wine from a full bottle or feel the "pressure" to finish the full bottle so it is not wasted;
2. Half-bottles are very convenient to take with you to parties, picnics, or any other get-togethers where you want to bring some wine;
3. Half-bottles are a great way to try a new wine, in that, if you do not like it, you have not paid for the full bottle; and
4. They are cute and different than the norm (for those who enjoy cute and different).
The "Bad". . .
1. Wine in half-bottles ages faster because of a greater oxygen to wine ratio (Champagne seems to age at a particularly higher rate than others forms of vino). . .
2. Half-bottles are more expensive to produce than their "big brothers". Half-bottles are more expensive to box and ship and tend to fall off production lines in wineries;
3. "Half-bottle" does not equal "half-price". . . the price of a half-bottle is probably 60%-70% of their "big brothers" because of the increased cost of production.
Conclusion. . .
Although they may be convenient, "buyer beware" in terms of half-bottles. If you choose to go that route, choose a young wine and stay clear of champagne (or other sparklers) in half-bottles! Cheers!
Tweet and Taste 3-- Why not?
What are you doing this Monday at 8:00 pm EST??? Nothing? Why not join us to the Third Tweet & Taste Michigan!! Really, why not?!?!?
After the huge success of the first two Tweet & Taste Michigan events, we are going to taste and tweet about some wonderful Michigan wines from wonderful Michigan winemakers on Monday, May 17th at 8:00 pm EST. How often do you get the chance to taste some great wine and have the winemakers available for your comments and questions? All the winemakers of the wine we taste will be on Twitter to do just that.
Featured in this 3rd adventure in Michigan wines will be:
The 2007 Syrah from Domaine Berrien (www.domaineberrien.com);
The 2006Braganini Reserve Chancellor and St. J Red from St. Julian(www.stjulian.com);
The 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon from Round Barn(www.roundbarnwinery.com); and
The Veritas from Warner Vineyards(www.warnerwines.com)
You do not necessarily need all of the wine! Whatever you can pick up is great! You can join in on what you can find and watch for tasting notes and comments on those you can't (and then order the wine from the wineries you might enjoy!).
This promises to be another outstanding look into the world of Michigan wines, focusing on a region rather than one winery/winemaker.
To get a better idea of how to participate and what to do, please take a look at the post by Shannon and Cortney Casey regarding the event. . . www.michiganbythebottle.com/ttmi.html. Cortney will explain all you need to know.
Please consider joining us on May 17th! You will not regret it!
Grillo !?!
In my quest to become a member of the Wine Century Club, I have a fan and supporter, Marshall Wehr, who is one the most knowledgeable wine people I know. Recently, to help me reach my goal, Marshall gave me a bottle of the Feudo Arancio Grillo. I guess he was confident that I had not had this varietal. He was right. I am glad that he did drop this off for me to try, as it is a pretty pleasurable wine varietal—so Marshall—thank you!
Grillo ("Greel-loe") is a Sicilian white grape variety used to produce full bodied wines. It is a variety so ancient that it was used in one of Julius Caesar's favorite wines, the sweet, luscious Mamertino of Messina.
In more recent centuries, Grillo was the primary grape of Marsala, a strongly fortified wine from western Sicily. In the 1950's, the Sicilian wine industry sought to upgrade its image by planting "new and different" varietals and Grillo enjoyed a brief resurgence and was planted widely. Recently however, Grillo lost its "popularity" and has been replaced by more familiar varietals, with plantings falling to a relatively small 5,000 acres in the 1990's.
Much of the Grillo produced today still goes into Marsala. Now and again though, it exceeds expectations and produces a wonderful tasting white wine all on its own. The 2007 Feudo Arancio Grillo is just such a wine.
The 2007 Arancio Grillo, as you can see, is "straw colored". On the nose I got some wonderful pineapple, lemon and a bit of banana. On the palate, the Grillo has a rich texture, with tastes of lemon, mango and a bit of "wet rock". This wine held up very well with the spicy wings I had it with and would pair wonderfully with salad, chicken and shellfish. Grillo is a little more available than you might think, you just have to look for it. The price point is also very approachable coming in somewhere between $10-$13. Go get it and expand your palate! Cheers!
Grillo ("Greel-loe") is a Sicilian white grape variety used to produce full bodied wines. It is a variety so ancient that it was used in one of Julius Caesar's favorite wines, the sweet, luscious Mamertino of Messina.
In more recent centuries, Grillo was the primary grape of Marsala, a strongly fortified wine from western Sicily. In the 1950's, the Sicilian wine industry sought to upgrade its image by planting "new and different" varietals and Grillo enjoyed a brief resurgence and was planted widely. Recently however, Grillo lost its "popularity" and has been replaced by more familiar varietals, with plantings falling to a relatively small 5,000 acres in the 1990's.
Much of the Grillo produced today still goes into Marsala. Now and again though, it exceeds expectations and produces a wonderful tasting white wine all on its own. The 2007 Feudo Arancio Grillo is just such a wine.
The 2007 Arancio Grillo, as you can see, is "straw colored". On the nose I got some wonderful pineapple, lemon and a bit of banana. On the palate, the Grillo has a rich texture, with tastes of lemon, mango and a bit of "wet rock". This wine held up very well with the spicy wings I had it with and would pair wonderfully with salad, chicken and shellfish. Grillo is a little more available than you might think, you just have to look for it. The price point is also very approachable coming in somewhere between $10-$13. Go get it and expand your palate! Cheers!
Tweet and Taste Michigan. . . 3-Peat?
After the huge success of the first two Tweet & Taste Michigan events, do we have a "3-Peat" in the future? We are going to give it a run on Monday, May 17th at 8:00 pm EST.
This time, the Caseys (Shannon and Cortney of Michigan by the Bottle) have mixed it up a bit. This Tweet & Taste will involve not one winery, not two or three, but four Michigan wineries, all from the western side of our "mitten".
Featured in this 3rd adventure in Michigan wines will be:
The 2007 Syrah from Domaine Berrien (www.domaineberrien.com);
The 2006 Braganini Reserve Chancellor and St. J Red from St. Julian (www.stjulian.com);
The 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon from Round Barn (www.roundbarnwinery.com); and
The Veritas from Warner Vineyards (www.warnerwines.com)
This promises to be another outstanding look into the world of Michigan wines, focusing on a region rather than one winery/winemaker. All the winemakers will be participating on Twitter to give us insight and answer our questions.
To get a better idea of how to participate and what to do, please take a look at the post by Shannon and Cortney Casey regarding the event. . . www.michiganbythebottle.com/ttmi.html. Cortney will explain all you need to know.
Please consider joining us on May 17th! You will not regret it!
Michigan Wine and Food Showcase Wrap Up
Michigan's own Master Sommelier Claudia Tyagi recently invited me to the Michigan Wine and Food Showcase at the Shiraz Gardens.
Claudia, currently working at Birmingham’s Forest Grill as their resident Master Sommelier, is one of the Michigan Wine Industries' biggest promoters.
I had two wonderful conversations with Lee Lutes of Black Star Farms and Adam Satchwell of Shady Lane Cellars, who both were recently highlighted as part of the Tweet & Taste Michigan events. I was also lucky enough to finally meet Shannon and Cortney Casey of Michigan by the Bottle, who I have seen only in their photos and video blogs at their website (www.michiganbythebottle.com). I met longtime wine lovers and bloggers Kim Adams and George Heretier of Gang of Pour (blogs.gangofpour.com) who were very gracious in showing me around a bit and filling me in on some very special upcoming events in the wine world.
Claudia introduced me to Chateau Chantal winemaker Brian Hosmer who generously shared not only his time but his winemaking knowledge with me. It was great to hear more about all that the Michigan winemakers are doing together to get the word out about the great Michigan wine "brand". I spoke to the great Larry Mawby, sparkling wine maker extraordinaire who released his newest sparkler aptly titled "Detroit" on the night of the Showcase. And lastly, I finally got to meet the "wine genie" herself, Claudi Tyagi, who graciously welcomed me in to the event with open arms and all the information I could use to make the event a success for me.
While I could not visit every table and taste every wine — even this wine blogger has a limit — here is a list of the some the hits from the Showcase. I recommend you purchase these great finds either from your local wine store or directly from the vineyard. . . I'll be making my annual trip in August and, if necessary, leaving one of my kids behind to make room in the car to bring wine back home. . .
. . . Black Star Farms Leorie Vineyard Merlot/Cabernet Franc. . . a wine I would slide into any blind Bordeaux tasting just to surprise the French. . .
. . . Shady Lane Cellars Semi-Dry Riesling. . . just as good as the Dry but with a wonderful touch of sweetness. . .
. . . "Detroit" from Larry Mawby. . . a subtle "sweet one", look for it in stores, next to Larry's other faves "Sex", "Wet" and "Fizz". . .
. . . Cherry Creek "Montage", a wonderful blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Chancellor Noir from winemaker John Burtka (a very nice guy, by the way!). . .
. . . "Requisite" from Circa Winery, a silky and delicious Blaufrankish (or Lemberger). . .
. . . "Melange" from Hickory Creek Winery, a wonderful blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot that somehow is semi-translucent in color but brings forth wonderful flavors and texture
. . . and the Cabernet Franc from 2 Lads which has been and continues to be outstanding!
I want to thank Claudia for including me in the showcase of Michigan's finest wines. It was truly a memorable experience. I also want to thank all of the winemakers that I had the chance to meet and chat with. You truly brought out your best at the Showcase. To those I could not meet, I look forward to seeing you in the very near future! Cheers!!