Wine Facts: Are You Familiar with Zibibbo?

While perusing the wine list at a casual restaurant, a friend of mine recently asked “Have you heard of Zibibbo?” I had to reply that I didn’t but promised to look into it.

It turns out that Zibibbo is a white wine grape varietal used to produce both sweet and dry wines, most notably on the Sicilian island of Pantelleria.

The varietal is also known as Muscat of Alexandria, and has similar aromatics to that of Muscat.

To produce the sweet version of this wine, the grapes are usually left on the vine until they partially ferment in the hot sun and start to raisin. Hence the name Zibibbo that is derived from the Arabic word zabib that means "raisins".

The popularity of sweet and fortified wines around the world has declined with time as winemaking techniques and consumer preference have moved towards dry wines. This has led to the appearance of dry wines (both still and sparkling) made from Zibibbo. The dry version of Zibibbo is a bright, golden yellow color. It can have flavors of orange, ripe pineapple and peaches with some hints of saline.

The sweet dessert wines have aromas of almond and apricot, while the taste is sweet, aromatic and with a typical almond aftertaste. The alcohol content of these wines often a minimum of 10 ABV and is typically served cold.

As for pairings, as well as being used as an aperitif, the dry version of Zibibbo works well with fish and shellfish, as well as bold cheeses. However, as you might expect, the sweet wine it a nice match with desserts, especially traditional Sicilian Cannoli, Cassata, and pastries filled with almond paste, as well as pistachio-based desserts and ice cream.

While most notably grow in Sicily, it is also grown in California, but is most often used as a blending variety.

So, there you have it. I’m certainly going to keep my eye out for this wine. And, maybe you should too. Cheers!

Behind the Cork™ - The Federalist Cabernet Sauvignon

2016 The Federalist Lodi Cabernet Sauvignon ($17.99)

The Federalist Lodi Cabernet Sauvignon was created to honor Benjamin Franklin who was a passionate man who helped draft the Declaration of Independence and campaigned for Colonial unity during the American Revolution. The Federalist’s passion for winemaking rivals that of Ben Franklin’s for the country.

This Cabernet Sauvignon is from Lodi in the middle of California’s central valley. With more than 100,000 acres of vineyards, it is twice the size of Napa Valley.

The Federalist Cabernet Sauvignon is 93% Cabernet Sauvignon with 5% Zinfandel and a combined 2% of Petite Sirah, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Different blocks were fermented separately to preserve the characteristics of each. They each spend an average of 18 days on the skins during fermentation and then finished with 15 months in oak - 35% of which was new oak.

While Lodi is known for producing big and bold wines, the Federalist Lodi Cabernet Sauvignon actually leans toward being a medium-bodied wine with notes of sour cherry, plum, and blackberry. The tannins are quite soft and this Cab finishes with light notes and medium acidity.

This Federalist Cabernet Sauvignon is another good one that’s affordable and attainable - Just right for being featured as a Behind the Cork™ wine of the week! 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

Aromas Play an Important Part in How a Wine Tastes

In a recent blog, I asked “What do you smell when you smell wine?” In wines, especially the red wines, there are a multitude of aromas that can be detected, with a little practice. And, these aromas play an important part in how the wine tastes.

I was unintentionally reminded of this fact recently. I have a couple of insulated wine tumblers that are great for keeping wines such as rosés and white wines chilled when outside on a hot day. These double-walled metal tumblers also come with a handy “sipper” top that’s perfect for avoiding spills and keeping the bugs out.

I’ve enjoyed using these tumblers but was constantly finding that the wines were just so-so. This went on for some time until one day when I wasn’t using the “sipper” top. My wine really tasted good, the way it should. Then, suddenly, I realized the issue with the “sipper” tops. They were not allowing me to get any of the aroma from the wine. And, that makes a big difference.

Just try pinching your nose shut while eating or drinking. Things just don’t taste the same. Without your sense of smell you have a reduced sense of taste for anything you eat or drink.

And, the same is true with canned wines. The small opening doesn’t allow for any of the aromas to reach your nose.

So, avoid drinking from a “sipper” lid or directly from a can. Then you’ll be assured that you are getting to enjoy the full flavors of your wine. Cheers!

Behind the Cork™ - The Federalist Honest Red Blend

2016 Federalist Honest Red Blend ($21.99)

The Federalist Honest Red Blend pays homage to one of the most highly regarded American Presidents of all time, Abraham Lincoln.

This is a blend of reds from the California’s North Coast appellation that includes 46.4% Merlot, 24% Zinfandel, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7.6% Malbec. (I always find the fractional percentages of a varietal in a blend fascinating, but I’ll address that in a future blog). It’s somewhat a Bordeaux blend but with the addition of the Zinfandel.

Each wine is fermented separately, spending an average of 18 days on the skins. Then, they are aged 15 months in 35% new Oak.

With all these big reds, the color of this Honest Red Blend remains a pale purple.

On the nose there are floral notes along with hints of black fruits such as black cherry and black currant.

The black cherry flavors also come through on the palette. The tannins are surprisingly moderate and the finish is again surprisingly light.

So, while this Federalist Honest Red Blend states that it “…burst with bold layered flavors” it actually has some lighter, more delicate notes as well. While I’ve seen this one in the past, it was a new one for me. And, I’m so glad to have become acquainted with The Federalist. 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™ - Écluse Blind Dog Red Blend

Écluse Blind Dog Red Blend ($17)

Écluse is the French word for the locks on the canals. And, the Écluse name is very fitting for this winery that’s owned by Steve Lock.

During my last visit to Paso Robles I stopped in to visit Écluse and got to meet Steve. Besides making great wines, he’s also a wonderful gentleman.

The Blind Dog wines began in 1996 when their property caretaker, Duane Robinson, lived on the property with Bingo, his longtime, faithful companion who, due to glaucoma, was blind. They were great companions as Bingo would bark to alert Duane, who was very hard of hearing, and Duane would be Bingo's eyes. In 1998 Bingo had aged and Topaz, a spunky little lab/terrier mix came on the scene. Topaz became Toby to Duane and all at the Vineyard. As Toby aged they discovered she was a Diabetic and in the summer of 2008, Toby lost her sight. They then had two blind dogs on the property.

This inspired Écluse to create Blind Dog Midnight Run Cuvee as a Tribute to these special dogs. This red is a terrific blend of some of the best Paso Robles reds. It’s barrel aged from 14 to 30 months and really special.

So, next time you are passing through Paso Robles, take the short drive off Highway 101 and visit Écluse. They make a bunch of really great wines that you’re sure to enjoy. And, if you pick up a bottle of this Blind Dog Red, they’ll donate a percentage of their proceeds to Dogs for Better Lives, formerly known as Dogs for the Deaf, in Central Point, Oregon. It’s a real win-win! Cheers!