The Never Ending Search for Great Wine

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A few years ago, as I began to develop an interest in wines, I embarked on a quest to find a truly exceptional wine that I could consistently return to and savor. Although the search for a remarkable wine was an enjoyable journey, it never seemed to lead me to a wine that I could always revisit and relish as much as the initial experience. As it turns out, that was merely the beginning of an unending pursuit of the perfect wine.

Part of the reason it’s challenging, if not impossible, to consistently find a great wine year after year is the very nature of winemaking. Each year’s harvest is unique, heavily influenced by weather conditions. Spring weather determines the number of grapevine buds that develop into grape bunches, while fall sun or rain affects the grapes’ ripening process. Beyond the grape harvest variability, numerous factors contribute to the fermentation and aging of wines, resulting in ever-changing nuances.

Then, you realize there’s another factor at play. As you embark on your wine journey, you encounter an increasing variety of wines. This exposure gradually alters your palate. What once seemed like a delightful wine may now appear ordinary. Consequently, you continue your search, driven by the desire to find that exceptional wine.

And to this day, I continue my quest for exceptional wines, determined to find them. However, I’ve come to realize that this search is an endless journey. Nevertheless, I’m grateful for the experience and the joy it brings. Here’s to great wine and the endless pursuit of it. Cheers!

Sparkling Wines to Consider for the Holidays

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Sparkling wines really do shine during the holidays—both literally and figuratively. Here’s a few tips on the various types of sparkling wines to enjoying them to the fullest.

Champagne

Champagne is a sparkling wine that is produced in the relatively small region of Champagne in France. An entry level bottle of Champagne is going to start in the $50 range.

Some Champagne facts:

• Champagne is typically produced from three grapes — Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier

• To be called Champagne, it must be produced in the Champagne region of France. Otherwise, it must be called Sparkling Wine

• Champagne is produced using a process called the méthode champenoise where the bubbles are formed in the bottle during a second fermentation.

U.S. Sparkling Wine

In the U.S., there are a tremendous number of makers of sparkling wine. Most will produce a wine that can taste very much like the French Champagne. And, you can also find rosé sparkling wines.  An entry level bottle of sparkling wine in the U.S. can be as little as $10. Read more

Prosecco and Asti

In Italy, Prosecco is their signature sparkling wine. Produced in the Veneto region just north of Venice, this sparkling wine usually produces bigger bubbles. Bottles of Prosecco can be purchased in the $10- $15 range. Read more

Cava

The sparkling wine of Spain is Cava that is produced in the Catalonia region of Spain where Barcelona is located.  Nice bottles of Cava can be purchased for around $15. Read more

Styles of Champagne and Sparkling Wine

Brut Nature - This style is bone dry meaning it has little or no sugar content (0–3 g/L sugar).

Extra Brut - This style is also very dry but, it can have up to twice the sugar level of Brut Nature (0–6 g/L sugar). This little bit of sweetness creates a wonderful balance with Champagne’s naturally high acidity.

Brut - This is the most common style. While considered “Dry” this style can have twice the sugar of Extra Brut (0–12 g/L sugar).

Extra Dry - This is the one that always confuses people. This style is sweeter which actually makes it also taste a bit fruity (12–17 g/L sugar).

Dry - The confusing continues. This style is getting up there in sweetness (17–32 g/L sugar).

Demi-Sec - Now you’re talking Sweet (32–50 g/L sugar). This style works well with desserts or cheeses.

Doux - This one, while very rare to find, is really sweet (50+ g/L sugar).

A few serving tips

• Chill properly: About 40–45°F (4–7°C) is ideal

• Use proper glassware: Tulip or white wine glasses preserve aroma better than narrow flutes

• Open gently: Twist the bottle, not the cork, for a quiet, elegant release

No matter which type or style you choose, give sparkling wines a try this holiday season. Cheers!

When Buying an Italian Wine Check to See if it is DOC or DOCG - They Are Different!

In Italian wines, DOC and DOCG are classifications that signify different attributes:

DOC – Denominazione di Origine Controllata (Controlled Designation of Origin):

• This classification was established in 1963

• It ensures that wines are made in a specific region using specific grape varieties and production methods.

• Regulations cover the permitted grape types, yield limits, aging requirements, and production methods.

• Bottles will have the DOC classification on a band around neck of the bottle

• There are hundreds of DOC zones in Italy.

Think of DOC as a guarantee of geographic origin and quality control but with some flexibility.

DOCG – Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (Controlled and Guaranteed Designation of Origin):

• This is a higher level classification than DOC that was established in 1980.

• It has all the DOC requirements plus stricter rules on production, yield, and quality.

• Wines must pass analytical tests and taste tests before being approved for sale.

• Each bottle must have a numbered government seal around the neck to prevent counterfeiting.

• There are only around 70 appellations that are officially recognized as DOCG in Italy.

The DOCG classification is reserved for wines of higher quality and geographic significance. But, that does not necessarily mean that they are prohibitively expensive.

So, next time you are looking to pick up some Italian wine, be sure to also check the band around the neck of the bottle to see if it is DOC or DOCG. Cheers!

How to Select a Bottle of Wine to Take to a Party

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You've been invited to a party and asked to take a bottle of wine.  Now what?  You don't think you know a thing about wine but are expected to show up and not embarrass yourself.  Well, fear not!  

There are several things to consider. First, who will be attending the party. If this is an invite to the boss’s house for dinner, that's one thing. If it's a after-work happy hour, a beach party or picnic, that's another.  The primary thing to consider is who you are buying the wine for. 

So, let's start from the easiest position to be in.  If you are invited to an after work happy hour, a beach party or picnic with a big group, don't fret.  Just about any bottle will do.  The point will be to enjoy some food and wine and have a good time.  Show up with a chilled bottle of Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, or a Rosé and your bottle will fit right in.  

Next, if you are invited to someone's house for a big party, whether it be an open house or a birthday party, again it's hard to go wrong.  The big group will just be looking for a bottle that can be opened and enjoyed while socializing at the party. Along with the previously mentioned white wines and rosés, you might venture into some reds wines and consider a popular Red Blend, Zinfandel, or a Merlot. Inexpensive versions of these can easily be found in the $10-$15 range. And, like the beach party or picnic, it will be easy to introduce your wine with little threat.

Next comes the smaller couples party where you are to take a bottle of wine. Here your wine will be noticed. If you know the hosts well, it’s certainly appropriate to ask what type of wine they'd like for you to bring.  They know what food they are going to be serving and should give you some direction on a white versus a red.  Otherwise, show up with a nice bottle of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir or Merlot in the $15 price range.

A harder situation is when the boss invites you over for dinner or you are in a social situation where you are trying to make a strong positive impression.  Even if you weren't asked to bring a bottle of wine, you should show up with one.  If you are trying to impress, plan on shopping by price and find a nice bottle of red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, or Zinfandel) in the $20 - $30 price range.  Yes, that may be a bit pricey compared to what you would usually spend, but remember, you want to impress.  And, spending a few extra dollars will be well worth it.

Finally, if you've been invited to someone's house where you know they are big wine lovers.  You want to be shopping the upper shelves which is where the 'nice' wines are usually displayed.  If you can go $35 to $50, do so.  And focus on the red wines. A nice bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Syrah, Petite Sirah or a fine red blend should impress. 

Whether it's a picnic party or a small gathering, be sure to look around at what other wines show up.  It will give you a better sense for next time. And, you just might want to drop off your bottle and try someone else's wine that you've never tried before.  

So, boldly go out there, pick up a bottle of wine to share and, most of all, don't worry. Your wine will be appreciated and rapidly consumed.  Cheers!

Can You Buy a Good Bottle of Wine at a Grocery Store?

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I recently came across a piece that asked the question “Can you buy good wine at the grocery store?”

The answer included the statement that you are only going to find mass-produced wines in a grocery store. And, the bottom line was that these mass-produced wines really aren’t that good.

I beg to differ.

First, I will agree that a very high percentage of wines on grocery store shelfs are from large wineries that produce large numbers of cases of wine such that they can distribute. But, where I disagree is that “mass-produced” wine aren’t that good.

Grocery stores, like most retails, will generally stock their shelfs with their best products either on the top shelf or at eye-level. The other stuff goes at knee-level or ankle-level. This too is true for wines on grocery shelfs.

So, sure, the stuff down around your ankles is going to be very inexpensive and probably quite ordinary. But look mid-shelf and upper-shelf and you are going to find some nice wine. Top-of-the-line connoisseur wine? No. But it’s going to be good wine. And maye even some very good wine!

The grocery store is actually one of the best ways to get your start in wines. There’s great selection, affordable prices and no pressure. So, explore the wine isle. Choose wines that are different. And, find out what’s Behind the Cork™. Cheers!