Behind the Cork™ - Wine of the Week

2016 Oremus Mandolás Furmint ($25)

Tokaj (toe-kay) is Hungary's most famous and respected wine region, mostly due to its super sweet, botrytized Tokaji dessert wines.

But, a new set of wines has emerged from the Tokaj region that are dry. This offering from Oremus is 100% Furmint (“foor-meent”) and is a dry white wine.

The Mandolás name is derived from the way in which these vines are grown.

This wine is aged in oak under a new barrel toasting method. This process only adds subtle hints of oak that preserve the minerality and acidity of this wine.

The acidity is what's most striking about this wine.  While this Furmint shows very light tropical fruit notes in mid-palate, the acidity shines through brightly on the finish and just keeps on going.  A very refreshing wine that will complement cheese plates and lighter meals.

If you haven't experienced a dry Tokaj wine, look for this Oremus Mandolás Furmint. It's really nice!

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

Sample Provided by Will Rogers of Donna White Communications

Behind the Cork™ - Wine of the Week

2015 Feudi di San Gregorio Rubrato Aglianico ($19.99)

Aglianico (Ahl-YAH-nee-koh) is a native grape to southern Italy. This one, from Feudi di San Gregorio, is from the Campania Irpinia region of Italy, near Mount Vesuvious.

After being hand-harvested, these grapes were de-stemmed and pressed. Maceration and fermentation occur in stainless steel tanks for 10 days at 79 degrees F. Finally, it spends an additional 8 months of aging in stainless steel to preserve the fresh fruit flavors, then a minimum of 6 months in the bottle prior to release.

The first thing you notice with this wine is its brilliant ruby-red color. Then, the light fruit notes of the aroma draw you in.  The flavors match the aromas with medium-light hints of red cherry and even a bit of strawberry.  This grape is known for its firm tannins that are evident mid-pallet but do not overwhelm the light finish.

This is a really nice wine that leans on the light to medium-bodied side of things. With just a slight chill (cellar temperature) its acidity leads to a very refreshing finish. Keep your eyes out for this nice value from Feudi di San Gregorio. It's a good one!

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

Sample Provided by Will Rogers of Donna White Communications

Behind the Cork™ - Wine of the Week

2017 Feudi di San Gregorio Falanghina ($22.99)

I always enjoy learning something new about the wine world and this 100% Falanghina from Feudi di San Gregorio in Italy is just another example.

Prior to this bottle, I was not aware of the Falanghina grape. It turns out that it is an indigenous Italian grape from the Campania region, near Mount Vesuvius. And, it's no surprise that this grape isn't planted much outside of the Campania region of southern Italy.

These grapes were hand-harvested then individually selected for soft pressing, followed by 24-48 hours of cold settling at 57 degrees F. Cold fermentation in stainless steel vats and no malolactic conversion means that this wine holds true to its fruit flavors.

It has a nice light straw color, delicate flavors of apple and pear and crisp acidity that makes for a mouth-watering finish. Its delicate flavors and bold acidity make a chilled glass of this wine enjoyable on its own. But, it also pairs wonderfully with cheeses and light foods.

So, add Falanghina to your list to try if you haven't already. This one from Feudi di San Gregorio is a winner!

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

Sample Provided by Will Rogers of Donna White Communications

Behind the Cork™ - Wine of the Week

2016 Hess Select Pinot Noir ($20)

This Pinot Noir from Hess Select is from California's Central Coast. Specifically, the Sarmento Vineyard in the Santa Lucia Highlands region. From the Gablian Mountains in Monterey, these grapes experience the cool afternoon breezes from the Pacific Ocean that result in an extended ripening over a long, moderate growing season.

This 100% Pinot Noir is aged in neutral French oak for up to 12 months. Dave Guffy, Winemaker at Hess, states "A flavorful palate is highlighted by warm vanilla notes and a touch of clove all wrapped up in smooth, velvety tannins."

Dave goes on to say "This wine invites you right in with bright aromas of cherries, raspberries and subtle hints of sweet spice."

To find all these wonderful flavors in a California Pinot for around $20 is spectacular! With a slight chill on it, this wine is just as excellent on its own as it is with foods.

This Hess Select Pinot Noir is another winning value feature in Behind the Cork™ - Wine of the Week that, as usual, is affordable and attainable. Look for this one! Cheers!

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

Sample Provided by Donna White Communications

Behind the Cork™ - Wine of the Week

2015 Hess Select Cabernet Sauvignon ($20)

This Cabernet from Hess Select is from California's North Coast. The wine is produced from Hess estate vineyards in Napa along with grapes from Lake County and Mendocino County.

Hess states that "The rolling hillsides and benchlands offer prime vineyard sites producing flavorful fruit with layers of agreeable acids and balanced tannins."  I would certainly agree.

This wine is a blend of 79% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Petite Sirah, 4% Malbec, 2% Syrah, 2% Merlot and 2% Zinfandel. It's aged in 35% new French oak and American oak for 18 months.

The wine maker, Dave Guffy, describes this wine as having "Bright and vivid aromas of roasted vanilla, mocha and baking spices meet layers of blackberry and ripe cherry flavors."

To find all these wonderful flavors in a California North Coast Cab for around $20 is a great find!

This Hess Select Cabernet Sauvignon is another winning value feature in Behind the Cork™ - Wine of the Week that, as usual, is affordable and attainable. Look for this one! You will enjoy it. Cheers!

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

Sample Provided by Donna White Communications