Sparkling Traminette?

The weekend before Thanksgiving Paul and I found ourselves driving around the Hudson Valley and we stopped by Benmarl for a wine tasting. 

Traminette has become one of my new favorite wines.  Honestly a few years ago when I first tasted it, I wasn't impressed.  It has come a long way and the few wineries that produce Traminette do a nice job.

Benmarl's 2008 Traminette is their third vintage.  It was very fresh with a lychee nose and flavor.  Also had a little citrus as well.  We purchased two bottles, admired the view and went home.

On Wednesday evening while preparing for Thanksgiving, Paul opened a bottle of the just purchased Traminette.  POP - FIZZ went the bottle- oops, this bottle is going through a second fermentation.  We now have a Traminette Sparkling Wine. We opened the second bottle and found the same. - POP-FIZZ.

Nothing went to waste, we did drink the new "Sparkling Wine," and used in to create a nice sparkling wine sauce for the chicken dinner we were cooking.   It did lose some if it's lychee and citrus flavors as the carbonation took over.

Why did this happen?  There was enough residual yeast and sugar left in the wine when it was bottled to cause it to go through this secondary fermentation.  Secondary fermentation can be normal in the wine making process, but not to the degree of creating a sparkling wine when not intended.

One of the causes that might have produced this secondary fermentation is the racking of the wine, or lack of it.  Racking of the wine is a term used when you siphon the wine off the lees (dead yeast cells) into a clean tank or barrel.  You then clean the original tank or barrel and siphon back.  This process helps in the clarification and stabilization of the wine.

Happy Thanksgiving

I would like to take this time to wish everyone a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving.

It's this time of the year where I look back and am thankful to have such wonderful people in my life! My friends, my colleagues and most important my readers. 

To all of you, have a wondeful Thanksgiving!

What's on your Thanksgiving Table

As the holidays approach, we often find ourselves in the liquor/wine store contemplating our wine purchase.  Should we get a California Chardonnay, an Oregon Pinot Noir, a Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand or South Africa? Everybody has their own Thanksgiving traditional meal.


I am very lucky to live in Hudson Valley Wine Country with over 25 wineries. There are regional wines that will match any palate and plate. Whether it's red, white or sparkling, you will fine some wonderful choices here in the tasting rooms as well as the liquor/wine store.  Yes many local wines can be found in the local liquor/wine stores.


What will be on my table Thursday?  One of my new favorites - Traminette. Whitecliff, Palaia and Benmarl all produce wonderful Traminette. In fact I just purchased 2 bottles of Benmarl's Traminette this weekend when I stopped by the tasting room.  For red wine lover at my table, we will have a Whitecliff Gamay Noir along with a Millbrook Block 5 East Pinot Noir.  There might even be some Brotherhood Blanc de Blanc making an appearance too.  What will be on yours?



There is wine produced in almost every state.  This Holiday Season, support your local community and businesses.  When you shop, when you dine, even when you purchase wine "THINK LOCAL FIRST!" (Thank you Charlie North- DCRCOC)

Twitter Taste Live - Hahn Estates Wines

I was fortunate enough to be able to take part in a Twitter Taste Live wine tasting on Saturday, November 14.  I must confess - a few confessions here.  A few years ago I spent 10 days in Central California.  On our drive down from the San Jose Airport to Avila Beach, Hahn was the first tasting room we stopped at.  We new nothing about their wines then, but saw a sign and pulled off Highway 101 and began our tasting.  When #TTL was announced and it was Hahn Estates, I was thrilled.  I even have a 2004 Hahn Pinot Noir in my wine cellar.  I did not open it during the tasting.  I will save that for another evening.

Second confession is I couldn't find the wines listed for the tasting at any wine store in my area.  I check the larger ones as well as the smaller ones.  Shame on them!!  My friends at Hahn rushed to my rescue and sent me some samples so I could participate.  THANK YOU!

First wine of the evening was the Cycles Gladiator 2008 Chardonnay from the Monterey region.   On the nose it had a little oak, with hints of lemon and vanilla.  On the taste I got some apple with a slight butter finish.  This wine is very affordable at the price of $9.99. 

We then moved onto the reds with a 2006 Hahn Pinot Noir from the Monterey region.  This wine had great clairty with a nice deep ruby red color and a nice nose of pepper with hints of alcohol. On the taste I got raspberry with a finish of spice.  Once again, this wine is very affordable at $12 a bottle. 

2007 Huntington Petite Sirah.  This had an inky color, which is typical of the grape.  I didn't get much on the nose by a little pencil shavings.  Dark Cherry on the taste.

 The last wine of the evening was a 2006 Smith & Hook Cabernet Sauvignon from the Central Coast.  This wine had strong alcohol on the nose.  I then looked at the bottle at it was 14%.  That explained that.  On the taste got some mint with cherry and cassis.  What was interesting is the next day the cherry became more pronounced and the nose had a strong bouquet of licorice.  This Cab is a little more expensive than the rest at $30.

Wine Blogging Wednesday #63

 

It's Wine Blogging Wednesday!  Wine Blogging Wednesday was founded by Lenn Thompson of LENNDEVOURS, and it's purpose is to create a focal point once a month for wine blog writing.

This month my friend Rob Bralow is in charge of this topic. He presented us with the challenge to find a wine we have enjoyed in the past and not written about, or a wine you have been meaning to try.  Well Rob, I am up for the challenge and have chosen 2002 Dark Star Cellars Paso Robles Merlot.

A few years ago Paul and I spent 10 days in Central California. (We almost didn't come back.)One of the wineries we stopped at was Dark Star Cellars in Paso Robles.   They are a small winery that we just happen to stumble upon.  We really enjoyed their wine and brought some home with us.  I've alway gone into the cellar and Paul always told me NO when it came to their Merlot.  For this blog, he answered YES.

Boy was this Merlot amazing!  It was definitely at it's peak.  Dark fruit on the bouquet. Very little tannins.  Very nice complexity on the mid palate.  Very strong taste of licorice and anise with dark berry.  Gorgeous!

How long did I enjoy this wine!  I savored every sexy sip for at least a 35 seconds.  It is one of those wines that just come alive and dance in your mouth.  Puts a smile on your face and makes you and who you are sharing it with happy. 

Wine 2.0 - visit me

On Wednesday, November 18 I will be pouring Hudson Valley Wines at Wine 2.0 in New York City.  The event takes place at Webster Hall - 125 East 11th Street. 

I will be pouring the following wines:

Brotherhood Winery - Blanc de Blanc
Whitecliff Vineyards & Winery - Awosting White
Palaia Vineyards - Traminette
Hudson-Chatham Winery - Baco Noir
Millbrook Vineyards & Winery - Cabernet Franc

Come by and say hello and taste some Hudson Valley Wines!

My Hard Cider Experience

I attended Applewood Winery's 'Hard Cider Experience' on November 14.  It was a nice event, and also included apple wine pairings as well.  The one thing I found missing was the winemaker talks and it stated on their website there would be some.  I was there for 2 hours, maybe I missed it.  I was kind of interested in hearing how they make hard cider, how may bushels of apples it takes, the fermentation process etc.  I guess I will be educated at a later date.

The tastings took place in a building across from the tasting  room.  They had live music and two tasting tables.  One tasting table was the sweets, the other the savory.  Being that I am someone who will have cake for breakfast, I ended up beginning at the sweet table.

The first wine tasted was the Apple Blossom Blush and it was paired with Gouda cheese on a piece of french bread and some fruit compote.  The wine had a nice cinnamon and spice aroma.  It tasted like apple pie.  It did pair very well with the cheese and fruit.  Next pairing was Harvest Time - which was served warm.  It was noted that this wine can be served cold, warm or at room temperature.  It was paired with a pumpkin spice cake.  The wine had aromas of apple cinnamon and cloves.  Once again it paired very well with the cake. I personally am not a fan of warm, mulled wine, but this was a nice wine to sip in front of the fireplace during the holidays.  The last tasting at this table was Apple Dave's Stone Fence Cider blended with Applewood's Blackberry Wine paired with a cream puff.  The cider is sweetened with local honey.  The pairing was nice.  The cider had the flavors of apple and blackberry, with a sweet touch.

On to the Savory table where I was served Apple Macintosh Wine with a butternut squash tart.  The tart was great and it paired very nicely with the wine.  Maybe that's because the tart was made with the wine.  Next was some black been soup paired with Apple Dave's Stone Fence Cider.   The pairing ended with a tart paired with a mix of Apple Dave's Stone Fence Cider and Applewood's Blueberry Wine. The tart had was infused with the blueberry wine which was a nice touch to end the tasting.

I must say, Suzanne is a wonderful chef and her pairing were perfect.  Can't discount the winemaker either.  I am not that crazy about Apple Wine, but when paired with the food it was quite good.    I liked the cider infused with the berry wine, as it is a nice touch.  If you don't like Champagne, you should try the cider, it might be a nice alternate.

I'm pouring at a Greek Wine Tasting

On Sunday, November 15  I will be pouring once again for the Ladies of Philoptohos at the 2nd Greek Wine and Food tasting event from 3:00-6:00p.m at Hellenic Center on Park Avenue in Poughkeepsie.  I poured at this event last year and they had quite a turnout.  The women of the Ladies of Philoptohos really know how to put out a spread.  Just the food alone is a reason to come!

In case you are wondering, no I am not Greek.  However, my mother-in-law is from Athens, but that is not how I got involved with this event.  My long time childhood friend Demetra asked me to pour last year and once again this year.  How can I turn her down, she played Monopoly with me when all my friends went to the Prom and I didn't have a date. After we waved her sister Kally and her date off in the Limo, her dad offered me a shot of Ouzo to drown my sorrows, (before all you people go nuts, the drinking age was 18 then.)  Even though I was down in the dumps that day Demetra made it worse by beating me at Monopoly.  Yes, Demetra, I'll never forget!  Childhood friendships are to cherish, they are the friends that will always be there for you, no matter if you talk every day or once a year.  It's once a year Demetra makes that call and I accept.

The cost is $25 and below are the wines that will be poured.  I'll have a complete report next week on the wines I tasted. 

2009 Greek Wine Tasting

Behind the Bottle - Hudson-Chatham Winery

There has been a lot of press these days with Hudson Valley Wineries.  This article appeared in Edible Manhattan about Hudson-Chatham Winery.

Hudson-Chatham Winery is one of only 2 wineries in the Hudson Valley to produce a Baco Noir.  Here is his story as told to Amy Zavatto of Edible Manhattan Magazine


Behind the Bottle

Wines of Chile: Carmenere - What I learned, What I Tasted

I recently took part in a 'Wines of Chile' Carmenere Wine tasting. (for the blog police, the wines were samples provided by Wines of Chile.)

This wine tasting was executed via the web and we all logged in and got to chat with the 8 winemakers. The tasting was moderated by wine and spirits consultant Michael Green.

The Carmenere grape is known as "the lost grape of Bordeaux." Originally planted in the Medoc region of Bordeaux until a Phylloxera epidemic wiped it out in the 1870's.  Before the outbreak, Bordeaux rootstock, Carmenere among them were brought to Chile.  They thought Carmenere was Merlot and planted it accordingly.  It wasn't until 1993 that they discovered the Merlot was actually Carmenere when renowened viticulturist Professon Jean-Michael Boursiquit of Ensa de Montepellier did a DNA screening on the grape.

I have tasted the Carmenere before and it was very spicy, spiced with black pepper, some stronger than others.  With this particular wine tasting, I found many of the wines to have a green bell pepper taste.  I am unclear if that is the grape, or they harvested it to early, over cropped it, or didn't leaf pull properly.

The wines we tasted ranged in price from $10 to $44.  Of course I found the $44 wine the most enjoyable.

Here is a brief critique of what we tasted:

1. Santa Carolina Reserva Carmenere 2007, 100% Carmenere, $10 bottle - Black pepper on nose, green pepper on taste.
2. Odfjel Armador Carmenere 2007, 100% Carmenere, $13 bottle - eathy, herbaceous.  I didn't like the way this wine finished.  Had a taste of cedar on the finish.
   
3. Viu Manent Carmenere Reserva 2007, 100% Carmenere, $14 bottle - Alcohol on the nose with bell pepper.  I got a taste of sugar cube on the front of my tongue.
4. Cono Sur Vision Crmenere 2007, 85% Carmenere, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Syrah, $15 bottle - nose of pine, Eucalyptus and menthol.  Also very earthy.
5. Vina La Rosa LaCapitana Carmenere 2008, 100% Carmenere, $18 bottle - very nice.  I didn't find an green pepper on this wine.  Had black pepper on the long finish.
6. Ventisquero Grey Carmenere 2007, 100% Carmenere, $25 bottle - nice ruby red color.  I actually smelled buffalo chicken on the nose.  Strange, I know. 
   
7. Terra Andina Altos Carmenere-Carignan 2007, 70% Carmenere, 30% Carignan, $18.99 bottle - I didn't like the nose on this wine at all.  Kind of mustyness and sawdust.  Taste of cherry and blueberry with black pepper on the finish.
8. Carmen Wine Maker's Reserve Red 2004, 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Carmenere, 25% Petit Syrah, $44 bottle - This was the favorite, figures the most expensive wine.  It had little nutmeg on the nose, smooth, nice cherry color, nicely balanced.

I would like to thank Andrea for including me in the tasting.  

Whitecliff Vineyard and Winery in the Wall Street Journal

This is a very nice article on Whitecliff Vineyard and Winery that was recently in the Wall Street Journal.  Congratulations Michael and Yancey.

Tasting the Winemaker's Vision

A Dessert Wine for my Sweet Tooth

Here's a style of wine I don't drink to much.  I usually am not a fan of sweet dessert wine.  However, lately I have acquired a taste for well crafted dessert wine.  By well crafted, it's to my taste buds.   I don't like it overly sweet and syrupy.

This Paperbirch 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon Fine Ruby Dessert Wine is from Hudson-Chatham Winery in Ghent, NY.  This wine is 18% alcohol.

On the nose you get that sweet smell with raisins and alcohol. This wine had nice balance and a soft and silky feel in my mouth.  It was not overly sweet.  The flavors that came out were cherry and raisins.

I really enjoyed this wine after dinner.  We had it with apple pie and  I think it will go real well with something chocolate.

The Halloween Ball

I went to my first Halloween Ball Friday night.  I did dress up, I purchased a witch hat at the Halloween store and dressed in black.  I have to admit the Brotherhood Winery cellars are a great place for a Halloween party.  There are may undiscovered areas of these undergroud cellars.

The cellars were decorated tastefully and for the season.  As you can see my two previous husbands above.

There was a nice assortment of finger foods to munch on by Chef Sean.  Empenadas, Quesadillas, and an assortment of meats and cheese.  They had a nice selection of wine to choose from.  Of course I wanted to be difficult and wanted the dry Riesling which they weren't pouring so I settled for the Chardonnay. 

There were some great costumes. I saw Little Bo Peep and her lost sheep, Raggedy Ann & Andy, some Priests, and Monks, Witches and more.  However, even Cupid couldn't find me a date for the evening.  But I did run into a leprechaun who I haven't seen in a while.

Michelle even got me up and dancing.  Yes, I am picky about the songs I dance to as well as the wine I drink.  Sorry! I am a rock and roll girl.

I am told that next year Brotherhood will be utilizing the entire cellar caves for this Ball.  This was the first year of this event and I hope it continues.  It was a wonderful evening.  I leave you with a video that reminds me of the 'monster mash'.