Wine Appraiser

The Dutch set up a supply colony for the sailors of the Dutch East India Company. This was in the mid-1600’s, and they soon started producing wine.

Some of the areas have very warm climates, similar to Sydney or Perth Australia, but can also cool significantly due to elevation or ocean breezes. South Africa also has a unique feature known as the “Cape Doctor”, which is a gale-force summer south-easter wind that reduces humidity, mildew, and other fungal diseases. However, it can also damage the vines.

The wine areas are divided into Regions, then split into Districts, and further into Wards.

Specific site location has been less important in labeling, and the emphasis has been on variety (called cultivar). Chenin Blanc is the most planted wine grape accounting for about 18% of all plantings. Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah (called Shiraz in South Africa) are both around 10%.

South Africa has a unique red wine called Pinotage (cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsaut). It has remained around 7% of plantings.

“The Oxford Companion to Wine” calls Chenin Blanc one of the most versatile wine grape varieties. It can produce wines that are sweet, dry, crisp, heavier oaked wines, and fortified wines. It is a half-sibling to both Verdelho and Sauvignon Blanc. Like these grapes, it has good acidity. It is known for its capability to produce high vineyard yields, which can result in a less desirable wine.

Tonight, we are enjoying two white wines including:

1. 2023 Lubanzi Wines Chenin Blanc. This wine was purchased at Wall to Wall Wines for $16.00. The bottle says it is a certified climate neutral wine and “1% for the planet”, and “Fair For Life Fair Trade Certified” means workers have good and fair working conditions. Vintage Wine Shop says Aromas of wild honey and apple pie. Can sip by itself or enjoy with spicy foods. Comes from the Swartland region. It has 12.5% alcohol.
2. 2021 Domaine Lafage Centenaire. I purchased online for around $16.00. Blend of 60% White Grenache (Grenache Blanc), 20% Grey Grenache (Grenache Gris), and 20% Roussanne. Cuvee Centenaire Cotes Catalanes, Indication Geographique Protegee. Takes its name from 100-year-old vines of Grenache Blanc on the Lafage farms only a few kilometers from the Mediterranean on gravelly clay soils. The grapes are harvested in two passes through the vineyard. The first time through, grapes are picked as they first reach ripeness with high acidity. The second pass harvests grapes that are fully ripe and have more rich fruit flavors. The wine is then aged in a combination of tank and new French oak barrels. It has 13.0% alcohol.

Next week we will stay in South Africa and taste a Shiraz and a red blend.

Last week we had a Chianti from Tuscany, a Susumaniello from Puglia, and a Montepulciano from Abruzzo. Tonight, we have a Barolo from the Piemonte region. The area is known mostly for the home of two red grape varieties, Nebbiolo and Barbera. Nebbiolo is used to produce Barolo and Barbaresco, and Barbera is the typical table wine for the area. Barbera has become known over the last 30 years for its quality.

Piemonte is also known for Dolcetto, Gattinara, Gavi, and Moscato. Dolcetto is an early ripening dark-red wine grape. It produces a soft, round, and fruit-forward red wine that is drank young. Gavi comes from the Cortese grape. Gavi often has some carbonation but can also be made into a more substantial wine. (Metodo Classico – minimum of 18 months of Lees contact). Two common terms are Spumante and Frizzante. They indicate a sparkling wine and semi-sparkling wine, respectively.

Many people think of Barolo as being the best wine in the world. It is a high-tannin and high-acid wine that ages well.

Tonight, we are enjoying:

1. 2019 Kirkland Signature Barolo. This wine was purchased at Costco for $20. RWS – aromas of leather, black cherry, cedar, licorice, black pepper and spice. Another reviewer said earthy flavors with cherry and blackberry, and noticeable acid.  The wine has 13.5% alcohol. This wine had bright acidity regardless of its six-year age. Both Denise and I scored the wine a three. I believe the wine should be stored a little longer before consuming.

 Next week we will learn about and taste a South African Chenin Blanc and a Rhone Valley White Blend.

Three grape varieties from three different Italian wine regions. Italy is known for producing great wines at affordable prices. It is the number one wine-producing country in the world.

Chianti is from central Italy, from the Tuscany region.

Puglia is located on the heel of Italy. A Mediterranean climate with fertile soils, and according to the “Atlas of World Wine” is the flattest wine region in Italy. However, because about half of the region is a peninsula it is cooled by sea breezes. The region ranks second in wine production in all of Italy. Production is high because of the perfect growing conditions and the amount of bulk wine production.

Abruzzo is a mountainous region on the Adriatic Sea Coast. Its location and topography gives the vines plenty of sunshine, temperate sea breezes, and well-drained soils. In recent years, inferior vines have been removed as part of a quality improvement movement in the area. Until recently, only one DOC covered the entire region. Now have multiple DOCs and 2-DOCGs. There are also increasing restrictions on the production and labeling of the wines.

Tonight, we are enjoying three Italian wines including:

1. 2019 Kirkland Signature Chianti Classico Gran Selezione. This wine was purchased at Costco for $9.89. Since it is a Chianti, we know it is made from the Sangiovese grape, and because it is a Classico, we know it comes from the original Chianti DOCG. After a long maceration, it is aged in Slavonian oak barrels for 30 months. It has 14% alcohol.
2. 2022 Avoglia Susumaniello Puglia. I purchased it at Wine Styles. It sells for around $17.00. This is a light to medium-bodied wine. The grapes are macerated for 6-8 days, and then the wine is aged in stainless steel tanks. I saw several posts on the internet calling the wine an Italian Beaujolais. It has 13.0% alcohol.
3. 2022 Madia Torre Zambra Montepulciano d’Abruzzo. This wine was purchased at Costco for $7.99. The wine is made from the Montepulciano grape and comes from the Abruzzo region of Italy. In the past, it was known as a cheaper fruity red wine that pairs with pizza. 13.5% alcohol.

The Susumaniello was a fruit-forward, easy-drinking wine and was Denise’s favorite of the night. My favorite was the Montepulciano d’Abruzzo. I felt this wine had was more balanced and complex. We both scored a 3 for the Chianti. Denise gave the Susumaniello a 4 and I gave it a high 3. We both gave the Montepulciano d’Abruzzo a 4.

 Next week we will continue to explore Italian varieties and regions.

Vignoles is a moderately cold-hearty grape. It produces a dry to off-dry white wine, and can also make a sweet late-harvest dessert wine. It is a fruity wine known for having high levels of sugar and acid.

New York is the best-known region for Vignoles. The wine is also common in the Midwest, Missouri, Iowa, and Illinois.

LaCrescent is a German-type wine grape that produces off-dry to sweet wines. 

Tonight, we are enjoying two white wines including:

1. 2022 Madison County Winery Vignoles. This wine was purchased at the winery. It is a dry white, blended with La Crescent. It is unoaked and has subtle notes of tropical fruit and citrus. They call it a medium-bodied wine, very aromatic, with bright acidity. It is 67% Vignoles and 33% LaCrescent. 12.2% alcohol.
2. 2022 Stone Hill Winery Reserve Vignoles. Purchased at the winery for $20.00. The reserve wine selects the best of the grapes and is sur-lie aged to give it a rich full-body. It has aromas of pineapple, stone fruit, honeycomb, baking spice, and candied orange. Pair with salad, seafood, poultry, or pasta with cream sauce. 14.5% alcohol.

These wines were very different, but we enjoyed both for different reasons. The Stone Hill was our favorite and received a 4 rating from both of us. The Madison County is more of a summer sipper. Denise gave this wine a 4 and I rated it a 3.

Next week we will taste three wines from different Italian regions. We will learn about the different wine regions of Italy and also the different wine varieties.

Margaret River is only one of the nine regions in Western Australia but is the most popular and most famous of the regions. Margaret River is also somewhat unique in that it is a peninsula bordered on three sides by the ocean. The area has a temperate maritime climate because of the ocean’s proximity.

Western Australia accounts for only 5% of Australia’s wine production, but accounts for 30% of its award-winning wine. Western Australia is the second-oldest wine region in Australia. However, most of the wine was coming from Swan Valley which is located just north of Perth, and is one of the warmest wine regions in the world (warmest region in Australia). Swan Valley was responsible for 90% of Western Australia’s wine in 1970, 59% by 1980, and 15%. The percentage of wine production from Swan Valley is still declining.

Margaret River is known mostly for its Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chenin Blanc. Other wines from Western Australia include Shiraz and Riesling from the Great Southern and Frankland River GI’s.

Tonight, we are enjoying two white wines including:

1. 2021 Howard Park Margaret River Miamup Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine was purchased from Wine Styles for $23.75, but I saw it online for upper teens. It received a 92 rating from the Wine Enthusiast. It has aromas of dark cherries, dried mint and tobacco; with textured tannins and nice acidity. At the tasting the flavor got slightly lost in its power but should improve in next couple of years. Decanter gave the wine a 91 and says. Smells of cassis and dried herbs, supple tannins and ripe fruit. Aged 18 months in oak. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Drinking window 2023-2026. Fermented in stainless steel tanks then stored in Barriques and Barrels 20% new and 80% used French for 18 months. 5.7 g/L acidity - 3.54 pH  -  0.5 g/L RS -  14.5% alcohol.
2. 2019 Joel Gott 815 Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine was purchased from Costco for $12.49, but I saw that it typically sells closer to $16.00. James Suckling gave this wine a 90 rating, and says aromas of blackcurrants, blackberries, dark cherries, olives, licorice and dried thyme. Medium body with fine tannins. Juicy and savory. Wine Folley - Nose of black cherries and blackberries with notes of clove and brown sugar. Tastes of dark fruit, velvety tannins, vanilla on the long finish.  The wine was aged in oak for 18 months in 25% new american oak. Fermented and aged by lots. Lots are blended after aging. This drinks through 2025 so should look for newer vintages.   5.8 g/L TA -  3.74 pH  -  1.5 g/L RS - 13.9% alcohol.

These wines were similar, but with subtle differences that expressed the two regions. The Napa wine being more fruit forward and having a great deal of vanilla from the American Oak. The Margaret River was brighter, a little toward the red fruit, with more earthiness. Denise loved both wines and gave them both a 4. I also liked both wines, but felt the Joel Gott 815 was a little too much fruit and vanilla. I found the Margaret River wine to be a little more balanced. I gave the Napa a 3 and the Margaret River a 4. It really depends on the type of wine you prefer. Enjoy!

Next week we will have a hybrid spotlight, and feature the white wine Vignoles.

Torrontes is an aromatic dry white wine that originated in Argentina. It pairs well with spicy foods due to its acidity and sweet floral aromas. It has aromas of honeysuckle, orange blossom, lavender, geranium, and rose petals. Torrontes from the Salta wine region of Argentina is often considered the best because of the high elevations of the vineyards. Many are over 3,000 meters (9,840 feet). The wine is said to be similar to Muscat Blanc or Riesling.

Torrontes is known as the white wine of Argentina

Tonight, we are tasting:

1. 2022 Bodegas Bianchi Torrontes Elsa. This wine was purchased for around $12.99. The wine comes from Mendoza, Argentina. The wine is light yellow in color. It has aromas of grapefruit, orange blossom, and apple. Other’s say honeysuckle, orange blossoms, lavender, geranium, and rose petals. This wine is very floral. It is not what Denise or I typically drink and is not the wine that we seek out. However, I loved the aroma but found the flavor a little weak. Denise gave the wine a 2 and I rated it a 3. I am actually interested in tasting a Torrontes from the Salta region of Argentina.

Next week we will taste two Cabernet Sauvignons, one being from Western Australia. We will learn about Western Australia and compare a wine from the region with another Cabernet Sauvignon.

With Memorial Day behind us, we are looking forward to summer. What is the best summer wine? You are not wrong if you said Pinot Gris, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, or any other wine. But you might want to try a Rose’ and I think if you are a red wine drinker, Rose may be the answer.

Denise and I have really grown to love Rose’ over the past few years. It gives you freshness and crispness, but still has some tannins and complexity that white summer sippers don’t have.

We found a website that described different styles of Rose’. https://www.virginwines.co.uk/

1. Provence rose’. Pale pink color. Flavors of minerality, floral, and summer berries and citrus. Pairs with white meats, seafood, and salads.
2. White Zinfandel. These wines range from off-dry to sweet. Flavors of red berries, melon, and baking spice. Pairs with heavy cheeses and fish, as well as BBQ.
3. Garnacha Rosado. Deep fruit flavor because of the warm Spanish climate. Tastes of strawberries, raspberries, apple, and grapefruit. Sometimes get a hint of licorice. Pairs with tapas and paella.
4. Cinsault Rose’. Strawberries, raspberry, pomegranate, and cherry. Violet and spice. Pairs with fish and sushi.
5. Pinot Noir Rose’.  Delicate wines with flavors of strawberry and rose petals. Pairs with salads, chicken, and salmon.
6. Mourvedre Rose’.  Pairs with grilled fish, steak, grilled vegetables.
7. Rosato. Italian Rose’. Some can be dark in color. Often have juicy fruit flavors and pair well with foods normally associated with red wines such as steaks.

Tonight, we are enjoying two Rose’ wines including:

1. Stone Hill Winery Dry Rose. A blend of Chambourcin, Chardonel, and Traminette. Notes of raspberry, watermelon, and orange blossom. Fresh acidity and a medium body, this fruit forward rose’ is perfect for chilling and enjoying on its own. Pair with grilled chicken, spicy Mediterranean dishes or just a summer afternoon on the deck. 13% alcohol and 0.4% residual sugar. Purchased at the winery for $13.00. You can order from the winery at https://stonehillwinery.com/
2. 2024 Cote de Roses. This is a blend of Cinsault, Grenache, and Syrah. The wine comes from southern France from the Languedoc AOC. Aromas of red fruits, blackcurrant, and redcurrant. Tastes of rose, citrus, and grapefruit. Normally a fuller-bodied wine. Flavors of citrus, peach, and herbs, as well as strawberry and raspberry. Purchased at Costco for $12.99.

Next week we will taste two white wines. We have a Rhone Valley white blend and a Torrontes.

This tasting will compare different priced wines, from about $7 to $24. It also compares Tempranillo wines from Rioja and Toro Spain, as well as the Yakima Valley, Washington. I can’t wait to learn about the differences in these wines.

Rioja is known for its Tempranillo based blended wines. The wines are historically classified based on how long they have been aged (especially in oak). In 2017 changes were made to labeling laws, and place (or Terrior) is becoming more important.

Toro is known for its Tempranillo varietal wines. It is labeled as Tinta del Toro, which is a slight variant of Tempranillo, but basically the same thing. I found that it has a thicker skin, and of course skin is where tannin is found. Therefore, these wines may have more tannins. Toro is a warmer region than Rioja, which creates heavier, fuller-bodied, more jammy wines.

Tonight, we are enjoying three Tempranillos including:

1. 2022 MonteToro 5. The wine comes from the Bodegas Ramon Ramos Toro and was purchased at WineStyles for $24.00. Aged in oak for 6 months and an additional year in the bottle. Vines are between 30-50 years old and from high-elevation vineyards. The wine has a dark inky violet color. The nose is fruity and complex. Oak is subtle and in the background.
2. 2018 Lucia Victoria Rioja Reserva. A $8.99 bottle of wine from Costco. Aged in a combination of French and American oak barrels for either 24 or 30 months and an additional 6 months in the bottle. Comes from the Rioja Alta region. High altitude vineyard with chalk and limestone soils. According to the Reverse Wine Snob, it has aromas of blackberry, vanilla, leather, and balsamic along with notes of licorice, mint, cola, and cedar. He gave it a “Bulk Buy” rating.
3. 2021 Two Mountain Winery Tempranillo. We purchased the wine from Winestyles for around $21.00. The wine comes from the Yakima Valley, Washington, and has 13.9% alcohol. It has aromas of fresh hemlock, toasted pine nuts, dried tobacco, sun-dried tomatoes, and coriander dust. Tastes of dark huckleberry, sage, and freshly rolled cigar. It has soft tannins, acid, and a touch of subtle oak.

Next week we will taste two Rose’ wines.

Tonight we will each do a blind tasting. We will talk about our thoughts and the decisions we make regarding the two wines we taste. We will use the Five-S’s. They stand for;

1. Sight
2. Swirl
3. Sniff
4. Sip
5. Savor

We start our tasting by looking at the wine. We hold the glass tilted at a 45-degree angle and view the wine over a white sheet of paper. We look at the rim of the wine. What is the color? Are there differences in the color? Can I see through the wine?

Next, we swirl the wine and look at how it attaches to the side of the glass. Does it swirl like skim milk or cream? If it looks like skim milk, it is a light-bodied wine; if it is the consistency of cream, it is a full-bodied wine. We sniff the wine.

After swirling the glass to get some air in the wine, we will stick our nose right in the glass and sniff. Swirling releases aromas. What is the first smell? Fruit, vanilla, earthiness? Sip the wine and allow it to cover the mouth. Hold it in the mouth a few seconds before swallowing. Some people like to draw in some air while the wine is in the mouth. Lastly, savor the wine and get any final impressions.

Tonight, the two wines we ended up tasting was;

1. 2019 Chateau Ste Michelle from Columbia Valley, Washington. It was purchased from Costco for $23.99. Notes of blackberries, dark cherries, vanilla, mocha, and spice. Although it is a very dark wine, it has bright acidity and herbal notes, with a touch of minerality.
2. 2018 St Francis Old Vine Zinfandel from Sonoma County. This wine was purchased for around $15.00 from Costco.  It undergoes malolactic fermentation in French-oak barrels followed by 15 months of aging. 20% of the barrels are new. Aromas of wild blackberry and sasparilla. Flavors of dark chocolate, minty notes, finishes with black tea and muddled berries.

We recommend both of these wines.

Next week we are tasting three Tempranillos:

1. 2022 MonteToro 5. The wine comes from the Bodegas Ramon Ramos Toro and was purchased at WineStyles for $21.00.
2. 2018 Lucia Victoria Rioja Reserva. A $7.00 bottle of wine from Costco.
3. 2021 Two Mountain Winery Tempranillo. We purchased the wine from Winestyles for around $22.00.

Tonight is all about mom, but we are also lacing up our disco boots and platform shoes to remember the 70’s. We are going to reminisce while we talk about wine options for mom. If your mom wants a wine, what are you going to serve?

White wine is often thought to be a woman’s wine. However, 44% of women prefer red wine and only 42% prefer white wine. They also like Rose’ and sparkling wine.

Women are often more sensitive tasters than men and, therefore, don’t like the presence of tannins in red wine.

Red wines with lower tannins include Gamay, Pinot Noir, and Barbera.

I’ve replaced the Rose’ with an unoaked Chardonnay because Denise likes this wine, but she also likes Rose’.

Tonight, we are tasting:

1. NV Cooper’s Hawk Unoaked Chardonnay. Pale straw yellow. Smells of citrus fruits, golden apple, melon, and a hint of thyme. Aged in stainless steel. Tastes of zesty acidity with lemon, green apple, and melon throughout. Denise scored this a 4 and Dennis a 3.
2. 2021 Aresca Nizza San Luigi. This was purchased from Costco for $14.99 and is made from the Barbera grape. It has 14.5% alcohol and received a 94 rating from the Wine Enthusiast. Intense red color with smells of red and black fruit, chocolate and cocoa. It has good structure and complexity with notes of black cherry and sweet tobacco. Drink now through 2035. Shows a price of $45 online. We both gave this wine a 3, but both really liked it.
3. 2017 Idle Cellars Grenache. Purchased from Winestyles for $37.00. 14.5% alcohol. A polor bear wearing silk pajamas lounging on a waterbed watching reruns of Columbo during the longest night. Denise scored a 3 and I gave it a 4. However, we both agreed that we have had better wines for the price.

Next week we will have a blind tasting. We will talk about doing a blind tasting and how to get to your final conclusion.