Wine for Valentine’s
The history of Valentine’s Day is a bit muddled (and bloody) dating back to ancient Romans feasting (with much drunkenness) and well, getting couples together with rituals including sacrificing animals. Yikes! Two saints were also executed on February 14, both named Valentine, who were later honored by the Catholic church with the celebration of St. Valentine’s Day. In the fifth century, Romans were still celebrating the date while the Normans were celebrating Galatins- which literally means “lover of women” both around February 14. Poets Shakespeare and Chaucer also wrote of the holiday, which featured handmade paper cards with hearts. It was finally in 1913 in America, Hallmark began mass producing and marketing what we now regard as Valentine’s. A day for love and indulgences. Valentine’s Day has become a social holiday celebrated around the world, from Argentina to Canada, Great Britain, Australia, France, Mexico and Korea. In the Philippines it is a day for mass weddings and anniversary celebrations, and the day has expanded to include all kinds of expressions of affection.
The kind of affection we love here at Ed’s is fermented grape juice! So if you’re planning to celebrate this Valentine’s Day, let’s break out the bubbles! And if sparkling wine isn’t breaking out the romance for you, we have some lovely still wines to try. Read on.
Champagne Lombardi is located in the Aube region of Champagne, France where Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes flourish between the hillside vineyards and forests that dot the area. Stephane’ Lombardi released his first cuvee in 2011, the birth year of his daughter. Champagne Lombardi Axiome is made from 100% first run juice, 70% Pinot Noir and 30% Chardonnay aged for 24 months on the lees and then 12 more months after disgorgement. Notes of green and red apple, as well as pear and yeasty biscuit, the champagne is approachable, crisp and refreshing. Wine Spectator awarded 90 points, we give it three bones on the Brunello scale.
Champagne Palmer Brut Reserve was created by a group of seven grower families whose Premier Cru and Grand Cru vineyards of the Montagne express harmony and balance. Palmer and Co established in 1947 distinguishes itself through the grand terroir of Cote de Bar and the Marne Valley. These classified vineyards present a unique palate for the master Champagne blender Xavier Berdin and the work of his team of enologists. Palmer Brut Reserve is based on a selection of wines from the best vineyards in the Champagne region. The Premiers and Grand Crus of the Montagne de Reims area lend their distinctive personality to these wines. The nose is clean citrus, pear and apricot, with subtle notes of hazelnut and flavors of buttery brioche. A blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier with a minimum of 4 years aging. Perfectly balanced and seductive – three bones on the Brunello scale.
If bubbles are not really your thing for Valentine’s, then how about a little fun?!
Send Nudes Rose’ could be the perfect message for your love! SLO Down wines owner Brandon Allen (who we will be cruising with this April) knows a thing or two about being fun! And he makes great wines. This 100% California Pinot Noir is like a beautiful glass of pale, pink sherbet. The nose is bursting with apricot and strawberry with just a touch of white pepper on the tongue on the finish. We give it two bones.
Born from a bootlegging operation in his garage, Brandon Allen’s wine Sexual Chocolate Red Blend is hedonism at its best. A blend of Syrah, Zinfandel and Malbec, no chocolate was used to make this wine- but there are hints of cocoa in the finish. Packed with ripe, dark fruit and exotic spices, and a lingering, silky finish. We give it three bones.
We hope you get to indulge whether with friends, a special someone, or maybe that four legged friend curled up on the couch with a movie and great bottle of wine this Valentine’s. Salute’
By Carolyn R Brown
NEW WINES FOR THE NEW YEAR
The Wines of Collefrisio
Ed, Perry and a wonderful group of customers recently toured Italy on a wine journey, and we were fortunate to tour Collefrisio in Abruzzo. We were also fortunate enough to bring back some of their hand-crafted wines just in time to celebrate the New Year.
Third generation winemakers Amedeo De Luca and Antonio Patricelli joined forces in 2004 to fulfill a passion for the land and the vines of their forefathers. They acquired an existing hilltop estate once owned by the Frisio family. They set out to create a winery that embraces modernity while honoring the long tradition of winemaking in the extraordinary terroir that is Abruzzo. The area is known for the Montepulciano variety, where three of their estates share an 86-acre vineyard site. The grapes are organically grown, not to make organic wine, but to provide gentle and noninvasive care to the integrity of the grapes.
Abruzzo is the “middle of the boot” on the east side of the Italian peninsula. A rugged, mountainous region with a lengthy coastline, abundant sunshine, generous rainfall, and cool, mountain air currents. Situated between the Adriatic Sea to the east and the Apennines and Majella Mountain ranges to the west. Chieti is a hilly province in Southern Abruzzi where 75% of the regions wine is produced. The Collefrisio vineyards thrive between the sea breezes and the mountain peaks, a territory that preserves evidence of pre-Roman civilization, dedicated to the cultivation of vine and wine. These wines are a modern interpretation of complex terrain, soils rich in clay and limestone, hot summers and cold winters. The wines are deep in flavor and unlike the earthy, traditional old Italian style.
Collefrisio Terre Di Chieti Bianco IGT The Terre Di Chieti region uses grapes like Pecorino, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio and Moscato. This white blend shows aromas of white flowers, white peppercorn, peach and lemon.
Cerasuolo D’ Abruzzo Rose’ DOCG Made from 100% Montepulciano this wine shows ripe cherry fruit with hints of plum. The Cerasuolo is a recent DOC approved in the Abruzzo region. The grapes spend a short time fermenting on the skins, so tannins are light but the bright fruit shines through.
Salento Primativo IGT Primativo, the wine varietal, known as Italian “Zinfandel” is rich with flavors of dark, ripe, red cherry. The famous area of Salento is where these grapes are sourced, dominated by limestone clay, gravel and sand.
Limited Edition “Ten Vintages” Montepulciano D’ Abruzzo DOCG
Production was limited to 6,000 bottles. Seductive and silky with flavors of black plum, smoke and leather. Rich tannins and subtle acidity with a creamy finish of dark fruit.
These wines are limited and only available through our store, because we visited the winery and were able to secure a great buy! Stop in and get yours, or order on line before they are gone!
By CRBrown
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!
We love the holidays here at Ed’s Fine Wines, any reason to celebrate with a bottle of bubbly or a special wine to share or even consume “just because”, it’s the holiday season! Let’s take a look at some of the great holiday selections we have that pair with your holiday table.
Any celebration is made more fun with the pop of a cork and the flow of some effervescence! Whether it’s Prosecco from Italy or real Champagne from France, or some extraordinary, carbonated wine from right here in the good old US, bubbles make it a party!
We love Mionetto Prosecco to start off any gathering. Since 1887 the Mionetto family has been making wine in the heart of the Valdobbiadene, a famous region for the Glera grape used to make Prosecco, in Italy. They use the Charmat method; the second fermentation takes place in large autoclaves to help maintain freshness and aroma. Apple, mineral, and vanilla nuances, brut style finishes dry and clean. We give it two bones.
Champagne Lombardi is a boutique house from Lyon that began in 2011- Stephane Lombardi, a relative outsider as a grower, but a veteran to the beverage industry, surrounded himself with the best winemakers and enologists and his cuvee’ consistently garners over 90 point ratings. A nose of peaches and pears with a touch of lemony fruit. Toasty notes and refined spices. We give it two bones.
Chateau Palmer Brut Reserve was founded in 1947. Premier and Grand Cru from the Montagne de Reims which gives the Champagne its elegance and refinement. The clean nose of apricot, citrus and pear with subtle hints of hazelnut gives way to a succulent palate that finishes with flavors of buttery brioche’. We give it three bones.
These selections would make fine hostess gifts as well should you be heading to a party or celebration. Rose’ is a wonderful aperitif or accompaniment to many dishes, whether you are serving a shrimp cocktail appetizer or crab cakes, or simple fish spread.
Send Nudes Rose’ is a well-crafted 100% North Coast Pinot Noir with just a few hours of skin contact to give it the lovely pink sherbet hue. Winery founder and marketing guru Brandon Allen founded this label for SLO DOWN wines as a fun way to enjoy wine without pretention. Bursting with strawberries and ripe peach flavors, candied watermelon and white grapefruit, we give it three bones.
There is almost always a Chardonnay lover at every house party, so why not make your selection an icon of Napa with one of the best expressions of the grape, Newton Unfiltered Napa Valley Chardonnay doesn’t disappoint. Peter Newton first produced wines from Spring Mountain in 1977. Naturally fermented using native yeasts to preserve the natural fruit essence, aged in French oak barrels and crafted with intense procedures to ensure the unique quality of the terroir shines, the wines are famously “unfiltered” and can be enjoyed upon release or for many years of cellaring. 100% Chardonnay sourced from Rutherford and Carneros, aromas of tangerine and wet stone, with a full body and pleasant crisp finish. We give it two bones.
If you have a true Francophile coming to your table, then a white Burgundy is a fun offering. Caroline Parent Saint Romain is 100% Chardonnay from Cote de Beaune and Cote de Nuits. Caroline’s style favors elegance and finesse anchored in the timeless tradition of Burgundy. The wine exudes brilliant honey and almond and hazelnuts on the nose with a touch of floral, stone fruit and crisp apple flavors, the finish is long and elegant. We give it two bones.
Traditional American Pinot Noir foots the bill if you are serving a dinner with pork or turkey, the wine is subtle enough to pair well with both lighter and heavier meats and fish, and all the accoutrements. Ken Wright Willamette Valley Pinot Noir from Oregon is an old favorite of ours here at Ed’s. Ken makes multiple bottlings from single vineyard sites on his property, but we also carry the entry level that is a culmination of several vineyards in one bottle at an affordable price point. Ripe, Rainier Cherry, red plum, and blackberry are nestled between notes of cedar, rose petal and turned earth. This wine comes alive with cranberry sauce and sweet potato sides. We give it two bones.
The big reds and meat lovers, we haven’t forgotten you! Open up a delicious red blend to pair with your Standing Rib Roast or Leg of Lamb. Red Zinfandel grapes are considered to be the most indigenous, as the grape originated from Primitivo cuttings brought to California from Italy in the early 1800’s. Today, American Red Zinfandel is recognized as one of the biggest, boldest, most flavorful of grapes to put on your table. Klinker Brick Old Vines Zinfandel is a favorite as we have visited the winery with our friends several times over the years. The Felton family was one of the first to start growing grapes in Lodi, which was once home to mostly potato farmers. Over 16 different vineyards come together for the Old Vines Zin. Dark cherry and spice give great acidity and barrel aging adds robust oak flavor to the rhubarb and cranberry fruit notes, with just a hint of black pepper on the finish. We give it three bones.
Another option for the red meat lovers is Muga Reserva a blend of Tempranillo, Garnacha, Mazuelo and Graciano grapes from the Rioja region of Spain. Raspberry and blackberry fruit on the nose, with secondary aromas of vanilla and licorice. The finish is long and fruity. This wine will hold for many years, so a great gift for a collector, or enjoy it now with your traditional roast beef. The wine is made so meticulously, it is even hand filtered using a candle. We give it three bones.
There are ports and sherries and plenty of late harvest wines to share on your dessert table as well. Whatever you do this holiday season, whether you’re cooking for a crowd, partying around the town, or just laying low and taking a break from it all, we hope you have a peaceful, joyous wine filled season, and it starts right here in our store.
Cheers.
By CRBrown
Wines for the Thanksgiving Table
It’s the most wonderful time of the year- once again! The stores begin bustling and people start hustling to get everything done in anticipation of Santa Claus or Santa Paws; holiday parties, family get togethers, and the food, oh the food! But first we need to gather round with those we love and celebrate all that we have to be grateful for. The house smells of roasting meat and everyone is happy to greet, eat, drink and be merry! Here is a brief breakdown of what you could use for your holiday entertaining wines.
Juve & Camps Cava Brut Rose’
This delightful sparkling wine from Spain, often referred to as “the Champagne of Spain” is made in a similar method; this one exclusively of Pinot Noir grapes from a single vineyard with chalky soils. It expresses hints of red berries in both the nose and mouth, with a luscious flavor and long finish. Pour this as an aperitif, with hors d oeuvres, or even with your main turkey dinner. I give it two bones.
Astrolabe Pinot Gris this winery from New Zealand makes some of the best Sauvignon Blanc on the market, but we picked their incredible Pinot Gris to pair with a Thanksgiving meal and all the trimmings. Simon Waghorn runs a small family operation in a diverse sub region of Marlborough. The wine has fairly low acid, but the flavor comes through with notes of pear and apple (think apple gravy with your roasted bird) the nose is floral and the finish refreshing. I give it two bones.
Sun Goddess Pinot Grigio by Mary J Blige from Friuli with hints of peach and melon. The Ramato 2021 is slightly pink in the glass, with hints of lemon rind and white pepper. This wine would be a great starter to a larger meal with hearty dishes but will stand up to an herb roasted turkey. I give it two bones.
Walt Pinot Noir Blue Jay made by Katheryn Walt Hall, is a true tribute to her parents, who began growing grapes and selling them to the finest California wineries over 50 years ago from their own backyard. Kathryn has been a vintner of premier wines since the 1970’s but that didn’t keep her from becoming an attorney, serving as US Ambassador to Austria (1997-2001) and making her famous Hall Wines as well. Walt is 100% Pinot Noir from Anderson Valley, with aromas of beautiful dark berries, ripe fig, with clove and black pepper on the finish. A perfect pairing for all the flavors on the Thanksgiving table, from roasted vegetables to herbs, buttery sweet potatoes and tangy dressing. I give it three bones.
Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Villages is another perfect pairing for your holiday meal. The wines made from any of the 39 villages in southern Burgundy known as Beaujolais grow the finest Gamay grape varietal. The nose has deep red fruit, cherries and strawberry, with flavors of darker fruit, cranberry, and crème de cassis, delicate tannins and a lingering finish. I give it three bones.
12 e mezzo Primativo del Salento the Italian version of a big, tasty red Zinfandel. Linked genetically to the Zinfandel grape, Primativo is the Italian version (grown mostly in Puglia- the “heel of the boot”) though both are linked through DNA analyses to the Croatian grape called Crljenak. Varvaglione Vigni and Vini produce this winner with sweet, ripe dark fruit- blackberry and plum. The nose is black cherry, cola, cocoa and vanilla, with a smoky, peppery spice on the finish. Think spicy sausage stuffing, candied yams and Grandma’s chocolate pie! I give it three bones.
This is just a sampling of wines to choose from all over the world to enjoy with your family and friends for the holidays. Stop on by and we will help you fill you’re your cup! Happy Thanksgiving! Salute’!
BY CRBrown
The Wines of historic Venge Vineyard
The Venge (pronounced ven-ghee) family has been farming grapes in Napa Valley for almost fifty years. Knud Venge emigrated from Denmark to the US in the early 1900’s. Knud’s son, Per, found his passion for wine when he started an import business, Vencom. However, it was Per’s son, Nils Venge, who would lead the family business in the 1960’s to become an iconic name in the winegrowing community of Napa.
By 1976 the family purchased their own 17 acres in the Oakville District, growing mainly Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot varietals. Today, Nil’s son Kirk is at the helm, focusing on select vineyard sites that produce fruit he feels is worthy of the family name.
Kirk grew up farming and winemaking in Rutherford, and graduated UC Davis with a degree in Viticulture and Enology in 1998. He then spent some time at Mumm Napa, and a few vintages working harvests in New Zealand. Nils has since added another 12.5 acres to the family land holdings, in the foothills of the Pallisade Mountains in Calistoga. Hand sorting is a family tradition at Venge, where the craft wine making process is at the core of their products. A secondary sorting system ensures only ripe, healthy fruit goes into tanks. Venge uses a combination of cultured and wild yeasts for secondary fermentation, and the wines are aged in oak between 16 to 27 months. The reds are left to bottle age further, unfiltered.
We carry just a couple of the high quality offerings from this special place curated by the Venge family from Napa.
Venge Family Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
This wine is a powerhouse with a beautiful dark red and purple hue that lingers over the glass. Aromatics are plush and highly perfumed with ripe black cherries, clove, cinnamon, blackberries and currants. The fruit was destemmed in to a combination of cement vats, tanks and open top barriques. Time on skins was about two weeks, then the fruit was separated from “free run” and “light press”. The Cabernet was aged for 27 months in new French oak barrels, and 100% native and spontaneous yeast was used for malolactic fermentation. The wine is unfiltered and spectacular. I give it three bones!
Venge 2018 Scout’s Honor Proprietary Red
This wonderful wine honors the family’s beloved Labrador Retriever named Scout, who wandered the vineyards where much of the fruit is sourced. A base of old vine Zinfandel- 60%, Petite Sirah-12%, Old Vine Charbono-16% and Syrah-9% from the mountains. The 2018 vintage shows beautiful violets, anise, honeysuckle and blue herbs with a touch of vanilla. Loads of black currants and pepper, and a touch of masculinity from the tannins on the smooth lingering finish. I give it three bones!
By CRBrown
SLO DOWN WINES
It’s time to slow down with Slo Down wines and their producer, Brandon Allen. Brandon loved wine and began experimenting with winemaker friends while in college in CA in 2005.Thinking it would be more economical to make booze than to produce fake ID’s, they set about their experiment. He made his first barrel, and as he says, “It was a bit blurry after that, but the wines got better from there”.
Allen fell in love with wine, but he always felt the wine business was “a bit snobby”. He believes that only 1% of the wine drinking population actually wants to analyze and discuss the wine they are consuming. His lighthearted, unserious approach to his labels and titles speak to that sentiment. His commitment to taking wine (slowing it down) and making it unpretentious, has led to a seriously successful line up of creative wines. He even imprints the words “no drama” on his corks. Slo Down wines is at the forefront of a “craft wine movement” – a rejection of the pretension surrounding wine and an embrace of making wine approachable. Drink wine among friends, enjoy and Slo Down.
Slo Jams Sauvignon Blanc- delicious wine sourced from some of the best vineyards in Washington State’s Horse Heaven Hills appellation. The label depicts cassette tapes, for those old enough to remember that was how we “jammed” either on our cassette recorder/player or in the car. Slo Jams Sauvignon Blanc opens with aromas of key lime and lemongrass, followed by ripe grapefruit and stone fruit. We give it three bones.
Broken Dreams Chardonnay is 100% Chardonnay sourced from vineyards in Napa, Sonoma and Lodi. Subtle aromas of apple, pear and lemon curd, with flavors of pineapple and stone fruit, well balanced acidity. We give it two bones
Send Nudes Rose’ is made from 100% Pinot Noir grapes from California’s North Coast appellation. Bursting with aromas of fresh strawberries, ripe peach and candied watermelon, and flavors of white pepper and pink grapefruit linger. We give it two bones.
Send Nudes Pinot Noir is a California Appellation wine made from 100% Pinot Noir grapes. Plum and lavender and Bing cherry on the nose, with flavors of dragon fruit, pomegranate, with delicate spice on the finish. We give it three bones.
Sexual Chocolate Red Blend really has nothing to do with chocolate. Born from a bootlegging operation in a California winemaker’s garage, this wine shows ripe dark fruit and exotic spices. There is a lingering, soft silky texture from the wonderful blend of Syrah, Zinfandel, and Malbec. We give it three bones.
Love Hammer Cabernet Sauvignon is made from 100% Cab sourced from Cloverdale Peak, Pine Mountain, Sky Pine Vineyard, high elevations along the Russian River in Alexander Valley. Flaunting aromas of vanilla, black pepper, green olive and cherry pipe tobacco. The palate is dripping with flavors of rich dark cherry, ripe blackberry, and finishes with notes of cigar spice and baking chocolate. Rugged yet voluptuous! We give it three bones.
We are currently featuring Brandon Allen’s wines from Slo Down, so come on in and slow it down.
By CRBrow
Nontraditional white wines to beat the Summer Heat
Have you ever opened a wine list at a restaurant to find a section called “Alternative Whites” or “Interesting Whites”? Many will list two or three, without straying too far from traditional- an occasional Viognier or Albarino. The category leaves much to ponder, with hundreds of wines to choose from, made in so many different styles from all over the world. Let’s explore some light, bright, clean and crisp “alternative” white wines to have by the pool, with a meal, or simply on the couch with the AC cranking.
Here is a list of wine varietals by country- with a brief description of what region they are from and taste profile.
FRANCE:
France set the standard of nearly all winemaking rules since the 1800’s. Burgundy and Bordeaux may be the King and Queen, but Rhone, Languedoc and Provence grow a wide variety of native grapes that are exciting and “interesting”.
Rousanne (Rhone) Bright floral aromas, stone fruit flavors.
Marsanne (Northern Rhone) Notes of stone fruit and bees wax, highly regarded as a blending grape for Hermitage; also grown in CA and Australia.
Viognier (Northern Rhone) Flavors of honeysuckle, mango and peach, full bodied. Also grown and popular in CA and Australia.
Melon de Bourgogne (Muscadet, Loire) Very dry with flavors of mineral, lemon, green apple and pear, with a hint of saline. Try the Chateau de la Chesnaie Muscadet.
Ugni Blanc (known as Trebbiano in Italy, grown in France, Australia and Bulgaria) Mostly used in brandy and vinegar production, you can find it bottled as a still wine from Italy; expresses white peach, green apple and herbs.
Grenache Blanc (Rhone, FR, Rioja, Spain) In Spain it is referred to as Garnacha Blanc. Flavors of pear, honeysuckle, citrus and toast. Can also exhibit unripe mango and lemon curd if the wine is aged in oak barrels.
Picpoul de Penet aka Folle Blanc (Languedoc – Roussillon) Hints of crushed rocks blend with honeydew melon and lemon flavors, with a floral nose. Try the La Chapelle du Bastion Picpoul de Penet.
Aligote (Burgundy) Apple, unripe peach, a hint of white flowers and smoke, with an herbal finish.
Chenin Blanc (Loire) Also called Pineau de la Loire. This white grape came to be recognized in France thousands of years ago and can be finished in a variety of styles, from dry and acidic still wines, to higher residual sugar wines to Fines Bulles (bubbles!). Chenin from France makes a fine sparkling wine.
AUSTRIA
A very cool climate and a long history of inconsistency has been met with government agricultural standards, or “Qualitatswein”. There are 17 Designations of Origin in Austria under the guise of the National Wine Committee. The country is in its infancy as far as production and exports, but watch for some interesting wines (including reds) for the future.
Gruner Veltliner This wine is also grown in Northern Italy, Germany and Hungary, but native to Austria, its most famous white. Lemon, lime nectarines, grapefruit, with white pepper, tarragon and honey as secondary flavors. Crisp and dry. Try the Paul Direder Gruner Veltliner.
GERMANY
Another colder climate wine growing region, over half of their production is from the Rhineland. Most noted for the Riesling grape, which can be finished in dry or sweet style. There are many nontraditional whites from Germany to explore.
Gewurztraminer This grape expresses flavors of pineapple, lychee and ruby red grapefruit. There are hints of ginger and smoke and an unmistakable floral nose. Try the Villa Wolf Gewurztraminer from the Pfalz region.
Silvaner (Rhein Hessen) or Sylvaner which is grown in Upstate NY, as well as Austria and Alsace, originated in GR. Peaches and herbs.
Scheurebe, aka Samling is a cross between Riesling and Bukettraube, created by Georg Scheu in 1916, also produced in Austria. Flavors of blackberries, tropical fruit and stone fruit. Aromatic, can be fermented sweet or dry, full bodied with flavors of peach and ripe pear with black currants.
Kerner (Rhein Hessen and Mosel) Another cross, this time Riesling and Trollinger by August Herold in 1929. Aromatic and popping with mango and tropical fruit. Also grown in Northern Italy – Alto Adige region.
ITALY
Home to winemaking in every region of the country, Italy is the world’s largest producer of wine, where there is a strict Appellation system since 1963 to classify quality (similar to France) with 20 wine regions currently. Check out these snappy and vibrant whites.
Garganega known as Soave (Veneto, Bardolino) A dry white that dates back to the medieval village of Soave. Flavors of melon and peach and orange zest with a crisp finish. Try the Inama Vin Soave DOC.
Verdicchio (Marche) Cultivated for hundreds of years, was marketed in the US in a “fish bottle” as a simple table wine. Citrus flavors, mandarin orange, boasting a distinctive almond flavor on the finish.
Vermentino (Sardinia, Corsica, Piedmont and Languedoc- Roussillon, FR) Light bodied, lemon, green apple and grapefruit, with floral hints and a nutty, saline finish. Try the Antinori Tenuta Guado Al Tasso Vermentino.
Trebbiano (aka Ugni Blanc in France) Dry with flavors of white peaches, lemon, and herbs.
Fiano (Campania) Medium to full bodied with a beeswax characteristic, peach, honey and hazelnuts.
Greco (Campania) Volcanic rock oils bring out the minerality, but this wine shows peach and nectarine fruit up front.
Cortese (Piedmont) Known as a Gavi di Gavi, the Cortese grape has distinguished floral aromas, and a soft acidic finish. Try the Rosello Gavi DOCG
Falanghina (Campania) Tropical fruit flavors and a floral nose, crisp with some saline notes.
Grillo (Sicily) A cross between native grapes Catarrattto and Moscato d’ Alessandra, this grape was used almost exclusively to make Marsala, Sicily’s famous fortified wine. An aromatic Grillo shows grapefruit flavors, passionfruit and herbs. Try the Poggio Anima Grillo.
Inzolia or Insolia (Sicily) Another native Sicilian grape, it is also grown in coastal Tuscany. Meaning “of the sun” it shows mild acidity, stone fruit flavors and a mellow nutty finish.
SPAIN
Red and white wine from Spain is almost always a win- their quality system is similar to that of France and Italy with Denominacion de Origen. From sparkling Cava to the “Green Spain” wines of Galicia (not to mention their Garnacha and Tempranillo, but that’s another blog!) there are many whites of quality to explore.
Verdejo (Reuda) This grape originated in North Africa and was used to make very strongly oxidized wine like Sherry. Finished dry, the aromatics of citrus and melon lend toward high acid levels.
Macabeo or Viura (Rioja, Catalonia) Most often produced for Cava, the “Sparkling wine of Spain”. Dry, aromatic and cleansing, this sparkler expresses ripe peach fruit, citrus with an almond finish. Try the Juve & Camps Brut Nature.
Parellada (Catalonia) One of Spain’s three main grapes used in the production of Cava, Spain’s sparkling wine.
Xarel lo (Catalonia) One of Spain’s three main grape varieties used to make Spanish sparkling wine known as Cava.
Godello (Galicia) Grown mostly in Spain’s northern Atlantic Coastal region this white grape is known as Gouveio in Portugal where it also produces a medium bodied wine with briny lemon and grapefruit flavors and smokey minerality. Try the Avancia Godello O.
Treixadura (Ribeiro, Galicia)) One of the key varietals found in Portugal’s Vinho Verde.
Hondarribi Zuri (Basque) This varietal makes the fizzy wine Txakoli. Light, citrus tinged with herbal and mineral inflections.
Grenache Blanc (Rhone, FR, Rioja Spain) A popular varietal produced both in Spain- where it is referred to as Garnacha Blanc, and France’s Rhone region. Flavors of pear, honeysuckle, citrus and toast. Can also exhibit unripe mango and lemon curd if the wine is aged in oak barrels.
Albarino (aka Alvarinho in Portugal) Lemon zest, grapefruit, honeydew and ripe nectarine fruits, with a tingly white pepper finish on the tongue.
GREECE
These days the quality and variety available in the Greek wine category is growing rapidly.
Malagousia Notes of green bell pepper, ripe peaches, basil and flowers, with a dry finish. Try the Ktima Gerovassiliou single vineyard Malagousia.
SOUTH AFRICA
The first wine grapes were planted near Cape Town in the 17th century, brought over by the Dutch Colonials. The WO (Wine of Origin) system was implemented in 1973. South Africa has nearly 300,000 acres planted to vine, with the styles of winemaking almost a mixture of old world and new world.
Steen or Chenin Blanc (Paarl) This grape varietal originated in France’s Loire Valley, but has been prolific in South Africa, where it is often called Steen. Bright crisp green apple, white peach, with fresh herbs and a floral nose. Try the Babylonstoren Chenin Blanc from the Western Cape.
PORTUGAL
Most famous for their dessert style ports, the country is producing some amazing still wines, both red and white. There are over 250 indigenous varietals and the country uses a DO system for defined geographical regions and quality.
Vinho Verde, which often has a blend of white grapes to create the slightly frizzante, green apple with a touch of lime zest, refreshing Portuguese wine.
Sercial (Portugal) A white grape varietal produced on the Island of Madeira used for Madeira wine production.
Alvarinho Lemon zest, grapefruit, honeydew and ripe nectarine fruits, with a tingly white pepper finish on the tongue. Try our Twin Vines Vinho Verde.
HUNGARY
A hundred years ago the Royal Courts of Europe toasted with Hungary’s famous Tokaji (pronounced toe kye). The Monks and the Turks were growing grapes in the 1500’s with Tokaji being the country’s most prestigious region.
Furmint is a drier white grape used to make the famous exported dessert wine, Tokaji. Also grown in Austria and Slovenia, it dominates the sweet wine that has a touch of grey mold or Botrytis, often aged in neutral oak bearing lots of residual sugar. Try the Disznoko Tokaji Aszu.
While we don’t have enough space to add all of the white varietals available from all over the world, we hope this helps you explore the many wines available here at Ed’s. See you soon!
By Carolyn R Brown
A Worldwide Wine Crisis?
Is there a shortage of wine? Certainly not by the looks of it- one walk around the aisles of the store here at Ed’s Fine Wines, and our walls are filled with labels from all over. However, recent supply chain issues and climate change have contributed to many problems in the industry, leading to shortages of wine in some regions around the world.
2020 was not a fun year for a multitude of reasons. Most of the planet endured a complete pause in operations. Economic shutdowns by governments, social distancing and isolation due to the Covid- 19 pandemic affected nearly every sector of business. Shutting down everything for nearly a year will trickle down to different levels for many years to come. We still don’t have all the final numbers, but wine consumption was actually down by 3% worldwide (not by anyone WE know!). Meanwhile, production has also been affected for the last several years. In 2020, agriculture, specifically the wine industry, was hit extremely hard. Vineyards were left to rot as pickers were unable to go to work. Extreme weather, from wildfires in California (going back to 2017 in Napa) and Oregon, to devastating frost and hail in France and Spain. In Australia, a labor exemption was put in place, as the pandemic hit just as the vineyards had been harvested. There will be plenty of Australian juice, despite the fact they endured devastating wildfires there, too. Historically, Australia has had far worse fires than California, with the 2019-2020 fires affecting about 60,000 tons. This only affects about 4% of their overall production, so Aussie wine lovers don’t fret.
In 2021 France lost nearly a third of their production to inclement weather, and subsequent disease. Here we are in 2022 – there is very little French Burgundy Rhone, and Sancerre, and prices have soared because of low production and high demand. Scientists believe climate change is responsible for heavy frost that hit much of France and Spain in the last couple years, most especially the 2020 and 2021 vintages. Too much Summer rainfall created a blight, yet another blow to the crops. France’s Champagne production was down over 30%, the lowest in 40 years. France is the second largest producer and exporter of wine (behind Italy). Last year global wine production hit an all-time record low, compared to an already smaller production from the previous year according to the Organization of Vine and Wine.
What does this mean to you, the consumer? Higher prices for French whites, and some reds from the Rhone. Increases from Spanish importers have already hit shelves, and a recent labor strike at the port of Madrid created yet another shortage. The French Ministry predicts this year’s production will be down about 25% overall in comparison to the last 5 vintages. The world will not run out of wine, but if your favorite French Chablis or Cotes du Rhone is still on the shelf, you may want to stock up.
In California, especially Napa, where wildfires affected so many vineyards, there will be no Napa Cabernet from the 2020 vintage from historically reliable producers. This means a loss of about $600 million due to smoke taint, according to the California Association of Wine Grape Growers. Grapes are a rare agricultural product that is affected by smoke, and can leave wine tasting of burnt rubber, or smokey ash. Many wineries that had vineyards survive the fires, sent their grapes off to the lab for testing, and the news was not good. These wines would hit our shelves next year in the fall. Larger production facilities that carry reserve stocks will recover, and there should still be plenty of California wine to go around. In fact, according to Forbes, the United States actually increased wine production by about 6% last year-contradicting global numbers. Australia, Chile, Argentina, South Africa, and the US have good production; we can drink plenty from these countries while Europe (and Napa in particular) recover. Stop by and check out some of our great worldly selections or grab some of your favorites that may be hard to come by in the next vintage or two! Cheers!
By CRBrown
The Wines of Georges Duboeuf
When you hear the name Duboeuf you probably associate it with Thanksgiving, and the slightly frizzante, light, fruity red wine released on the third Thursday in November- called Beaujolais Nouveau. Georges Duboeuf is credited with single handedly creating the Nouveau wine craze through his strategic marketing. In 1982 Georges brought the Nouveau wine to the United States, that turned into a worldwide annual celebration and release party. However, this is the story of a family and their history of French winemaking, not just one wine. Over four centuries ago the Duboeuf family was making wine in the Macon region of southern Burgundy. Georges was very young learning the family business from his father and uncle, including their passion for wine, and their secrets of production. At the age of 18 he was delivering wine off the back of his bicycle to local restaurants from his family’s winery. When his father passed away, Georges took over the business, producing ad bottling his own wines. He later formed a syndicate with over 45 local growers, but due to family squabbling, the business venture fell apart. In 1964 Georges Duboeuf started his own business as a negotiant. Les Vins Duboeuf now produces more than 2.5 million cases of wine a year. Georges passed away in 2020 at the age of 86 from a stroke, but his two sons, Franck and Georges, and grandson Adrien continue to run the family business.
The Gamay grape varietal, the only red grown in Beaujolais, is believed to be a cousin of Pinot Noir- a cross between Pinot Noir and the ancient varietal Gouais, thought to have been brought to the region by the Romans. Gamay has more floral notes and a bit more acid and minerality than Pinot Noir. The Beaujolais Crus tend to produce more concentrated and worthy wines, than say, the Villages wines. How do you know which label to choose for which style you prefer? Let’s explore.
The Beaujolais Cru regions from north to south are
Julienes
Saint Amour
Chenas
Moulin A Vent
Fleurie
Chiroubles
Morgon
Regnie
Cote de Brouilly
Brouilly
The Beaujolais appellation is bordered by Burgundy to the north, the Saone River to the east, and Lyon to the south. Most of the wines are produced using a method of semi carbonic maceration. This method highlights the fruit flavors of the grape. The grapes are harvested, then whole clusters are placed in the vat or tank. The weight of the grapes themselves then lead to juice extraction. When the juice comes into contact with the native yeast on the skins (from the whole clusters) the juice starts to ferment causing carbon dioxide, CO2. The vat is then covered and the grapes pop, or explode due to lack of oxygen! After a few days of maceration the juice is separated (first press, or “free run juice”) and then the skins are pressed, and the juice is combined. This is the basic winemaking formula for all of Beaujolais. Remember, French labels show the region and not the grape variety, we offer a few of Duboeuf’s wines here at Ed’s.
Beaujolais Village AOP is a “Protected” appellation, the wines exhibit a mineral flavor with red fruits, strawberry and currants. Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais is deliciously fruity with an aromatic nose of red berries. Lovely and fresh.
Morgon is one of the ten Cru Beaujolais, and the wines here tend to be denser with dark cherry fruit flavors. Often an extended maceration period gives the wine more body.
Fleurie offers an intense crimson color and expresses a range of fruity and floral characteristics.
Moulin A Vent gives off a color from dark garnet to deep ruby red. The fruit and floral flavors are intense, dominated by violets, with dark cherries. The wine is tannic, yet subtly spicy, with a complex, velvety finish.
Cote de Brouilly is a lovely garnet color with delicious apricot and plum flavors. The soils are made up of dark blue green schist, giving the wines great finesse. Cote de Brouilly wines are earthy and tannic, yet elegant and soft.
Unrelated to the Beaujolais region but here in our store, Georges Duboeuf makes a beautiful Pouilly Fuisse from Burgundy, where Georges family began. They still have property there as well as decades long relationships and contracts with growers. The Duboeuf Pouilly is made from 100% Chardonnay sourced from four different vineyard sites. 10% of the wine is aged in new French oak for 8 months before bottling. Flavors of apple and lemon with a touch of stone, the 2019 (current) vintage received a 90 Point rating from Wine Spectator. France has had a rough couple of years with weather, hail storms took out much of the white grapes from Burgundy to Loire. Expect to see very little French white wine in the next couple of years and many price increases- truly due to weather and low production. We still have some, so let’s raise a glass to the wonderful wines of Georges Duboeuf!
By CRBrown
Wines across the United States
We conclude our virtual tour of the world of wine right here in the US. Did you know that every state in the Union makes wine of some kind? Even here in tropical Florida, fruit wines are made. Since the 1500’s some form of viticulture has taken place in all 50 states, commercially beginning in New Mexico in the 1620’s marketing and selling their wine to other states.
There are several native species of Vitis Lambrusca or the “Fox Grape”, native to North America. These flowering plants produce the Concord, Catawba and Niagara grapes, among others, and are quite different from the European grape varieties from Vitis Vinifera. Wild grapes have been harvested by foragers for thousands of years, used for medicinal as well as nutritional value. Grapes date back to 6000 BC, and the earliest written reference to grapes and wine dates to ancient Egypt and hieroglyphics. Greek philosophers praised wine’s healing powers, and recently wine storage jars dating back 7,000 years were found in Iran. Wine has been a part of the human food chain for centuries, but it wasn’t until the latter part of the 20th century that more scientific techniques overtook traditional techniques. In 2007 Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) suggested that two extremely rare red grape varietal genes produced a single white grapevine that became the parent of almost all of the world’s white wine varietals.
One of our favorite wineries from New Mexico actually make traditional French Methode Champenoise sparkling wine. A Frenchman, Gilbert Gruet, born in Bethon, France in 1931, became a world leader in sparkling wine making. Gilbert inherited land from his father where he made fine Champagne in Bethon at Gruet et Fils since 1952. In the early 1980’s Gilbert and his wife Danielle were on a tour of the United States, where they met other European winemakers in New Mexico. The vineyards he toured, some 170 miles south of Albuquerque, had been producing grapes since the early 1700’s. Gilbert decided to make the move to the US with two of his four children, Laurent and Nathalie, and began his New Mexico winemaking venture in 1984. Gruet grows Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and makes stunning non-vintage Gruet Blanc de Noir. Pale salmon in color with a nose of berries and pear followed by a rich, creamy, toasty finish. We give it three bones.
Another European with a strong wine history who helped build the industry her in the US is Dr. Konstantin Frank. Frank arrived in Upstate NY from Germany and introduced the Vinis Vinifera varietals from his native Europe to the Finger Lakes Region in 1957. We love the sweet and sour complex flavors of the Dr. Konstantin Frank Dry Riesling with flavors of lemon and peach. This wine rates two bones.
Out to our northwest, the Hedges family are pioneering legends in the American wine industry, too. In 1976, Tom Hedges, of Richland, Washington State, married his sweetheart, Anne-Marie Liegeois in her hometown in Champagne, France. Tom’s career had them zig zagging the country for years, but after eleven moves and two children, the couple settled in Washington State and started planting vines. The French influence is apparent as their wines (made by daughter Sarah Hedges Goedhart) express an old world style. This family put the Red Mountain AVA and Washington State’s Columbia Valley on the national wine map. We can’t get enough of the Hedges CMS Red a blend of C (Cabernet Sauvignon) M (Merlot) and S (Syrah), red cherry, cola and coffee come through immediately, with some hints of spice and lingering cocoa finish. We give it three bones.
We hope you have enjoyed our virtual tour around the globe learning a little about varietals from everywhere, as we have been on the bench for the last couple of years with the Pandemic. Travel restrictions are easing, but if you aren’t able to get on a plane and travel around the world to enjoy some great wines, we are always here for you. Travel up and down our aisles and we’re sure to help you find some wines you’ll enjoy, close your eyes and take you to the beautiful place it was made.
By Carolyn R Brown
