Seven Sparkling Wines To Celebrate the New Year
New Year’s Eve and sparkling wine are seemingly inseparable. Maybe it’s because the bubbles in the bottle are similar in shape to the ball dropping. Perhaps it’s the pop of the cork resembling the fireworks shot off at midnight. It could be that people need the energetic effervescence of a sparkler to keep themselves awake until midnight (and beyond). Whatever the reason (as if you need one), just remember that tonight is your last chance to enjoy a sparkling wine in 2010 — so make it a good one!
Opici Wines imports sparkling wines in several styles and price points to please every palate and wallet. Which one would you want to toast with? Read below to get an idea.
Albet i Noya “Petit Albet” Cava Brut
This is a bone-dry, 100% organic sparkling wine made in the Penedes region of Spain. Crisp, with good acidity and clean citrus (lemon) flavors, along with hints of nut and mineral. At about $17, it’s about as good a value as you’ll get for a delicious and dry sparkler.
Albet i Noya Cava Brut Reserva
Like the “Petit Albet” mentioned above, this is bone dry and 100% organic. However it spends two years in the cellar before release, resulting in more mature, complex, and round flavors; more buttery, nutty, and rich than the “Petit”. There’s cost involved in storage, so the Reserva will run a few dollars more — about $21-22 — but that’s still a great value for the quality (and much less expensive than most Champagnes).
Dom Bertiol Prosecco
In the last few years Americans have begun to discover this light and airy delight of Italy’s Veneto region. Dom Bertiol is a typical example of the “standard” Prosecco, offering a generous floral bouquet, fruity flavor, and a rich foam. It’s slightly sweet, but not overly so (consider it “half-dry”, and has enough acidity and structure to enjoy with food. You should be able to find it for about $12-14.
Donelli Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro Amabile DOC
Wow! That name sure is a mouthful! But don’t let all those vowels scare you — they’re just confirmation that the wine in the bottle is from a real place and is high in quality. Amabile is an Italian word meaning “amiable” or “friendly” in a “sweet” way. Similarly, this style of Lambrusco is friendly to palates and plates, offering just enough sweetness to bring a smile to your face and a single-digit alcohol level (9%). Slightly sweet, slightly sparkling, and surprisingly red with racy acidity, this Lambrusco will set you back about $11 – $12.
Donelli Lambrusco Reggiano Amabile DOC
This name flows a little easier across the tongue — just as its bubbles do. Like the Grasparossa di Castelvetro, the Reggiano is half-dry with good acidity and low alcohol, but is a bit more intense and complex in flavor. Rich, ripe red berries and a spicy component are held together with good structure that includes mild tannins. Both of these Lambruscos are ideal for a typical antipasti plate of smoked meats and cheeses. For added fun, the Reggiano comes in a distinctly shaped bottle was created by the legendary Ferrari race car designer Sergio Scaglietti. Racy wine needs a racy bottle! About $17-18.
Villa Rosa Moscato d’Asti
Now we are getting into the sweeter sparklers. Moscato d’Asti is similar to Prosecco and Lambrusco in that it is more foamy or “fizzy” as opposed to overly bubbly. Unlike those other two Italian sparklers, Moscato d’Asti has a much riper and sweeter flavor profile, smelling and tasting of candied peaches and apricots, and is very low in alcohol (only 5.4%!). It’s enjoyable on its own and also tasty with desserts, such as cookies, pies, and Panettone. It should cost you about $12.
Pearly Bay Celebration
Can there be a better name for a sparkling wine? Like the Moscato d’Asti, Celebration is a sweet sparkler — but it is more bubbly and effervescent and more alcohol (though at 9% is still fairly low). The taste is also different, as Celebration offers tropical fruits and honey flavors. For people who prefer pink, Celebration also comes as a rose; both types will cost about $9 — a price that as one writer points out, “won’t hurt your wallet“.
Wine for the Zinter Season
With the cold winds blowing and temperature dropping in most parts of the United States, the zinter season is here (a.k.a., “winter”). In other words, it’s time to switch from crisp white wines to hearty reds, such as Zinfandel.
David Falchek of the Scranton Times-Tribune recently wrote a review of heart-warming zinfandels for the chilly season, and had this to say about Zin 91:
An old-style zinfandel, Zin 91 California Old Vine Zinfandel, is smooth with bright fruit, a hint of blackberry and dusty tannins with a light finish. Without the excesses of many zins, Zin 91 stands out as a better food wine. $12. HHHH
In case you’re wondering, “HHHH” is Dave’s way of saying “Above Average”. And we agree!
The great idea hatched by Hubert Opici on his 91st birthday is now in its second vintage and it continues to be a pleasant, affordable, everyday wine for the table that harks back to the fine dry wines made by Opici back in the old days. Learn more about the story and the wine called Zin 91 here, and be sure to pick up a few bottles this winter.
Visiting Ruca Malen in Argentina
If by chance you plan to visit the Mendoza region of Argentina, one stop you must make is to the Ruca Malen winery in Agrelo Lujan de Cuyo. We don’t suggest this merely because we love the people and the wines of Ruca Malen, but because it is hands-down the best place in Mendoza to enjoy lunch and a glass of wine. 
Why? First, there is the location — you sit at the foothills of the Andes mountains directly in front of you; it’s like eating inside of a postcard. Second, there is the food — an inventive and delectable menu prepared by world-class chef Lucas Bustos. Finally, there is the wine — which is outstanding, of course, and is great when paired with food. That really is the key to the experience (well, OK, the scenery is nice too); once per month, chef Lucas sits down with winemaker Pablo Cuneo and the entire management staff to develop a menu that is based on what is locally fresh and available and pairs perfectly with the wines. It’s an arduous affair, sitting down to taste multiple preparations and an assortment of wines to find exactly the right matches — but someone has to do it (sign me up!).
But hey, we’re biased — don’t take it from us. Rather, consider that Bodega Ruca Malen is rated 4 1/2 (out of 5) stars by the visitors on TripAdvisor, check out this nice review on Viva Travel Guides, and read the recent experiences of Marisa D’Vari on A Wine Story, by Keith Hoffman of Brain Wines, by Baby Siena Wines, and Jennifer of Southern Exposure 2010 (who calls Mendoza “Argentina’s Napa Valley”).
A few comments from Marisa D’Vari:
After touring the winery, I would venture that what’s key here is the owners’ dedication to quality. The winery is gorgeous, very modern, and the barrel room looks as if an interior decorator had taken his or her hand to it. Lighting is subtle and as elegant as a fine restaurant. A good percentage of the oak is new (expensive winemaking!) and every effort is taken to let the wine “make itself” in terms of minimum intervention and letting the terroir shine through…
Lunch here is an incredible experience. The tables are gorgeously set, and located outdoors where guests can admire the gorgeous view. It’s almost like the kind of upscale, outdoor wedding luncheons you see in the movies, and possibly nicer. You will find tables indoors, but outside is the place to be.
Under $15 Organic Wine Value from Spain
Some people are under the misconception that organic wines taste “different”, or perhaps are not at the same quality level as non-organic wines. Still others believe that one has to pay a premium for the “certified organic” stamp of approval. We’re not sure how these rumors get started, but it’s simply not true: organic wines are just as good, and sometimes better, than non-organic wines in terms of taste, value, and quality — and they can be just as affordable.
Take for example Albet i Noya Petit Albet, a tasty Tempranillo – Garnaxta Negra (Garnacha) blend from Penedes, Spain, that retails for about $12 to $13 in most markets. It is a quality, everyday red wine that goes well with a variety of dishes and just happens to be 100% organic — but you’d never guess it was organic by tasting it. And for those who scoff at organic wines as some kind of trendy marketing ploy (i.e., “greenwashing”), consider that Albet i Noya has been making organic wines for over 30 years. Not many wineries can claim almost four decades of experience with organic and biodynamic farming, and none would make that kind of long-term commitment unless they believed passionately in the principles.
Josep Maria Albet i Noya checks the grapes in his organic vineyards
Winery owner Josep Maria Albet i Noya, a strict vegetarian, student and practitioner of biodynamic principles, and a farmer with a passion for preserving the gifts of Mother Nature, petitioned the Spanish government to create an organic certification for vineyards in 1978 — as no such certification existed at that time. Thus Albet i Noya became the first producer of certified organic wine, and has been a leader in that niche ever since.
Joseph Maria’s goal was to return to methods inherited from traditional agriculture, eliminating synthetic chemical pesticides and fertilizers that affect the natural growth and ripening of the grapes. His organic and biodynamic methods maintain the vines’ balance and produce healthier grapes, free of residues that alter the aromatics, taste, and texture of the grapes. The end result are great-tasting wines — just as good, if not better than, non-organic wines.
But don’t take it from us — see what Atlanta Wine Examiner Edgar Solis has to say about Albet i Noya Petit Albet:
This certified organic wine has intense fresh aromas of red and dark berries and plum with notes of rosemary, black currant and honey. On the palate this wine feels fresh and full of red and dark berries flavors with hints of ripe plum, dark cherries, black olives and fresh herbs. The lack of oak aging allows for the full expression of the fruit flavor, the acid is kept on check with rounded tannins that leads to a silky texture. This is a young wine to be enjoy in the next two to three years. … Enjoy the 2009 Petit Albet with grilled meats (pork and chicken), turkey, seafood, spanish and Caribbean cuisine, salads, medium aged cheeses, rice dishes and salads. It can be serve at room temperature (60° to 65° F) or enjoy it slightly chilled.
You can read the full article and other reviews by Edgar Solis here.
26 Wines for Thanksgiving
What wine is best for the traditional Thanksgiving feast? Actually, the question should be what wines are best, considering all the different dishes on the table that typically surround the turkey.
I suppose it’s possible to try to find one wine that can pair with everything, but what’s the fun in that? You’ll do yourself — and your family — a favor by putting several types of wine on the table.
Following are 26 suggestions — more than half of which are under $15, so you won’t break the bank if buy more than one. Why 26? Why not?
Thanksgiving Whites
$12 and Under
KWV Steen 9.99
Steen is what they call Chenin Blanc in South Africa, a grape with tropical fruit character that gives the perception of sweetness but finishes dry and has good acidity. It is wonderful as an aperitif and pairs well with white meats, salads, fish, and many of the mildly sweet side dishes seen on Thanksgiving.
Bigi Orvieto Classico $10.99
Like the Steen, Orvieto is a pleasant aperitif that also matches with a wide variety of foods, particularly turkey breast, seafood, and salads. It offers white peach flavors along with a distinct hint of almonds.
$15 and Under
AltaDonna Grillo $12.99
An aromatic wine with lush notes of apricots, lemon, and Mediterranean herbs. Don’t over-chill it or you’ll mask its more delicate characteristics.
Dogajolo White $14.99
Like its red brother listed below, the “Dog white” has a label that reminds one of an autumn cornucopia decoration. The wine happens to match with most dishes on the Thanksgiving table as well, thanks to a crisp blend of Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, and other white wines from Tuscany, Italy.
De Martino Legado Chardonnay $14.99
Multiple publications scored this as a 90-point wine for good reason — it tastes great! It has a full body and creamy texture with ripe flavors and good acidity. Some people might mistake this for a white Burgundy, but in fact it is from Chile.
$20 and Under
Cathedral Cellar Chardonnay $16.99
Classy, full-bodied wine with pear, and apple aromas and flavors accented by cashew and nougat. Sweet and juicy with a smooth and creamy mouthfeel. You’d never guess this was from South Africa.
Pazos de Lusco Zios $16.99
White tropical fruits and distinct mineral notes mark this wine from Rias Baixas, Spain. Unlike most whites from that region, this one is aged on the lees, giving the wine more body and complexity than is usually expected from Albarino, as well as a creamy mouthfeel.
Ruca Malen Chardonnay $17.99
Ripe, luscious pear, apples, peaches, and apricot share a ride on a creamy texture with notes of caramel and toasty vanilla spice. It is also surprisingly bright with acidity and a great food match for turkey, stuffing, and creamed pearl onions.
Splurge
Niedermayr Gewurztraminer $27.99
This Gewurz has a distinctly spicy character with notes of lychee fruit and rose petals that are delivered to the palate with just a touch of perceived sweetness and a creamy texture.
Mas Igneus Vinyes de Coster FA 104 $39
Creamy texture, lively acidity, and complex, mature white fruits mark the character of this 100% organic white wine from the Priorat region of Spain. It’s an ideal match for turkey breast. The “FA 104″ refers to the fact the wine ages in French Allier oak barrels that iare 1st-use for 04 months.
Red Wines for Thanksgiving
$12 and Under
Homemade Barberone $7.99
This wine has been a staple on American tables since the 1950s, and continues to please palates for its easy drinking style. Its slightly sweet flavor is a perfect match for the dark meat with cranberry sauce and the sweet and fruity side dishes. It’s only eight bucks for a 750ml, but if you have a typically big family gathering you may want to go for the 3L box, which is equivalent to 4 bottles and a bargain at $18.
Altos del Cuco $9.99
This wine from Spain is made from a blend of Tempranillo, Monastrell, and Syrah, and offers spicy aromas and flavors that go well with dark meat turkey and stuffing that includes sausage and/or mushrooms. This was recently ranked #9 Wine Enthusiast’s Top 100 Wine Values of 2010.
Due Torri Pinot Noir $10.99
Strawberry, raspberry, and spicy notes are held together with good acidity and mild tannins. This is surprisingly complex for the price and is enjoyable both the dark or white meat as well as most side dishes.
Pere Enselme La Griviliere $10.99
This Cotes-du-Rhone may be difficult to say, but is well worth the effort. It has good acidity, fine tannins, and nice cherry and black berry flavors. Great bang for the buck and easy to pair with a variety of Thanksgiving dishes.
Luiano Sangiovese $11.99
Light-bodied and jam-packed with bright cherry fruit, this ripe and fresh Tuscan Sangiovese may remind some people of a Cru Beaujolais — and in fact, it is similar to those French wines in that its amiable with just about any food you pair it with, particularly the dishes at a typical Thanksgiving feast.
AltaDonna Pinot Nero $12.99
Pinot Nero what the Italians call Pinot Noir. This has ripe yet delicate berry flavors, medium body, and mild tannins that match well with dark or white turkey meat and most varieties of stuffing.
$15 and Under
Donelli Lambrusco $12.99
Bubbles put smiles on people’s faces, and a Thanksgiving feast is best begun happily, don’t you agree? The slight fizz and hint of sweetness in this Lambrusco make it ideal as an aperitif, and a good foil for spicy-hot dishes. Its medium acidity and mild tannins make it more food-friendly than most people realize.
Zin 91 Old Vine Zinfandel $12.99
A California wine is the patriotic choice for an American holiday, and it just so happens that this soft and spicy Zinfandel goes great with turkey and just about everything else. It will be on Hubert Opici’s table on Thanksgiving.
Bigi Vipra Rossa $13.99
A blend of Merlot and Sangiovese from Umbria, Italy, this wine has soft spicy notes and easy tannins.
Cesari Valpolicella $14.99
Fresh, dry cherry notes with firm acidity and mild tannins. This is made from the same grapes as the legendary Amarone, but is lighter in style, easy to drink, and very food friendly.
Dogajolo Red $14.99
A “Baby Super Tuscan” made from Sangiovese and Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine goes with just about anything. Plus, it has a distinctly autumnal – looking label that fits perfectly next to a fall cornucopia.
$20 and Under
Albet i Noya Tempranillo Classic $15.99
Sweet cherry notes, mild earth, and perfect balance of acidity and tannins make this a crowd pleaser. It’s also 100% organic and suitable for vegans, for those going meatless on Thanskgiving.
Dominio Dostares Estay $16.99
This wine is made in the Bierzo region of Spain from grapes called Prieto Picudo. If that’s not enough to start a conversation, I don’t know what is. Turns out that the floral aromas and ripe red berry flavors fit right in with roasted turkey and all the trimmings.
Fattoria di Magliano “Heba” Morellino di Scansano $19.99
Morellino is a clone of Sangiovese that grows exclusively around the Tuscan village of Scansano, just off the west coast of Italy. Fresh, bright red berry flavors and aromas are accented by spicy notes that come from 15% of Syrah that’s blended in with the Morellino.
Splurge
Pere Enselme La Fiole du Pape $42.99
The uniquely shaped, dusty bottle makes it a great gift on any holiday as well as a conversation starter. The wine inside is pretty darn good, too, and pairs well with the dark meat.
Viberti Barolo “Buon Padre” $60
The Italian translation for Buon Padre is “Good Father”, so what better wine to pour for your dad? This is lighter in style compared to other Barolos, but still elegant and powerful with great structure and balance.
Wine Going to the Dogs
Ever hear someone say, “this wine is a dog”?
In most cases, that’s not a compliment. However, if the wine is made by Carpineto, then it’s probably “Dogajolo”.
There are two versions of Dogajolo — a Baby Super Tuscan made from a blend of grapes dominated by Sangiovese, and a pleasantly fruity and food-friendly white made primarily from Sauvignon Blanc, Grechetto, and Chardonnay. Both wines are easy drinking, but not so easy to pronounce without some practice — so some people like to refer to them as “Dog red” and “Dog white” (by the way, you say it like this: dog-ah-YO-lo).
Recently, the two “dogs” were recommended as ideal for the upcoming holidays by Celia Strong, wine writer for The Island News (Beaufort, South Carolina):
Our “dogs”are from Italy, Tuscany to be more precise. They come from the Carpineto winery that also makes Chiantis. The “dogs,” though, are not the higher legal level of Italian wine that Chianti is. They are “IGT” (Indicazione Geografica Tipica) wines, which means they are typical grapes and flavors of the geographic region that they come from. That I can remember, we haven’t talked about too many Italian wines. But this pair, one red and one white, are so good, so well priced, have such pretty fall-looking labels, and will go so well with our holiday meals, it just seemed like the time to do some Italians.
You can read Celia’s full article on Dogajolo by clicking here.
Are You “Game” for this Dinner?
Bottagra Restaurant in Hawthorne, NJ is hosting a very special dinner featuring wines imported by Opici matched with game dishes. If you live in the area and interested in attending, be sure to make reservations by visiting the Bottagra website or calling 973.423.4433. Otherwise, you may be interested in perusing the menu — just in case you want to know what to match with unusual dishes such as alligator gumbo.
Game Wine Dinner at Bottagra
November 11, 2010
Passed Hors d’Oeuvres of various sausages (boar, etc.)
Served with Dom de Bertiol Prosecco
First Course
Caymen Gumbo (Alligator) with a hint of spice over rice, okra, peppers and onions
Served with Altadonna Vermentino
Second Course
Braised Rabbit Ravioli with chanterelle mushrooms, squash and butter sauce
Served with Fattoria di Magliano “Heba” Morellino de Scansano
Third Course
Braised Elk, Venison or Antelope ossobucco with a goat cheese risotto
Served with Rizzi Barbera d’Alba
Fourth Course
Loin of Yak or Llama with Brussels sprouts, currants and pine nuts
Served with Cesari Vino di Ripasso “Mara”
Fifth Course
Quail egg bread pudding
Served with Carpineto Dolce Spumante
Thanksgiving Menu
It’s almost turkey time, and Lynda Mahana — the Buckhead, Atlanta Cooking Examiner — has posted a full menu for a Thanksgiving meal, complete with recipes and wine matches.
The menu includes roast turkey (of course!), salmon, butternut squash, pecan pie, and a number of other delicious dishes.
As for the wine pairings, Lynda suggests Bigi Orvieto Classico and Bigi Est! Est!! Est!!! — two fragrant, clean-tasting, fruity white wines that have the structure and food-friendliness to go along with most any dish. Considering that most Thanksgiving feasts include a variety of different flavors, wines with this kind of versatility are ideal for the holiday table.
Click here to see the full Thanksgiving menu and obtain the recipes.
Can Sangiovese Wines Age?
When it comes to judging quality, the measuring stick for many is a wine’s ageability — in other words, how long will a wine hold up and continue to develop?
Most people immediately associate classic French wines such as Bordeaux or Burgundy as long-lived wines, worthy of aging in a dark, damp cellar. But the French do not have a corner on the market in terms of high quality, ageable bottles. Italy, for one, has several wines that not only deserve but require long-term aging in order to fully mature.
If you are an Italian wine aficionado, then Nebbiolo-based wines such as Barbaresco and Barolo may immediately come to mind when you think of Italian reds to stock in the cellar. But what about Sangiovese? As it turns out, the base grape for Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is indeed capable of producing fabulous, complex wines that evolve and improve as they age.
Antonio Zaccheo, Jr. came into the USA in September to prove that very fact, hosting a special luncheon featuring old vintages from the Carpineto estate. Here is what the well-respected wine writer Tom Maresca (author of Mastering Wine
… Antonio Zaccheo sounded the theme that would provide the leitmotif of all three: toscanità – Tuscan character, particularly as expressed by the Sangiovese grape, the backbone of Chianti Classico and Vino Nobile and the entirety of Brunello. Owning properties in multiple locations throughout Tuscany, Carpineto produces a lot of different wines, and at this lunch ten of them were poured: four vintages of Chianti Classico Riserva (1990, 1997, 2005, 2006), one Brunello (2005), four Vino Nobile (1988, 1995, 2001, 2004), and one Vin Santo (2004).
All the wines showed well, with that tipicità that has once again become the stylistic goal of Tuscan winemakers (the internationalized Supertuscans are happily a dead or dying breed), but the older wines of course were the readiest to drink and the most interestingly developed. The 1990 Chianti was lovely and elegant, and even the ’97 showed handsomely, with great freshness and a good spine. But the wines of the day for me were the 1988 Vino Nobile – a gorgeous wine, still fresh and lively, with great grip – and right behind it its sibling, the ’95 Vino Nobile, very structured and still quite young, with years of development before it.
Spooky Wines for Halloween
Trick or treat is not just for kids — the adults enjoy Halloween as well. Those attending grown-up Halloween parties may want to bring along a bottle or two of wine … but what wine goes with ghouls?
Here is a selection that “screams” Halloween:
Altos del Cuco Monastrell – Syrah – Tempranillo
The black and orange bottle fits perfectly into the traditional Halloween color theme patterned after the jack-o-lantern. And the “Cuco” name faintly reminds one of the crazy villains who escaped mental institutions in gory slasher movies such as, um, “Halloween”.
Casa de la Ermita Petit Verdot
The haunting images and ghostly stories that symbolize All Hallow’s Eve match well with dark and brooding wines such Petit Verdot. Bold and earthy with a dark purple — almost black — color, it’s easy to imagine a goblin guzzling down a glass.
Dominio de Tares Exaltos
Is it me, or does that label look like a scene from somewhere scary?
Opici Sangria
“Sangria” comes from the Spanish word sangre, meaning for “blood” … sounds like a drink for a vampire! Additionally, the black box with red and yellow highlights fits with typical Halloween decor, and it’s the equivalent of 4 bottles of wine — the perfect party size! Not to mention, sangria is a fun and flavorful drink that just about everyone likes, with a sweet taste that matches well with Halloween candy.
