Behind the Cork™ - Vina Progreso Overground Viognier

2023 Viña Progreso Overground Viognier ($26)

The Viña Progreso Overground collection is named “overground” in contrast to “underground” because these wines are more refined and approachable.

Their objective is never to replicate an international model, but rather to allow the grapes to express themselves as they ripen in the Progreso Region of Uruguay.

The cool temperate climate of the southern region of Uruguay’s coast rests on the Atlantic Ocean where Uruguay shares the same latitude as the most renowned viticultural regions of the Southern Hemisphere.

This Viño Progreso Viognier is fermented in stainless steel tanks with selected yeasts for 25 days followed by six months of aging, on lees, in stainless steel tanks.

This Viognier, a medium-gold color, exudes delicate floral aromas along with apple and pear. On the palate, it boasts a medium body with a refreshing burst of bright acidity that lingers with each sip. The flavors unfold to include nectarine, pineapple, and a hint of orange peel. It finishes light and crisp. 

This Viognier, a unique Uruguayan wine, is certainly worth trying. And, at this price, it’s an excellent choice for this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week. Cheers!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this sample at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Media Sample Provided by Viña Progreso

Behind the Cork™ - Alto de la Ballena Reserva

2018 Alto de la Ballena Reserva Tannat-Viognier ($26)

Alto de la Ballena is a small winery founded by husband and wife Paula Pivel and Alvaro Lorenzo.

They began its plantations in 2001 with first harvest in 2005 and the first wines were presented to the market in 2007.

Located in the Sierra de la Ballena, 15 km (9.3 miles) from the coast, Alto de la Ballena combines oceanic air and mountain soils. There are just over 8 hectares (~20 acres) of Merlot, Tannat, Cabernet Franc, Syrah and Viognier, for a limited production of high quality wines.

This wine is produced from both Tannat (85%) and Viognier (15%) grapes. This blending of a red wine grape with a white wine grape has many benefits. Both grape-types are hand picked and crushed into the same vat where, after macerating at low temperature for three days, they co-ferment. Then, the wine is then aged for nine months in American oak barrels. (14% ABV, Total Acidity: 6.1 g/L, pH: 3.4, RS: 1.9 g/L)

This 2018 Alto de la Ballena wine is medium ruby in color with medium aromas of red fruit and floral notes. On the palate this medium-full bodied wine has nice flavors of black and red fruit. The typically big and bold Tannat profile is definitely softened by the addition of the Viognier. But, it softens even more in the decanter for an hour. It has a medium-long finish.

This 2018 Alto de la Ballena Reserva Tannat-Viognier blend presents Tannat uniquely and is a must-try for Tannat lovers. And, at this price, it’s a great fit as this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week. Cheers!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this sample at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Media Sample Provided by Alto de la Ballena Bodega Y Viñedos

Behind the Cork™ - Vitis Ridge Viognier

2021 Vitis Ridge Viognier ($22)

Vitis Ridge is currently owned and operated by Chris & Sharon Deckelmann.  What started as a hobby in their garage over 20 years ago has evolved into one of the North Willamette Valley's most popular wineries. Vitis Ridge is part of the Cascade Foothills Winegrowers, a consortium of wineries on the East side of the Willamette Valley.

Established in 2005, Vitis Ridge is a boutique Oregon winery producing about 3,000 cases annually. They focus on unique wines and specialty blends and are currently offering 30 varietals.

Their Estate vineyards are comprised of nearly 150 acres and include Pinot Noir, Maréchal Foch, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Chardonnay, and Muscat.  They also bring in grapes from vineyards throughout the Northwest to provide a broader range of offerings and interesting terrior differences.

This Vitis Ridge Viognier is sourced from the Rattlesnake Hills AVA in Yakima Valley Washington. It was processed entirely in stainless steel tanks. It is medium gold in color with bright citrus aromas. On the palate it has the classic “oily” mouthfeel that make it smooth tasting with flavors of apricot, peach and tangerine on its delightful finish.

Vitis Ridge keeps their prices affordable so you can open the bottle you want to drink anytime...not just for the special event. That makes this Vitis Ridge Viognier a perfect fit as this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week! Next time you are in the Willamette Valley in Oregon, stop in at Vitis Ridge and meet their Tasting Room Manager, Brian Everest, to check out all their great wines. Cheers!

Disclosure: This wine was purchased directly from Vitas Ridge. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Behind the Cork™ - Alto de la Bellena Reserva

2018 Alto de la Bellena Reserva ($24)

Nine miles away from the Atlantic Ocean, Alto de la Ballena is a small winery producing high-end wines from over 20 acres of vineyards in Uruguay. Starting vine plantations on a slope of Sierra de la Ballena (“Whale Hills”) in 2001, the estate opened new trends in wine growing by combining maritime climate, hills and rocky soils.

This Alto de la Bellena is a blend of 85% Tannat and 15% Viognier. Yes, it’s a blend of red wine and white wine. It is common to use Viognier as a blending wine to enhance the color, add floral aromas, and provide a silkier mouthfeel. The Viognier was fermented separately in barrels and its skins were co-fermented with the Tannat. The finished wines were then blended and aged for nine months in American oak.

This wine is deep ruby in color with aromas of plum and black cherry. On the palate, this full-bodied wine has jammy flavors of black fruit, medium-high tannin and acidity and a bit of tartness on the finish.

This Alto de la Bellena red blend is yet another great example of the fine wines being produced in Uruguay and a great fit as this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week. Cheers!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this sample at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Sample Provided by Alto de la Bellena Winery via Creative Palate Communications

Behind the Cork™ - Amrita Seiza White Blend

2021 Amrita Seiza White Blend ($35)

Amrita Cellars, founded in 2017, prides itself on finding vineyards off the beaten path and sourcing their grapes from family-owned wine growers that use the best practices in renewable and sustainable farming.

Sunny, their winemaker is a first-generation East India gentleman born and raised in the United States. He named Amrita Cellars to honor his culture and family. Amrita in Sanskrit (ancient Indic language of India) means immortality and is often referred to as the elixir.

This Amrita Seiza is made from a 50/50 blend of Viognier and Grenache Blanc. Each is fermented separately and then blended post-fermentation and aged in stainless steel.

This wine is pale gold in color with bright floral aromas and hints of lemon peel and tangerine. On the palate it is medium-light bodied with a smooth mouthfeel, flavors of citrus and pear with moderate acidity. It is available directly from the Amrita Cellars website.

Also, check out Amrita Cellars Pinot Noir wines that won two Bronze Medals at the Orange County Fair Commercial Wine Competition in June 2022. Cheers!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this sample at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Sample Provided by Amrita Cellars