20 Apr

Savvy Sipping: Exotic Whites for Uncorking Spring

As appeared on TodayShow.com Bites on April 20, 2011. 

When the weather warms, I ache for the exotic.A Chardonnay lover and Sauvignon Blanc devotee I like to sip the familiar, but I know there’s more to explore. Heard

of Torrontes, Roussanne or Albarino? Each of these grape varieties will widen yourwine horizons.

Not sure what to try? Just like you have styles of clothing that you mix and match fora desired ensemble, think of swapping out wines by style. If you choose Chardonnay

because you like a richer, fuller style of white, then you might enjoy another winelike Grenache Blanc with some of the same characteristics.

Use my style guide and recommended wines to try as a shopping list. Go ahead … take a springtime sip on the wild side.

If you like Chardonnay … try Roussanne or Grenache Blanc

Chardonnay is generally a rich white with tropical fruit flavors and creamy texture. Roussanne and Grenache Blanc are white grape varieties that can offer similarly styled dry wines. Both grapes hail from the Rhone region of France (along with sister grapes Viognier and Marsanne) and offer aromas of ripe fruit and often a hintof nutty smoothness. These grape varieties are planted from Spain to Australia and

France to California so enjoy the journey.

Wines to try:Yangarra spring wines

• Yangarra Roussanne, McLaren Vale, Australia $22

• Zaca Mesa Roussanne, Santa Ynez Valley, California $25

• Tablas Creek Grenache Blanc, Paso Robles, California $25

• Bonny Doon “Le Cigare Blanc” Arroyo Seco, California $22 (a blend of both Grenache Blanc and Roussanne)

• Perrin & Fils “Les Sinards” Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc, France $40 (mostly Grenache Blanc)

If you like Pinot Grigio … try Soave and Orvieto.

Though there are world-class producers of Pinot Grigio, the majority of bottles are simply light and lemony. For a similar style with more intensity, look for Italianwhites named Soave and Orvieto. Both are named for places in Italy — Soave in the north around Verona and Orvieto in central Italy in Umbria — and both made not with Grigio grapes but other G’s – grapes named Garganega and Grechetto. These wines are crisp, zesty and often complex.

Vin Soave springwineWines to try:

• Inama Soave Classico, Italy $15

• Pieropan “La Rocca” Soave Classico, Italy $35

• Ruffino Orvieto Classico, Italy $10

• Antinori Santa Cristina “Campogrande” Orvieto Classico, Italy $12

If you like Sauvignon Blanc … try Albarino.

Sauvignon Blanc is a grape known for its mouth-puckering freshness and touch of herbal aromas. It’s sassy and classy at the same time. Another variety you might loveif you’re an SB fan finds its home primarily in Spain. Albarino is a juicy, succulent white from an area named Rias Baixas (pronounced ree-ahsh bi-shus) situated onthe west coast of Spain just above Portugal. Its seaside location makes Albarino- based wines the ideal partner for all types of fish, salads, and fresh-from-the-gardenfare. (There are even a few versions from California to sample.)

Wines to try:

• Martin Codax Albarino Rias Baixas, Spain $13

• Fillaboa Albarino Rias Baixas, Spain $18

• Vionta Albarino Rias Baixas, Spain $19

• Terras Gauda “O Rosal” Rias Baixas, Spain $24 (blend of Albarino and othergrapes like Loureira and Caino Branco)

• Tangent Albarino “Paragon Vineyard” Edna Valley, California $17

If you like Viogner or Gewürztraminer … try Torrontes.

Aromatic wines such as Viognier or Gewurztraminer are like perfume for the palate. Spicy, floral aromas mix it up with ripe fruit flavors in usually dry-styled whites.If you enjoy drinking these types of wines, add Torrontes to your list. With peach blossom scents wafting from the glass, Torrontes fools you into thinking its sweet. Most, however, are dry and lusciously fruity. Crisp yet creamy these wines are produced in Argentina from areas such as Mendoza and the high valley of Cafayate. Torrontes spring wine

Wines to try:

• Acordeon Torrontes Cafayate, Argentina $9

• Familia Zuccardi “Santa Julia” Torrontes, Mendoza, Argentina $10

• Dominio del Plata “Crios de Susana Balbo” Torrontes, Cafayate, Argentina$14

• Bodega Tamari, Torrontes, La Rioja, Argentina $15

If you like sweeter Riesling … try Moscato.

What is one of the fastest growing categories of wine? Moscato. It’s slightly sweet, often bubbly and always delicious. The explosively aromatic white is appealingto just about everyone. It pairs with a wide range of foods, too, from spicy Kung Pao chicken to apricots dipped in dark chocolate. Lower in alcohol than mostother whites, it’s a quaffer to quench your thirst. Most Moscato hails from Italy but

Californian versions are coming on fast as the grape rises in popularity.

Wines to try:

• Saracco Moscato d’Asti, Italy $16

• Caposaldo Moscato, Italy $14

• La Badia Moscato d’Asti, Italy $20

• Middle Sister “Sweet and Sassy” Moscato, California $12

• St. Supery Moscato, Napa Valley, California $20

Can’t decide? These blends are all made with a mix of grapes such as Riesling,Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Viognier, Roussanne, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon and

Muscat to name a few. All have a whisper of sweetness making them ideal for exoticspringtime sipping.

Wines to try:

• Waterbrook Melange Blanc, Columbia Valley, Washington $15waterbrook springwines

• Peter Lehmann “Layers” Adelaide, Australia $16

• Evolution American White wine from Sokol Blosser Winery $17

(all prices are approximate and vary depending upon market)

03 Aug

Drinking the Stars

I’m not easily impressed by celebrity wines especially when they simply slap their name on a bottle. But there are plenty of wine-loving celebs I’ve written about who have a commitment to quality. Golfers like Ernie Els and Annika Sorenstam come to mind as does movie director Francis Ford Coppola’s wine empire.Three more celebrity brands that you may or may not be familiar with but are worth seeking out, include a steamy star, a femme fatale, and a behind-the-scenes music legend.
I’ve been a fan of actor Kyle MacLachlan since his Twin Peaks days, but it’s his role as charming yet challenged Trey MacDougal in Sex and the City, that made me a devotee. When I heard MacLachlan was making wine with his vinous counterpart, star winemaker Eric Dunham of Washington’s Dunham Cellars, I had to pursue it. That’s just what I did sampling their “…pursued by bear” Cabernet Sauvignon. Only 300 cases were made and I can tell you, it’s a red with teeth. The unique name centers on the legend that William Shakespeare kept a bear at London’s Globe Theatre. As a result in his play, The Winter’s Tale, Will coined the now-famous stage direction, “exit, pursued by bear.” The wine, like all of MacLachlan’s characters, is packed with personality. When I asked Kyle what one of his roles most closely fit the essence of his wine he laughed and said, “Trey. Both have complexity, heart, and style, but need a little time to develop.”

2006 “Pursued by Bear” Cabernet Sauvignon, Columbia Valley, WA $65

Combining the structure of Cabernet rounded out with Merlot for plushness and Syrah for a spicy kick, this age-worthy red still showcases elegance.  Powerful enough to pair with the biggest of steaks, its pinpoint balance also invites savoring with more delicate dishes like grilled salmon topped with mushrooms.  www.pursuedbybearwine.com

Another personality that’s larger than life (even though she’s no longer alive) is Marilyn Monroe. For over two decades Napa Valley-based Nova Wines has been making a roster of bottlings bearing images of the screen legend that change each vintage. Led by the aptly named, Marilyn Merlot, what could have been a brand built only on image has become just the opposite. Due to creativity and a focus on quality, these wines have become affordable collectors’ items. Royalties from sales help support the Lee Strasberg Theater Institute and the Anna Freud Foundation.

2009 Marilyn Sauvignon Blonde, Napa Valley, CA $19

Adorned with the famous shot of Marilyn Monroe in a white dress baring her long legs, this white is crisp and racy with a long finish.

2008 Marilyn Merlot, Napa Valley, CA $29

Released on June 1, which was Marilyn’s birthday, this is the 24th vintage of the collectable wine. Primarily Merlot with a streak of Cabernet Sauvignon the red is — not surprisingly — a sexy sip. Check out all the images of Marilyn at www.MarilynWines.com

Finally, for fans of a certain age the Dobbie Brothers are an iconic band. Bruce Cohn has been the band’s manager for nearly 40 years starting back when they called themselves Pud. The name Pud was clearly a dud so after smoking a bit, the moniker Dobbie Brothers was born and the rest is music history. In 1974 Cohn bought his Sonoma Valley estate as a restful place to raise his family. He soon realized he had top-quality vineyards and began his own winemaking venture.  The winery specializes in Cabernet Sauvignon, but has a lineup of offerings by winemaker Tom Montgomery. B.R. Cohn is also known for crafting gourmet olive oil made from century-old picholine olive trees located on the property. With charity concerts, cooking demonstrations, and a collection of vintage cars to view, it’s a must-stop for wine (and music) lovers visiting Sonoma.

2007 B.R. Cohn “Silver Label” Cabernet Sauvignon, North Coast, CA $18-20

The “Silver Label” ranks as one of California’s top Cabernet values. With a supple yet vibrant texture and high-quality packaging, I dub it an Impress-for-Less bottle. Perfect as your house wine or a house-warming gift.

2009 B.R. Cohn Chardonnay, Sonoma County, CA $24

Marrying the full-bore California style with a core of zesty acidity, this partially barrel-fermented white is a crowd pleaser. www.brcohn.com