Varietal of the Month: Chenin Blanc

 

 

Have you noticed that Chenin Blanc is having a moment?  Its popularity has surged lately and seems to be on every wine list by the glass and bottle. It’s a versatile white wine with great texture that can vary in style from dry, crisp and lean, to rich and plush. It’s the signature grape of South Africa and also grown in abundance in the Lorie Valley of France. In the last ten years many California winemakers have been making Chenin Blanc and seeking out the old vine vineyards where it grows.

 

Here are some capsule reviews of Chenin Blanc you may find along the Wine Road

 

Dry Creek VineyardDry 2021 Chenin Blanc, Clarksburg

 

The 2021 Dry Creek Vineyard Chenin Blanc from Clarksburg sets the stage for enjoyment right from the very first sniff. Aromas of honey, peach, orange blossom butterscotch and touch of salty pretzel, which some may call brioche, fill the glass. Great balance of fruit and acidity with rich crisp flavors of apples, pears and honeydew melon with a bright hint of pith and pomelo. It’s juicy, refreshing, delicious and the scent alone will transport you to your happy place—perhaps on a large verandah with a view and a dish of spicy shrimp creole. Yes indeed, that would pair nicely.

 

ABV 12%

$17

Hartford Court 2021 Old Vine Chenin Blanc, JurassicVineyard, Santa Ynez Valley

 

The 2021 Hartford Court Old Vine Chenin Blanc hails from the Jurassic Vineyard in Santa Ynez Valley, a choice spot for Chenin with fossil rich soils and cool pacific breezes. On the nose, light white floral notes with pineapple and pear and a hint of passion fruit. On the palate it’s soft and chalky, yet lean with flavors of vanilla, ginger, lemon, nutmeg and chamomile with a bright saline note on the finish. Pair with curry chicken salad.

 

ABV 12.1%

$38

 

Moshin Vineyards 2021 Chenin Blanc, Green Valley Vineyard,Solano County

 

The Moshin Vineyards 2021 Chenin Blanc is from the Green Valley Vineyard in Solano County. In the glass it’s a joyful rush of spring flowers and scents of ginger, lemon, pear, a touch of chalk. The palate echoes the nose and adds depth with layers of chalk, ginger, pomelo, citrus peel, lemon and ripe honeydew melon. Great acidity with a long pleasing finish and a note of beeswax at the end. It’s the perfect bottle to plop down with in the middle of a meadow and become one with the essence of Spring. Pair with a warm and creamy Croque Monsieur (ham and cheese sandwich.)

 

ABV 13%

Wine Road Podcast: Dustin Valette, Chef, Owner, Valette, The Matheson & Roof 106

Episode 172 | Dustin Valette, Chef, Valette, The Matheson, Roof 106

Beth and Marcy chat with local legend Dustin Valette about his three local restaurants, his history with food and wine, and how Sonoma County (and Healdsburg) has become such an important culinary hub in the United States.

Wine Road Podcast: J.RIckards Winery

 

Episode 171 | J. Rickards Winery

Beth and Marcy chat with Jim about his how his desire to leave the city and become a farmer led to his becoming a winemaker in Alexander Valley. He brings to light the importance of sustainability and how it not only impacts the land and surroundings but the taste of his wines!

Wine of The Day: J. Rickards Winery 2019 Reserve Old Vine Zinfandel, Geyserville 

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

 

Wine Road Podcast : Tiaan Lordan, Winemaker, Hartford Family Winery

Episode 170 | Tiaan Lordan, Winemaker, Hartford Family Winery

Beth and Marcy chat with Tiann about his love of nature and how it connects to winemaking, we sip on the Hartford Family Wines 2021 Land's Edge Pinot Noir, and we hear the famous owl story too.

Wine of The Day: Hartford Family Wines 2021 Land’s Edge Vineyards Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast
Podcast Sponsor: Ron Rubin Winery 

Varietal of the Month: Sangiovese

 

Sangiovese derives its name from the Latin  —Sanguis Jovis— meaning “the blood of Jove”. A mainstay of Italy, it’s a medium-bodied dry red wine with a range of flavors that include red cherry, black plum, sun-dried tomato, cigar box, black tea, smoke, anise, and thyme; great acidity and a nice level of spiciness typify it. Medium to high tannin make it a versatile wine, suitable for pairing with all things tomato based, especially pizza; but also great with hard cheeses and rich savory roasted meats, or even pork chops. 

 

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

 

 

ACORN 2019 Sangiovese, Russian River Valley

The ACORN 2019 Sangiovese from Alegría Vineyards in Russian River Valley is composed of 98% Sangiovese, 1% Canaiolo Nero and 1% Mammolo Toscano. I don’t know how those small amounts of amounts of Canaiolo Nero and Mammolo Toscano figure in the equation, but the result is nothing short of magical. The wine is rich and juicy with a delicate dusty rose on the nose. It’s full of bright tart cherry and cranberry with grounding notes of thyme, coffee and mocha. It’s savory and supple with soft fine-grained sandy tannins. Nice acidity with a long juicy, spicy finish with a hint of tomato leaf and caper. It literally makes my mouth happy to drink it. Pair with Pasta alla Norma or eggplant parmagiana.

 

ABV 14.1%

$45

 

Colagrossi 2018 Sangiovese, Mendocino County

The 2018 Colagrossi Sangiovese from Mendocino County is a meaty delight that hits all the right notes in terms of fruit, acidity and tannin. On the nose, notes of clove, aniseed, vanilla and cherry cola. On the palate it opens with bright red fruit, and tart cherry then settles with savory earthy notes of tobacco and balsamic. Great acidity and balanced sandy tannins carry the fruit flavors to a soft pleasing finish. Pizza is a natural choice for this wine or pair with sausage calzone or a simple charcuterie. 

 

ABV 14.6%

$38

   

Peterson 2018 Sangiovese, Dry Creek Valley 

The Peterson 2018 Sangiovese from Dry Creek Valley is shimmering earthy ode to the Tuscan varietal. On the nose, notes of sandalwood, amber, sweet tobacco and black cherry. On the palate it opens with tart cranberry and red currant followed by deep savory notes of thyme, sage and dried tomato. Marvelous balance of acidity and fine knit tannins is sure to activate the pleasure center of your brain. Spicy and lithe, pair with lasagna and the poetry of Dante.

 

ABV 14.6%

$30

 

Trentadue 2021 Shoestring Sangiovese, Alexander Valley

 

The 2021 Trentadue Shoestring Sangiovese from Alexander Valley has the earmarks of classic Chianti, with medium body, sandy tannins and food-friendly acidity. On the nose, sandalwood and dusty rose petals with a hint of black pepper and marjoram.  The palate is full and bright with flavors of maraschino cherry, dried strawberry and red currant and cassis. Still young this wine will develop nicely over the next several years, but it’s absolutely tasty and enjoyable right now. Pair with tomato tart or pasta Bolognese.

 

ABV 14.5%

$38

 

Wine Road Podcast: 45th Annual 2023 Barrel Tasting Weekend

 

Episode 169 | Barrel Tasting Weekend the 45^th Year!

We sip on some Korbel Sparkling wine and Beth gives us the top ten reasons you need to attend the 45^th Annual Barrel Tasting event. Marcy shares a new book called Wine Style.

Wine of The Day: Korbel Natural Sparkling Wine

Wine Book of the Day: Wine Book of the Day: Wine Style— Discover the Wines You Will Love Through 50 Simple Recipes by Kate Leahy

Podcast Sponsor: Ron Rubin Winery