What is a "Fine" Wine?

I recently heard a radio ad that included the statement "...you will be served fine wine..." It got me thinking - what is "fine" wine?  It sounds really great but begs the question "What is fine wine?

Let's start off with the easiest answer which is that "fine wine" is not well defined and somewhat subjective. So, buyer beware. The phrase leads one to believe that the wine must be something special. But it can end up being a lot of things.

Unfortunately, in this ad, I suspect that the "fine" wines will turn out to be quite ordinary.

Generally, the term "fine wine" is reserved for exceptional wines from the world's best vineyards, the highest quality grapes and the most acclaimed winemakers. And, over a period of years, these wines have usually been recognized for their status.

But many additional factors can go into defining a "fine" wine. These may include the region where the grapes are grown or the vineyard that produced it. It can refer to wines that have stood the test of time and have proven to be age-worthy. It can refer to the wine's characteristics such as balance and structure. The phrase can also have connotations of high monetary value. Or, distinguishing between mass-marketed wines and those that are produced in limited quantities.

Regardless, consumers must first realize that "fine wine" is a very subjective and unregulated term. These wines may be special, or premium wines. But, it may also just be a marketing trick.

What is most important is that you shouldn't let anyone tell you what to drink. Enjoy drinking a wine that makes you happy - fine wine or not! Cheers!

Behind the Cork™ - Wine of the Week

2015 Thomas Allen Selections Lodi Cabernet Sauvignon ($7)

Generally, when I see a California Cab under $10 I don't pay too much attention. But this Cab is from Lodi, a region I really like. And, while Lodi isn't exactly the best-known region in California for Cabernet Sauvignon, I decided to give it a try. And I'm really glad I did.

It turns out that Thomas Allen is not one person but a pair of third generation wine grape growers; Thomas Michael Stokes and Allen Lombardi.  The Stokes have a family tradition of growing exceptional wine grapes having planted their first 45 acres of Zinfandel near Lodi in 1954.

This Cab is rich and full-bodied with flavors of blackberry and black cherry, with hints of spices. The oak aging also led to subtle flavors of vanilla and chocolate.

The Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week is all about being affordable and attainable. The is certainly great value wine and I only hope it remains widely available.  Keep your eye out for this one and pick up a few.  I certainly did. And am headed back for more!

Wines that Pair Well with the Thankgiving Meal

We are just days away now from the big Thanksgiving feast. And one of the most common questions is "What wine pairs best with the Thanksgiving meal?" 

As we learned last time, the trick is to pair your wine with the type of sides you are serving, not the turkey itself. Typically, along with the turkey, you are going to have stuffing and mashed potatoes and cover them all in a rich gravy.  And then you throw in the yams, cranberry sauce, a couple more casseroles and the vegetables and you end up with some big, rich favors on your plate.

If you really insist on a white wine, try a dry Riesling (look for 'Trocken' on the label) or a crisp New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. But I say "Give a red wine a try."

Three of my favorites for Thanksgiving are:

• Beaujolais - Light, dry and fresh with fruity flavors. And you can serve it chilled.

• Pinot Noir - A light bodied red with flavors of cherry, raspberry and strawberry. In the French wine section at your store, this is called a red Burgundy. And this too can be served slightly chilled.

• Rhône Blends - Rhône wines focus on Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre grapes, producing medium-bodied blends.

And the timing is also perfect for trying a Beaujolais Nouveau that was just released this past Thursday November 16th.

Regardless, don't stress over the wine. Enjoy it. Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Cheers!

Behind the Cork™ - Wine of the Week

2016 Artezin Old Vine Zinfandel ($18)

This Zinfandel comes from California's Mendocino County that has a climate with warm days and cool evenings that provides for great growing conditions and optimal ripening. Winemaker Randle Johnson, who has been with Artezin since its inception in 2002, blends this Zinfandel with Petite Sirah and Carignan. He describes this wine as having "a concentration of juicy bright cherry, pomegranate and boysenberry aromas with flavors of raspberry and currants."

His description is right on. It starts out with big, bright fruit flavors and finishes by leaning toward being a bit jammy with the rich currant flavors. It is very smooth, has moderate tannin, and the French oak provides a hint of spice.

The Artezin wines are family farmed and sustainably grown. And at this price-point, a terrific value. Be sure to keep an eye out for this one and give it a try. It's a winner.

Artezin wines is part of The Hess Family Wine Estates portfolio that is family owned and a fifth-generation company producing excellent wines.

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

Thanksgiving - Give a Red Wine a Try

The common belief is that a white wine should be served with the traditional Thanksgiving turkey.  And, with a white meat, a white wine would be the appropriate pairing. But, there is probably more on your plate than a piece of white-meat turkey.

Along with that serving of turkey, which may include dark meat, you’ll probably have a generous helping of a rich gravy along with stuffing, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes and a bunch of other rich sides.  If this is the case, then a white wine will get lost among all those other big flavors. 

Some red wine options include:

• Beaujolais - Light, dry and fresh with fruity flavors. And you can serve it chilled.

• Pinot Noir - A light bodied red with flavors of cherry, raspberry and strawberry. In the French wine section at your store, this is called a red Burgundy. And this too can be served slightly chilled.

• Carignan - This red wine is a bit higher in tannins and acid, and has flavors of dark and black fruits, pepper, licorice, and spicy, savory aromas.

• Rhône Blends - Rhône wines focus on Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre grapes, producing medium-bodied blends.

• Zinfandel - This medium bodied red wine can really work with a Thanksgiving meal. It has characteristics that include plummy, jammy flavors with spicy or peppery notes.

Avoid highly tannic red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah which can get lost in the presence of all the fruit, sugar, and salt on the Thanksgiving table.

But, as always, ensure that you drink what you like. That's most important. Enjoy your Thanksgiving. Cheers!