Behind the Cork™ - Wine of the Week

2013 Wild Horse GSM ($12)

This blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre (GSM) from Wild Horse is medium-light in body with a soft mouthfeel, candied red fruit flavors, and light tannins. When served slightly chilled, at cellar temperatures, it's a very easy-drinking wine that goes well with light fare. This is a great value for such a nice wine.

While this is a Wild Horse flagship wine, look for more wines from Wild Horse in my up-coming reviews of some of their reserve wines. They're really nice and surprisingly affordable. Cheers!

 

Wine Q&A: Wine Tasting at a Winery

For some, going to a winery for a wine tasting is a bit intimidating. There are so many questions and concerns that keep people away, especially those who are new to wine and just learning. But going to a winery for a wine tasting is actually a perfect way to learn about wines.

Q: Isn't it intimidating to go to a winery if you really aren't a wine expert?

A: Far from it!  Going to a winery is a great place to learn about wine if you are just beginning. Your wine server is there to help you experience their wines and to educate you, if you are interested. You'll get an opportunity to taste a variety of wines from rosé to whites, reds and sometimes even a dessert wine. They'll help you to find the wine that's for you.

Q: Does it cost a lot to go wine tasting?

A: Wine tasting costs are varied. Sometimes you can find coupons for free wine tastings, or two-for-one tastings on-line, at your local hotel, or through other wineries. Without coupons, costs can be as little as $5 or up to $20. And, typically if you purchase wine, the tasting is free.

Q: How many wines do I get to taste?

A: Typically, a tasting at a winery will include 5 or 6 wines. But, if you show interest, or identify a particular style of wine that you like, they'll often pour others.  And, depending on the circumstances, they may also provide you with tastes of other wines not on the standard list, including some of their wines intended just for wine club members.

Q: So, how much do they pour of each wine?

A: A typical pour is approximately 1 ounce. That is sufficient to be able to have a couple of sips of each wine.

Q: I've heard they provide spit buckets for use during tasting. Do I have to spit?

A: No. The bucket on the bar is there if you choose to spit out the wine instead of swallowing it. It's also there to pour out the remaining wine in your glass if you are through tasting any particular wine.  And, don't feel bad about pouring wine in the bucket.  They won't care.

Q: Is there a lot of pressure to buy their wines after a tasting?

A: Not at all. The servers at wineries are not commissioned salespeople and do not provide any pressure. They are simply there to help you experience and learn about their wines.

Q: Am I expected to tip the server?

A: Not normally. But if you have someone that's gone above and beyond to give you a great experience at a winery, you can certainly show your appreciation by tipping.

So, go out and do a wine tasting. You'll find it to be a very friendly atmosphere and it can be a lot of fun. Cheers!

Behind the Cork™ - Wine of the Week

2014 Colomé Estate Malbec ($25)

Established in 1831, Colomé is located in the upper Calchaquí Valley in the Salta region of Argentina.

Colomé grows the world's highest elevation Malbec. The grapes used in making this wine are grown in four vineyards that sit at elevations ranging from 5740 feet to as high as 10,207 feet. These elevations produce thicker skinned grapes that yield robust flavors and ample tannin.

This 100% Malbec comes from 90 year old vines, is aged 15 months in French oak. What is immediately striking as you pour this wine is its extreme dark color. Then you get the aromas of black and red fruits. The intense rich fruit flavors, spiciness, firm tannin and acidity all work together to make this a very well balanced wine.

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

The Rhône River Valley & GSM -- The Other Red Blend from France

Last time we looked at red wine blends from Bordeaux. Their blends are dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

But, there is another wine region in France that produces great red wine blends, and that's the Rhône River Valley in Southern France.

While there are nearly twenty different grapes grown in the Rhône valley, there are really just three varieties that define their wine. They are Granche, Syrah and Mourvèdre And the wine made from these three grapes, known as GSM, is their signature wine blend. These are full-bodied blends with big dark fruit flavors, great depth and a bit of spiciness. 

Grenache, which contributes red fruit flavors and spice, is widespread in southern France. In Spain, where it is known as Garnacha, it is part of the Rioja blend. Mourvèdre is also found in Spain where it is known as Monastrell. It gives tannins, color and great aging capability to the wine. Syrah, with its bold structure and dark fruit, is very much a French variety and is the primary grape of the northern Rhone Valley.

The bottom line to wine blends, whether from Bordeaux, the Rhône Valley, or anywhere else, is that by blending different grapes, winemakers have greater creative control of their final product.

So, look for a GSM from the Rhône Valley which may be identified as 'Cote du Rhône' or 'Cotes du Rhône Villages' on the label. These are great wines that can be found at affordable prices. If you are looking for some fine GSM wines, look for the Châteauneuf-du-Pape region specifically on the label.

Cheers!

 

 

Behind the Cork™ - Wine of the Week

2013 Manzanita Creek 8th Street Zinfandel ($12)

Manzanita Creek.jpg

Manzanita Creek is a super winery in the town of Healdburg in Sonoma County. And this 8th Street Zinfandel is a really nice one.  Great jammy flavors, easy tannin and just the right amount of oak to give it a bit of spiciness. The winery lists this wine at $30, but having found it for $12 seems like a steal.  So I went back for more!  This winery is sold out of this one, but if you can find a bottle, pick it up. You won't be disappointed!