Wine Style of the Month: Sparkling

The pop of the cork, the rise of tiny bubbles and the gentle whoosh of foam in the glass—nothing makes an occasion more festive than Sparkling Wine. But Sparkling wines are not just for holidays and celebrations, they make a fine choice for everyday meals and pair exceptionally well with a variety of foods. From fried chicken to lobster bisque, the range of food pairings is endless. My favorite pairing is kettle style potato chips.

 

Amista Sparkling Rosé of Syrah Morningstar Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley, NV

Made using the Méthode Champenoise (traditional) process, the Amista Sparkling Rosé of Syrah is a lovely way to bubble! In the glass it’s a light cranberry pink color with a fine delicate bubble stream. On the palate it’s both creamy and tart with flavors of dried cranberry, lemon zest, vanilla, toasty brioche and a touch of ginger. The long dry finish is fresh and lively.

 

ABV 12.5%

$58

 

CAST 2020 Brut Rosé, Dry Creek Valley

The CAST 2020 Sparkling Brut Rosé of Zinfandel is a veritable trip to Bubble Nirvana—it’s pure bliss. It shines in the glass with a light pink and rose-gold color as bubbles rush to the top in long strands.  On the palate it’s both zesty and rich with soft notes of strawberries and cream, raspberry mousse and an undercurrent of citrus zest. Great complexity of flavor with balanced acidity and subtle hints of ginger, white peach and orange blossom on the long dry finish.

 

ABV 12.5%

$59

 

Dutcher Crossing Posterity Reserve Blanc de Blanc Dry Creek Valley

The Dutcher Crossing Posterity Reserve Blanc de Blanc from Dry Creek Valley is made from 100% Estate Chardonnay grapes. It sparkles with a light golden color and a fine bead of bubbles. The palate opens with a delicate creamy mousse and a bit of chalk, then segues to bright flavors of yellow apple, pear, quince candied ginger and lemon zest. It’s vibrant and alive with zesty flavor on the long satisfying finish.

 

ABV 12.0%

$56

 

Kokomo 2019 Sparkling Blanc de Blanc, Peter’s Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley

The Kokomo 2019 Sparkling Blanc de Blanc, from Peter’s Vineyard in Dry Creek Valley presents in the glass with a pretty pale straw color and a profusion of racy bubbles. On the nose, it has a light toasty brioche note and citrus zest. On the palate it’s lean and elegant with a steely precision and notes of tart apple, lemon, chamomile flowers, grapefruit, and slate. The dry finish brings lime zest, quince and ginger in to the forefront. It’s a crisp and satisfying sipper from beginning to end.

 

ABV 12.9%

$60

 

Trentadue California Champagne XXXII

The Trentadue California Champagne is made with French Colombard grapes from the Mendocino and Lodi regions, using the Charmat process. On the nose it has a wonderful peaches and cream scent. On the palate it has tart green apple, balanced with deep notes of toasted almonds, marzipan and chamomile. The fine crisp finish is both tart and sweet with a zesty note of ginger spice, orange zest and sweet white cherry. It’s an incredible value and sips well beyond it’s price point.

 

ABV 11.5%

$18

 

West Wines 2018 Seafoam Blanc de Blanc Extra Brut

Pop the cork on a bottle of West Wines 2018 Seafoam Blanc de Blanc Extra Brut and experience the thrill of tiny bubbles that can turn even an ordinary evening into something special and elevated. Made in the traditional Champagne method, with 100% Chardonnay grapes, the West Wines Seafoam has a light citrus sent and creamy mousse of toasted almond and apple. It’s plush, yet bright with a balance of tart green apple and citrus flavors along with notes lemon curd, white peach and ginger. Sassy and sophisticated it leaves a lasting impression.

 

ABV 11.5%

$42

 

Style of the Month: Sparkling Wine

Sparkling wines are not just for holidays and celebrations, they make a fine choice for everyday meals and pair exceptionally well with a variety of foods. From fried chicken to lobster bisque, the range of food pairings are endless, but nothing beats oysters, potato chips or truffle fries for flavor match made in heaven. Sparkling wines come in a range of sweetness levels from bone dry Burt Nature to the very sweet styles of Demi-Sec and Doux. The most popular style is Brut with less than half a gram of sugar per glass. There’s a sparkling wine to please every palate. 

Here are capsule reviews of Sparkling Wines along the Wine Road

Amista Sparkling Syrah Morningstar Vineyard 

Fresh and bright the Amista Sparkling Syrah from Morningstar Vineyard is an effervescent delight. The light garnet color shines with specks of gold in the fine stream of bubbles. Juicy and bright with flavors of pomegranate, black cherry, a touch of orange zest and all spice. It’s balanced on the palate with a fresh acidity that carries all the way through on the long dry finish. Pair with spicy crab cakes.

ABV 12.5%

$58

Cast Sparkling Brut Nature, Estate Vineyard, 2019 Dry Creek Valley

The Cast 2019 Sparkling Burt Nature from Dry Creek Valley is made from estate grown Zinfandel grapes. Steely and lean with a steady stream of fine bubbles it has initial of notes of brioche, yellow apple, white peach, and lemon zest. A bright stony minerality is in balance with flavors of honeysuckle, peach and buttered toast. The sustained finish rings with zesty acidity. Supremely delicious. Don’t be surprised how fast the bottle empties! Pair with Oysters Rockefeller. 

ABV 12.5%

$62.00

Colagrossi Sparkling Wine Rosé de Sangiovese 

The Colagrossi Sparkling Rosé de Sangiovese is made in the Charmat Method also known as the Tank method, which results in bright juicy, fruity wines with an easy and ready to drink freshness. It’s zesty with flavors of dried strawberry, watermelon and cranberry. Check out episode 186 of the Wine Road Podcast episode to hear how much we enjoyed it in studio with the winemaker! Pair with spicy seasoned tater tots and your favorite podcast.

ABV  12.5%

$45

Emeritus 2020 Hallberg Brut, Blanc de Noir, Russian River Valley

The Emeritus 2020 Hallberg Brut, Blanc de Noir is composed of estate grown Pinot Noir fruit from the heart of the Russian River Valley. It gently glows with a golden hue as a persistent stream of fine tiny bubbles race to the top of the glass. It has a light aroma of brioche and apricot. On the palate, soft notes of ripe pear, crisp apple and zesty lemon blend with a bright top note of ginger. It’s lithe and elegant with great texture and a bracing minerality on the long finish. Pair with classic caviar & blinis.

ABV 12.5%

$80

West Wines 2018 Seafoam Blanc de Blancs

The West Wines 2018 Seafoam Blanc de Blanc is made with 100% estate Chardonnay grapes in the traditional Champagne style, Méthode Traditionelle. On the nose, notes of brioche, lemon curd, ginger and toasted hazelnut waft up from the glass. On the palate it’s fresh and vibrant with a soft creamy mousse. Balanced flavors of lemon curd, pear, peach and orange zest mingle and linger on the finish. Pair with pomme frites and aioli.  

ABV 11.5%

$42

Woodenhead 2013 Sparkling Wine Blanc de Blanc

At ten years of age, the Woodenhead 2013 Sparkling Blanc de Blanc is graceful with a fruity vitality that is both savory and bright. On the nose, notes of marzipan, lemon pith and butterscotch. On the palate, a soft texture with a balance of yellow apple, lemon zest, toasted almond and creamy ginger. In a word—delectable! Pair with buttermilk fried chicken.

ABV 11.2%

$54

Style of the Month: Orange / Skin Contact

Orange wines aka skin-contact or amber wines are having a moment. An ongoing moment that started 8,000 years ago. Simply put, orange wines are white grape varieties made in the manner of red wines with extended contact on the skins, resulting in wines full of texture that are both elegant and complex as well as bright and quaffable. They range from light and bouncy to deep and savory and pair exceptionally well with food.

 

Here are capsule reviews of Orange style wines you may find along the Wine Road.

 

Anthesis Wines AllaVecia 2016 Falanghina Alder Springs Vineyard Mendocino County

 

You don’t come across too much Falanghina locally, but its’ thrill when you do. Falanghina lends itself well to orange style winemaking and this example showcases the complexity of flavors. Deep dark amber in the glass, the Anthesis Alla Vecia 2016 Falanghina is a delight with aromas of honey, mango, dried pineapple and a touch of tomato leaf. On the palate, it’s lyrical and layered with notes of citrus peel, and nutmeat, like almond. It has a long lingering spicy clove finish. Pair with ceviche or garlic prawns.

 

ABV 12.5%

$

 

Breaking BreadMarmalade 2022 Skin Contact Wine

 

The Breaking Bread Marmalade 2022 Skin Contact Wine is a many splendored thing composed of 70% Muscat Blanc, 15% Chardonnay and 15% Sauvignon Blanc. In the glass the color is a soft butter yellow, like diffused sunlight. It’s super bright and vibrant with a beguiling scent of orange blossoms, grapefruit and honeysuckle. It smells so good you may be tempted to dab a bit at your pulse points in lieu of fragrance – but resist the urge and pour a glass instead. On the palate waves of savory flavor come though with mandarin and butterscotch, ripe peach, and a sunny hit of gooseberry and grapefruit. It has a magical quality and vitality that shimmers to a satisfying finish. Simply delicious! Pair with California sushi rolls.

 

ABV 12.9%

$

 

CAST 2021 GrenacheBlanc Front Porch Farm Russian River Valley

 

The CAST 2021 Grenache Blanc, Front Porch Farm from Russian River Valley is a light caramel color in the glass. On the nose, bright lemon zest with peach preserves and honeysuckle. On the palate it’s juicy with subtle notes of juniper and clove. As it opens and warms notes of jasmine tea, lemon peel, eucalyptus and a captivating spicy linalool note as well. It’s ever evolving in the glass. On the finish, notes of apple, grapefruit peel and toasty almond. In short it’s an exciting kaleidoscope of flavors with great vitality and harmony. Eminently pair-able, enjoy with Pad Thai.

 

ABV 13.3%

$36

                       

DeLoach Vineyards 2021 Ribolla Gialla Russian River Valley SonomaCounty

 

The DeLoach Vineyards 2021 Ribolla Gialla from Russian River Valley is light amber in color. On the nose, lemon and thyme with a touch of brioche and honey. On the palate, great body and texture with a cascade of flavor from orange marmalade, and marjoram, to notes of butterscotch. The long finish is zesty with crisp apple and herbal tea and a pleasing note of thyme. Enjoy now but with some age the flavors will develop and deepen. Pair with chicken piccata with extra lemon and capers.

 

ABV 14.5%

$80

Varietal of the Month: Grenache

Grenache is a medium bodied red wine with moderate acidity, and bright red fruit and strawberry flavors. The tannin structure can range from light and smooth to more pronounced and firm depending on the climate in which it is grown. Grenache is a wonderful and versatile varietal all on it’s own, but its claim to fame is its use as one of the fundamental grapes in the highly regarded French Rhone blend Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

 

Here are capsule reviews of Grenache wines you may find along the Wine Road.

 

Armida 2021 GrenacheChalone Vineyard, Chalone

 

The 2021 Armida Grenache from Chalone Vineyard is an aromatic delight with black cherry, strawberry pie and a pleasing spicy, meaty note akin to that of Slim Jim on the nose. On the palate sugarplum and ripe strawberry flavors are boosted with a hint of acidity in the guise of red apple skin. Smooth and diffuse tannins bring the bright red fruit flavors along with savory fig to a soft and satisfying crescendo. Pair with spicy pork dumplings.

 

ABV 14.3%

$48

 

CAST 2020 Grenache AnaxVineyard, Dry Creek Valley

 

The CAST 2020 Grenache from Anax Vineyard in Dry Creek Valley is perfumed with candied plums, lavender, violet and cherry vanilla with a base note of dried strawberry wafting to the fore.  In the glass it shines with bright notes of strawberry, licorice, and orange peel. Secondary notes of spice and smoked meat evolve as it opens. Great texture and body with soft sandy tannins and a pop of bright acidity that gives it balance and bounce. Pair with spicy pomegranate roasted carrots and lentils with Tahini dressing.

ABV 13.4%

$48

 

David Coffaro 2021Grenache, Dry Creek Valley

 

The David Coffaro 2021 Grenache form Dry Creek Valley is like stepping into a floral shop that also sells confectionaries. It has a wonderful scent of spun sugar, raspberry jam, lavender, black cherry and warm vanilla. On the palate flavors are equal parts juicy and savory with notes of bright juniper, strawberry, spicy Mexican chocolate, cinnamon, and fig newton. Complex and delicious with a long dry finish. Pair with classic pork roast.

 

ABV 15.1%

$ 35 --for 2020

 

Colagrossi 2021Grenache, Moon Mountain District, Sonoma

 

The Colagrossi 2021 Grenache from Moon Mountain District, Sonoma is a veritable moon shot to the heart of flavor. On the nose an enticing scent of sandalwood with savory notes of blueberry pie, black tea, and a touch of white pepper. On the palate notes of Mexican chocolate, warm fig newton, rhubarb, and nutmeg. Nice overall balance and texture with great length of finish. Pair with a hearty Moroccan lamb stew.

 

ABV 14.6%

$

 

Jeff Cohn Cellars,2018 Grenache, El Diablo Vineyard, Russian River Valley

 

The Jeff Cohn Cellars 2018 Grenache from El Diablo Vineyard in Russian River Valley gives me all the feels. The distinct bright scent and flavor of dried strawberry triggered an immediate sense memory of Capt’n Crunch Crunch Berries, strawberry flavored cereal from my childhood. Each sip of this Grenache brought me back to the crunch berries, albeit in a highly elevated form. Additionally, there is a lovely interplay of herbal notes with rosemary and sage on the nose. On the palate, bright and juicy notes of pomegranate, blueberry, red plum and candied red grapefruit. Lush yet balanced with a long and satisfying finish. Pair with a nostalgic food from your childhood.

 

ABV 15%

$50

 

Mounts 2019 Grenache,Estate Grown, Dry Creek Valley

 

The Mounts 2019 Grenache from Dry Creek Valley unfolds in the glass with scents of Herbs de Provence, dusty cedar-sage, mocha and dried strawberry.  On the palate a rich and luxurious mouth feel with flavors of blackberry, chocolate cherry cordial and something quite exotic that reminds me of a cinnabar chanterelle – with a bright fruity, and orange peel notes. This is an elegant and compelling Grenache with loose knit sandy tannins that carry it all to the finish with grace. Pair with Liberty duck with cherry sauce.

 

ABV 15.8%

$44

 

Peterson 2017 GSM,Dry Creek Valley, Estate Grown

 

The Peterson Winery 2017 GSM, Dry Creek Valley is a blend of 50% Grenache, 33% Syrah and 17% Mourvedre. On the cork you will notice a promise to the drinker with the words: nullus mortuus vina — which translates as no soulless wine—and this Grenache makes good on that promise. The nose is warm and spicy with scents of black cherry, blueberry, blackberry pie and chaparral aka garrigue. On the palate, a plush mouthfeel, with rich flavors of raspberry, dried strawberry, sweet tobacco and recurrence of the chaparral note that presents to my palate as spicy pickle juice, which I quite liked! It has a wonderful complexity but remains approachable with balanced tannin, acidity and fruit. Pair with grilled pork chops and mango chutney.

 

ABV 14.7%

$39