As you may have noticed, the warm
days have resulted in more summer fun and less blog posting. After a brief
hiatus, however, we are back – (1) because someone may have missed these posts
and (2) because we have something to say that may interest those who are
interested in wine.
Recently, I discovered a documentary
on Netflix called SOMM. This film,
which follows several candidates on their journey as they prepare for the
Master Sommelier exam, is eye-opening to say the least. Check out the trailer
at http://youtu.be/O4zeyuk8hL8
First of all, these guys are
unbelievable. Just by tasting a wine they can identify the varietal, the
region, the year and, in some cases, even the vineyard! This is serious
business.
Think about it…When you taste a
wine what does it tell you? Well, for most of us, after a taste, we can label
it as either “This wine is good” or “I don’t like this wine”. Beyond that, we
rely on the back of the bottle or the barkeep to inform us of the subtle
flavors relentlessly pursued by the vintner, or a witty story about the
vineyard, or even a description of how the wine compares to other wines.
Also, SOMM provides some insight into the complexity of the wine business.
There are thousands of vineyards, and there are over 10,000 varieties of wine
grapes. The taste and quality of a wine are influenced by the region of the
world, the soil type, the amount of sunlight, the temperature during the
growing season, etc. Oh, and then you have to consider the processes that occur
after harvest and during the bottling process. Is the wine aged in steel or
oak? Which type of oak? How long is it aged? The questions and combinations are
seemingly endless. Then once the wine reaches your table, the type of food you
pair it with and the temperature at which it is served also impact the taste
and, ultimately, your enjoyment of the wine.
Thankfully, however, we do not
have to be sommeliers to enjoy a nice glass of wine! However, if your inner
oenophile (that’s a fancy word for wine aficionado) is anxious to explore some
new wines, check out our new Italian wines, the new Pinot Gris from the
Willamette Valley, OR, and the new Blanc de Blanc from France.
Here’s a little bit more detail
about one of our new Italian wines. These are available by the bottle for a
limited time only.
2013 Cantina Altarocca Orvieto Classico Superiore Arcosesto:
What a name?! This Orvieto (style
of wine) is a white blend produced in the Umbria region of Italy. This region
lies between Florence and Rome, and it is the only Italian region without a
coastline or a common border with a neighboring country. The winery, Cantina
Altarocca, sits at the top of a hill and is both a winery and a hotel.
The wines are produced using the
traditional methods. All grapes are hand-picked and the vines are watered by natural
aquifers in the soil. With a focus on the environment and sustainability, this
vineyard is pursuing organic farming techniques.
The wine itself is a blend of
grechetto, procanico and mavasia grapes. The grapes are harvested in September
and undergo a light press “with contact with the skins for 12-18 hours at a
controlled temperature. Separation of the must and cold decanting for cleaning.
Alcoholic fermentation at a maximum temperature of 16o in stainless
steel containers, using variety and aromatic yeasts.” – Process courtesy of http://www.cantinaaltarocca.com/eng/arcosesto.html
Most importantly, however, this
wine is good! It is perfect for a hot summer day. It is very light, and, in my
opinion, has a slight hint of ripe pears. Serve cold (50-54oF) as a
lovely refreshment or enjoy with light appetizers or fish/chicken.
Explore your inner artist (or oenophile),
and stop by today and buy a bottle.
Paint your day!
