California chardonnays apparently have a wicked identity crisis. For the last few seasons, they’ve drawn plenty of criticism for being either too big and blowsy, or way too skinny and vacuous. You’re left wondering what is the real face of chardonnay, which remains, still, the most popular wine variety in the United States. But even knowing of this white grape’s multiple personalities, I was still caught off-guard during a recent, disappointing tasting of just-released California chardonnays from the 2007 and 2008 vintages. Only the 2007 Chateau St. Jean Belle Terre Vineyard chardonnay stood out. This wine smelled, tasted and looked […]
Grapes & Regions
Canadian Wines 3
Here’s my idea of a holiday: a ski trip with my family to the charming little town of Sutton, just north of the U.S. border in Quebec—and an opportunity to sample the local wines. This annual Presidents Week ski trip is also a pilgrimage of sorts to the wonderfully quirky Auberge Agnes Horth where we reconnect with friends who are also drawn to this area, a former outpost for British loyalists that later attracted artists and free spirits. Our hosts at the inn, Ray and Carla, offer their guests a laid back, family atmosphere and a belly full of gourmet […]
Malbec
Until recently, the Malbec grape was known primarily as a minor player in French Bordeaux blends. But it is becoming better known as a varietal on its own, with some excellent vintages coming from Argentina, and price points that make them very attractive. Malbecs are known for their deep purple color, hard tannins, and earthy coarseness, said Al Spoler, co-host of Cellar Notes on WYPR radio. “The adjective ‘rustic’ applies to it very easily,” he said. “It’s wine made by peasants for their own consumption.” Argentina grows the most Malbec, with the stars coming from the Mendoza region. Exports to […]
Bubbly Bargains
Trying to sate Champagne tastes when you’re stuck with a beer budget can be a problem, but, say wine experts, there is frugal fizz to be had. Champagne, to be precise, generally is considered only sparkling wine from the region of France of the same name. And quaffing bottles that bear that name comes at a premium. But there are lower-priced options, including U.S. and Australian sparkling wines, Spanish cavas and Italian proseccos. “As the years go on, they’re getting better and better because the technology and the skill of making these products is increasing,” says Wilfred Wong, cellar master […]
Israel
In 1967, Barry Saslove was watching television at his parents’ house in Ottawa, saw the news about the Six Day War and then hopped on a plane to Israel. Or, as he explains it as he uncorks a few bottles at his upper Galilee winery: “When I turned 19, the war had just begun. I went to volunteer and I stayed. And here I live and here I want to be.” Another thing he wanted to be was a vintner. After decades spent in what he describes as the “soul-sapping” computer industry, Mr. Saslove started holding wine-appreciation courses in the […]
Pinot Blanc
Finding only two domestic pinot blanc brands, one from Oregon and the other from Long Island, sitting ignored on the very bottom shelf of the “other whites” section at Sam’s Wines & Spirits’ Marcey Street store underscored visually just how below-the-radar this grape variety remains. Oz Clarke, the British wine writer, once famously compared pinot blanc to Cinderella because the grape variety always seems overshadowed by other grapes. Certainly that is the case here in the U.S., where pinot blanc is snubbed. Too bad, because pinot blanc can have a lively acidity, a refreshing crispness and appealing body. “It is […]
Gewürztraminer
Natalie MacLean, editor of the award-winning wine newsletter at NatalieMacLean.com and author of Red, White and Drunk All Over helped AskMen.com learn about the extraordinary white wine Gewürztraminer. Gewürztraminer has historically been unfairly treated and ignored. This dry white wine calls Alsace home and despite its distinctive character, its more popular big brother Riesling largely overshadows it — “partly because Gewürztraminer is hard to say in a restaurant or liquor store,” says MacLean. Once you taste Gewürztraminer, however, you’ll either love it or hate it. Either way, there’s no way you can ignore this versatile wine or its lychee and […]
Pinot Noir
These five wines help set the mood. Better yet, they’re paired with recipes, so you’ve got five instant dinners. Beringer Third Century 2005 Pinot Noir, Central Coast, California(about $14) This bottle’s name refers to the fact that this winery is now operating in its third century–the company has been around since 1876. The Central Coast is similar to the cool climate of Burgundy, and the fruit shows the same characteristics of just-ripe fruit with an intoxicating undercurrent of earth and spice. (Though if you really like spicy, you might consider a Zinfandel instead.) Errazuriz Wild Ferment 2005 Pinot Noir, Casablanca […]
Canadian Wines 2
What better way to celebrate the Olympics than by drinking Canadian wines? Choice isn’t a problem with more than 400 wineries in eight provinces. But it’s the quality of Canadian wines, rather than the quantity, will convince you that they are the ideal complement to this sporting event. Canada has a long history with the grape. Viking explorer Lief Erickson first named the country “Vineland” in 1001 BCE when he saw so many vines growing in Newfoundland. Although the classic vitus vinifera grapes such as cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay do not grow in the province, blueberries, cloudberries, lingoberries, or partridge […]
Canadian Wines
1. Canadian wine making is not a recent phenomenon. Viking explorer Leif Ericson first named Canada Vinland in 1001 BCE after he found so many vines growing where he landed at L’Anse Aux Meadows, Newfoundland. In 1535, Jacques Cartier also found many grapes growing on the island he named Ile de Bacchus (later known as Ile d’Orleans). 2. Jesuit priests found that wine made from the native rough-hewn grapes, which were not classic vitis vinifera grapes, was barely palatable for sacramental purposes. Vitis vinifera grapes were first planted in the 1900s. 3. Johann Schiller, a retired German soldier, is known […]
