Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week

Wente Morning Fog Chardonnay ($12)

This Chardonnay out of Livermore Valley California (East of San Francisco) is a well balanced Chardonnay, meaning that everything works together beautifully. Because it is fermented in 50% neutral American oak barrels and 50% in stainless steel tanks it retains its great fruit flavors with just a hint of vanilla. While having a creamy mouth feel its the fresh fruit character that really comes through. Enjoy this one with a light white fish, pork, chicken or a selection of mild white cheeses.

Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week

2014 Old Zin Vines Zinfandel ($12)

This Zinfandel from Lodi comes from 50 to 100 year old vines. And it's a big jammy Zinfandel. Loaded with flavors of blackberries, raspberries, chocolate and mocha, it's smooth with very soft tannin. This is a great value that goes well with anything from a great burger, pizza, BBQ ribs or a steak. If you like Zinfandel, you'll love this one!

 

 

Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week

Lyeth 2013 Meritage ($10)

This Meritage from Lyeth is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.  The name "Meritage" was created in 1988 when U.S. wine makers decided to form an alliance and a name for their blended wines. By blending the words 'Merit' for having worth, and 'Heritage' for the Bordeaux style of wine making, they created a new word, Meritage. But instead of making this blend sound like a French wine, they insisted that Meritage be pronounced like the word heritage.  This Meritage from Lyeth is a nice example of a traditional Bordeaux blend.

Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week

J Vineyards 2014 Pinot Gris ($14)

This Pinot Gris (pee-no gree) from J Vineyards has light and delicate fruit flavors of lime, pear and pineapple. Pinot Gris, also known as Pinot Grigio in Italy, has medium acidity for a bit of a mouthwatering finish. In the USA, Pinot Gris is typically described as fruity and dry as compared to the Italian version that has more mineral flavors.  Chill this wine and enjoy it with soft, light cheeses, fish and chicken.