19 Oct

Cabernet Sauvignon- The Classic Red

Cabernet Sauvignon is often considered a classic red wine. It is a wine wardrobe essential. Cabernet remains the most popular red wine on the market because it offers distinctive drinking in a wide range of prices and styles.

  • Dry: Cabernet Sauvignon is considered dry wine. It often tastes more dry than shiraz or pinot noir, for example, but not as dry as sangiovese-based wines from Italy.
  • Bright: Cabernet sauvignon grapes are naturally higher in acidity than merlot grapes so the resulting wine often has a more vibrant character (think of green plums verus ripe, juicy ones), especially when the grapes are grown in cooler areas such as Bordeaux.
  • Medium or full-bodied: styles of cabernet sauvignon range from elegant to powerful depending upon where the grapes are grown (warmer regions equal riper grapes, higher alcohol (13-14 percent) and fuller body, cooler regions equal less sugar in the grapes and slightly lower alcohol levels (12-13 percent). In the glass, that translates to the difference between satin and velvet, or brushed cotton and winter wool.
  • Medium to strong tannins: These are thick-skinned grapes, which mean the wines are inherently more tannic than most all other reds. If you don’t like the sometimes drying, astringent feel from tannins (see page 000 for details on tannins), cabernet sauvignon may not be to your top pick in reds. Try merlot or pinot noir.

VALUE TIP: One of the best-value Cabs on the market today comes from Gallo of Sonoma whose Sonoma County bottling (often under $10) is produced with a healthy dose of Alexander Valley grapes.

Have you tried this?

Roasted Leg of Lamb with Fresh Mint Sauce: Rub the outside of the leg of lamb with a mixture of honey, Dijon mustard, sea salt, cracked black pepper, and chopped fresh mint and rosemary. Grill or roast until cooked. For the Mint Sauce, mix chopped fresh mint with a little olive oil, salt, and lemon juice. Stir it into couscous or rice and serve with the thinly sliced lamb.

What are your favorite recipes/food ideas to go with your favorite Cab Sauv?

Share with us your favorite Cab Sauvs and why you like them.

31 Aug

Barbeque Brawl with Leslie Sbrocco and Ray Isle

It’s “He Said, She Said” time again with Leslie Sbrocco, founder of Thirsty Girl, and Ray Isle, wine editor of Food & Wine Magazine, leading Kathie Lee and Hoda on the fourth hour of the Today Show through upcoming Labor Day weekend drinks choices. Whether it’s spicy catfish on the grill, vegetable kabobs or sizzling steak, these barbeque sip options will please everyone.

With spicy shrimp or Cajun catfish:Leslie and Ray

Leslie Pick: 2010 Elk Cove Pinot Gris Willamette Valley, Oregon $19

This fruity but dry wine expresses the fun of Pinot Gris. Its vibrant character is an ideal match for quenching your thirst after spicy fare. It’s also a top warm-weather alternative to Chardonnay.

Ray Pick: Aperol Spritz Cocktail $22

An Aperol Spritz—which is made with Aperol, an aperitif that’s like Campari but not as bitter—is the classic start-the-evening drink of Venice and Verona. It’s prosecco, Aperol, and club soda … so it’s not too high-alcohol, too. Plus it’s a touchsweet, which goes great with spicy foods.

With BBQ Chicken (spicy and sweeter sauces):

Ray’s Pick: Samuel Smith’s Nut Brown Ale $5 (for one pint)

Samuel Smith’s is a rich, caramelly, dark, English ale, which marries well with any kind of spicy barbeque sauce.

Leslie pick: Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey $24 (a blend of Jack Daniels famous Old No. 7 Tennessee whiskey and honey liquor) and Stone’s Original Ginger Wine $13.00 (wine infused with ginger)

Honey Drop Punch: Leslie’s original punch recipe is lightly sweet and refreshing making it a daringly delicious pairing for sweeter barbeque sauces or honey-glazed chicken. (Serves approximately 10 cocktails)

· 1 cup (8 Oz)Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey

· 1 cup (8 Oz)Stone’s Original Ginger Wine

· 2 cups (16 oz) Unsweetened Lemonade

· 2 cups (16 oz) Ginger Ale

Combine all liquids into glass pitcher, stir, then add ice, squeeze in fresh lime or lemon juice and garnish with mint.

With vegetable kabobs drizzled with balsamic vinegar:

Ray’s Pick: Nino Franco Prosecco, Italy $16

With vegetables, you want something light and refreshing. Prosecco, the sparkling wine of Italy, is a great choice and Nino Franco is one of the best and affordable producers.

Leslie’s Pick: 2010 Yalumba Sangiovese Rose, Australia $12

A dry-style rose from Australia, this pretty pink goes as easily with the earthy vegetable kabobs as it does with fish or meat. Made from sangoivese grapes, it’s spicy, floral and packed with fruitiness.

*Both wines were served in the GoVino Glassware, which is easy to use, unbreakable, washable and the ideal option for outdoor parties.

With steak off the grill…

Leslie’s pick: 2008 Hearst Ranch “Three Sisters” Red Cuvee, Paso Robles, California $20

A blend of Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvedre, this smooth yet hearty red complements the grass-fed Hearst Ranch steaks beautifully. For Hearst Ranch steaks.

Ray’s Pick: 2008 Chateau Ste Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, Washington $15

An utterly classic pairing – the tannins in Cabernet cut through the fat of the meat, plus the flavors just work so well together. Chateau Ste Michelle’s Columbia Valley bottling is one of the best deals out there.

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01 Jun

Savvy Sipping: Summer Wine Stock Up

Summer Wine Stock Up: 20 under $12 

As seen featured on Today Show BITES on June 1, 2011. 

The kids are out of school, the beach is calling and now, more than ever, thoughts turn to indulging with a glass or three. You don’t have to spend a fortune to do it. Here are some of my favorite summer wine values. They’re nationally available, andif you buy wines by the case (12 bottles) many retailers offer discounts. So stock up and beat the heat.

On-the-Go Picks:

Everyone knows about box wines, but the latest packaging craze I’m crazy about is what I dub the “purse-o-wine.” Known as the Astrapouch, it’s an environmentally friendly container of two bottles of wine in a single, lightweight bag. With a carrying handle and 90 percent less waste than glass, it’s a no brainer to buy. It will also stayfresh for a month making beach parties, block parties or camping with wine simple.

2009 Indulge Wines Pinot Noir, Central Coast $20 (1.5 liter pouch = two bottles/$10 each)

You’re hard pressed to find a Pinot worth drinking under $15 much less one in abag. This red is light, refreshing and captures the pretty red berry character of Pinot Noir. A winner by all standards.

www.indulgewines.com

The Climber, Chardonnay, California $17 (1.5 liter pouch = two bottles/$8.50each)INDULGE 04

Smooth with ripe tropical flavors, this Chard showcases freshness and loads of fruitin an easy-to-carry pouch.

www.cliffamilywinery.com

Light, fruity, aromatic whites:

These whites are both dry and aromatic or sport a dash of sweetness making them perfect for taming spicy hot dishes or kicking off poolside cool-downs.

Two Oceans Sauv Blanc2010 Two Oceans Sauvignon Blanc, South Africa $9

Hailing from the tip of the country between the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, this citrusy white is summer in a bottle.

www.twooceanswines.co.za

2009 Tapena Verdejo, Spain $10

Pronounced ver-Day-ho, the lemony sipper zips up freshness and a hint of honeyed complexity.

www.tapenawines.com

2010 Santa Julia Torrontes, Mendoza, Argentina $10

Argentina’s signature white variety, Torrontes is crisp yet very floral. This wine isdry and delicious.

www.santajulia.com.ar

2010 Fetzer Moscato, California $9

Moscato is on fire these days and this easy-drinking, lightly sweet version is a top summer quaffer.

www.fetzer.com

Barefoot Riesling, California $7

Bright and light with sweet fruit flavors, chill this white down, unscrew, and enjoy.

www.barefootwine.com

Lush whites and light-hearted Roses:

These full-bodied whites pair well with grilled chicken and salmon while the Rose category marries with any al fresco dish from Cajun shrimp to tri-tip. Rose comesfrom a variety of red grapes that are made in a white wine style so it’s the ideal warm-weather sipper.

2009 Casillero del Diablo Chardonnay, Chile $10

From the iconic Concha y Toro winery, this sun-kissed, soft white is a crowd pleaser.

www.casillerodeldiablo.com

2009 Hess Select Chardonnay, Monterey, California $12Bieler Rose

Worth twice the price, this stylish, classy white is one of my favorite Chardonnay values.

www.hesscollection.com

2010 Marques de Caceres Rose, Rioja, Spain $9

A dry, delicious pink that’s so easy to drink, you’ll want to buy it by the case.

www.vineyardbrands.com

2010 Bieler Pere et Fils “Sabine” Rose, Coteaux d’Aix-En-Provence, France $12

Elegant, zesty and oo-la-la inducing, the south of France comes alive in this dry, berry-scented rose.

www.bielerfamily.net

Spicy, succulent Reds:

What would summer be without smoked ribs, burgers, grilled steaks or veggie kabobs? These juicy reds will help you saddle up to eating in the great outdoors.

Pine & Post Red Blend, Washington State $7

A mélange of red grapes go into this uber-affordable red. Soft and juicy.

www.preceptwinebrands.com

2009 Vitiano, Umbria, Italy $8

A perennial favorite of mine made by star Italian winemaker Riccardo Cotarella, this blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon is a superstar deal.

www.winebow.com

RT1 Carm2009 Cupcake Vineyards “Red Velvet” California $10

Cupcake cooks up Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and other red varieties for a smooth, drinkable red (yes, you can pair it with red velvet cake).

www.cupcakevineyards.com

2008 Trapiche “Oak Cask” Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina $10

Intense and sexy, Malbec is the wine equivalent of a tango and Trapiche qualifies as a tango master. A hearty and supple red for all beef dishes.

www.frederickwildman.com

House Wine Red, Columbia Valley, Washington $11

From world class vintner Charles Smith comes a whimsical mesh of Cabernet, Merlot, Malbec, Syrah and more. Make it your house wine.

www.magnificentwine.com

2008 Yalumba “FDR1A” Red, Barossa, Australia $11

A hidden treasure. The marriage of Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz sings when paired with rosemary-infused grilled lamb.

www.yalumba.com

2009 Root: 1 Carmenere, Colchagua Valley, Chile $12

Carmenere is the hallmark of Chile and this sophisticated red is spicy, vibrant and packed with dark berry flavors. Root 1’s bottle is sleek-chic making it a top gift choice, too.

www.Root1wine.com

2008 Dow “Vale Do Bomfim,” Douro, Portugal $12

Portugal is offering some of the best red bargains these days and this dry, concentrated red is the perfect partner for summer grilling.

www.dows-port.com

2008 Liberty School Cuvee, Central Coast, California $12

From the talented hands of vintner Austin Hope, this Rhone blend highlights the succulence of Syrah-based reds. Sip with or without your bikini.

http://libertyschoolwinery.com

Please check out my previous Today Show BITES about Wine on Tap and Exotic White Wines for Spring.

20 Aug

A Big State on a Small Scale

Though the California wine industry is big, it still embraces small, family-owned wineries crafting boutique bottles. Here’s a roundup of my latest discoveries; ranging from affordable to luxurious, and spanning the state from north to south, these vintners tell a story with every glass.

maritas vineyardMarita’s Vineyard:

It’s the American dream. After coming to California as a teenager from Mexico, Maro Montes worked his way up from laborer to vineyard manager to Vice President of Operations for the famous Joseph Phelps Vineyards. With a passion for growing grapes it was only natural to start his own label; in 2003 he did just that. Their signature Cabernet from the family’s 3-acre vineyard is a collector’s dream. Looking for a unique Napa experience? Make an appointment and get a home-cooked lunch from the Montes clan.

Star Sip: 2005 SOMA Cabernet Sauvignon, Coombsville, Napa $86. Named for Maro’s daughters, this supple, smooth red is a true beauty. 

Watch Leslie’s video interview with the Montes Family on TGTV

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bolenBolen Family Estates:

Celebrate Merlot Mondays with the Bolens. After a career spent running construction companies, Mike Bolen felt it was time to build something new. He and son Eric are proprietors of Napa Valley-based Bolen Family Estates whose focus is only Merlot. They’ve hired Merlot master Tom Rinaldi (Duckhorn’s founding winemaker) and managed to garner high praise in a valley devoted to Cabernet.

Star Sip: 2007 Bolen Legacy Merlot, Oak Knoll District Napa Valley $60. Pure Merlot, pure pleasure from the world-class Beckstoffer Orchard Vineyard.

Watch Leslie’s video interview with Eric Bolen on TGTV

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C. Donatiello Winery:

For those wanting to visit California soon, put C. Donatiello on your itinerary. An in-the-know spot in Sonoma’s Russian River Valley, the estate has wine-inspired aroma gardens, an intimate concert series and most importantly, killer wine. Owner Chris Donatiello, a young vintner with a rich background in the business, along with winemaker Webster Marquez, craft elegant Chardonnay and terroir-driven Pinot Noir.

Star Sip: 2008 C. Donatiello Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley $38. Silky, sexy and complex, a Pinot to embrace full on. 

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arista-labelArista Winery:

This destination winery with Japanese -inspired landscaping, beautiful hillside panoramas and scenic picnic areas, is another Russian River Valley treasure. The real treasure, though, is what’s in the bottle. Focused on Pinot Noir including their signature “Longbow” Pinot, the winery started in 2002 by the McWilliams family also produces swoon-worthy aromatic whites. In addition to Arista, owner Mark McWilliams has a miniscule-production brand that makes some of the best Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc I’ve ever sampled. Named Mark David, it’s a discovery not to be missed.

Star Sip: 2009 Arista Gewurztraminer “Ferrington Vineyard” Anderson Valley $25. Spicy, sultry, and still crisp, a stellar example of New World Gewurz. 

Star Sip: 2009 Mark David Sauvignon Blanc “Skellenger Vineyard” Oakville, Napa Valley $32. If I gave points to wine, this Sauvignon would be a perfect 100. 

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Jorian Hill Vineyards:

Focused on Rhone varieties such as Viognier and Syrah, this family-owned winery is one to watch. Gary and Jeanne Newman (he president of 20th Century Fox television and she an entertainment attorney) named the brand for their three kids. When the duo were looking for a retreat north of Los Angeles in bucolic Santa Barbara County, the property they found already had vineyards so instead of just a home they found a new passion – wine.

Star Sip: 2007 Jorian Hill “BEEspoke” Santa Ynez Valley $38. A Rhone blend of equal parts Grenache and Syrah, this intensely juicy, peppery red has celebrity status.

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Longoria Wines:

Well-respected winemaker Rick Longoria began his eponymous winery in 1982 focusing on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the Santa Maria Valley. He is known for Pinot, but today his entire portfolio is world class. My favorites are Rick’s esoteric Spanish varietals. Making California Albarino and Tempranillo has brought him well-deserved attention and acclaim.

Star Sip: 2007 Longoria Tempranillo “Clover Creek Vineyard” Santa Ynez Valley $36. The best version of the variety I’ve ever sipped outside of Spain. A stunning red with layers of flavor and loads of character. 

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Bien Nacido Vineyards:

If we had grand cru vineyards in this country, Bien Nacido would rank at the top. Located in the Santa Maria Valley of California’s southern/central coast, the historic vineyard been the source of cult wines from the likes of Au Bon Climat and Sine Qua Non. In 1969, the Miller family purchased the property and only now is launching their own wine from the famous plot of land.

Star Sip: 2007 Bien Nacido Vineyards Syrah $52. Deeply-hued, licorice-scented red that captures the power-packed intensity of Syrah.