Historic Undurraga Family Back in Chile Wine Making
The notorious Undurraga family is back in the wine making business. This is another reason the world needs to take notice of Chile's ever growing international wine presence.
Cheers!
- Brandon
Wine: Chile's Undurraga family back in wine business
By FRED TASKER — McClatchy Newspapers
Chile's pioneering Undurraga family has been in the wine business since Francisco Undurraga planted his first vines in the foothills of the Andes Mountains in 1885. By the 1980s, it was one of Chile's biggest producers and most popular exporters to the United States. By 2005 it was making 1.5 million cases a year.
But when the fifth generation came along in the 2000s, there were 12 brothers and sisters, only four of whom were really interested in the grape. So the family board voted to sell the business in 2005. It left family patriarch Alfonso Undurraga and sons Alfonso, Max and Cristobal with pockets full of money and great wine reputations but nothing to do.
"For the first time in our lives we were out of wine," says the younger Alfonso Undurraga, co-owner. "We were lost."
So they started not one, but two new wineries, both in Chile's cool Colchagua area, both now entering the U.S. market.
One of them is Terrapura, making value-priced wines in the $10 range, aiming at 300,000 cases within five years.
The second is Vina Koyle, making premium to super-premium wines in the modest $17-to-$25 range, aiming for 30,000 cases.
Terrapura's wines are made in the international "fruit-forward" style with little oak aging, focusing on tasting like the grapes from which they are made, Undurraga says.
Vina Koyle's wines aim for greater elegance and complexity, with aging in French oak barrels, giving the terroir - the area in which they are made - its chance to influence the flavors.
Both wines are made in the Colchauga, Curico and Maipo areas of Chile, about 100 miles south of Santiago in the low foothills of the Andes at altitudes of 1,200 to 1,600 feet, seeking the cooler weather and more powerful sun at relatively high altitudes.
Both wines aim at crisp acids, light-to-medium body and restrained levels of alcohol, making them easy to drink with food, more likely to persuade the diner to order a second glass.
"It's better to sell three bottles than one," Undurraga says.
Highly recommended:
2007 Koyle Cabernet Sauvignon Royale, Alto Colchauga, Chile (85 percent cabernet sauvignon, 13 percent malbec, 2 percent carmenere): a classic bordeaux-style red wine with complex flavors of cassis, black plum and bitter chocolate, full body and bright acids; a great steak wine; $26.
2007 Koyle Syrah, Maipo and Colchauga, Chile (87 percent syrah, 13 percent carmenere): opaque purple color, hint of oak, flavors of black raspberries and spice, hearty, creamy, long finish; $17.
Recommended:
2007 Koyle Cabernet Sauvignon, Maipo and Colchauga, Chile (88 percent cabernet sauvignon, 12 percent carmenere): hint of oak, flavors of black raspberries and milk chocolate, soft tannins, long finish; $17.
2010 Terrapura Sauvignon Blanc, Central Valley, Chile: light and crisp, with tart pear and green melon flavors; $10.
2009 Terrapura Merlot, Central Valley, Chile: light body, very dry, black raspberry flavors, firm tannins; $10.
2009 Terrapura Cabernet Sauvignon, Central Valley: classical cab flavors of cassis and licorice, light and fruity, spicy finish; $10.
Read more: http://www.centredaily.com/2011/08/08/2871760/wine-chiles-undurraga-family-back.html#ixzz1UUu208xx
About Corx Wine Bags
Corx Wine Bags was founded in 2005 by two friends who had passion for wine. One of them being a self proclaimed klutz and the other a self proclaimed sewing master, they sought to create the ultimate wine bag. After several prototypes the “Tre” 3-bottle wine bag was born. A wine bag of the highest quality that prevents bottles from breaking in transit for those klutz’s out there, while keeping your wines at proper storing temperatures during your trip to your favorite BYOB restaurant, picnic location or bringing bottles home from your favorite winery. For more information about all of our wine bags please visit us at www.corxwinebags.com
Chateau Ste. Michelle Horse Heaven Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2009
This Columbia Valley Sauv Blanc can be found on deal through out the year at $12-13.
Enjoy!
-K
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"In 2009 this single vineyard offering includes 11% Semillon, It has wonderful texture, and a mix of light herbal flavors that run through a gamut from celery to lemongrass and up into tart citrus fruit. The acidity is generous but not searing;it penetrates but never overpowers. A quintessential food wine."
90 Points
Wine Enthusiast
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About Corx Wine Bags
Corx Wine Bags was founded in 2005 by two friends who had passion for wine. One of them being a self proclaimed klutz and the other a self proclaimed sewing master, they sought to create the ultimate wine bag. After several prototypes the “Tre” 3-bottle wine bag was born. A wine bag of the highest quality that prevents bottles from breaking in transit for those klutz’s out there, while keeping your wines at proper storing temperatures during your trip to your favorite BYOB restaurant, picnic location or bringing bottles home from your favorite winery. For more information about all of our wine bags please visit us at www.corxwinebags.com.
Tickle Your Tastebuds: Boston Wine Expo is 20
Visit the 20th annual Boston Wine Expo this weekend to taste more than 1,500 different wines and sample a variety of foods from around the world.
See celebrated chefs demonstrate how they whip up interesting dishes, including Natick resident Ming Tsai of Wellesley's Blue Ginger restaurant; Todd English of Olives, Figs and KingFish; Jasper White of Jasper White's Summer Shack; Michael Schlow of Radius, Via Matta and Alta Strada; Gordon Hamersley of Hamersley's Bistro; and Paul O'Connell of Chez Henri.
Learn about wine in 26 different seminars featuring experts like Ray Isle, executive wine editor of Food & Wine magazine; Leslie Sbrocco, founder of the Thirsty Girl website; Gloria Maroti Frazee, director of education at Wine Spectator magazine; and best-selling author Mark Oldman.
Can't stand the crowds? A more intimate Grand Cru tasting features wines costing $75 per bottle and more. It's a setting for serious wine enthusiasts looking to sample rare and expensive vintages before they purchase a bottle.
The Boston Wine Expo takes place 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Seaport World Trade Center in South Boston. Tickets cost $110 for the Grand Tasting Saturday or Sunday; a two-day ticket is $145. Admission to the Grand Cru Wine Lounge is $175. For tickets and more information, call 877-946-3976 or visit www.WineExpoBoston.com.
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About Corx Wine Bags
Corx Wine Bags was founded in 2005 by two friends who had passion for wine. One of them being a self proclaimed klutz and the other a self proclaimed sewing master, they sought to create the ultimate wine bag. After several prototypes the “Tre” 3-bottle wine bag was born. A wine bag of the highest quality that prevents bottles from breaking in transit for those klutz’s out there, while keeping your wines at proper storing temperatures during your trip to your favorite BYOB restaurant, picnic location or bringing bottles home from your favorite winery. For more information about all of our wine bags please visit us at www.corxwinebags.com.
Holiday Gift Ideas for Wine Lovers
What do you do for the wine lover in your life this holiday season? Well below are a couple of unique gift ideas on the Redding.com website. However, I would be a little lax if I didn't say that a good addition to these recommendations would be one of our Corx Wine Bags.
Cheers!
- Brandon
Cookbook is a Gift
The Shasta Cascade Viticulture Association has published its first cookbook, “Pleasures of the Vine,” just in time for holiday gift giving. For wine lovers who love to cook with wine, the book includes some 150 recipes such as Matson Winery & Vineyard’s “Pulled Pork in Zinfandel Sauce” and R. Merlo Estate Vineyard’s “Scallops in Wine Sauce.” Cost is $14.99 and may be purchased by contacting Linda Venable at 549-4849 or kishavon@aol.com.
Don’t Forget About Wine
While you’re frantically scurrying around town to complete your holiday shopping, don’t overlook the possibility of giving locally produced wine. Visit a local winery and pick up some extra bottles for family and friends, or visit some of the winery gift shops for specialty items. For instance, One Maple Winery in Lewiston offers gift baskets, pottery and gift certificates, as well as discounts on purchases of multiple bottles of wines. Call 778-0716 or visit www.onemaplewinery.com. Ringtail Vineyards & Winery also puts together gift baskets; call 474-5350.
Sip Wine to Holiday Music
Anselmo Vineyards in Inwood continues its Holiday Music Series from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday with performers Linda Bott, Rick Hill and Candace LiVolsi. The winery is located at 7 Hills Land & Cattle Company, 28740 Inwood Road, 20 miles east of Redding, off of Highway 44. Call 474-5546 for more information.
Avoid the Summer Crowds
Winter is a great time to visit the wine country, when a leisurely pace and uncrowded tasting rooms are yours to enjoy. The Calistoga Chamber of Commerce offers “Winter in the Wineries” passports for $50 per person, which are good through Feb. 6. The passports provide tasting at 16 wineries, as well as discounts on lodging and restaurants. Visit www.calistogavisitors.com or call 707-942-6333.
For Your Pleasure
The Wine Road of Northern Sonoma County offers one-day ($25) and three-day ($50) tickets to the Wine Road that are good for tasting, discounts and tours (offers vary) at more than 50 wineries during regular business hours. The date(s) of use must be specified at the time of purchase, but tickets are available year-round. Visit www.wineroad.com or call (888) 251-0560.
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About Corx Wine Bags
Corx Wine Bags was founded in 2005 by two friends who had passion for wine. One of them being a self proclaimed klutz and the other a self proclaimed sewing master, they sought to create the ultimate wine bag. After several prototypes the “Tre” 3-bottle wine bag was born. A wine bag of the highest quality that prevents bottles from breaking in transit for those klutz’s out there, while keeping your wines at proper storing temperatures during your trip to your favorite BYOB restaurant, picnic location or bringing bottles home from your favorite winery. For more information about all of our wine bags please visit us at www.corxwinebags.com
Wily Jack 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon
After doing some research I happened to see that the San Francisco Chronicle had awarded Wily Jack's 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon a Gold Medal for best Cab in the up to $14.00 category. So with that information I headed out to my local wine shop and found a bottle for a little under $9.00, and for the price it definitely delivered. Wily Jack is a fictional character created by musician/winemaker Jason Becker. The Wily Jack wine collection from Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines features three flavorful varietals, which are 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, 2008 Chardonnay and 2007 Zinfandel. I found this wine to be bold with blackberry and cherry flavors, mixing well with hints of vanilla and toasty oak leaving you wanting more. All in all a great value every day Cab!
Winery Notes
Varietal Composition: Cabernet Sauvignon
Appellation: California
Aging: French and American oak; 25% new American oak
The main characteristic of Wily Jack Cabernet is its bold yet approachable style. The Red Hills region of Lake County offers aromas and flavors blackberry, while the Hames Valley in Monterey County contributes ripe plum and dark cherry. The concentrated fruit flavors are accented by sweet vanilla and toffee from the oak aging and hold up to the well-structured tannins.
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About Corx Wine Bags
Corx Wine Bags was founded in 2005 by two friends who had passion for wine. One of them being a self proclaimed klutz and the other a self proclaimed sewing master, they sought to create the ultimate wine bag. After several prototypes the “Tre” 3-bottle wine bag was born. A wine bag of the highest quality that prevents bottles from breaking in transit for those klutz’s out there, while keeping your wines at proper storing temperatures during your trip to your favorite BYOB restaurant, picnic location or bringing bottles home from your favorite winery. For more information about all of our wine bags please visit us at www.corxwinebags.com
Ultimate New Jersey Wine Tour
Thank you so much Stephanie for your enjoyable read regarding a lesser know wine growing area. A definate highlight of this story is the listing of different wineries, restaurants, etc.. Enjoy!
Cheers!
- Brandon
By STEPHANIE AUTERI
When I first set off to discover New Jersey wine culture, I didn’t expect to find a whole lot. Within my immediate geographic area (I live in Clifton) are several wine bars and discount wine shops that sometimes offer free tastings, but there are no vineyards — no place where I can track a wine’s humble origins, the process of vine to grape to barrel to bottle.
In the past, my husband and I always drove to upstate New York’s Finger Lakes region to get our wine fix. I didn’t think we had any other choice. But once I started researching wine spots across New Jersey, I discovered that we really had been missing out. I shouldn’t have been surprised.
This is, after all, the Garden State.
Through the course of three frantic months, we spent every single weekend traveling across all of New Jersey. We drove to the tippy-top — where small family vineyards like that of the Ventimiglias operated — and all the way down to Cape May (which had four of its own wineries, all well worth visiting). In a blur of vineyard after vineyard, our palates slowly changed.
At Four JG’s Orchards & Vineyards in Colts Neck, we salivated over chocolate sauce made with chambourcin, a French-American hybrid grape that is popular in New Jersey. At California WineWorks in Ramsey, we destemmed grapes, crushed them and added yeast, enjoying the hands-on process of making our own cabernet.
At La Griglia in Kenilworth, a restaurant recognized by Wine Spectator magazine, I fell in love with an incredibly light sparkling dessert wine.
At Plagido’s Winery in Hammonton, I couldn’t help gushing over the sangria.
When we visited Sylvin Farms Winery in Germania — a one-man operation — we had to run through the fields in order to find owner Franklin Salek. It was well worth it, as he then treated us to a history of the New Jersey wine business while we sampled bottle after bottle.
At Turdo Vineyards in North Cape May, we reveled in the unseasonal warmth of late last September by sipping from generous glasses of pinot noir on its outdoor patio. And at Ventimiglia Vineyard in Wantage, we tasted zinfandel straight from the barrel before sitting down to an intimate barbecue with the entire family.
By the time we made it to Hopewell Valley Vineyards in Pennington, we had to invest in a wine journal. The bottles cluttering the floor of our one-bedroom condo were all favorites, and we didn’t want to risk forgetting any of them.
Over the course of it all, we learned what we loved (and we also learned that seven wineries in one day is too much). The wine spots listed here — a mix of wineries, restaurants, shops and wine bars — aren’t everything New Jersey has to offer. In fact, the state has at least 33 wineries alone registered with the Garden State Wine Growers Association, and you can follow the entire trail by picking up one of their free “passports” (newjerseywines.com). Rather, these spots are the ones I felt had the most to offer not only the taste buds, but the soul.
Does that sound cheesy? Thankfully, wine and cheese go well together.
* Four JG’s & Vineyards
127 Hillsdale Road,
Colts Neck
(908) 930-8066
4jgswinery.com
Owner: John and Janet Giunco
Acreage: 60-acre farm, with 35 acres of planted vines
Wines: 10
Best-sellers: chambourcin riserva, Cayuga white, Vignole, cabernet Franc
Tastings: Weekends, 1 to 5 p.m., October through December
Price: $5
* Alba Vineyard & Winery
269 Route 627, Village of Finesville, Milford
(908) 995-7800
albavineyard.com
Owner: Tom Sharko
Acreage: 93.5-acre farm, with 42 acres of planted vines
Wines: 19
Best-sellers: pinot noir, dry Riesling, chardonnay
Tastings: Sunday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Price: $10 for a cheese and cracker plate, and a taste of anything you’d like
* Amazing Grapes
23 Wanaque Ave., Pompton Lakes
(973) 831-5700
amazing-grapes.com
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Bonus: There is a bar in the back featuring live music on weekends
Owners: Donna Garvey, Bill Lowe Jr. and Tony Greco
Bottles: 12 by the glass, and around 100 bottles
Best-sellers: pinot grigio (especially bottles under $15), malbec wines from Argentina, tempranillo from Spain
Tastings: Free, every Saturday afternoon
* Bacchus
Winemaking Club
1540 Route 37 west, Toms River
(732) 505-6930
bacchusnj.com
Attend winemaking sessions and other classes and events throughout the year
* Bellview Winery
150 Atlantic St., Landisville
(856) 697-7172
BellviewWinery.com
Owner: Jim and Nancy Quarella
Acreage: 32
Wines: 27
Best-sellers: fiesta/cranberry sangria, 2007 petit verdot
Tastings: Daily, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Price: Free
* California WineWorks
476 Route 17 North, Ramsey
(201) 785-9463
cawineworks.com
Participate in grape crushing and other aspects of the winemaking process. End up with your own barrel
* Cape May
Winery & Vineyard
711 Townbank Road, Cape May
(609) 884-1169
capemaywinery.com
Owner: Darren Hesington and Toby Craig
Acreage: 15
Wines: 19
Best-sellers: 2008 riesling, 2007 Cape May cabernet ranc, Isaac Smith cabernet sauvignon, Cape May merlot, Cape May chardonnay
Tastings: Daily, 12 to 5 p.m.
Price: $5 for your choice of 6 wines, plus a souvenir wine glass to take home
* Endless Vine
823 Franklin Lake Road,
Franklin Lakes
(201) 891-3669
endlessvine.com
Hours: Monday and Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Owner: Simonyan family Bottles: 15 wines by the glass and close to 5,000 bottles
Best-sellers: Patz & Hall pinot noir Sonoma Coast 2006, Gnarley Head old vine zinfandel 2006, Bruno Giacosa Barolo “Le Rocche del Falletto” 1999, cheval blanc 1996, Caymus cabernet sauvignon Napa Valley 2002
Tastings: Check for tastings and other events on the website
* The Grape Escape
12 Stults Road, Suite 101, Dayton
(609) 409-9463
thegrapeescape.net
Make your own wine, starting at $355 for of a barrel
* La Griglia
740 Boulevard, Kenilworth
(908) 241-0031
lagriglia.com
Hours: Lunch: Monday through Friday, 11:30 a.m.to 3 p.m. Dinner: Monday through Thursday, 5 to 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 5 to 11 p.m.; Sunday, 1 to 9 p.m.
Owner: Chris and John Tocci
Bottles: 600
Best-sellers: Bisol, “Crede” Prosecco Di Valdobbiadene (Veneto), Cantalupo “Il Mimo” Rosato 2005 (Piemont), Ocone, Taburno Falanghina, 2005 (Campania), Fatascia, “Almanera” nero d’Avola, 2003 (Sicily), Marenco, Brachetto D’Acqui, 2005 (Piemont)
* Hopewell Valley
Vineyards
46 Yard Road, Pennington
(609) 737-4465
hopewellvalleyvineyards.com
Owner: Sergio Neri
Acreage: 75-acre farm, with 20 acres of planted vines
Wines: 16
Best-sellers: chambourcin, pinot grigio
Tastings: Daily, 12 to 5 p.m., except for Friday and Wednesday 12 to 8 p.m. because of happy hour
Price: $5
Events: Weekly. Find out about everything from harvest and wine festivals to music nights by signing up for its e-mail list
* Knife & Fork
3600 Atlantic Ave., Atlantic City
(609) 344-1133
knifeandforkinn.com
Hours: Lunch: Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Dinner: Sunday through Thursday, 5 to 9:30 p.m., Friday and-Saturday, 5 to 10 p.m.
Owner: Frank Dougherty
Bottles: 1,000-plus
Best-sellers: Mason Cellars sauvignon blanc 2005, Orogeny pinot noir Green Valley RRV 2006, BR Cohn cabernet sauvignon north coast 2007
* Park & Orchard
240 Hackensack St.,
East Rutherford
(201) 939-9292
parkandorchard.com
Hours: Lunch: Monday through Friday, 12 to 4 p.m. Dinner: Monday through Friday, 4 to 10 p.m.; Saturday, 4:45 to 10 p.m.; Sunday, 2 to 9 p.m.
Owner: Kenny and Buddy Gebhardt
Bottles: 2,000
Best-sellers: I Terrieri Corvina Passita 2006 Verona, Italy, Macon- Villages Les Pierres Dorees Domaine Barraud 2008, Purple Mountain chardonnay 2005, Stag’s Leap Hawk Crest cabernet sauvignon
Events: Scheduled wine tastings can be found on the website
* Plagido’s Winery
570 N. First Road,
Hammonton
(609) 567-4633
plagidoswinery.com
Owner: Ollie Tomasello
Acreage: 15
Wine: 27
Best-Sellers: chambourcin, Plagido’s Choice, merlot blend
Tastings: Daily, 12 to 5 p.m.
Price: Free
* Rosie’s Wine Bar
514 North Ave., Garwood
(908) 518-9463
rosieswinebar.com
Hours: Dinner: Monday through Wednesday, 5 to 10 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday, 5 to 11 p.m.; Sunday, 4 to 9 p.m. Bar: open past 1 a.m.
Owner: Josh Rosenberg
Bottles: 250
Best-sellers: Covey Run riesling, Crosby cabernet sauvignon, Sonoma-Cutrer chardonnay, Faust Events: The website lists live music events, tastings, parties, education and more
* Sylvin Farms Winery
24 N. Vienna Ave., Germania
(609) 965-1548
sylvinfarmswinery.com
Owner: Franklin Salek
Acreage: 40-acre farm, with 11 acres of vines
Wines: 15
Best-sellers: cabernet sauvignon, merlot, sauvignon blanc, sparkling blanc de noir, chardonnay Tastings: Call ahead to schedule a tasting. This is a one-man operation, but it’s worth the effort to go.
Price: Free
* Tomasello Winery Inc.
225 N. White Horse Pike,
Hammonton
(800) 666-9463
tomasellowinery.com
Owners: Charlie and Jack Tomasello
Acreage: 70
Wines: 43
Best-Sellers: 2006 Tomasello American white zinfandel, Tomasello American Ranier rosé, Tomasello Atlantic County Nevers Oak chardonnay, Rainier white, Tomasello Epilogue Atlantic County riesling ice wine 2007, Tomasello American Almonique, Tomasello mulled spice wine, sparkling blueberry
Tastings: Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Price: Free
* Turdo Vineyards & Winery
3911 Bayshore Road, North Cape May
(609) 884-5591
turdovineyards.com
Owner: Sal Turdo
Acreage: 6-acre farm, with 4.5 acres of planted vines
Wines: 15
Best-sellers: The Italian reds: barbera, dolcetto, nebbiolo, sangiovese, and nero d’Avola
Tastings: Thursday through Saturday, 12 to 5 p.m., Sunday, 12 to 4 p.m.
Price: $5 for choice of 6 wines and a souvenir wine glass to take home
* Undici Taverna Rustica
11 West River Road, Rumson
(732) 842-3880
undicirestaurant.com
Hours: Monday and Tuesday, 4 p.m. to 12 a.m.; Wednesday-Sunday, 12 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Owners: Victor Rollo (general manager) and Giovanni Atzori (executive chef)
Bottles: 640
Best-sellers: Chiantis
Events: Follow twitter.com/undici11 on Twitter to keep up-to-date on all of its upcoming events
* Ventimiglia Vineyard
101 Layton Road, Wantage
(973) 875-4333
ventivines.com
Owner: Gene Ventimiglia, with his family
Acreage: 50 acres
Wines: 16
Best-sellers: Buon Giorno, Rocky Ridge red, chambourcin, carignane
Tastings: Saturdays and Sundays. now through Sept. 30, 1 to 6 p.m.; Oct. 1 through April 30, 12 to 5 p.m.
Price: $5 for a tasting and, if you’re lucky, you’ll also be offered a tour
* Wine List of Summit
417 Springfield Ave., Summit
(908) 277-6565
winelistsummit.com/wine/classes.php
class@winelistsummit.com
Become a wine connoisseur in three easy lessons
* The WineMakers Cellar
1050 Goffle Road, Hawthorne
(973) 238-1400
thewinemakerscellar.com
info@thewinemakerscellar.com
Make your own wine, starting at $425 for ⅛ barrel of wine
* Wine Ventures
7 Washington St., Tenafly
(201) 568-4341
wineventures.com
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, 12 to 6 p.m.
Owner: Craig McManus
Bottles: 1,000-plus
Best-sellers: New Zealand sauvignon blancs, Rhone Châteauneuf-du-Papes
Tastings: Friday, 5 to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 1 to 8 p.m.
About Corx Wine Bags
Corx Wine Bags was founded in 2005 by two friends who had passion for wine. One of them being a self proclaimed klutz and the other a self proclaimed sewing master, they sought to create the ultimate wine bag. After several prototypes the “Tre” 3-bottle wine bag was born. A wine bag of the highest quality that prevents bottles from breaking in transit for those klutz’s out there, while keeping your wines at proper storing temperatures during your trip to your favorite BYOB restaurant, picnic location or bringing bottles home from your favorite winery. For more information about all of our wine bags please visit us at www.corxwinebags.com
Hogue Fume Blanc 2007 – Wine Review
The Hogue Cellars has come a long way from its humble beginnings when founded by Gary and Mark Hogue in 1982. Since that time Hogue has grown to become one of Washington's largest wineries, and has gained both national and global acclaim. Always on the hunt for a great under $10.00 bottle of wine I grabbed a bottle of Hogue Fume Blanc 2007. I found this fume blanc to be surprisingly complex with just the right acidity, hints of grapefruit and melon combined with subtle notes of sage and fig. For around $9.00 a bottle it is a solid choice that can be found in many wine shops and liquor stores throughout the country.
About The Hogue Cellars
THE HOGUE CELLARS™, founded in 1982 by Mike and Gary Hogue, is located in Eastern Washington's Columbia Valley, the premiere grape growing region of the state. The climate and soils of the Columbia Valley produce grapes with intense fruit flavors and high natural acidity. The wines have a liveliness and ripe, zesty fruit flavors that make them ideal complements to a wide range of food. You can visit them at http://hoguecellars.com/index.php
About Corx Wine Bags
Corx Wine Bags was founded in 2005 by two friends who had passion for wine. One of them being a self proclaimed klutz and the other a self proclaimed sewing master, they sought to create the ultimate wine bag. After several prototypes the “Tre” 3-bottle wine bag was born. A wine bag of the highest quality that prevents bottles from breaking in transit for those klutz’s out there, while keeping your wines at proper storing temperatures during your trip to your favorite BYOB restaurant, picnic location or bringing bottles home from your favorite winery. For more information about all of our wine bags please visit us at www.corxwinebags.com
2008 Lange Estate Winery Pinot Noir
Greetings! My friends from Liner & Elsen have another wine recommendation...the 2008 Lange Pinot Noir. It has been awhile since I've tasted Lange's juice, but I remember it being pretty good.
Enjoy the review below!
Cheers!
-Kevin
2008 Lange Estate Winery, Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon 18.99/203.00
Spotlighting the outstanding balance and superb terroir expression that marks the Willamette Valley’s finest 2008 Pinots, Lange’s so-called entry level release offers silky Burgundian texture and earthy terroir signature inside a solid core of classic cranberry and loganberry fruit. Writing for Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, Jay Miller concurs: "[Lange’s] 2008 Pinot Noir Willamette Valley provides an early look at just how good this vintage is. Very expressive aromatically with aromas of cherry, raspberry, and rose petal, on the palate this medium-bodied wine has layered succulent fruit, superb balance, and a lengthy, fruit-filled finish. It has enough structure to evolve for several years but will provide plenty of immediate gratification." We think the 2008 Lange is a classically styled Willamette Valley Pinot, and we encourage you to buy a case for enjoyment now and another to cellar over the coming three years. Serve with braised duck, roast chicken, cedar-plank salmon, grilled summer squashes and roast pork preparations.
Wine Advocate—90 points; Best Value
http://www.linerandelsen.com/
LINER & ELSEN, WINE MERCHANTS
2222 NW Quimby St.
(off 22nd Ave.)
Portland, OR 97210
503-241-WINE (9463)
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About Corx Wine Bags
Corx Wine Bags was founded in 2005 by two friends who had passion for wine. One of them being a self proclaimed klutz and the other a self proclaimed sewing master, they sought to create the ultimate wine bag. After several prototypes the “Tre” 3-bottle wine bag was born. A wine bag of the highest quality that prevents bottles from breaking in transit for those klutz’s out there, while keeping your wines at proper storing temperatures during your trip to your favorite BYOB restaurant, picnic location or bringing bottles home from your favorite winery. For more information about all of our wine bags please visit us at www.corxwinebags.com
Where Great Grapes Are Born…
This is a wonderful article by Dave McIntyre about the Bien Nacido Vinyards and the Santa Maria Valley.
Nicholas Miller seemed reluctant to extol the virtues of Bien Nacido Vineyards as he drove me around the property his family has farmed for four decades in California's northern Santa Barbara County. I was there to write about an iconic American vineyard that is famed for producing some of the country's best wines, but all he wanted to talk about was the weather.
By Dave McIntyre, Special to The Washington Post
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
"The Santa Maria Valley has the longest growing season of any wine region in California, with bud break sometimes as early as February," Miller said. Although it's in Southern California, the valley, like much of Santa Barbara County, is considered a cool-climate region for grapes. He pointed to the west, where the Santa Maria River flows into the Pacific 17 miles away through flat land that offers no barrier to ocean fog and cooling breezes. "Most of California's valleys are shielded from the ocean by north-south mountain ranges, but the San Rafael Mountains run northwest to southeast, channeling the cool air past Bien Nacido and throughout the Santa Maria Valley," he said.
The cool mornings and evenings benefit the grapes. A coastal inversion that hits the area each June and July suppresses temperatures and slams the brakes on photosynthesis. Even when the heat returns in August, it rarely spikes above 90 degrees for more than a few hours.
Bien Nacido is ideally situated to take advantage of this climate. The estate lies where the Sisquoc and Cuyama rivers join to become the Santa Maria, at the northern end of the San Rafael chain, where the mountains dissolve into a series of dramatic folds, as though a giant long ago clawed the earth. Most of the nearly 600 acres of vineyards are on south- or southwest-facing slopes in poor, loamy soils, territory seemingly destined to grow grapes.
California wine is still young compared with its centuries-old, tradition-laden European counterparts. The Golden State does not have storied vineyards such as Clos de Vougeot or Romanee-Conti in Burgundy, Clos Ste. Hune in Alsace and Clos du Mesnil in Champagne. Certain vineyards, however, have performed superbly enough - if over decades rather than centuries - to earn them special status as America's premier vineyards.
Bien Nacido ranks among them. The key to its success and its terroir lies in the good fortune of its climate and geography, as well as shrewd management by its owners and the talents of dozens of winemakers who have crafted wines from its fruit.
The vineyard's history extends into California's colonial past. The area was part of a Spanish land grant of 9,000 acres in 1837, when it was called Rancho Tepusquet. In the late 1850s, Don Juan Pacifico Ontiveros built an adobe home for his family and planted several crops, including wine grapes. A descendent, James Ontiveros, now works for the Millers, helping to manage the estate. The adobe, recently restored, remains a centerpiece of the property.
Nicholas Miller's father, Stephen, and his uncle Robert, fourth-generation farmers, bought the property in 1969 and began planting grapevines four years later. They called the estate Bien Nacido, or "Well Born," a nickname given to it by the Mexican vineyard workers who joked that the land was as coddled as a privileged child. The first lots they planted were named less imaginatively as A through Z. (When they ran out of letters, they started over with Block 1.)
In the early years, most of the grapes were sold to large wineries such as Korbel, but in the late 1980s, the Millers began looking for artisanal, small-production winemakers to take advantage of the vineyard's full potential. They recruited Jim Clendenen and Adam Tolmach of Au Bon Climat and Bob Lindquist of Qupe to make wines from their fruit and label them with the vineyard name. The wines excelled, and Bien Nacido's reputation skyrocketed.
Today, Clendenen, Lindquist and Tolmach - who launched his own winery, Ojai Vineyard, in 1991 - are still the winemakers most associated with the property. Au Bon Climat and Qupe share a winery at Bien Nacido. (Another winery that uses their grapes, Tantara, is nearby.)
Over the years, the quality of Bien Nacido grapes has attracted other big names in California wine, such as Whitcraft, Lane Tanner, Gary Farrell, Longoria and Sine Qua Non. Even "northern" wineries such as Villa Mt. Eden in Napa County and Landmark in Sonoma produce wines from Bien Nacido fruit. The vineyard is so prized among winemakers and wine lovers that some wines are even labeled according to the particular block where they originated. Block Z is famous for syrah, while blocks I, Q and N are noted for pinot noir. The Millers contract by plot or block rather than by grape tonnage, and they farm each parcel according to the client's specifications, including organic and biodynamic methods on some blocks.
What makes Bien Nacido fruit so sought after? Miller says the long growing season helps promote balance and structure in the wines. "Slow ripening helps maintain acidity while avoiding late sugar spikes," he said.
Clendenen credits the site's varied topography for extending the harvest. "This place is unique because we have very specific growing conditions that allow us to harvest grapes over three months' time," he said. Pinot noir ripens in early September, while syrah typically is ready to pick in October. In some years, the harvest can extend into November, which is possible because Santa Barbara County does not get the autumn rains that hit wine regions farther north in California and Oregon.
Bien Nacido's location at the northern end of the Santa Maria Valley is important, said Jeff Wilkes, who worked there in the 1980s and now makes wine under his J. Wilkes label. "Just a little farther inland down the valley, the temperature gets a little warmer, and you don't get the same balance in the wines," he said. And "closer to the ocean, the grapes won't ripen."
Do those factors translate into the wines? "There's no question that Bien Nacido pinot noir has a certain personality," Tolmach said. "There's a certain herbal tinge to the fruit, and I mean that in a positive way."
Lindquist agreed. "There is definitely a Bien Nacido terroir," he said. "There's a level of spice in the pinot noir and syrah grown here. It's hard to put my finger on it, but it's a hard spice, like cardamom or cinnamon - an Asian spice."
The Miller team now consists of Steve, Nicholas and Steve's second son, Marshall, along with vineyard manager Chris Hammel, who joined the company in 2001. (Robert Miller died in 2006.) For nearly 40 years the family has farmed Bien Nacido and let others express the vineyard's voice through their winemaking. This year, however, the Millers will release their first wines under their own Bien Nacido Vineyards label: a 2007 pinot noir that manages to be silky and voluptuous yet tightly structured, and a 2007 syrah that offers sweet cherry, olive and prosciutto flavors with that Bien Nacido spice on the finish. There will also be a 2008 chardonnay from Solomon Hills Vineyard, another Miller-owned property a few miles to the southwest, that combines lush California fruit with refreshing acidity.
Was it difficult to make wine after so many years concentrating on growing the grapes? I asked Nicholas Miller.
He smiled and said, "Well, we had some good consultants to help."
Hope you enjoyed this great article!
Cheers!
- Brandon
About Corx Wine Bags
Corx Wine Bags was founded in 2005 by two friends who had passion for wine. One of them being a self proclaimed klutz and the other a self proclaimed sewing master, they sought to create the ultimate wine bag. After several prototypes the “Tre” 3-bottle wine bag was born. A wine bag of the highest quality that prevents bottles from breaking in transit for those klutz’s out there, while keeping your wines at proper storing temperatures during your trip to your favorite BYOB restaurant, picnic location or bringing bottles home from your favorite winery. For more information about all of our wine bags please visit us at www.corxwinebags.com
Swallow Pinot Gris & NLP
Recently, I ran across the Swallow Pinot Gris. Being an Oregon native, I decided to check it out and buy a bottle.
First off, I enjoyed the Pinot Gris with its melon and subtle mineral flavors. It is a great summer wine, especially at $10/bottle. In short, buy it!
What really gets me is the marketing genius of this wine. Yes, a swallow is cute bird found throughout Oregon. The word swallow is also a verb associated with eating and drinking. For those familiar with NLP or neuro linguistic programming, you will recognize this brand name as an embedded command. The cute little bird is saying, "Drink me!"
Whether Swallow Cellars meant it or not, they nailed it with their brand!
Cheers!
-Kevin
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For more about the winery and the wine, read below:
http://swallowcellar.com/descriptions/2008%20Pinot%20Gris.pdf
Swallow Cellar’s family of wines grown and produced in Oregon includes Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, Riesling and Pinot Noir. Our efforts start in the vineyard with over thirty years of planting and tending vineyards in Oregon. As winegrowers, we respect the nature of the fruit that we work so hard to grow in our vineyards, and our winemaking goals mirror these beliefs. We strive to produce wines that showcase pure, delicate fruit flavors, moderate concentration, subtle intensity and good balance. Simple attention to detail, good, honest winemaking and respecting the humble beginnings of the grape are our guiding principles. “Distinctive wines at a price you can swallow” also means that we aim to put an affordable bottle of wine on your table for everyday enjoyment.
2008 Pinot Gris
Vibrant aromas of pears, apples and melons mingle with subtle spice notes tempting you to take the first taste. The flavors are plump, juicy and delicious, balanced with just the right amount of tangy grape acidity to keep the wine pleasantly refreshing. Pinot Gris is versatile on the table, pairing well with a wide array of foods from salads and seafood to poultry and pasta.
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About Corx Wine Bags
Corx Wine Bags was founded in 2005 by two friends who had passion for wine. One of them being a self proclaimed klutz and the other a self proclaimed sewing master, they sought to create the ultimate wine bag. After several prototypes the “Tre” 3-bottle wine bag was born. A wine bag of the highest quality that prevents bottles from breaking in transit for those klutz’s out there, while keeping your wines at proper storing temperatures during your trip to your favorite BYOB restaurant, picnic location or bringing bottles home from your favorite winery. For more information about all of our wine bags please visit us at www.corxwinebags.com
