Afleveringen
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I have never considered these two wines to be similar. However, they have many similarities. Both are full-body, fruit-forward red wines with medium to medium-high acidity and similar alcohol levels. Both have plum and blueberry fruit flavors.
Subtle differences do exist between the two. Malbec has vanilla, sweet tobacco, and cocoa flavors. Syrah has milk chocolate, tobacco, and green peppercorn. Syrah can also have gamy notes.
Tonight, we are comparing:
2018 Zuccardi Q Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina. I purchased this from Costco for $14.60. It has a deep purple color with bluish reflections. Intense aromas of red and black fruit, raisins, dried figs and blueberry jam. The aging in French oak brings notes of snuff and chocolate. Soft and silky with sweet and firm tannins. Long finish. Robert Parker 92 Decanter Magazine 92. 2021 K Vine Syrah from Washington. I purchased this wine from Costco for $9.99. Aromas of dark berry fruit, black pepper, and a little smoked meat plus some mint and other assorted spices. The wine tastes rather meaty, smooth mouthfeel and similar flavors to its nose. Be sure to give it plenty of time to breathe.Next week we will report on our 10-year Norton tasting, as well as do a deep dive into the Norton wine grape.
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I had never tried a dessert wine till last year. I must admit they can be delicious and a great alternative to coffee.
Vignoles is a high acid and high sugar white grape. Because of its high sugar content, it can be made into a late-harvest style sweet white, but is also produced into a dry and off-dry white wine. It is moderate in winter hardiness.
Port wine is a Portuguese fortified wine produced in the Douro Valley of northern Portugal. It is a sweet wine, and can be either a white or red wine. It can also be produced using two different processes. First is a âreductiveâ ageing process where the wine is aged in a sealed container and not exposed to air. Because of this, there is no exposure to oxygen and no evaporation. This produces a wine that is smoother on the palate and less tannic. The second style is matured in wooden barrels, and known as âoxidativeâ aging. Because is has some minimal exposure to oxygen and some evaporation, the wine that remains is slightly more viscous. Our second wine is not a true "Port" wine, but is made using the same grapes and process.
Tonight, we are comparing:
2021 Stone Hill Winery Late Harvest Vignoles. I purchased this wine at the winery for $24. This is an estate-bottled wine from Hermann, Missouri. They report it had 29-degree Brix at harvest and the wine is bottled with 12.6% residual sugar. The wine has aromas of honey, peach, and floral, and has 9.7% alcohol. This wine was awarded 90 points in the 2024 Decanter World Wine Awards. Our second wine is a non-vintage Nightjar from Cooperâs Hawk Winery and Restaurants. The wine pairs perfectly with chocolate or rich cheese. It has the flavors of black cherry, blueberry, dried fig, toasted pecan, and cocoa bean. It has a long finish with hints of fruit preserves and has 18% alcohol. This is a port-style wine made with a blend of Tempranillo, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Cao, Bastardo, Alvarelhao, and Souzao. All are traditionally used in Port wines. Part way through the fermentation process, brandy is added to the wine, which kills the yeast and raises the alcohol content. It also leaves residual sugar in the wine. Port-style wines are sweet and fortified wines. Nightjar cannot be called a Port because it is not made in the Duoro Valley, a region in northern Portugal. The wine cost $24.99.Next week we will compare a Malbec wine from Argentina with a Washington State Syrah.
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Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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Petite Pearl is a newer red hybrid grape. The grape was developed in Minnesota and has been available for less than twenty years. Regardless, some sources say it is one of the most planted grapes in the central northern states.
According to the limited information available on Petite Pearl, its juice has a similar makeup to the common European varieties.
It makes a dark and heavier body red wine with dark fruit flavors. We are drinking the 2022 Soldier Creek Petite Pearl. We purchased this wine at the winery for $21.00. A virtual wine tasting of this wine can be seen online at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsdL8TKLNyI
I hope you will give it a try, we both loved it.
Next week we will be having our second dessert wine show and will be tasting.
2021 Stone Hill Winery Late Harvest Vignoles.Coopers Hawk NightJar.
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Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc are both mutations of Pinot Noir.
First, let's look at Pinot Gris, also called Pinot Grigio in Italy. These two wines come from the same grape. Pinot Gris originated from Burgundy in the Pinot Noir fields. It can be hard to tell the difference between the Pinot Gris plants and Pinot Noir and they were sometimes used in the Pinot Noir to soften tannins and add acid to the wine. It is now mostly grown in the Alsace region in France. Pinot Gris is a soft, perfumed, and higher body wine than most whites. Pinot Grigio has a lighter body and is normally crisp with high acid.
Pinot Blanc is called Pinot Blanco in Italy. It is a full-body aromatic white wine. Because of its fuller body, it is often confused with Chardonnay. It is more popular in Germany where it is called Weissburgunder.
Chenin Blanc is one of the most versatile white grapes in the world. It can be made into a sweet white wine, wide range of dry white wines, and also sparkling wines. South Africa is the capital of Chenin Blanc where it is their number one grape variety. It is an aromatic light-bodied high-acid white wine. Can be barrel aged to add to its richness and complexity. Light styles will have lime and tarragon flavors. Heavier styles have peach, nectarine, and honey flavors.
Tonight, we are comparing:
2021 Arendsig Chenin Blanc Inspirational Batch 3 purchased at Wall to Wall Wine for $29.99.Next week we will explore a new hybrid grape variety "Petite Pearl". We will be tasting a 2022 Soldier Creek Winery Petite Pearl.
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What is a GSM blend and why is it called a Rhone Blend? The G, S and M stand for Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre. The Rhone Valley is the original home of GSM blends and of course the reason why it is sometimes referred to as a Rhone Blend.
The Rhone Valley has two parts: the Northern Rhone Valley is known for its steep-sloping vineyards, where Syrah is produced. The Southern Rhone is a much larger region and lacks the steep slopes of the north. This is where the GSM blends are produced. Probably the most famous area in the Southern Rhone is Chateauneuf-du-Pape.
Wine Folly says these wines will have more red fruit flavors with notes of herbs. While, GSM blends from California or Australia will have darker fruits with notes of clove.
Tonight, we are enjoying two GSM Blended wines including:
2019 Delas Freres Cotes du Rhone Saint-Esprit purchased at Costco for $13. It has delicate tannins which is unique for the CĂ´tes-du-RhĂ´ne appellation. The nose is classic syrah, with berry fruit, violet and licorice.2018 Skylark Wine Company Red Belly Rhone Blend. This wine was purchased from Wine Styles for $17. It is juicy and creamy black fruits plum, blackberry and crushed cherry fruit coat the entire palate, with intricately woven tannins.We scored both wines a 3 out of 5. Denise would buy both again. I would pass on both.
ďťżNext week we will explore the differences between Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, and Chenin Blanc.
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Fume is a French word meaning a smoke-like vapor or substance. It makes many people think of Pouilly-Fume, the famous Loire Valley wine and region.
Robert Mondovi coined the name Fume Blanc in the 1960s. He decided to differentiate his Sauvignon Blanc by aging it in oak. He believed the toasted oak barrels gave the wine a smokey character, thus the term Fume was used. However, United States wine law does not differentiate Sauvignon Blanc and Fume Blanc. Therefore, you can buy a non-oaked Fume Blanc.
Although the wine's popularity has declined in the United States, Mondovi still makes it using the same 1945-planted vines. These vines are believed to be the oldest Sauvignon Blanc vines in the United States.
Tonight, we are enjoying two California Zinfandels including:
2023 Ferrari-Carano Fume Blanc. This wine was purchase from Costco for $10.99. Comes from the North Coast region of California. 70% came from stainless steel tanks and 30% from older French oak barrels. It has aromas of pineapple, mango, peach, lemon grass, and lychee. Flavors of ripe fruit and crisp citrus, yellow peach, apricot, pear, lime zest, and lemon. Crisp with a subtle oak character.We both gave this a 4 out of 5 rating and would buy again.
Next week we will compare a Rhone GSM blend versus a California (Rhone blend).
2019 Delas Freres Cotes du Rhone Saint-Esprit purchased at Costco for $13. 2018 Skylark Wine Company Red Belly Rhone Blend. This wine was purchased from Wine Styles for $17.
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Zinfandel has been in America since the early to mid 1800s and was once the most popular wine grape in California. It is known for its old vine wines.
In fact, in the past it was a victim of its own popularity, and became known as a common cheaper wine. A lot of Zinfandel juice kits were sold during prohibition which also hurt its reputation.
However, in the 1980s and 1990s it gained in sales and acreage because of the popularity of White Zinfandel.
Currently Zinfandel is the third most planted wine grape in California behind Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir and just ahead of the fourth most planted wine grape Merlot. California is the world leader in Zinfandel. Most popular regions in California are Sonoma, Napa, Paso Robles, and the Sierra Foothills. Many old vine Zinfandels are also found in Lodi. Other regions includes the Languedoc, South Africa, and Australia. Additionally, Puglia, Italy, grows the same grape, where it is called Primitivo., and in Croatia it is called Tribidrag.
Zinfandel is known as a medium-body, higher-alcohol wine. According to âWine Folly,â it is commonly produced into two types of red wine: a lighter style with lower alcohol and flavors of raspberry, rose petal, spice cake, sage, and black pepper, and a richer style with higher alcohol and flavors of blackberry, cinnamon, caramel, jam, chocolate, and smoky tobacco.
Tonight, we are enjoying two California Zinfandels including:
2019 Kirkland Signature Old Vine Zinfandel. Purchased at Costco for $9.99. This wine comes from Sonoma, CA. 2019 Seghesio Family Vineyards Zinfandel. This wine was purchased at Costco for $16.99. The wine comes from Sonoma County, CA.Next week we will learn about Fume Blanc.
2023 Ferrari-Carano Fume Blanc. This wine was purchase from Costco for $10.99.
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Tonight I have secretly selected a wine for Denise and she has chosen one for me.
In the show, we will discuss the blind-tasting process. After discovering the true identity of each wine, we will discuss the characteristics of each.
Blind-tasting involves the 5 Sâs.
SeeSwirlSniffSipStateYou can get a âDeductive Tasting Formâ from the Court of Master Sommeliers online. https://www.mastersommeliers.org/
Tonight, we are blinding tasting two wines including:
2021 Chianti Classico Basilica Cafaggio Vendemmia. This wine was purchased at Costco for $9.89. Cherry and milk Chocolate with notes of soil, freshly cut grass and herbs. Tastes of strawberry and cherry with some salty, crushed stone, and grassy-herbal soil. Relaxed tannins. The Wine Enthusiast rated this wine a 90 and also a Best Buy. We both liked this wine and gave it a score of 3. We would both buy again.2020 The Herdsman Cabernet Sauvignon, from Zamora, California. I purchased this wine from WineStyles for around $22.00. Flavors of black cherry, plum, maple and mocha. Maybe not the most complex wine, but very tasty and easy drinking. We both scored it a 4 and will purchase again.Next week we will learn about Zinfandel.
2019 Kirkland Signature, Old Vine Zinfandel. This wine was purchased from Costco for $9.99, and comes from Sonoma County, California.2019 Seghesio Zinfandel. This wine was also purchased from Costco for $16.99. The wine comes from Sonoma County.
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Tonight we are testing the differences between a French Sancerre and a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.
Sancerre is one of the most famous French white wine regions, and the top region for Sauvignon Blanc. According to the Oxford Companion to Wine, it has quadrupled its output during the past 50 years. It is known for its bright and complex wines, and for pairing with locally made goat cheeses.
On the other side is the Wairau Valley, New Zealand. Sauvignon Blanc has made New Zealand famous for wine around the world. New Zealand is known for producing bright and fresh wines.
Tonight, we are tasting a:
2023 Wairau River Sauvignon Blanc purchased from Costco for $11.99. The wine is produced in Marlborough, New Zealand. This wine scored an 85 from the Wine Enthusiast. They called it green and a touch underripe; with sulfuric, onion, lime, and passion fruit aromas. Tastes are better with tangy lime zest and a slightly chalky texture. Acids keep it fresh.2022 Domaine des Cotes Blanches Sancerre purchased from Costco for $23.99. Sancerre comes from the Loire Valley, France. Iâve read that Sancerre is Taylor Swiftâs favorite wine. The vineyard practices organic farming. They donât use pumps in the winery and rely on gravity systems exclusively. The name âCotes Blanchesâ pays homage to the stony white soils gracing the slopes of Sancerre. It has a color of Pale yellow with notes of light flint, plum, peach, and citrus fruit. Round with a nice mineral finish. Pairs with light appetizers, grilled fish, poultry, and goat cheese.Next week, we will have a blind tasting, so the wines will be unknown. Join us to see if we can guess what we are drinking. We will also learn about the wines and their characteristics.
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Tonight we are tasting another hybrid wine. Chambourcin is a French-American hybrid.
According to the website Pinot Days https://www.pinotdays.com/chambourcin-complete-guide/ Chambourcin has zero foxy taste or aromas, grows well in hot and humid environments, medium tannins, and high acids. It says it is most similar to a Merlot or Cabernet Franc. It is most popular in Australia, Canada, and the central United States. Flavors of plum, black cherry, herbs, black pepper, chocolate, and some herbaceous notes.
Normally is oak aged to tone down the acid and add complexity. Known for pairing with pizza and enchiladas.
Tonight, we are tasting a:
2019 Stone Hill Chambourcin purchased at the Winery https://stonehillwinery.com/ for $20.00. It was a Governorâs Cup Winner in Missouri. It is fermented on the skins and then aged for one year in French and American oak barrels. It has 13.2% alcohol and 0.2% residual sugar. It has earthy and herbal aromas with notes of dark fruit and chocolate. Fresh acidity and soft tannins. Pairs well with grilled meats, pastas in rich red sauces, and ripe cheeses such as Brie or Camembert.Next week we will have a challenge show and compare a Sancerre to a Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand:
2023 Wairau River Sauvignon Blanc purchased from Costco for $11.99. Comes from Marlborough, New Zealand. 2022 Domaine des Cotes Blanches Sancerre purchased from Costco for $23.99. Sancerre comes from the Loire Valley, France. Iâve read that Sancerre is Taylor Swiftâs favorite wine.
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Tonight we are tasting our first Iowa wine on the show. We just tasted this wine for the first time last week and enjoyed it immensely.
Petite Amie is French for âLittle Friendâ. Iâm told it often refers to your little girlfriend.
This dry white wine has fruit and floral aromas. There is also a hint of melon on the nose. The wine is aged in Neutral oak (barrels that are not being used for the first time), adding subtle flavors and body without overpowering the flavor.
Petite Amie is described as being a Muscat type wine. This would include rose and fruit flavors. It also typically has lower acids.
Tonight, we are enjoying an Iowa Petite Amie and a California Chardonnay:
2023 Petite Amie purchased at the Soldier Creek Winery (https://www.soldiercreekwinery.com/) for $17.76. It has 11.0% alcohol and was aged in neutral oak barrels. Aromas of melon, pear, and rose with similar flavors. 2020 Z Alexander Brown Uncaged Chardonnay. This wine was purchased for around $19.00. White peach, floral orange blossom with hints of honey and baking spice. A rich, velvety mouthfeel is supported by core flavors of juicy stone fruit, vanilla, and toasted oak. Fermented and aged in a combination of stainless steel, French oak, and American oak. Some of the wine goes through partial or complete malolactic fermentation. The wine comes from Monterey, CA.Next week we will continue to explore Hybrid wine grapes, and will taste:
2019 Stone Hill Winery Chambourcin purchased at the winery for $19.00. Stone Hill is located in Hermann, Missouri.
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Tonight we are tasting our first ever Greek wines.
Yamas is a Greek word that means âto our healthâ or âcheersâ. (accent on the second syllable)
According to retailers in Des Moines, good Greek wine is hard to find here. According to the âOxford Companion to Wineâ over 85% of Greek wine is consumed in Greece. We were also told that much of the better wine is sent to high-end Greek restaurants in the eastern US.
Tonight, we are enjoying two Greek wines including:
NV Merastri Red Wine. Blend of Kotsifali and Mandalaria. 12% Alcohol. Fermented in stainless steel tanks. Aromas of plums, leather, and pepper. Flavors of dried red fruit and round tannins. Serve with meat BBQ, sausages, and medium-aged cheeses. NV Merastri White Wine. Vilana, Vidiano, Moschato, and Moschofilero grape blend. 11.5% alcohol. Each variety is separately fermented in stainless steel tanks before blending. It has aromas similar to Muscat with citrus fruits, and tastes of stone fruits with lemon notes. Pair with seafood and white meats.Next week we have our first Iowa Wine Challenge. We will blind taste an Iowa Petite Amie and a California Chardonnay:
2023 Petite Amie purchased at the winery for $17.76. 2020 Z Alexander Brown Chardonnay purchased for around $19.00.
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Tonight we have our first challenge show of 2025.
Bordeaux is home to some of the worldâs most famous and expensive wines. Bordeaux wines are blends made mostly of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. However, additional grape varieties can include Cabernet Franc and Petite Verdot, and Malbec in small amounts. According to the Oxford Companion to Wine, four new red wine grape varieties were approved for Bordeaux in 2021.
We will compare the Bordeaux blend to a Cabernet Sauvignon from California.
Tonight, we are enjoying a California Cabernet and a Bordeaux Blend:
2018 Tribute Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine was purchased from Costco for $9.99, and comes from Livermore, California. It received a 90 rating from the Wine Enthusiast. Packed with black fruit flavors and robust in texture, this full-bodied wine offers oodles of blackberries and black cherries that are lightly accented with cinnamon and vanilla. It's moderately tannic and well balanced. 2019 Chateau de Marsan. This wine was also purchased from Costco for $7.99. The wine comes from the Lestiac-sur-Garonne district in Cadillac and is made up of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet. It is aged 12 months in French oak barrels. Reverse Wine Snob says: Dark fruit, coffee, a little earthiness and some Asian spice. Smooth and juicy. Opens up after a couple of hours. Wine Enthusiast gave the wine a rating of 91.Next week we will taste two wines from Greece:
Merastri Red Wine from Crete. This is a three-wine blend Merastri White Wine from Crete. Four-wine blend.
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Tonight I have secretly selected a wine for Denise, and she has chosen one for me.
In the show, we will discuss the blind-tasting process, and after discovering each wine's true identity, we will discuss the characteristics (tells) for each.
Blind-tasting involves the 5 Sâs.
SeeSwirlSniffSipStateYou can get a âDeductive Tasting Formâ from the Court of Master Sommeliers online.
https://www.mastersommeliers.org/
Tonight, we are blinding tasting two wines including:
2022 Tread Softly Pinot Noir from Western Australia. This wine was purchased at Wine Styles for $14.39. It is a translucent cherry juice color, with aromas of ripe strawberries and raspberries, white pepper, dried herbs, and gentle flower nuances. The Wine Enthusiast rated this wine a 89. 2016 Senorio De Villarrica, Rioja Reserva, from Spain. I purchased this wine from Costco for $16.99, and the Wine Enthusiast rated it a 94. Aromas of black cherry, butterscotch and violet, with a touch of black-olive. Flavors of black cherry and pomegranate, sleek tannins and notes of milk chocolate, lavender, and roasted fennel bulb.Next week we will have a challenge show. It is Bordeaux versus California Cabernet.
2018 Tribute Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine was purchased from Costco for $9.99, and comes from Livermore, California. 2019 Chateau de Marsan. This wine was also purchased from Costco for $7.99. The wine comes from the Lestiac-sur-Garonne district in Cadillac and is made of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet.
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Tonight we are exploring Merlot wines.
Merlot normally has a nose of red plum and cherry in cooler climates to blackberry and baked fruits in warmer climates, with notes of vanilla and spice from oak aging. As it ages, you will get notes of chocolate, meatiness, and tobacco.
Merlot is smooth compared to its half-sibling Cabernet Sauvignon. The warmer the region it is grown, the smoother the tannins, higher the alcohol and body, and the darker the fruit flavors.
Tonight, we are enjoying two Merlots:
2020 Monterra, Merlot. Purchased at Trader Joe's for $6.99. This wine comes from Monterey, CA. Cellar Tracker says âNot too shabby for a $7 wineâ. Many reviews said aromas of cocoa and floral. Tastes of cherry cola, plum, chocolate. Soft tannins and fruit forward. Alki 2018 Merlot. This wine was purchased at Costco for $14.99. The wine comes from the Columbia Valley, WA. 90 rating from the Wine Enthusiast. Aromas of Caramel, vanilla, spice, and brooding black cherry. Luscious but well-balanced fruit and oak flavors follow and unfold in equal measure from start to finish.Next week we will have a totally blind tasting. Dennis will pick out a wine for Denise and she will pick out a wine for Dennis. We will go through the tasting process.
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Tonight we explore Champagne.
Champagne can be made from any one or combination of the following three grape varieties; Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, or Pinot Meunier.
Champagne is normally not a vintage wine and is made from juice of different years.
Tonight we have broken into Deniseâs private Stache and will enjoy her favorite Champagne to celebrate our final episode of 2024.
Tonight, we are enjoying a Champagne:
Pol Roger. We purchased this wine from Costco for $64.99. This champagne has a golden straw color, fine bubbles, and a powerful nose with aromas of pear, mango, honeysuckle, and white jasmine. It has cooked fruit flavors, such as quince jelly and apricot jam, with hints of beeswax and acacia honey cardamom. The finish is long-lasting with notes of candied orange peel, tangerine, , and anis.Next week we will enjoy Merlot wines:
Alki 2018 Merlot. This wine was purchased at Costco for $14.99. The wine comes from the Columbia Valley, WA. 2020 Monterra, Merlot. Purchased at Trader Joes for $6.99. This wine comes from Monterey, CA. 2021 Markham Merlot. Purchased at Wall to Wall Wines for $28.99. This wine is from Napa Valley.
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Champagne, Prosecco, Cava, Cremant, Traditional Method (classic method or methode champenoise), Tank Method (Charmat Method), Brut, Extra Dry, and Dry.
Tonight we will delve into the world of sparkling wines. First, what is a sparkling wine?
A sparkling wine is one with carbonation. So we can start with how the carbonation gets into the wine. First, there is the Traditional Method where the carbonation is produced through a secondary fermentation of the wine in the bottle. This is how Champagnes are made, as well as many other sparkling wines from around the world. It is often a more expensive wine due to the labor involved in production. Sparkling wines can also be produced using the tank method or (Charmat Method). Prosecco is made by the tank method which involves a second fermentation that takes place in a large tank. Then the wine is bottled under pressure to maintain the pressure.
If you like a dry wine, look for a Brut or Extra Brut. If you prefer a sweeter wine, look for a Dry, Sec, or Doux.
Tonight, we will try two sparkling wines including:
Sterling Vintnerâs Collection California Brut. We purchased this wine from Costco for $12.89. The Wine Enthusiast rated it an 88, and noted a touch of sweetness with notes of cherry and jasmine blossom, nectarine, apricot, and cut grass. Cooperâs Hawk Sparkling Lux. We purchased this wine from Cooperâs Hawk for $34.99. The wine is produced in the Traditional Method and is made from grapes grown in the Bordeaux region of France. It is made from 70% Semiillon and 30% Cabernet Franc. Aromas of green apple, lemon, yellow pear, and toast. Called a Cremant de Bordeaux.Next week we will have our year in review show. Our final wine of the year is Deniseâs favorite Champagne:
Pol Roger. We purchased it at Costco for $64.99.
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In this episode, Dennis and Denise taste various wine cocktails. Join them to see if one is right for you. Each recipe will be listed below.
Tonight we attempt to have a wide range of flavors and a cocktail that you will want to try.
All of our cocktails will include wine and have a festive flare.
Tonight, we will try six different cocktails including:
Cranberry wine and Prosecco. Serve ice cold in a flute. Pour about 1 oz cranberry wine and top with Prosecco.Kir Royale. Serve in a flute. Add .5 oz Crème de Cassis and then fill the glass with Prosecco. Air Mail. Serve in a Collins glass. Add 2 oz Golden rum, 1/2 oz lime juice, 1/2 oz orange juice, 1/2 teaspoon honey, and sparkling wine. Mix all ingredients except sparkling wine in iced shaker. Shake and then pour into glass. Fill with sparkling wine. St.Germain Royale. Served in a flute. Add ž oz St-Germain and fill with Sparkling wine. Give a little stir and garnish with a blackberry. New York Whiskey Sour. Serve in a rocks glass. 3 oz bourbon Whiskey, ½ oz Simple syrup, ½ oz lemon juice and 1 oz dry red wine. Add all ingredients except red wine to an iced shaker and shake for 30 seconds. Pour over ice. Then float the red wine on top using the back of a spoon. The Caribou. Served in a rocks glass. 1 oz Rye Whiskey, a splash of maple syrup, 3 oz port or dry red wine, garnish with a cherry or orange twist. Add all ingredients in a mixing glass filled with ice, stir and then strain into a rocks glass over ice.Next week we will taste three sparkling wines including:
Kirkland Prosecco. We purchased it at Costco for $7.99. Sterling Sparkling Wine from California. I purchased at Costco for $14.99. Cooperâs Hawk Lux Sparkling Wine. Cremant De Bordeaux purchased from Cooperâs Hawk for $34.99.
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Have you ever had an Ice Wine? It can be a great wine to pair with dessert.
What is Ice wine? It comes from the German word Eiswein. It is a sweet wine made from ripe and healthy grapes that are picked after being allowed to freeze on the vine. The grapes are pressed while frozen resulting in a juice with a higher sugar content. Canada is the worldâs leading producer of ice wine where they have trademarked the term âIcewine.â Onterio is the leading province in Canada for the production of Icewine, and Canada has strict rules on its production. It must be naturally frozen. The air temperature must be -8 degrees C/17.6 degrees F or less during the harvesting and pressing of the grapes, which must be a continuous process. The grapes must not have less than 35 Brix sugar and the bottled wine must have at least 100 g/l residual sugar. All Icewine is a varietal wine and must be Vinifera grapes or the French hybrid Vidal Blanc.
The bottles are typically 375 milliliters, or half the size of a normal wine bottle. Some of these wines are not cheap. They are more expensive because the wines are not easy to make, the yields are lower, and there are many risks in making them. First, the grapes can rot or animals can eat them. Then after harvest, yeasts or bacteria on the grapes can affect the taste. Also, the grapes and processing must also occur in the cold and normally at night.
What is Brix, pronounced âBricksâ? It measures the amount of sugar in the grapes. It is measured by a handheld refractometer and is measured in degrees. Each degree equals 1 g of sugar per 100 g of juice. A typical white wine has between 20- and 24-degrees brix and red wines between 22- and 26-brix. Sparkling wines range around 17- or 18-brix. The alcohol potential of the wine can be calculated from the Brix by multiplying the degrees of brix by between 0.55 to 0.65. Higher alcohol levels can be achieved by adding sugar during the fermentation process.
Tonight, our two wines include:
2023 Northwind Vidal Icewine, purchased at Costco for $19.99. It has 10.5% alcohol. It has aromas of wildflower honey, candied orange peel, and lychee. Flavors of pineapple, peach, and honey. High sugar is balanced by high acidity. NV Cooperâs Hawk Ice wine, purchased at Cooperâs Hawk for $29.99. Aromas of apricot, peach puree, ripe pineapple, candied mango, butterscotch, and honeycomb. Similar on palate with a burst of tartness on the finish. Pairs with Crème brulee and pineapple cake. 13.5% alcohol.Next week we will have something a little different. We will sample a few wine-based cocktails to help you get ready for Christmas.
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Dennis and Denise have a budget-friendly show tonight, with each wine costing less than $10. Also, see if you can catch ten references to different songs.
Tonight we will have a Picpoul from the South of France. This is a new wine for us. Picpoul (Pronounced peekâpool) Means "stings the lips" is grown mostly in the Languedoc in southern France around the Mediterranean. It was rewarded its own AOC in 2013, and its popularity has grown considerably in the past 15 years. This wine pairs great with seafood or spicey dishes or for a summer sipper.
Our second wine is from the Columbia Valley in Washington. This is the State's largest wine region. It is an arid region that receives lots of sunshine during the growing season (more than Napa Valley). It also has some cooler weather that gives the grapes good acidity.
Our final wine is a Le Grand Noir Chardonnay from France. This is a PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) wine from the Pays D'Oc. The wine is a 85% Chardonnay and 15% Viognier blend. Unlike other French wines, PGI wines are allowed to list the variety of grape.
Tonight, our three wines include:
2023 Foncastel Picpoul De Pinet, purchased at Trader Joeâs for $8.99. Reverse Wine Snob rated it a buy. It has 13% alcohol. Mostly citrus on the nose. Lemon and lime smell. Palate is more acidic and also has some salinity. 2022 Pacific Rim Riesling, we purchased at Costco for $7.89. The wine comes from the Columbia Valley in Washington. The Wine Enthusiast rated it a 90. The grapes are picked early, so has good acid and then bottled with 25.2 g/l of residual sugar. Pairs well with with spicey Asian or Mexican food. 2022 Le Grand Noir Chardonnay. We purchased this wine from Costco for $9.99. It is made with 85% Chardonnay and 15% Viogneir. 30% of the Chardonnay spends sometime in French and American Oak. The wine maker said they wanted to make a lightly oaked Chardonnay that was drinkable alone and pairs well with food. Pair with seafood or white meats. Wine Enthusiast rated it a 92 and gave it a "Best Buy".Next week we will have something a little different. Itâs Deniseâs birthday, and to celebrate, we will have ice wine and birthday cake. The two wines we will taste include:
2023 North Wind Vidal Ice Wine. We purchased it at Costco for $19.99. NV Cooperâs Hawk Lux Ice Wine that was purchased at Cooperâs Hawk for $29.99.
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