González Byass Family of Wine Altonzano, Beronia and Finca, Rioja, Spain

Spring has sprung in the NE Georgia Mountains. Daffodils have been pushing up since February and more pop up each week. The trees are flowering and some are turning green. Soon I’ll be lightening up my wine choices but before I do, I have several Spanish wines that would work well in just about any climate. Altozano Tempranillo & Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Beronia Tempranillo 2008 and Finca Constancia 2007. All wines are part of the González Byass Family of Wine portfolio. Warning, website has music you can mute in the lower right corner.

Altozano Tempranillo & Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
Spice and red fruit aromas. Flavors full of black pepper, plum, cola and a hint of nutmeg with a long spicy finish. I find many Tempranillos a bit too dry for me but the addition of the Cabernet really polished the wine.
Varietal – 50% Tempranillo, 50% Cabernet Sauvignon
pH – 3.8
TA – 4.27 g/l
Alcohol – 14%
Sugars – 1.8 g/l
SRP –  $10

Produced at Finca Constancia, Otero where the array of soils provides various nuances in each varietal resulting in complex and rich tasting wines.

Beronia Tempranillo 2008

Robust earthy aromas. Fruity and slightly sweet cherry and strawberry licorice flavors followed by a spicy finish. A very light and refreshing Tempranillo.
Varietal – 100% Tempranillo
pH – 3.65
TA – 5.2 g/l
Alcohol – 13.5%
Sugars – 1.8 g/l
SRP – $15
Located in Ollauri, in the Rioja Alta, the name is taken from the Berones, who inhabited the area in the third century BC. The unique soil composition provides for quality and award worthy wines.

Finca Constancia 2007

Spice and dark fruit aromas. Abundance of currant and rich ripe red fruit flavors. This was probably my favorite of the three. Rich, complex and smooth it washes over the palate like velvet.
Varietal – 42% Syrah, 41% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdo, 6% Tempranillo, 3% Graciano, 1% Cabernet Franc
pH – 3.65
TA – 5.2 g/l
Alcohol – 13.5%
Sugars – 1.8 g/l
SRP – $20
Located in Otero, Toledo the soil ranges from moderately acidic to high alkaline and a range of chalkiness allowing for a unique blend of varietals.

The González Byass Company began as collaboration between Manual María González Ángel and Robert Blake Byass. Lured to the Jerez region by the thriving Sherry industry, Manual purchased a small winery in 1835. By 1885 Manual joined with Byass, his agent from England thus giving birth to the González Byass Company. Manual was also the first in Jerez to have electricity, running water and worked on the first railway project in Spain.

This forward thinking continues with the family today. The family is committed to protecting the environment and the restoration of the historical town of Jerez. Many family members sit on local boards and many have held consul positions in European countries. This along with keeping up with innovative winemaking technology will ensure the The González Byass Company will continue to stand the test of time. 

If you would like to send samples for my review, please contact me at kstargaard@yahoo.com.

2012© Kellie Stargaard.  All Rights Reserved.

http://winechicksguidetoeverydaywines.blogspot.com/

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Troublemaker Blend 3 by Austin Hope, Paso Robles

Watching our new cat Daisy tear around the living room, jump on one couch, jump to the other and dismount off the back of the couch, I have to wonder what we’ve gotten ourselves into. It’s been awhile since I’ve had a young cat and I’ve forgotten the energy they exude during a typical day. This week I’ve caught her drinking out of the toilet, attempting to get outside to catch a squirrel, sitting in the windowsill and meowing loudly while I was on a conference call. At 4:00 AM I was awakened to her usual morning Crazy Daisy routine while I was doing my usual, trying to fall back asleep while waiting for the sound of a crash. All in all, we did get very lucky; she’s very affectionate and seems rather smart. Now we’re considering getting her a playmate, just hope we don’t bring home a troublemaker. However, there is one troublemaker I wouldn’t mind bringing home again, Troublemaker by Austin Hope of Hope Family Wines.

Earthy and wild cherry aromas. Flavors of dark fruits, more cherry and blackberry wash over the palate. Medium bodied with a round texture, the finish is long and smooth. It’s one of those wines that envelopes you in velvet and keeps you warm on a cold winter night.

Varietal – 55% Syrah, 20% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre, 5% Petite Sirah

Region – Paso Robles
Aging – French Oak (30%) 12 mos
Vintage – 2009 (40%), 2010 (60%)
SRP - $20

Following in his father’s footsteps, Austin Hope is now head winemaker and President of Hope Family Wines. After moving to Paso Robles with his family in the 1970’s, he began working the vineyards with his father at the age of eight. Following the advice of his father, Chuck Hope, Austin jumped at the opportunity to work under Chuck Wagner, founder of Caymus, and further his knowledge of winemaking. This spawned a desire to not only grow the grapes but to produce the wine as well. After graduating from Cal Poly with a fruit science degree, Austin spent time in Rhone Valley studying their vineyards and learning their winemaking techniques.

Troublemaker is a blend of Rhone inspired varietals grown 100% in Paso Robles. Hope Family Wines sources grapes from California’s Central Coast. A long-standing relationship with growers provides for consistent quality grapes. The growers are not faceless resources but instead are strong friendships. So much of the wine business has moved from family owned wineries to corporate business and bottom lines, it’s nice to share stories of families working with families to produce great wines.   

Stay posted on when and if we bring a second cat home to join our family. I’m sure there will be many stories to tell.

If you would like to send samples for my review, please contact me at kstargaard@yahoo.com.

2012© Kellie Stargaard.  All Rights Reserved.

http://winechicksguidetoeverydaywines.blogspot.com/

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Wine and My Happy Place

I feel like my brain is a pile of mush this week. I’ve had to spend all my time on one program at my paying gig this week. I feel as if I’ve been sort of side swiped as it’s hogging all my time. I need to go to my happy place and I need to go soon! Since it’s only 3:00 in the afternoon and that’s a little too early to start drinking wine alone, I’ll have to reminisce about a recent wine that took me to my happy place. Hmm, wow, seems there were quite a few. Maybe I’ll just give you a potpourri of wines that make me happy.

Zonin Rosé Brut Sparkling Wine

Ah, pink bubbly, my favorite. Apple and yeasty notes carried through the bubbles waft out of the glass. Flavors of dried cherries, apples and I swear I taste rose petals. Made from a blend of red and white grapes the red grapes are gently crushed. The grapes are allowed to lay on their skins for a short time giving the wine its pinkish hue. This is labeled as Brut but I found it to be a little on the sweet side. Best served chilled between 5° and 7°C (41°-45°F). Pairs well with hors d’oeuvres, risottos or as I enjoyed it, on its own. Alcohol – 11%. SRV - $11

Biltmore Estate Méthode Champenoise Pas de Deux–Sec

Crisp apple and white fruit aromas. Delicate floral, peach and pear flavors. The wine is semi-sweet and carries a slight yeastiness but is not unpleasing. The wine is 100% Muscat with 12.5% alcohol. I paired this sample with Breakfast for Dinner. The saltiness of the bacon and the peach and pear flavors were a perfect match. SRP -$18.

Have I mentioned how much I enjoy sparkling wines? They’re fun, festive and my husband doesn’t care for them so I get them all to myself. How’s that for a happy place!

Bridlewood Estate Winery Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon 2009
I found this gem all on my own while visiting a near by wine and liquor store. Aromas of cassis, spice and black pepper. Full to medium bodied, bursting flavors of plum, raspberry, cherry and a vanilla finish. This was such a wonderful surprise and priced at just $10.99, I plan on making the trek back to the store to pick up more soon. 

Hope Family Wines Liberty School Chardonnay 2010
Full of peach and green apple aromas. Crisp and fresh white fruits and citrus burst through the flavors. Finish is a subtle oak that seems to melt on the palate. 94% Chardonnay and 6% Viognier, the fruits benefit from the warm sunny days and the cool nights of the Central Coast. With an SRP of $11.99, it’s just one more thing to make me happy.

I feel better already. Letting the stress of the past few days roll off my shoulders and pool around my chair and dry into a fine dust to be blown away by the early spring winds. It’s days like these when I truly love living in NE Georgia. Just this morning I watched 8 deer feed on a few green sprigs popping up, just feet away from the house. As the fog lifted above the trees, the birds began singing their morning song and a few of them came to visit by landing on the front porch rail. I’m very fortunate to live in what I consider my dream vacation.

If you would like to send samples for my review, please contact me at kstargaard@yahoo.com.

2012© Kellie Stargaard.  All Rights Reserved.

http://winechicksguidetoeverydaywines.blogspot.com/

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Foppiano Lot 96 Petite Sirah SonomaCounty

One reason my husband and I made the move from sunny Florida to NE Georgia Mountains was to experience all four of Mother Nature’s seasons. Seems like right after Labor Day, the temps dropped fast, almost too cool and too fast for me but temps have been above average this winter and seems my request for snow won’t be met this year. I’m not asking for a crippling shut down snow like the region experienced last year, just a nice little dusting, is that too much to ask? We’ve had a few minutes of flurries where I felt like a school kid letting them fall on my face but other than that, I’m still waiting for the white stuff to fall from the sky. It really would have been great to have a White Christmas, sigh, well that didn’t happen. But speaking of Christmas, I’ve had Foppiano Lot 96 Petit Sirah in my little black wine book since that time as we sampled it on Christmas Eve while waited for St. Nick to arrive.

Aromas full of oak, plum and cherry. Full bodied and rich with ripe blueberry, blackberry and a hint of peppery spice. At just $12.50, it can be Christmas every day!

Foppiano is one of the oldest family-owned wineries in Sonoma County with roots dating back to 1896 when Giovanni Foppiano bought 80 acres of Russian River Valley land. Enduring Prohibition by selling home winemaking kits, they have continued to operate for over a century. A founding member of the Russian River Valley AVA, Foppiano continues to improve upon Giovanni’s vision of creating world class wine by keeping up with new and innovative winemaking processes and equipment.  

Over the years I’ve become envious of those who grew up with soil and vines running through their veins. For someone like me who didn’t grow up with home vegetable gardens or long evenings spent conversing over wine I feel I’ve been given a second chance at that sort of lifestyle. While I won’t be surrounded by gnarled old vines I will have ample amounts of vegetable, flower gardens and chickens. I look forward to seeing the changes to our property and an ever changing lifestyle over the next several years.

If you would like to send samples for my review, please contact me at kstargaard@yahoo.com.

2012© Kellie Stargaard.  All Rights Reserved.

http://winechicksguidetoeverydaywines.blogspot.com/

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Conundrum White Wine Blend 2010

My birthday falls just 7 days after Valentine’s Day so I never ask for two gifts; just dinner for Valentine’s Day and a gift & dinner for my birthday. This year I’m still asking for the dinner’s (I’m no dummy!) but instead of a gift, I’m asking my husband to begin bringing our bathroom up to date. The major renovation of turning our cramped and unappealing shower into a much needed linen closet and removing the unused garden tub and designing a shower retreat will have to wait just a little longer. But in the meantime we can get rid of the wallpaper, replace mirrors, lighting, vanity, sink and faucet. I’m so lucky I have such a handy husband and who with some help from his assistant (me) can do all of these changes on our own. Last night I feel like I received an early birthday present when I sampled a bottle of Conundrum White Wine Blend 2010.

Perfumed aromas of honeysuckle and rose. Round and creamy Chardonnay appears first on the palate, followed by fresh and lively Sauvignon Blanc and spicy Viognier. Finish is made up of semi sweet honey from the Muscat grape. This is by far the finest white wine I’ve had in some time.

Produced by Wagner Family of Wines, I feel like this is one of those must have white wines. Before leaving Tampa, we dined at the well known Bern’s Steakhouse and several times throughout the evening I heard diners ask for a bottle of Conundrum. It’s a delicate and very pretty wine and at just $22, it doesn’t have to be saved for special occasions. 

Made up of five California white grape varietals: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat Canelli, Viognier and Semillon- sourced from Napa, Monterey, Santa Barbara and Tulare counties. The name Conundrum refers to the puzzling array of flavors and aromas bursting through. Each vintage contains a varied percentage of each grape, allowing Mother Nature to determine which grape will steal the show in that particular vintage.

Wagner Family of Wines sound familiar? It should, also the makers of Caymus, Mer Soleil, Meiomi and others, they’re a wine powerhouse.  A true family affair, Caymus head winemaker and patriarch Chuck Wagner, has roots in Napa dating back to the 1800’s. Son Charlie heads up Mer Soleil and Silver. Another son Joseph heads up Belle Glos and Meiomi Pinot Noirs; and Jon Bolta, in all likelihood considered a member of the Wagner family, created the Conundrum blend.

Think I’ll get myself an early present and purchase my own bottle of Conundrum. I think you should pick up a bottle for yourself too!

If you would like to send samples for my review, please contact me at kstargaard@yahoo.com.

2012© Kellie Stargaard.  All Rights Reserved.

http://winechicksguidetoeverydaywines.blogspot.com/

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Valentine’s Day Wines - Caymus, Meiomi and Biltmore, Be Mine!

Typically recognized as the coldest winter month, this February is bringing what the locals call spring like temps. In Florida, these temps would be closer to winter so I feel right at home. It’s also the month for Cupid to go around shooting his arrow, over priced chocolates, flowers and an array of other things that are supposed to warm your beloved’s heart. Whether you believe Valentine’s Day is a holiday made up by the greeting card and chocolate companies, a ploy by the jewelry stores or if you truly enjoy heart shaped boxes and sappy cards, you can celebrate the day in style. Who cares if it’s with a romantic love interest or a group of friends staging an all out Cupid boycott. I’ve got a few wines to help you either forget there even is an opposite sex or toast your love.

Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon 2009, Napa Valley  - $68

For those of you with deep pockets, Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 will have you drooling in your glass. Classic cassis, vanilla, leather and oak aromas. Loads of fruit flavors hit the front of the palate, hints of leather wash over mid palate and the finish is pure, sensual vanilla. Some wines are all hype and the price tag can leave you in a little sticker shock. I can tell you; this wine is worth the $68 price tag. Obviously not an everyday wine but if you want toe curling wine, this is the one.  

Bella Glos Pinot Noir 2009, Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County - $44

Aromas of spicy black cherry and ripe black fruits. Flavors consist of berries, plums and more spice. Finish is long and supple. We paired with an array of charcuterie with local hard cheeses and meats.
 

Meiomi Pinot Noir 2010 Sonoma, Monterey, Santa Barbara - $22

Aside from the Caymus this was my favorite of the three and is listed at a good price. Ripe strawberry and oak aromas. Spicy earth, leather and red fruit flavors. The soft tannins are velvet on the palate. I just want to wrap myself up in this wine and at $22 a bottle, I just may.

Looking to sample all three of the above wines and three delectable white wines (more on those in another blog). The Wagner Family of Wine Tasting Flight is a great way to experience the wines for around $40.

Chateau Bonnet Rosé 2010 - $15

This is by far the best Rosé I’ve had in some time. I used to shy away from Rosé, thinking of those sickly sweet pink wines I tasted in my youth. This 50% Merlot and 50% Cabernet Sauvignon has aromas of fresh picked strawberries and flavors of white peach and a hit of citrus. We paired with spicy Korean Short Ribs.

Biltmore Estate Méthode Champenoise Pas de Deux–Sec - $19
I’m a bit of a sparkling wine junky. I pop open a bottle several times during the week. So when I received this sample, I didn’t wait long to dive right in. Aromas of white fruits consisting of ripe pear and crisp apple. Flavors are soft and full of floral and honey. A slight hint of yeast in the finish but not un-pleasing.

Yellow Tail Bubbles Sparkling Rosé Wine - $9

I love pink sparklers, they’re just fun and scream, drink me! A blend of Semillon, Traminer, Shiraz and Frontignac, aromas are full of strawberry and spice. Nose carries a hint of aromatic rose.Ripe cherry flavors mixed with a little hint of mango make this inexpensive sparkler, a good deal.

So if you find yourself dodging Cupid’s arrow this year or all out flinging yourself onto it, remember to raise a glass to good wine!

If you would like to send samples for my review, please contact me at kstargaard@yahoo.com.

2012© Kellie Stargaard.  All Rights Reserved.

http://winechicksguidetoeverydaywines.blogspot.com/

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Super Bowl Sangria

Sangria, it’s not just for summer, it’s for Super Bowl sipping too! With the big game quickly approaching, you need something that will keep you going so you don’t get too tipsy from high alcohol drinks or too full from all those party foods and filling beer. Back in Tampa, when we hosted a cook out or a party that was going to last awhile, I would make up a big batch of Sangria. I find cutting the alcohol with fruit or club soda, you can stay in the game for the long haul. I recently received a sample of Eppa Super Fruit Sangria. Antioxidants, real fruit juices, just 8.5% alcohol and only 120 calories, you really can have you wine and drink it too!

Pomegranate and blueberry are the dominant flavors up front with blood orange bringing up the rear. I found it a little sweet so I added some cinnamon which really cut the sugar down.

The Sangria is a blend of Mendocino Cabernet and Syrah. The Cabernet provides the structure and depth while the Syrah brings fruit flavors to the party. The grapes are then combined with antioxidant-rich juices from pomegranate, blueberry, Mediterranean blood orange and Acai. Red wine is naturally rich in antioxidants but the addition of these super fruits raises the glass so to speak to nearly twice the amount of just straight red wine.

At this time, Eppa Super Fruit Sangria is only available in Florida found in local retailers. For the rest of you, why not make your own Sangria. You can even play around with some super fruit juices for the antioxidant benefits.

Sangria is a popular Spanish wine “punch” typically served in casual social gatherings during the hot summer months. Traditional Sangria is made with wine, chopped fruit, a sweetener, and brandy.

2 bottles of red or white wine

1 apple sliced
1 orange sectioned
Half a lemon
Half a lime
Cinnamon (to taste)
Seltzer or club soda (optional)
1-2 cups Pomegranate juice (optional)
Combine in a pitcher, pour over ice, enjoy

For a southern twist, add a little Junior Johnson’s Midnight Moon Cranberry Moonshine. That will put a little giddy up in your glass, however does defeat the purpose of enjoying a lower alcoholic beverage.

For more traditional Sangria, try the following:

1/2 cup brandy
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/3 cup orange juice
1 bottle dry red wine
1/2 cup triple sec
1 lemon, sliced
1 orange, sliced
1 lime, sliced
1/4 cup white sugar (optional)
maraschino cherries
2 cups carbonated water (optional)

Before leaving Tampa, one of my favorite things to do with friends was meet them at the Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City. The food was ok, but what I went for was the ambiance and Sangria! Amongst the colorful tiles, the fountain (if you were lucky enough to get in the main dining room), the Spanish accented wait staff, and a lovely pitcher of Sangria on your table, you’re taken away to another place. Until you step outside and just about get run over by one of the fuel tankers coming from the Port! Cheers!

If you would like to send samples for my review, please contact me at kstargaard@yahoo.com.

2012© Kellie Stargaard.  All Rights Reserved.

http://winechicksguidetoeverydaywines.blogspot.com/

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