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A Tour of Wine Grapes: Gamay
Gamay 🍷 Image Courtesy of Doris Schneider, Wikimedia Commons Gamay ( gam-may ), commonly referred to as Gamay Beaujolais, is almost entirely grown in France and Beaujolais (in the Loire Valley) is its home. Gamay is a natural cross between Pinot Noir and Gouais Blanc (a very obscure grape). But, a direct relationship with Pinot Noir! Gamay has a unique past. In 1395, Duke Philippe the Bold of Burgundy actually banished the grape, calling it "vile and disloyal". He preferred the more "elegant" Pinot Noir and feared Gamay’s high productivity would dilute the region's reputation. This ban forced the grape from Burgundy to move south to Beaujolais, where it has flourished. Gamay wines are light in body and low in tannin, alcohol and sweetness. They’re medium in acidity. Aromas associated with Gamay include strawberry, raspberry and red cherry with floral notes. Wines made from the Gamay grape are made using Carbonic Maceration which is a process where the grapes are fermented as whole gra
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Behind the Cork™ - Barkan Vineyards Platinum Cabernet Sauvignon
2020 Barkan Vineyards Platinum Cabernet Sauvignon ($29.99) Barkan Vineyards is located a half-hour driving distance from both Tel-Aviv and Jerusalem in Israel. And, yes, it’s a Kosher wine. But not just a Kosher wine, a really good Kosher wine! Barkan Platinum is made from Cabernet Sauvignon grapes that are grown in the Upper Galilee. Made from 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine is aged for 18 months in “ phenomenal ” French oak barrels that provided unique characteristics to the wine. Barkan Vineyards Platinum Cabernet Sauvignon is deep ruby in color with a nice aroma of dark fruit and spices. On the palate, this wine is rich in dark fruit flavors. The oak and bottle aging has smoothed out the tannin for a soft mouthfeel. It finishes rich and soft. If you’re looking for a really good Cab, that just happens to be Kosher, look no further. Barkan Vineyards Platinum Cabernet Sauvignon is a great wine at a tremendous prices. That’s a perfect fit as this week’s Behind the Cork ™ Wine of the
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A Tour of Wine Grapes: Dolcetto
Dolcetto 🍷 Image from Luca Monchiero on Wikimedia Commons Dolcetto ( dol-chet-to ) is a black wine grape variety almost exclusively grown in the Piedmont region of northwest Italy. While its name translates to "little sweet one" the wines produced from this grape are anything but sweet and actually can have some tartness. Historically, winemakers called Dolcetto their " cash flow " grape. Because it ripens so early and is meant to be drunk young, farmers could sell it to pay their bills while their Nebbiolo and Barbera wines were still aging in the cellar for years. Surprisingly, the oldest surviving Dolcetto vines in the world aren't in Italy—they are in Australia, with some plantations dating back to the 1860s. Dolcetto wines are usually medium to medium-full bodied, with low acidity and higher in tannin. Aromas include red and black fruits such as black cheery, plum and blackberry. Floral notes include violets and lavender. Flavors include black cherry, blackberry, plum and licoric
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Behind the Cork™ - Senorio de Odon Crianza
2020 Señorio de Odon Crianza ($6.99) In Spanish wine, Crianza is a regulated aging classification that literally translates to "breeding" or "nurturing". It is the second tier of aged wine in Spain's quality system, sitting between young, un-aged wines ( Joven ) and more heavily aged wines ( Reserva and Gran Reserva ). Crianza wines must have been aged a minimum of 24 months with at least one year of barrel aging followed by bottle aging. This Crianza is produced by the family-owned Bodegas Leza García. It is 100% Tempranillo from the Rioja Alta region of Spain. Señorio de Odon is deep ruby red in color with the classic Tempranillo aromas of cherry and spices. On the palate, this full-bodied wine has flavors of black cherry, fig and plum. It has medium-high tannin and acidity. It finishes lean with a bit of tannin and tartness. The 2020 Señorio de Odon is widely available at Trader Joe’s and an excellent value. That makes it a nice fit as this week’s Behind the Cork ™ Wine of the Week.
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A Tour of Wine Grapes: Colombard
Colombard (or Colombar) Photo from Pancrat on Wikimedia Commons The name Colombard likely comes from the French word for dove, "colombe". Legend has it that the grape was so named because its white, dusty berries match the color of a dove's plumage. It is a natural cross between Chenin Blanc and Gouais Blanc. This makes it a sibling to Chardonnay and Riesling. Colombard was among the most-planted white grape varieties in France but is also found in California’s Central Valley, Texas as well as South Africa, Australia, Thailand and Israel. Before Chardonnay took over in the 1990s, Colombard (often called "French Colombard" in the U.S.) was the most planted white grape in California. Historically a "workhorse" grape in blending, it has played a major role in both distilled spirits (Brandy) and mass-market "jug wines.” For decades, it was the grape used in nearly every generic "Chablis" or "Hearty White" jug wine sold in the U.S. But, in the recent past, French wine producers have began u
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Behind the Cork™ - Frei Brothers Sonoma Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
2021 Frei Brother Sonoma Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon ($16) Frei Brothers has been a part of Sonoma County for over a century. After coming to California from his native Switzerland, founder Andrew Frei first established vineyards in the Dry Creek Valley in 1890. His two sons, Walter and Louis, eventually took over and adopted the name Frei Brothers. They successfully ran the winery for over 70 years. Frei Brothers vineyards caught the eye of Julio Gallo soon after the repeal of Prohibition. He began using the site as a vineyard source for the rapidly growing E. & J. Gallo Winery. Once Walter and Louis had both retired in the late 1970s, the Gallo family purchased Frei Ranch. This Frei Brothers Sonoma Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is from the Alexander Valley in Sonoma. It is primarily Cabernet Sauvignon although some technical listings suggest it is may include small amounts of Merlot and Petite Sirah. It is deep purple in color with subtle aromas of dark fruit. On the palate, this full-bo
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A Tour of Wine Grapes: Cinsault
Cinsault 🍷 Image by Allie Caulfield on Wikimedia Commons Cinsault ( sin-so ) is also known as “Cinsaut.” Cinsault vines have been grown for centuries in southern France, making it one of the oldest grape varieties found in the region. It has traditionally been used in Southern Rhône blends along with Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. It is one of the permitted minor grape varieties in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape blend and widely used for the production of rosé wine in Provence. As a varietal, it is brick-red in color with floral aromas and strawberry. On the palate, it is a light-bodied wine that is low in tannins and low in acidity. When wines are produced from older vines ( >20 years) they can have more sweet spice flavors. In blended wine, it imparts floral and strawberry-like aromas. As a rosé, it provides aromas of raspberry, white peach, tea leaf and rose petals with flavors of tropical fruits of lychee, guava and papaya. Cinsault can be aged a bit (5-7 years). It should be served at 6
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Behind the Cork™ - Rombauer Zinfandel
2018 Rombauer Zinfandel ($42) Koerner and Joan Rombauer established Rombauer Vineyards in 1980, and in 1984 they released their first California-style Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon wines. One interesting note about the Rombauer family is that Koerner’s great aunt Irma Rombauer wrote the internationally renowned cookbook, The Joy of Cooking. This Zinfandel is a blend of 93% Zinfandel and 7% Petite Sirah. The grapes were sourced from El Dorado (42%), Amador County (32%), Lake County (17%), Napa (6%), and Lodi (3%). They were hand-picked and sorted. The wine making process included a cold soak for color extraction followed by fermentation in tanks and finishing for 16 months in a combination of French and American oak (10% new American oak). This 2018 Rombauer Zinfandel is deep ruby in color with aromas of black fruit and spices. On the palate, this full-bodied wine has rich, jammy dark fruit flavors of blackberry and boysenberry with notes of vanilla from the oak aging. It finishes s
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A Tour of Wine Grapes: Chenin Blanc
Chenin Blanc Chenin Blanc is a white wine grape variety that has been cultivated in France for nearly 1300 years. It is most commonly associated with France's Loire Valley. French documents first mention Chenin Blanc as early as the year 845, and the variety has appeared in various parts of the Loire Valley under a multitude of synonyms since. Today, just over half of the world’s production of the Chenin Blanc grape is from South Africa with approximately a third being grown in France. Photo by Chrisada on Wikimedia Commons Its high acidity levels mean it can be produced in a number of different styles: As (1) a sweet, botrytis -affected dessert wines, (2) light, honeyed sparkling wines and (3) as full-bodied, still white wines. (1) The sweet, botrytis dessert wines are most famously from Sauternes, France. (2) Light honeyed sparkling wines are often from France including Vouvray Pétillant and Crémant de Loire. (3) Full-bodied still wines are produced around the world including South A
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Behind the Cork™ - Carneros Creek Reserve Chardonnay
2023 Carneros Creek Reserve Chardonnay ($29.95) Carneros Creek Winery (now a brand under Carneros Wine Company) was originally founded by Francis Mahoney in 1972. While the physical winery was sold to Michael Mondavi in 2006, the Mahoney family has retained the brand names. This Carneros Creek Chardonnay was aged six months in 25% new French oak and 5% Acacia wood. Acacia’s influence is primarily textural and aromatic. It is said to allow the primary fruit flavors to remain the "star." But another "unusual" side effect of Acacia is that it can impart a vivid golden-yellow tint to the wine, making the Chardonnay look slightly more concentrated. This Chardonnay is indeed a bright golden color and has aromas of tropical fruits and pear, with subtle floral notes. On the palate, this medium-bodied wine has tropical fruit flavors including nectarine, citrus and green apple. It did not undergo Malolactic Conversion in order to retain the naturally high acidity. It finishes crisp and bright. [
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A Tour of Wine Grapes: Chardonnay
Chardonnay Image from Wikimedia Commons Chardonnay is one of the most widely planted varieties. Although it is probably best known as the white grape of Burgundy it’s also a major grape in the production of Champagne. Chardonnay is a versatile grape, and its style can vary widely depending on where it’s grown and how it’s made. Basically, Chardonnay grapes produce wines of a light golden hue, with notes of citrus, green apple, with floral aromas. On the palate, Chardonnay has moderate acidity and moderate alcohol with a medium body. But it’s said that Chardonnay is a bit of a chameleon — it reflects its winemaking process more than almost any other grape. Crisp and Bright - This style is based on Chardonnay’s natural high acidity with flavors of green apple, lemon, lime and pineapple. It is fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks so as to leave these flavors unaltered. They are minimally aged and consumed young so as to feature the bright acidity, crisp citrus and tropical fruit fl
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Behind the Cork™ - Sobon Estate Barbera
2020 Sobon Estate Amador County Barbera ($17) Shenandoah Vineyards in Plymouth, CA, was founded in 1977 by Shirley and Leon Sobon. They moved from Los Altos, California, where Leon was a Senior Scientist with the Lockheed Research Lab. Leon's gift for home winemaking led him to leave Lockheed and begin a new career as a Winemaker. The selection of a winery site in the Shenandoah Valley of Amador County was well researched. Leon and Shirley and their six children moved to the old Steiner Ranch, outside Plymouth, CA, planted a vineyard, and converted the old stone garage to the Shenandoah Vineyards winery. This Sobon Barbera from Amador County is one of the best! It is deep purple in color with aromas of black fruit and herbs. On the palate, this medium-full bodied wine has bright fruit flavors of blueberry, boysenberry and cherries. The tannins on this Barbera are moderate and the acidity is high - a classic Barbera trait (TA: 6.2 g/L). Sobon Estate Amador County Barbera is an excellent
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A Tour of Wine Grapes: Carmenere
Carménère 🍷 Carmenere grapes grown at Equinox Vineyard, Olanesti, Moldova ( Wikimedia Commons ) The name Carménère ( kar-men-nair ) comes from the French word carmin (meaning crimson). Unlike many grapes whose leaves turn yellow or brown, Carménère leaves turn a brilliant, fiery red in the fall, long before the grapes are even ready to harvest. Carménère was one of the six original red Bordeaux grapes. Known for its deep crimson color, it was historically used to add color and structure to Bordeaux blends. Then, it was nearly wiped out by the 19th-century phylloxera epidemic. It was thought to be extinct until it was discovered thriving in Chile in 1994 - it had been mistaken there for Merlot! Today, three-quarters of the world’s Carménère production continues to be from Chile where it is considered to be their signature wine. Wines made from Carménère grapes exhibit notes including red cherry, blackberry, black pepper and green bell pepper/herbaceous notes. With oak aging, the wines
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Behind the Cork™ - Chateau Ste. Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon
2021 Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Cabernet Sauvignon ($19.99) When Chateau Ste. Michelle was founded in 1967, many believed great wine could only come from Italy or California. Their founders set out to prove otherwise—and in doing so, established Washington’s first premium winery. From the beginning, Chateau Ste. Michelle helped put Washington State on the global map through terroir-driven winemaking, innovation, and award-winning craftsmanship. Today, it remains the most iconic winery in Washington and a leader in shaping the future of American wine. This 2021 Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of 89% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Syrah that was aged for approximately 19 months in a mix of French and American oak barrels. This Cabernet is deep purple in color with subtle aromas of black fruit and herbs. On the palate, this full-bodied wine has flavors of black cherry, black berry and plum jam. It has medium tannins and acidity (ABV=14.5%). It fin
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A Tour of Wine Grapes: Carignan
Carignan 🍷 Carignan Grapes [ Image from Wikimedia Commons (Sarah Stierch) ] Carignan ( care-in-yen ), also known as Carineña or Mazuelo, is a black-skinned wine grape variety, most likely native to Aragon, Spain. It is largely grown in France with smaller production in Spain, Italy and the U.S. The vine of this grape is known for having exceptionally tough, woody stems. This makes mechanical harvesting nearly impossible because the grape clusters won't easily detach from the vine. So, most high-quality Carignan is still being harvested by hand. The Carignan grape is known for producing wines that are high in color, tannin and acid. Carignan has moved from being used in mass-market "jug" wines in the U.S. to being recognized for its potential to produce nice medium-bodied wines. Wines made from Carignan have tasting notes include cranberry, raspberry, and black fruit. Because Carignan can have naturally high tannins, many winemakers use carbonic maceration —the same technique used for