“The Mirassou family has been growing grapes and crafting superior wines in the sun-drenched hills of California since 1854, earning the family the proud distinction of being America’s oldest winemaking family. 2004 marked an unprecedented 150 years of family winemaking.” [1]

It all started back in 1854 when Pierre and Henrietta Pellier travelled from France to California.  Pierre brought his grape cuttings with him.  On the way, the ship ran short of water.  Being the innovative man that he was, he purchased potatoes onboard and “inserted his cuttings, keeping the precious vines alive.”   Now you may notice that the winery was not named after Pierre and his wife.  It was named after their daughter, Henrietta, who married neighbouring vintner (are you ready for the name?) Pierre Mirassou.  Here we are six generations into it and David Mirassou and his brother-in-law Steve are carrying on the family tradition.

The Mirassou winery has been quite involved with individual LPGA events for a number of years, as well as, other women’s ‘golf-related’ events.   Mirassou wines are now the official wines of the LPGA.  Now that is something nice to have on your resume!

Mirassou Pinot Grigio

Location: California, U.S.A. 2010
Blend: Pinot Grigio
Tasting: Wednesday, January 18, 2012 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m

We have tasted Pinot Grigio (Pinot Gris) a number of times at Winesday over the past 5½ years and I am quite sure we will have the opportunity to sip on it again.  It is a fun wine to sip on.  Some are the big fat ones of Alsace or the light and easy drinking or even still the fruity style.  They are tasty.  It just depends on what you feel like drinking on a particular day.

Winery notes:

Our Mirassou California Pinot Grigio reveals intense aromas and flavors of peach, pear and citrus with crisp, lively acidity create an exceptionally refreshing wine. This versatile wine pairs beautifully with spicy dishes as well as grilled poultry or seafood. Our Pinot Grigio is ready to enjoy immediately upon release and should be able to age in the bottle for one to two years.

Our two recipes today have been taken from the Mirrassou website.  They looked completely mouthwatering.

Food Pairing:

Grilled Sea Scallop & Orange Spiedini Over Saffron Couscous with Pine Nuts and Currants;

Flatbread Pizza with Fresh Tomato Salad

CSPC:                   735074
Winesday Price:

$12.83 (Includes Winesday 10% discount)

Regular Price:

$14.25

*Price correct at time of printing.  Price subject to change without notice

Mirassou Pinot Noir

Location: California, U.S.A. 2009
Blend: Pinot Noir
Tasting: Wednesday, January 18, 2012 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Beppi Crosariol  is a columnist with the Globe and Mail and writes about wine and spirits in the Globe’s Life Section and Style Section.  This is what he wrote about the 2009 Pinot Noir:  “It’s tough to find a Pinot Noir at this price that’s potable, let alone tastes like Pinot Noir. This one passes both tests, though you probably wouldn’t want to break it out for your Burgundy-aficionado future father-in-law. Medium-bodied, soft and creamy, with an essence of fresh berries - simple but stylistically correct.”

Customers ask if there is a certain style to the California Pinot Noir.  We would have to say ‘no’.  It seems to be a bit of this and a bit of that.  Some are quite full and others are lighter and more still are a little on the supple fruit style.  The Mirassou is known for being bright and easy drinking with some nice fruit, but not overbearing.  California Pinot Noir is on the rise and has been for almost a decade.   The release of the film ‘Sideways’ in 2004 certainly helped the popularity of Pinot Noir and that is a fact.  Any press is good press, as they say.

From the winery:

Displaying fresh fruit flavors of pomegranates, cherries and currants, balanced with fruit aromas, Mirassou California Pinot Noir is a bright reflection of our heritage as the pioneer of California Pinot Noir.

Food Pairing:

Vegetable, Pesto and Smoked Mozzarella Panini

Grilled Mushroom Stuffed Pork Loin

CSPC:                   716890
Winesday Price:

$12.83 (Includes Winesday 10% discount)

Regular Price:

$14.25

*Price correct at time of printing.  Price subject to change without notice
Next week we are heading to the Okanagan.

Evidence shows that vine plantings in this beautiful area of New Zealand may be traced back as far as the 1870’s.  Modern day history, however, dates back to the 1970’s when the very distinctive New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc started to take the wine world by storm.[1] As of June 2009, New Zealand has 33,400 hectares of land planted in wine grapes.  In 2002 that number was 17,300 hectares. The Marlborough region alone has 19,600 hectares.  Back in 2002 Marlborough recorded 7,500 hectares.[2] That is a huge increase! The King of vines here is the Sauvignon Blanc, not that that is any surprise.  What may surprise you are the other grape varieties that are making inroads in Marlborough.  Pinot Noir, Riesling and Chardonnay to name just a few.

Sauvignon Blanc is planted in many regions around the world.  New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Chile, Italy, Loire Valley and Bordeaux.  In our humble opinion, New Zealand truly put Sauvignon Blanc on the map.  It has a particular style, unlike any from other regions in the world.  It is zingy and tongue tingling, big grassy and gooseberry.  It is unmistakable.  That is not to say that other regions in the world don’t make fabulous Sauvignon Blanc, because they truly do.  They are just different.  Different is good.  If everything was the same it would be boring.  Richard and I are positively not about boring, for sure.  Try a number of them and see what you think.  You be the judge, so to speak.

If you happen to be popping over to New Zealand this weekend, take time to participate in the Marlborough Wine Festival

We are featuring a Sauvignon Blanc and a Pinot Noir from Marlborough at our Winesday this week.  These wines are the pride and joy of Wither Hills Winery.  We will be sampling their ‘Two Tracks’ labeled wines.

Two Tracks Sauvignon Blanc

Producer: Wither Hills
Location: Marlborough, New Zealand
Tasting: Wednesday, October 26, 2011 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

The rain came down in February not too long prior to harvest.  Rain is a good thing, but like with most things in life, timing is everything.  Luckily March and April brought in a beautiful ‘Indian Summer’ and all was good in the vineyard.

The winery has these tasting notes for us:

“Bright zingy fresh aromas of gooseberry, dried herb, citrus & tomato leaf characters lead into a palate of sweet capsicum balanced with fresh citrus lime flavours and a touch of supple tropical guava to finish.”

CSPC:     737900
Price:

$17.99 (Minus 10% Winesday discount)

*Price correct at time of printing.  Price subject to change without notice.

Two Tracks Pinot Noir

Producer: Wither Hills
Location: Marlborough, New Zealand
Tasting: Wednesday, October 26, 2011 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

When you talk to vineyard managers/winemakers, they quite often refer to themselves as farmers.  As really that is what they are.  As consumers, we don’t often think of what goes into making that bottle of wine that we are drinking.  These keepers of the land depend on Mother Nature and what she is going to send their way.  The people at Two Tracks say that 2008 was “the most challenging since 1995″.  Mother Nature had “Rex Butt’s and Ben Glover’s Viticultural and Winemaking teams going Hammer down 24/7.”  Like all good winemakers, they were able to make the challenging conditions work in their favour and, as a result, the Pinot Noir that we will be sampling “was worth the effort”.

These are the words on the Pinot Noir from the winery:

“Lovely bright raspberry, spicy ripe herbal notes with subtle dark chocolate aromas lead into succulent flavours of brooding brambly fruits of dark cherry and plum, supported by silky tannins and a sweet mid fruit profile.  An exquisite Marlborough Pinot Noir with gorgeous inviting aromatics and a long rich palate weight.”

CSPC:     739703
Price:

$20.99 (Minus 10% Winesday discount)

*Price correct at time of printing.  Price subject to change without notice.

Come see us next week when we are making a trip to Newfoundland.  Yup… you heard us correctly… Newfoundland.

[2] Statistics New Zealand

Very recently we heard someone say “I had no idea that they even made wine in Oregon.”  They not only make wine in Oregon, they make damn fine wine in Oregon.If they are known for one grape, it would have to be Pinot Noir.  Pinot Gris isn’t too far behind, however.   There are a number of producers who make some pretty awesome Pinot Noir.  We are showing our stripes, aren’t we!  I have been a big Burgundy fan for many decades.  However, the very first Pinot Noir that I thoroughly enjoyed from outside of Burgundy, was from Oregon.  We see both new world and old world styles coming from this state.

The first person to plant vines in the Willamette (rhymes with damn it) Valley was a gentleman named David Lett (He was also known as Papa Pinot).  That was in 1966.  Just 9 years later, he was put on the map when one of his wines was named in the Top Ten at the Wine Olympics.  That was the start of something beautiful.

Today there are over 300 wineries that are producing 72 varieties.  Of those 300 wineries, there are some who have their roots in Burgundy, France.  Even they can see what a special place Oregon is for Pinot Noir.  Yes Oregon is known for their Pinot Noir, but even more than that, Oregon is known for its greening of the wine industry.  Well, that is what we like to call it.  There are a number of producers that are organic, sustainable, biodynamic, Salmon Safe, Leeds Certified and on and on.  In our little world, we don’t see a darn thing wrong with being kinder to the place we live.  Now you may not follow it, or believe in it, or even see any difference that it makes.  That is ok.  The producers following this path obviously see a benefit.  Otherwise they wouldn’t do it.  This leads us into this week’s winery.  The wonderful SokolBlosser.  We have written about them previously for Winesday.

“We feel a sense of social responsibility in conducting our business and our lives the way we do. This is the only way we could imagine doing it. Not only are our methods healthier for the soil, the vines, and those of us who work in the vineyard, they also lead to better wines.” (Susan SokolBlosser, Founder)  So I guess that really says it all and we don’t have to write any more.  Actually this is just a start.

We recently had the pleasure of meeting Michael Brown from SokolBlosser, when he was here in Edmonton.  When we talk about the SokolBlosser family, Michael is part of that family.  Not by blood or marriage, but because he truly loves this place and the people.  You can see it when he is talking about the people, the land and everything about it.  “These people are in it for the long run”.   “This family takes it seriously.  They are open to learning.  They value the people.”  When it comes to buying land for vineyards he says that they “would only buy the right land, not just any land.”  The Drouhin winery (originally from Burgundy) is located right next door to SokolBlosser.  He talked about now close knit the winemaking family is in Oregon.  “They have a pioneering spirit.  A willingness to learn.”

The SokolBlosser family (which includes the people who work at the winery) not only write about this philosophy, they live it.  They have been listed as one of the top 100 companies to work for in Oregon; they were the first Leeds certified winery in the U.S.A.; they were the first winery to be certified as Salmon Safe; a mere 8 years after starting the winery, they had 6 wines that received medals in the International Wine and Spirits Competition in London; plus many more…  The most import thing of all?  They make some great wine and we get to try two new ones this week.

Delinea 300 Pinot Noir

Winery: SokolBlosser
Vintage: 2008
Location: Willamette Valley, Oregon, U.S.A.
Blend: 100% Pinot Noir
Tasting: Wednesday, July 6, 2011 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m

SokolBlosser call this their entry level Pinot Noir.  We call it delicious.  It is such an easy drinking Pinot Noir with lots of flavour that will last.  It won’t last in the glass, however.  Believe us, we have tried!  Big Pinot Noir fans here, as you can tell.  The first weekend that we featured this wine at a tasting people thoroughly enjoyed it.  This is such a food friendly wine.  Lamb, tuna, salmon, pork, beef and more.  We have a few interesting recipes for you this week.  You will have to let us know what you think.

Tasting notes:

“This wine will standup to bold flavors, yet is delicate and elegant - soft, harmonious, and shows layers of complexity. flavors and aromas are of black cherry, raspberry and our distinctive jory soil forest floor earthiness.”

Food Pairing:

Spicy Seared Ahi Tuna; Grilled Salmon Plank; Rack of Lamb with Red Currant Wine Sauce;

CSPC:     740031
Price:

$25.99 (Minus Winesday 10% discount.)

*Price correct at time of printing.  Price subject to change without notice

SokolBlosser Rosé of Pinot Noir

Winery: SokolBlosser
Vintage: 2010
Location: Willamette Valley
Blend: 100% Pinot Noir
Tasting: Wednesday, July 6, 2011 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

We have to thank our friend Ian for putting the new vintage of the Rosé in our hands, well, actually in our mouths, but you know what we mean.  We have enjoyed the SokolBlosser Rosé a number of times, but we must say this vintage is a winner.  It is fun and flavourful and lots of fruit. The three ‘F’s. I don’t believe there has been one person to whom we have suggested this wine who hasn’t liked it.  What’s not to like!  We are both confessed Rosé-aholics.  When you find a good one you want to tell everyone about it.  That is the way it is with this wine.  When Richard and I wrote our exams in May, we went to a ‘thank God it is over’ party and we brought this wine.  Surprise surprise it found more fans.  That is the way it has been.

Winemaker Notes:

“Created by the true rosé method (by gently pressing only red grapes, notby blending red and white juice or wine), this classic dry rosé is crisp, vibrant, and refreshing.The extended, slow, cool fermentation has preserved the intense fruitiness and delicate floral aromas, and the absence of a malolactic fermentation has retained the firm acidity and wonderfully intriguing minerality.”

Food Pairing:

Scallop Ceviche; Fruit Salad; …just in a glass

CSPC:     718168
Price:

$17.99 (Minus Winesday 10% discount.)

*Price correct at time of printing.  Price subject to change without notice

Boy do we have a treat for you for next week.  Born of Italian tradition, but made in Canada.  And it is a first for Winesday.

New Zealand = Sauvignon Blanc.

While it is true that when one thinks of New Zealand, their most successful wine, Sauvignon Blanc, does comes to mind.  It is the most widely cultivated grape variety (approximately 13,600 acres and growing) However, there is a lot more wine to choose from… Gewürztraminer, Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Chenin Blanc, Müller-Thurgau, Muscat, Sémillon, Verdelho, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Pinotage, and Cabernet Franc.

The wine regions in New Zealand stretch from latitudes 36°S in the north (Northland) (comparable in latitude to Jerez, Spain), to 45°S (Central Otago) in the south (comparable in latitude to Bordeaux, France).  Although the climate is considered maritime, like anywhere there are areas that receive more rain and less rain.  Even though the daytime temperatures can get quite high, generally speaking the evenings can cool down which is perfect for nice acidity in the grapes.

The region we are talking about today is Marlborough.  It is located on the north side of the south island.  Aside from the warm days and cooler evenings we just spoke about, the growing season here is nice and long.  Now we are off to the winery.

Villa Maria Estate

Villa Maria will be celebrating its 50^th Anniversary in 2011.  The winery was founded in 1961 by George Fistonich.  Passionate from a young age, wine was a central part of George’s upbringing. “Being Croatian, wine is part of my blood,” George says ‘It’s always been a part of life and I’m pleased to have spent my career pursuing this life-long passion.’ (Source:  Villa Maria Website)

George understood that the different regions played a part in how the various grape varieties made different styles of wine.  “He pioneered the use of contract growers and led Villa Maria to become the first New Zealand wine company to initiate payment for grapes based on quality rather than a flat contract price.”  George also saw the potential for people visiting the area and opened the first vineyard bar and restaurant in 1979.

The 1980’s saw more change with the purchase of the Esk Valley Estate Winery (just north of Napier), which was refurbished and turned into a boutique winery.  A second tier of wines made its way into the Villa Maria portfolio.   A ‘reserve’ line was made from the best vintages and the best quality grapes.  This proved to be very successful for Villa Maria not only locally, but internationally as well.  These wines have received numerous awards/accolades over the years.

“In 2004, George Fistonich was shortlisted as one of the 50 most prominent figures in the wine industry by UK Wine International magazine and in 2005 he was named New Zealand’s Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year.”  In 2009 George received the honour of being knighted.    “One of only 85 to be knighted this year and the first ever to be acknowledged for services to the New Zealand wine industry” (source:  Villa Maria Website)

In June 2010 Jeremy McKenzie, Villa Maria’s Senior Marlborough winemaker, visited our fair city of Edmonton.  If I remember correctly, this was Villa Maria’s first trip into our part of the world.  Jeremy led a great tasting of all of Villa Maria’s wines that we see here in Alberta.  People from all areas of the wine industry were in attendance to listen to Jeremy talk about Villa Maria and his obvious passion for wine.  The night before we attended this tasting, ironically Jeremy was on TV on the Travel Channel talking about Villa Maria.  The next day, we mentioned that it was kind of surreal seeing him on TV the night before and then meeting him in person.

There are a large number of wines that we are lucky to receive from this estate.  Today we are sampling a Riesling and a Pinot Noir.

Map sourced from Classic Wines

Ah yes, here we are back in Cafayate Valley in Argentina. It is pretty darn high up in this part of the world.

When we read the following tag line we loved it: “High Altitude - High Attitude”. Isn’t that fabulous? Although this Valley produces only 4-5% of the country’s wine, it is known for producing some pretty darn nice wines.

Weather wise, the Cafayate Valley has a wide temperature range. In the summer you get nice warm days and the evenings cool down. Now those cool evenings are not just for getting a good night’s sleep, they also help to maintain acidity and heighten aromas and flavours in the wine. With an average of 350 days of sunshine, there can be an increase in the polyphenols in the wine. In short, that is the good stuff that can be found in nuts, dark chocolate, blueberries, raspberries, and red wine. So if you have a blueberry and raspberry salad with some nuts and dark chocolate on the side and then sip a glass of red wine, you should be good to go!! It sounds good to me.

Don Rodolfo Torrontés

Winery: Don Rodolfo
Location:Cafayate Valley, Salta, Argentina
Blend: 100% Torrontés
Tasting: Wednesday, October 20, 2010 - 4:00 – 7:00 p.m

Torrontés (Tor-RON-taze) is still a grape that people are discovering. They are not always too sure what it is all about. We like say that Torrontés makes a very refreshing wine. It is dry, has nice acidity and lovely fruit and flower. In a word… crisp. Torrontés can pair quite nicely with food (as you will see below) or you can enjoy it on its own. Once people try it, our experience has been that they like it.

Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc out of Argentina still get a lot more press than Torrontés. Hopefully we will see that change in the future. This grape has made a good home in Argentina and the wines made from it are just fun to sip.

Don Rodolfo describes this wine: “Light yellow-gold color with hues of green. A very fruity, floral nose with white peach and hints of citrus. Good volume in the mouth with complexity and balance, and an excellent fresh finish.”

Food Pairing:

Pizza with a white sauce; Thai food; Seafood in a cream sauce.

CSPC: 716720
Price:

$14.99 (Minus Winesday 10% discount.)

*Price correct at time of printing. Price subject to change without notice.

Don Rodolfo pinot noir

Winery: Don Rodolfo
Location:Argentina
Blend: Pinot Noir
Tasting: Wednesday, October 20, 2010 - 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.

When one thinks of red wine from Argentina, Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon are probably the first two grape varieties that pop into peoples’ heads. Well, Pinot Noir is rising as well. We know Pinot Noir from the beautiful region of Burgundy in France. Now it is grown in many places all around the globe: Canada, United States of America, Australia and Argentina are just a few countries that have romanced this grape. It is known as the heartbreak grape, because it can be very tough to grow.

The best part is that in every country each terroir and each producer put their own stamp on it. We have had people say Pinot Noir from Burgundy is the best; or Pinot from Oregon cannot be missed; or Pinot from British Columbia is divine. Each of these statements is true, because each wine that someone has tasted from these areas has brought something special to the table. Something in particular that they are looking for in a wine. Now you get to try Pinot Noir from Argentina.

Don Rodolfo describes this Pinot Noir as: “Rich purple with black hues. A deeply fruitful nose, with complex black cherry aromas. Excellent volume in the mouth with medium structure and velvety tannins lead to a harmonious finish.”

Food Pairing:

Roast duck; Salmon (grilled or poached); Turkey; Sheep’s milk cheese.

CSPC: 729987
Price:

$14.99 (Minus Winesday 10% discount.)

*Price correct at time of printing. Price subject to change without notice.

Next week we get to have some Vampire wine.

Pelee Island Winery is located on the Southerly most point in Canada.  It is on the same latitude as Northern California.  The climate is one of the mildest in Canada.  In fact, winemaking is not new to the area.  There is a history of winemaking there since the 1860’s.  Sadly the industry died out in the early 1900’s, but it came to life again in the 1980’s.  Thank goodness for that, otherwise we would have missed out on some very spiffy wine (technical terminology J). Map is courtesy of Norman Einstein

You know, in this industry we learn something new every day.  Although we have tried many of the Pelee Island wines, we did not know that the vineyards 550 acres make up Canada’s largest private estate.

One thing you will notice about the labels of Pelee Island wine is that there are various plants and animals on them.  The winery promotes the diversity of life on the island.  It is home to many rare insects, snails, mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians as well. But still many more stop off at Pelee Island on their travels south.  It is the meeting place of two different migration routes.  The island is a major stopover point for many groups of birds and insects on their way to their winter homes down south.

Take for instance the Monarch Butterfly, which is featured on Pelee Island’s Monarch Vidal.  The butterfly stops at Pelee Island on its long journey to Mexico.  Isn’t that truly amazing how that tiny winged being takes that long journey!  The Egret is featured on the Umbrella Gewürztraminer-Riesling.  The islands are home to one of the largest populations of nesting Egrets in Canada.  These are just two small examples of the diversity of these islands… not just in the winemaking.  The viticulturist at Pelee Island works hand in hand with the World Wildlife Fund with regard to their pest management.  This gives you just a small glimpse into how Pelee Island Winery takes care of everything on the island from the ground up.

Pinot Noir Reserve VQA

Winery: Pelee Island Winery
Vintage: 2008
Location: Pelee Island, Ontario, Canada
Alcohol: 13%
Blend: Pinot Noir
Tasting: Wednesday, March 31, 2010 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

They call the Pinot Noir grape the heartbreak grape.  It is a  very tough grape to grow.  As an example:  If the grapes don’t get enough heat, the wines can be very light and thin tasting.  If is gets too much heat the wines can taste more like cooked fruit.   When all goes right, however, it can make some of the most incredible wine and Champagne you have ever had the pleasure to try.  The price can vary from the teens to ad infinitum (infinity). Associated mostly with the region of Burgundy in France, the grape now grows in a number of countries around the world including our wonderful country of Canada.

This wine was matured for about eight to twelve months in European-style French Oak barrels with about 25 to 30% of the wine experiencing a malolactic fermentation (also known as MLF).   Why is that good and how does it change the wine?  The winemakers want to reduce the amount of the harsher acidity in the wine.  In order to do that, they will change some of the Malic Acid into the softer Lactic Acid.  This MLF takes place after the primary fermentation (during which the grape juice sugar is converted into alcohol).  The wine undergoes a secondary fermentation to change the Malic Acid into the Lactic Acid.  This not only reduces some of the acidity, but it makes the wine a little more balanced and palatable.  They also want to maintain the lovely fruit characteristics of the wine, so in this case only 25 to 30% of the wine goes through this MLF.

This is an easy drinking Pinot Noir and if people are just starting to drink red wine, Pinot Noir is a lovely place to start.  This wine is not overpowering, it is just simply pleasant.  You get some of the strawberry and other red berries, plus there is a wee bit of earth aromas in there too, and can be quite typical of Pinot Noir.

Food Pairing:

Turkey; salmon (broiled, roasted, grilled, or poached); grilled or roasted red meat; mushrooms (eg: grilled Portobello) and mushroom sauces; pork.

CSPC:     458521
Price:

$16.99 (Minus Winesday 10% discount.)

*Price correct at time of printing.  Price subject to change without notice.

Umbrella
GewÜrztraminer-Rielsing

Winery: Pelee Island Winery
Vintage: 2008
Location: Pelee Island, Ontario, Canada
Alcohol: 12.5%
Blend: Gewürztraminer 50%, Riesling 50%
Tasting: Wednesday, March 31, 2010 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Okay, you have the best of both worlds here.  You have the Gewürztraminer and the Riesling.  Now I know that everyone thinks that there are basically two different colours of grapes, well there are other colours, as well.  The Gewürztraminer can actually be a pinkish colour. This grape ripens a bit on the earlier side.  The Riesling, on the other hand, is green in colour and it ripens rather late.  These two grapes make great wine all on their own, so bringing them together would bring out all the great qualities of each of them.

The history of Gewürztraminer  (guh-VOORTS-truh-MEE-nur)can be dated back to Italy near the village of Termino (Tramin) in Alto Adige.  It is considered to be an aromatic grape variety.  Now I know you are thinking that the name certainly doesn’t sound Italian, and you would be correct… it is German.  Gewürz in German is translated to mean ‘spicy’.  The grape is quite well known in the Region of Alsace in France, but can be found in California, Oregon, Washington, Germany (of course), Canada and recently New Zealand.

People think of Riesling and they think of Germany.  Though its history is a bit mysterious it can be said that Riesling goes back to the Rhine in Germany.  It too is considered an aromatic grape variety and brings a lot to the table when you get a whiff of the wine.  It grows quite well in cooler climates.  In Canada it is one of the grape varieties that we use for making Ice Wine… that yummy delicacy.

This Gewürztraminer-Riesling is considered off-dry, but it has a nice bit of acidity to it, so it isn’t going to taste as sweet as you would think.  There are some floral notes to the wine with a little honeysuckle and lychee and even a wee bit of rose.  The aromas of tropical fruit like mango are noticeable with some lovely peach, as well.   You will have fun pairing this wine with food.

Food Pairing:

  Baked ham; turkey; Thai, Chinese or Indian food; fresh fruit (especially tropical fruit); fish; pork.

CSPC:     738935
Price:

      $12.50 (Minus Winesday 10% discount.)

*Price correct at time of printing.  Price subject to change without notice.

Next week Richard and I are heading off to Marlborough, New Zealand.  Come join us.

Winery: Sokol Blosser
Location: Oregon, U.S.A.
Alcohol: 12%
Blend: 9 varietals (Evolution); Pinot Noir, Syrah &
Zinfandel (Meditrina)
Tasting: Wednesday, February 10, 2010 - 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

How do you spell fun?  We spell it S-o-k-o-l B-l-o-s-s-e-r.  You probably think we are a few bricks short of a load, but you will see what we mean once you read the following info and come by and enjoy the wines on Wednesday.

Sokol Blosser Winery was started by Susan and Bill Sokol Blosser in 1971.  They have taken a forward thinking approach to the land, the winery and the wine.  Not only were they USDA Certified Organic in 2005, LEEDS certified and are Salmon Safe, but they make some pretty fantastic wines.  The two we are talking about and tasting are the “whimsical” Evolution and Meditrina.  Most wines have a vintage on the label (2005, 1994 etc.).  Evolution and Meditrina are a little different.  They have “Editions”.  Evolution is on its “Lucky” Edition (13… but it doesn’t use that number anywhere on the label, only the word “lucky”), and the latest Meditrina is the 6^th Edition.

Evolution was first introduced 13 years ago.  The “fan base” for Evolution is all over North America and Europe.  Why are so many people enjoying this wine?  It has character.  Sokol Blosser Winery states that it wanted to “kick the wine world up a notch or two.”   This is a splendid wine, and not like any other white wine you have sipped.  The blend is a wonderful “merge” of:  Pinot Gris, Muller Thurgau, White Riesling, Semillon, Muscat Canelli, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay and Sylvaner.  Yes… you read it correctly - 9 different varietals.

Sokol Blosser has stated “It was with great intention that we created this off-dry, somewhat tropical wine with a crisp finish to be enjoyed year round.”  When Richard and I have tasted this wine previously there have been a number of interesting comments, but none more interesting than from a couple of ‘I only drink red wine’ customers.  One person said ‘you know I don’t drink whites, because there isn’t much to them.  This isn’t like any white I have ever tried.  There is something to it.’  Another customer commented ‘I thought white wines had no depth to them.  That was before I tried this wine.  There is a ton of flavour here.  This is a white wine I will drink.’

Food pairings for Evolution:

Thai, Chinese, Indian, Mexican, Caribbean, and Spanish food (the blend of the spices used in these foods matches so beautifully with this wine); seafood, poultry dishes.

The first thing you will notice about Meditrina is the label.  It is a standout red label with a white stylized “M”.  As you look closer, you will notice an outline of a female.  This profile is of Meditrina, the Roman Goddess of wine.  The label is an eye catcher for sure, but that is not where the ‘standout’ ends.

The wine is a blend of Pinot Noir, Syrah and Zinfandel.   Our first thought on this wine before we tasted it was… that is an interesting blend of red grapes.  We weren’t sure what to expect.  What we found was a wine with a lot of red fruit and red berries and a little bit of spice.  One of our first thoughts was - this is going to be very food friendly.  And we weren’t wrong.   Decant this wine for 30 - 60 minutes before drinking.  This will bring out some of the appealing flavours that that each of these grapes brings to the wine.

Food Pairings:

Pasta, pizza, grilled chicken, pork, fish and grilled fish (grilled salmon is very good with this wine).

Price:

Evolution $23.99* (Minus Winesday 10% discount)
Meditrina $23.50* (Minus Winesday 10% discount)

*Price Correct at time of printing. Price subject to change without notice.