Roussanne: Varietal of the Month

Most likely you are well acquainted with Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris, and perhaps Riesling and Viognier. But if you are looking to try a new white wine that is medium to full bodied, wonderfully aromatic and refreshingly acidic-- perhaps you should give Roussanne a chance. 

Hailing from the Rhône wine region in France, Roussanne is an aromatic white wine grape with a wide range of flavors depending on where it’s grown, be it a cool or warm climate. The flavor profiles can range from crisp apple, bright lemon and ripe peach to unctuous honey and guava notes. Roussanne is often blended with Grenache Blanc, Marsanne and Viognier, but is a delight on it’s own as well. Juicy with good acidity Roussanne can hold it’s own with rich foods like full cream cheeses, pate or buttery lobster. There is not a lot of Roussanne grown along on the Wine Road, but it’s becoming more common, so keep your eyes peeled when you are out tasting.

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

Williamson Wines

2018 Relish Roussanne, Mendocino County

Pale yellow with a tinge of green this zesty Roussanne has a zippy floral nose of spicy carnation and tangerine pith with a full mouthwatering flavors of grapefruit and apricot. The excellent acidity level and medium body support a crisp yet round mouth feel with a long honey toned finish.    

Mutt Lynch Winery

Pure Joy on the Beach—2016 Roussanne, Sonoma County

Medium yellow gold in the glass, Pure Joy on the Beach is aptly named. Sunny aromas of gardenia and honeysuckle accompany the creamy smooth flavors of bright lemon and apricot with a delightful note of beeswax on the mid palate. Great acidity balances the buttery body of this Roussanne that sings to the finish with long spicy notes on the finish.

Trattore Farms

2017 Roussanne, Alder Springs Vineyard, Mendocino County

Bright clear yellow, this Roussanne is unctuous and juicy with a soft lemony nose and notes of quince, green apple, Meyer lemon, apricot and wild flower beeswax on the palate. The taught acidity yields a dry chamomile tea that persists give this wine a clean and pleasant finish.

Quivira (The Quivira Collection)

2017 Roussanne Viognier Wine Creek Ranch, Dry Creek Valley

This 80% Roussanne 20% Viognier is a wining combination full of lemon, lavender, marigold, and guava with a bit of tomato leaf on the nose. The rich creamy mouth feel is bursting with lemony flavor and notes of caramel and ginger. It’s bright and dry with a great balance of fruit and acidity. The finish delivers a distinct honeycomb tone that’s unexpected yet warm and luscious.

This post first appeared on the Wine Road blog here: 

http://www.alongthewineroad.com/roussanne-varietal-of-the-month/

Petite Sirah: Varietal of the Month

While Petite Sirah might sound like a diminutive version of Syrah, it’s a distinct variety also known as Petite Syrah or Durif, named for the French botanist Dr. François Durif. Petite Sirah is not a hybrid but true Vitis Vinifera — its parents are Peloursin and Syrah.

The grape even has it’s own fan club devoted to its cultivation and appreciation – PS (Petite Sirah) I Love You—an advocacy organization dedicated to the grape. Of note is Foppiano Vineyards, in Healdsburg, whose Petite Sirah’s are cited in the famed tome, WINE GRAPES by Master of Wine, Jancis Robinson.

Petite Sirah is a full-bodied red wine rich in dark fruit flavors with firm, robust tannins. Its dark inky-purple color is opaque in the glass and full of antioxidants. Petite Sirah thrives in California and it’s often used as a blending wine, but 100% Petite Sirah is a special treat all it’s own. Its great tannin structure makes it a prime candidate for a bit of decanting a few hours before drinking. But it’s also age worthy, with a drinking window up to 20 years for well-produced bottles.

Petite Sirah is a great complement to hearty dishes like casseroles and braised meats and of course it can hold it own beautifully with barbeque of any type. But don’t forget the cheese platter! Petite Sirah is a fine pairing to aged cheeses including blue cheese, gouda, goat cheese, Monterey jack and many smoked cheeses.

Below are capsule reviews for Petite Sirah producers you can find along the Wine Road.

Foppiano                                                                                
2015 Petitte Sirah, Gianna's Block, Russian River Valley
2016 Petite Sirah, Russian River Valley
Both vintages of the Foppiano Petite Sirah, 2015 Gianna’a Block and 2016 Estate from Russian River Valley are textbook examples of the beauty and finesse the grape can express. The nose on the 2015 is full of rose petals and violets with gobs of black fruit on the palate and a long pleasing finish. The 2016 leads with an aroma of cocoa and plums and firm elegant tannins support a pleasing mouthful of licorice and spice and everything nice! Both drinking great now but also age worthy for the next 10-15 years. I say buy a case of each and try them at various stages of age.  

Portalupi
2017 L. Venturi Vineyard, Mendocino
A graceful nose of chocolate and cigar box with a touch of thyme sets the tone for a delicious juicy hit of black and ripe red fruit, particularly plums and mulberry on the palate. The taut, gripping tannins may be tamed by decanting first, allowing it to fully open to is full luscious potential. 

Dutcher Crossing
2015 Petite Sirah, Proprietors Blend, Dry Creek Valley
Deep and dark, the Dutcher Crossing Petite Sirah has bewitching nose of blueberry, black olive and crushed marigolds. The firm tannins deliver a long seamless finish with spicy top note of nutmeg and tobacco that yields to exciting and satisfying flavors of brambleberry, blackberry and a hint of zinnia.

Hawley
2016 Petite Sirah Reserve, Dry Creek Valley
On the nose the Hawley is a garden of earthly delights with dusty rose, spicy carnation and faint lavender. The structure is balanced yet substantial and supports the rich flavors of blackberry pie, deep earthy brambles and a hint of clove. The long lingering tannins glide on velvety rails to the finish.

Optima
2015 Petite Sirah, Dry Creek Valley
Earthy dusty nose of leather and rose. An ample body full of bright raspberry and black cherry with medium firm tannins and a long unwavering finish. Drink now or cellar with aging potential of 5-7 years.

J. Rickards
2016 Brown Barn Vineyard, Alexander Valley
Dark and inky in the glass the J. Rickards delivers a muted nose of fig and dark bittersweet chocolate. On the palate an abundance of blackberry and blueberry mingles with a touch of oak and tobacco, surfing a flavorful wave of generous tannins. 

Cast

2015 Petite Sirah, Grey Palm Vineyard, Dry Creek Valley
The Cast Petite Sirah from the Grey Palm Vineyard in Dry Creek Valley is a charming example that escapes the Petite Sirah norm. The soft, light floral nose bellies its grape parentage with a lyrical balletic tannin structure that’s quite light on its toes. But raspberry, licorice and fennel on the palate confirm that it is firmly in the Petite Sirah kingdom of flavor.


Collier Falls
2014 Petite Sirah, Hillside Estate, Sonoma Coast
Coco puffs, oiled leather, and a complex bouquet of coffee and brambles are evident on the nose of the Collier Falls Petite Sirah. Soft plush tannins deliver a deep and juicy mouthful of blackberry and ripe blueberry with a subtle note of graphite. Age potential of up to 7 years.


This post first appeared on the Wine Road blog here:
http://www.alongthewineroad.com/petite-sirah-varietal-of-the-month/

Gewürztraminer: Varietal of the Month

Are you stuck in a white wine rut? Do you stick to the tried and true Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris, with perhaps a Riesling here and there? If so, it’s time to expand your white wine horizons and Gewürztraminer is a delicious place to start.

Gewürztraminer is a medium body, dry white wine lighter than a Chardonnay and heavier than a Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigo. Gewürz means spice in German and the grape hails from Alsace the French wine region bordering Germany. It’s a cool climate grape that exhibits great floral aromatics and refreshing spicy flavors such as lychee, passion fruit, lime, honeysuckle and ginger with a dry, crisp finish.

Sometimes we shy away from certain wines just because they are hard to pronounce, or have weird accent marks like that funny umlaut over the ü—but don’t let that stop you. God knows I’m the master of mispronunciations. But it’s not hard to say once you get the hang for it
ge·​würz·​tra·​mi·​ner—pronounced [ge-VOORTZ-tra-meener]—or just cut to the chase and call it Gewürz. Either way your palate will thank you.

Below are capsule reviews of six Gewürztraminer producers you can find along the Wine Road.

Alexander Valley Vineyards 2018 Gewurztraminer Mendocino County
The attractive wood cut illustrations on the label sets the mood for this beautiful example of Gewürz made with organic grapes from Mendocino County. Pale yellow in color, with a bright nose of peach, grapefruit pith and bosc pear with a hint of sandalwood. It’s bursting with flavors of ginger, passion fruit and lychee. Bright minerality with good acidity and a light crisp, yet creamy finish.

Williamson Wines 2018 “Gertie” Gewurztraminer, Russian River Valley
Soft off-white color with a tinge of gold with a gorgeous aromatic bouquet of white lavender and violets. “Gertie” delivers a dry, yet juicy mouthful of lychee, mango, peach, and honeysuckle-lime. Lovely harmonious balance of acidity and tannin with a clean bright finish. Great as an aperitif or paired with Indian, Thai, or Moroccan cuisine. 

Balletto Vineyards 2018 Gewürztraminer, Russian River Valley
The most delicate aromatic white floral bouquet almost belies the rich body and sultry palate full of ginger spice, lush ripe nectarine, pear and lychee with a through line of toasted nuts. Light straw gold color with pleasant acidity and firm, yet supple tannins. Beautiful and complex with a long lingering finish it can pair well with light spicy dishes or even more hearty such as turkey or pork roast.

Optima 2018 Gewürztraminer, Dry Creek Valley
Pretty pink-tinged pale yellow color, this dry Gewürztraminer emits aromatics of crushed rose petals and spicy carnation. Good crisp acidity and medium light tannins with vivid rich flavors of candied ginger, sour peach, ripe honeydew melon and basil-lime. Wonderful texture, long creamy round finish with final notes of nutmeg and orange peel.


Mietz Cellars 2017 Gewürztraminer, Russian River Valley
Medium yellow gold color with distinct perfumed floral nose. Very subtle and light bodied featuring flavors of apricot, quince, cantaloupe and a touch of clove. 13.5% ABV with a zesty burst of initial acidity and a mellow mineral finish. Pair with spicy BBQ, sushi or even with carrot cake.

J. Rickards Winery 2018 GVM White Blend 35% Gewürztraminer, Dry Creek and Alexander Valley

This blend is 35% Gewürztraminer, 33% Viognier and 32% Muscat Blanc. Pale yellow color with orange peel, peach, honey and pear nose. Creamy rich flavor that feels somewhat Viognier dominant, yet holds true to varietal characteristics of Gewürztraminer with ginger and apricot flavors and nice soft mouth feel.

This post originally appeared on Wine Road blog here: http://www.alongthewineroad.com/gewurztraminer-varietal-of-the-month/

Top 30 Wine Podcast List!

TOP 30 WINE PODCAST

It’s been a great year of awards and honors for the Wine Road Podcast. And now we have been listed  at #3 on the Top 30 Wine Podcast list published by Feedspot! It’s a great thrill and honor to be included in the company of so many top wine podcasts that we greatly admire.

click photo to go to the Top 30 Wine Podcast List

TASTE AWARDS

In early April Wine Road Podcast won the Taste Award for Best Podcast! Beth Costa and I went to Los Angeles for the award ceremony and it was memorable to say the least! When our name was called, I literally fell off my chair which was a tall bar stool and my feet did not touch the ground anyway-- so it was no exaggeration to say I was knocked off my feet!

Marcy Gordon and Beth Costa Executive Director of the Wine Road

PODCAST MOVEMENT

Then in July we were featured speakers in Philadelphia at the world’s largest podcast conference in the country--Podcast Movement. We gave a talk to a packed room and broadcast the show live from the show floor. It was a blast.

Live! From Philly.

Marcy Gordon and  Beth Costa at Podcast Movement 2018

ONWARD and UPWARD in 2019 

In 2019 we will continue to bring you the Wine, When, and Where of Northern Sonoma County along with travel tips on local dining and lodging, winemaker interviews, live remotes from wine country, and of course our popular wine book and wine item segments.

Don't miss out on the fun! Subscribe to Wine Road Podcast on any or your favorite place to get your podcast feeds or listen here from the Wine Road Podcast webpage.


Happy Listening!

Insider Guide to Walla Walla

Going to Walla Walla for WBC 2108 in October? It’s not too early to start planning your trip now. I recently visited the area as part of a media trip sponsored by Visit Walla Walla Tourism and got the insider perspective on the best places to Eat, Drink, Shop, and Stay.

STAY— 

Courtyard by Marriott Walla Walla

While most attendees will be at the Marcus Whitman—I do highly recommend the Courtyard Marriot just a block west of the Marcus Whitman in case the room blocks are sold out or if you are looking for a place to extend your stay.  The rooms are quiet, sleek and comfortable and the hotel is well located within walking distance of everything but a few places I mention.

EAT—

Marcus Whitman 

If you consider yourself a foodie, you owe it to yourself to make arrangements to partake of the Chef’s Table dinner in the Marcus Whitman under the direction of Executive Chef Grant Hinderliter. The Chef’s Table is available every night priced as follows— Four Course dinner: $80 per person, Five Course: $98 per person, Six Course:  $120 per person. Wines with each course run $25 - $50 per person. You can make your reservation through Dan McCaffery, F/B director at the Marcus Whitman and he will help customize your experience according to your preferences. (restmgr@mwhcc.com) 

Whoopemup Hollow Café

Down home and delicious it’s as if the low-country flavors of the South just dropped from the heavens into the middle of downtown Walla Walla. Hankerin’ for boiled peanuts, gumbo, Carolina style pulled pork or jambalaya? This is the place.

Olive Marketplace andCafe

Everything here is top notch and delicious. From the wood oven fired pizzas to the inspired sandwiches—Olive is a mainstay of Main street and a must visit for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Andrae’s Kitchen at the Co –Op Gas Station!

This ain’t no party, this ain’t no disco, this ain’t no is no fooling around.

Your mind will be blown (and taste buds delighted) by what classically trained Chef Andrae Bopp and his staff are cooking up inside a gas station mini-mart between boxes of Slim Jims and cans of WD 40. Authenticity is key here. Chef Andrae imports heirloom corn from Mexico- it’s a super food from Oaxaca - and makes his own Nixtimal mash, for home-ground corn tortillas. 95% of the menu offerings are scratch prepared on premise. Go for breakfast, stay for lunch. I promise you’ll want to try it all.

Colville Street Patisserie

If you don’t go here at least once during your time in Walla Walla, you’re an idiot. Sorry, don’t mean to be harsh—but it’s true. The baked goods and specialty pastries here rival anything I’ve ever had anywhere—including Paris! PRO TIP: You must get the Kouign Aman –you can thank me later. Oh yeah, did I mention there is gelato too? Just Go. Go. Go. 

WINE 

Downtown Tasting Rooms--

Otis Kenyon -- Great family story with a tasty slate of wines

Browne Family Vineyards-- Featuring bubbles from Guret and wonderful Cabernet Sauvignon, Cab Franc, Chardonnay and more, under the Browne label. Cool tasting room set up and patio seating too. 

Mark Ryan Winery --Artsy setting home to Numbskull Red blend.

Spring Valley Vineyards -- Come for the Nina Lee Syrah, stay for the Kathrine Corkrum Cab Franc! 

Cayuse—Just kidding! It’s only open once year, and probably not for you. Instead take your disappointment next door to Bright’s Candies --guaranteed to sweeten your day since 1934, with hand made chocolates, gelato and old-fashioned nut assortments. Step inside for the sweet aroma alone! 

Wine Tasting Rooms Outside of Town-- 

Buty—Everything here is top notch, beautiful wines that reflect true sense of place. 

Palencia—Try the Albarino.

Eternal—If you hum a few bars of Cannibal Corpse for winemaker Brad Binko, he may just waive your tasting fee. (maybe!) Must Taste: Carmenere.

Tranche Estate—Gorgeous tranquil setting featuring a Rhone heavy portfolio that's well worth the drive. Must Taste: Pape Blanc White Rhone blend. 

SHOP

Midnight Oil SoapCompany

Follow your nose to the divine scents of this tiny shop filed with soaps, lotions, and bath products made in Walla Walla. From lip balms to bath bombs you’ll find something to soothe and pamper yourself from head to toe. Seriously, I live in a land of homemade and artisanal everything –but I just made a web order for more products from Midnight Oil. They are incredible.

As mentioned above my stay was sponsored by the great people at Visit WallaWalla. Snarky opinions are my own.

2018 TASTE AWARD BEST PODCAST

People always say it’s an honor just to be nominated, but it’s even better to WIN! So excited to announce that Wine Road Podcast won the Best Podcast in the Food or Drink category at the 9th Annual Taste Awards. You can see the the complete winner list here.

The nominees in our category were all highly regarded shows and it was humbling to be acknowledged alongside them.

Here is the list of nominees:
1. All in the Industry (Heritage Radio Network)
2. California Wine Country with Steve Jaxon
3. Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street Radio
4. Connoisseur’s Corner with Jordan Rich (featuring Roseann Tully)
5. Earth Eats
6. Kitchen Chat – The Chew’s Carla Hall
7. The Feast Podcast
8. Wine for Normal People
9. Wine Road Podcast, The Wine, When, and Where of Northern Sonoma County

DJ Bethy Beth, Marcy Gordon

On April 9th, 2018 Beth Costa and I spent a whirlwind 20 hours in Los Angeles for the Awards Show held at the Kimpton La Per Hotel in Viale dei Romani restaurant in West Hollywood.

Beth Costa, Julie Taboulie, Marcy Gordon

It was great to meet so many fellow nominees and hang out with our table-mate Julie Taboulie who won an award for her PBS show Julie Taboulie’s Lebanese Kitchen. Also shout out to Anya Adams for her win, Best Short Film -- Lemonade Mafia.

In addition to winning, the big highlight of the night was my Radio Boom Box evening bag, that quite a few people thought was a real radio!

2018 Best Podcast Award--It’s in the bag!

Richard Ross, Marcy Gordon, Beth Costa

Many thanks to Richard Ross of Threshold Studios for helping us sound great and collaborating with us on the show. And BIG thanks to Laura Stafford for all her work on the Wine Road Podcast website and compiling all the show notes for each episode. It’s a massive undertaking!

Keep looking up! Elevator Selfie! 

Things are certainly looking up for the Podcast! Tune in here and join us along the Wine Road.