Bellini Recipe

I thought I'd take a detour from reviewing a wine to providing a recipe.  For one of my tastings on Easter weekend I poured Lunetta Prosecco. Because of the holiday, family gatherings, and brunches I not only poured the Lunetta Prosecco, but I brought my pitcher and made Bellini's.  Bellini is a peach version of cocktails prepared with sparkling wines.  It is Italian in origin, so what better ingredient than Prosecco (although truth be told I also use Cava and sparkling wine).

Bellini

3 c. Prosecco

1½ c. Peach Nectar

½ c. simple syrup or to taste

Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher or punch bowl.  Serve in glasses filled with ice. 



Simple Syrup
In a small saucepan put equal parts sugar and water.  Bring to a boil and stir until sugar is dissolved.  Let cool.  Pour into a glass container and put in the refrigerator.  Use as needed.

Gnarly Head Authentic Red, 2010

One of my tastings last weekend was for Gnarly Head 2010 Authentic Red ($10) from Lodi, California.  This is a blend of Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and a splash of Syrah.  The aroma is a lush blackberry.  The flavor is dark berry, cocoa and spice.  Mild tannins. Unfortunately, I was pouring this wine at a Kroger where the majority of customers prefer sweet wines.  This was lost on them.  However, for those customers that tasted and enjoyed red wine, they liked this. I can see this pairing nicely with grilled meat.

Winemaker's Notes:  This brand blend has a juicy core of lush blackberry, plum and black cherry flavors with layers of spice and chocolate, balanced by complex French and American oak.  Boldly pair this wine with BBQ ribs, a hearty burger, or go all out with New Orleans style red beans and rice.

Paco & Lola Albarino, xxxx

I was in the mood to try a varietal I don't normally purchase.  At Costco I found Paco & Lola Albarino.


Paco & Lola 2008 Albarino is from the D.O. Rias Baixas, Spain.  It is 100% Albarino.  For me, the aroma was a heavenly peach and floral.  The flavor was granny smith apple and minerally. I'd say this wine was ... interesting.  Glad I tasted it.  Didn't dislike it, but wouldn't rave about it.  Middle of the road.

Winemaker's Notes:  "Appearance: attractive straw color with hints of green in the rim. Clean and brilliant.

Nose: very expressive and harmonious nose.  Fine notes of white fruit (green apples, pear) and  lemony aromas. Hints of herbs (basil) and flower blossom base notes. Surprising aromatic intensity.

Palate: clean and textured. Seductive exotic palate of pineapple and mango intermingled with refreshing citrus flavors amplified by minerally accents. Silky but yet full bodied, with long lingering finish. Round and very tasty.

Paco & Lola make a Divine Duo with sushi, pastas, fish, rice dishes, white meats, seafood, fish and shellfish
stews. "

Cupcake Moscato d'Asti, 2010

I have been tasting so many different wines, leaving me in quandary as to what wine to review next.  Since I have not reviewed a sweet wine in a while I'm going with my recent tasting of Cupcake Moscato.  Cupcake makes some wonderful wines and Fresh Market finally got their Moscato into the store.  It's been a big seller!

Cupcake 2010 Moscato* ($10) is from Asti D.O.C.G, Italy.  This is 100% Moscato and a delightfully fruity wine.  The flavors on my palate were peach and lychee.  Refreshing.  Perfect for the warmer weather.  Customers, who tasted, that enjoy sweet wine, LOVED this Moscato.  As one of my customers said, "this is a happy little wine."   

Winemaker's Notes:  "Expressive with floral notes that dominate with hints of peach and flavors of tropical fruits and lychee. It is a soft and luscious wine with just a hint of effervescence to tickle the palate and balance the sweetness. With bright fruit flavors and finesse, it’s reminiscent of a pineapple right-side up cupcake.   

Food Pairing Recommendations:  Enjoy with mascarpone cheese or with any dessert such as fresh berries and cream or vanilla bean poached pears."

*In prior releases Cupcake Moscato was non-vintage and made from Muscat of Alexandria grapes.

Primal Roots White Blend

Super Bowl weekend I did a tasting with Primal Roots 2010 Red Blend (reviewed on February 14th).  Customers loved it.  Recently, while walking through Costco's wine section I found Primal Roots White Blend.  I had to taste to see if it was as good as the red.  

Primal Roots 2011 White Blend is from California (70% North Valley, 30% Central Coast).  It is a blend of 50% Viognier,, 20% French Colombard, 15% Riesling, and 15% Gewurztraminer.  That sounded like heaven to me.  The aroma was all peach.  The flavor was peach and lychee with an ever so slight spice.  Mouthfeel was a tad creamy.  Acidity was between low and medium.  A very nice, enjoyable blend.   

Winemaker's Notes:  "The Primal Roots White Blend is a fusion of four varietals—Viognier, French Colombard, Riesling, and Gewürztraminer.  

     The Viognier makes up 50% of the blend and provides honeysuckle, peach, and apricot as well as a creamy texture.  

     The French Colombard adds the bright and crisp acidity. It also contributes a hint of spice to the blend.  

     Riesling lends a very floral orange blossom note, which balances well with the fruit.    

     Gewürztraminer is known for its lychee and spicy characters. This variety adds complexity to the final blend, making it a truly sensual and captivating wine."

Concannon Selected Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc, 2011

I enjoy a good Sauvignon Blanc and at this time of year I get excited when my tastings include a Sauvignon Blanc. Recently I tasted out a Sauvignon Blanc that I had not had before.  

Concannon 2011 Sauvignon Blanc ($10) is from Central Coast, California.  This is 98% Sauvignon Blanc blended with 2% Riesling.  The aroma is peach and lemon.  The flavor was a mild grapefruit with a tart finish.  Some of my customer discussions revolved around our perceptions of the tartness.  I thought a pith tart, some thought Granny Smith apple, and the Winemaker's Notes say gooseberry.  In any case, the tart finish was agreed on by all.  Very popular with my customers.   This is a great summertime wine.  Not a bold fruit forward wine like New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs, but a refreshing change.   

Winemaker's Notes:  "Selected Vineyards is a crisp and refreshing, food-friendly wine. Th is wine has a brilliant straw hue with notes of gooseberry. e palate is slightly tropical with a good depth of fruit. Cool stainless steel fermentation keeps the flavors bright and lively, and the medium body is slightly rounded in feel, leading to a crisp finish.  

Food Pairing: Herb-roasted chicken or your favorite shell sh dish."

Root 1 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2010

One of my tastings last week was for Root 1 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon ($11) from Colchagua Valley, Chile.  This is 85% Cabernet Sauvignon blended with 15% Syrah.  The aroma was cherry.  The flavor was a hint of fruit, but more on the earthy side with mild tannins.  This was a nice full bodied wine that customers enjoyed.  Customers also found this to be more on the earthy side than fruit.  

Winemaker's Notes:  "Deep ruby red with intense aromas of red fruits of and cassis. Soft notes of plum and blackberry followed by a hint of vanilla. Abundant flavors of ripe cherries and plums up front, highlight balanced acidity, soft tannins and good structure. Full-bodied with a long and concentrated finish accented by fruit and vanilla notes.  

Food Pairings  spicy meat dishes like ginger beef or peppercorn tenderloin. The rich, ripe flavors also complement hearty Italian fare like chicken or eggplant parmigiana and is a decadent finish to a meal served with chocolate truffles."

Northstar Merlot, 2006

Last night Dave and I opened a bottle of  Northstar 2006 Merlot from Columbia Valley, Washington.  It was AMAZING!  This is 76% Merlot blended with 19% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Petit Verdot, and 2% CabernetFranc, and is aged in both French and American oak. The color was a deep rich purple.  There was an inviting aroma of raspberry, blackberry, and cocoa.  The flavor was just short of jammy with cocoa and dark fruit.  Smooth.  Wonderfully integrated tannins.  Oh so enjoyable and unfortunately our last bottle.   

Winemaker's Notes:  This rich wine is concentrated and yet elegant, with aromas of cherry, plum, raspberry, and blackberry, finishing off with flavors of toasted oak, vanilla, coconut, mint, and toffee. Enjoy and celebrate!

Apothic White

Apothic has a wonderful red blend (reviewed May 3, 2011).  I recommend it to my customers when they are looking for a red wine with spice on the palate.  Apothic just released their white blend and I had the opportunity to taste it.   

Apothic White, 2010 ($9.50) is from California.  It is a blend of Chardonnay, Riesling and Moscato.   I enjoy a wine where the flavors are distinct and this has a delicious honey flavor with a hint of fruit and touch of vanilla.  A nice, enjoyable wine perfect for the summer.  

Winemaker's Notes:  A delicate blend of smooth Chardonnay, aromatic Riesling, and lucious Moscato, which creates layers of tropical fruit, complemented by hints of honey and vanilla.

Ballast Stone Shiraz, 2009

Having enjoyed Ballast Stone 2008 Shiraz (reviewed on 3/2/12), I had to taste their 2009 vintage.   

Ballast Stone 2009 Shiraz ($13) is from McLaren Vale, Australia.  It is 100% Shiraz and has 15% alcohol. The color is a deep dark purple with a wonderful fruit aroma of cranberry and strawberry, and tobacco.  On the palate there is a burst of dark fruit quickly followed by spice and tobacco.  It has a long spice finish.  Low tannins.  Nicely balanced.  

Winemaker's Notes:  Matured in American and French oak. Aromas of plums, blueberries and spices follow through to the generous palate, finishing with subtle pepper overtones. Made to enjoy now, with cellaring potential of up to 7-10 years.  

Chandon Chardonnay, 2009

During my tastings at Christmas and New Year's, several customers told me how much they enjoyed Chandon Chardonnay.  It's taken me a few months, but I finally purchased it to taste and review.  It's more than I typically pay for a wine, but in the end, it was worth splurging on.  

Chandon 2009 Chardonnay ($27) is from the Carneros region in California.  This was a nice complex wine.  Balanced.  I found the aroma to be a bit tropical with a hint of herbaciousness and butter.  The flavor was tropical with apple, citrus and spice.  Medium acidity. I agree with my customers - a very nice Chardonnay.

Winemaker's Notes:  "The wine’s aroma is fresh and structured with floral notes highlighted by elderflower.  As a signature of its Carneros appellation, the wine’s mineral aromas remain lifted by balanced acidity.  When harvesting at optimal ripeness, characters of white Burgundy are revealed in the wine as subtle, yet present, with the oak being perfectly integrated.  Fuji apple, lemon and other citrus flavors create a satisfying, seamless palate that finishes with notes of white peach and apricot.  

The depth of this versatile, food-friendly Chardonnay makes it a natural match for hearty seafood dishes like grilled salmon or halibut. Pair it with roasted chicken or with a Chinese chicken salad for a lighter meal."

Cline Ancient Vines Zinfandel, 2010

I had the opportunity to taste Cline Ancient Vines Zinfandel.  In the past I've enjoyed their Zinfandel and Cashmere, so I was excited to try their Ancient Vines.  I do love a nice old vine Zin.

Cline 2010 Ancient Vines Zinfandel ($14) is from California.  The grapes are primarily from Lodi and Oakley and the remaining Zinfandel grapes sourced from Mendocino County.  It is aged for 6 months in American oak (35% new).  Once again, no aroma in the plastic tasting cup.  The flavor was berry fruit with a hint of coffee that was quickly followed by black pepper.  Medium tannins that were nicely integrated and not overpowering. 

Winemaker's Notes: Cline Ancient Vines Zinfandel shows wonderful, fat strawberry, with coffee and chocolate characters. Aging in new and used wood has lent this wine a subtle vanilla quality that nicely complements the explosive fruit notes.  A nice complement to pasta dishes with a light tomato sauce or grilled meats.