Behind the Cork™ - Terra Alpina Pinot Grigio

2018 Terra Alpina Pinot Grigio ($16)

This 100% Pinot Grigio is from the Dolomiti region of Italy. Located in the far northern reaches of alpine Italy, it experiences warm Mediterranean influences as well as cool Alpine breezes.

The Lageder family firmly believes that organic and biodynamic cultivation benefits the wine, but also the whole surrounding area and have fully converted all of their estate vineyards in Alto Adige.

This 100% Pinot Grigio starts with aromas of bright tropical fruit, as you might expect. But there’s also a rich, almost buttery aroma that’s included.

On the palate, this Terra Alpina Pinot Grigio has subdued tropical flavors, some dusty minerality and a lingering acidic finish.

Once I checked out the tech sheet on this Pinot Grigio I learned that it undergoes Malolactic conversion, which would explain the buttery aroma and the softened tropical fruit flavors. But, the four months on lees and the aging in stainless steel tanks contributes to the retention of the fruit flavors and the nice acidity.

This was an unexpected treat from Terra Alpina. If you haven’t tried a Pinot Grigio, but enjoy Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay, you need to try 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 Anika Crone, Jarvis Communications

Behind the Cork™ - Bela Ribera del Duero

2017 Bela Ribera del Duero ($19)

This beautiful wine is from Ribera del Duero, located in the village of Villalba del Duero, in the province of Burgos, Spain. The 182-acre estate vineyard was planted in 2002 mostly with Tempranillo.

The three stars on the label represent the three children of the co-founder, Eusebio Real de Asua: Sofia, Aurea and Ramon. Sofia was known as Bela.

Bela is produced from 100% Tempranillo grapes manually harvested from their vineyards. Vinification is in stainless steel tanks, followed by six months in American and French new and one-year old oak barrels.

On the nose there are aromas of dark fruit, such as black cherry and plum, along with some earthly, smoky wood aromas from the barrel aging. On the palate there is black cherry, distinct acidity, light tannin and an easy finish.

This is a medium-bodied wine that can be enjoyed by itself, but is best paired with most foods. 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, Donna White Communications

Behind the Cork™ - Terra Alpina Pinot Bianco

2018 Terra Alpina Pinot Bianco ($15)

This 100% Pinot Bianco is from the Dolomiti region of Italy. Located in the far northern reaches of alpine Italy, it experiences warm Mediterranean influences as well as cool Alpine breezes.

The Lageder family firmly believes that organic and biodynamic cultivation benefits the wine, but also the whole surrounding area and have fully converted all of their estate vineyards in Alto Adige.

This Terra Alpina Pinot Bianco is from vines that are 5 to 50 years old that are planted in mostly calcareous soils. Hence, it has fresh fruit flavors with a bit of minerality.

This Pinot Bianco spends up to four months on the lees and four to six months aging in Stainless-steel tanks.

On the nose there are tropical fruit aromas, including pineapple, a bit of citrus and pear.

On the palate, this wine is soft and easy with ripe pear flavor and just a hint of acidity.

If you aren’t already familiar with the Pinot Bianco grape, this is an excellent way to become acquainted. 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 Anika Crone, Jarvis Communications

Behind the Cork™ - Beronia Gran Reserva

2010 Beronia Gran Reserva ($29.99)

The Rioja region of Spain is famous for its wine that are based on Tempranillo. This Gran Reserva offering from Beronia is comprised of 97% Tempranillo with 3% Graciano.

Tempranillo means "little early one", a name given to it by Spanish growers who observed its habit of ripening early. Graciano's intense aroma makes the variety very popular with winemakers who know that its presence is felt even when used in small volumes.

The very finest of the Rioja wines are the Gran Reservas. They must undergo a total of five years aging, of which at least two years is spent in oak. This one from Beronia spent 28 months in French oak barrels and another 36 months of aging in the bottle.

The aroma of this Beronia Gran Reserva includes dark fruits, such as currant, plum and licorice. There is also a hint of wood. On the palate its got blackcurrants and black cherries, prunes, chocolate and hints of earthiness and tobacco.

While being a deep, dark maroon color, this wine is lighter than you might expect. It’s a medium-bodied wine with subtle tannin and an easy finish.

If you can find this 2010 Beronia Gran Reserva Rioja, pick up a couple of bottles. Open one now and stick the other one away for a while. It will get even better. 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 Rebekah Polster on behalf of González Byass

Ever Wonder? Is it Okay to Drink Rosé Wine in the Fall and Winter?

 Rosé is a wine that is enjoyed in warm weather, by the pool, at the beach and by the lake. It’s wonderfully refreshing and pairs well with most foods. But, like wearing white clothing, rosé is generally not ‘in style’ after Labor Day. And that’s a shame.

Rosé, as previously discussed, is produced from red wine grapes, but extended contact with the dark grape skin is not allowed. The juice from the pressed red grapes is immediately separated before fermentation begins. So, the juice has just a hint of pink color.

So, why do we shy away from rosé during the Fall and Winter seasons? They are delicious and pair so well with so many foods.

Rose’s bright fruit flavors and crisp acidity work with chicken, fish and turkey. Yes, turkey. But is rosé featured on the Thanksgiving table? It should be! And, with a Christmas ham? Absolutely! And on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day? Yes, especially sparkling rosé. While it might be frightfully cold outside, that’s not reason to set aside the rosé.

I say embrace rosé - Year-round. Along with those hearty reds. It’s always okay to rosé! Cheers!