Behind the Cork™ - Sunstone Winery Sauvignon Blanc

2020 Sunstone Sauvignon Blanc ($28)

When the Rice family moved in 1989 from Santa Barbara to a peaceful 52-acre Santa Ynez ranch to grow wine grapes, little did they know that they would be stewards to the first organic vineyard estate in Santa Barbara County. 

Sunstone has been committed to growing wine grapes without the use of herbicides, pesticides, or synthetic fungicides since the initial planting in 1990.

Named after the exposed sun-dappled shale and stones of the vineyard estate, Sunstone winery is located on the California Central Coast, just 35-minutes north of Santa Barbara.

This Sauvignon Blanc is a pale gold in color with a medium-low nose of pear and apple. On the palate, this light-bodied wine is dry (14.5% RS) with medium acidity and flavors of pear and apple. Some research shows that Sunstone puts their Sauvignon Blanc through Malolactic Conversion which converts the sharper malic acid (found in green apples) into softer, smoother, creamy lactic acid (found in milk). This would explain the soft and smooth mouthfeel of this Sauvignon Blanc. It finishes nicely with just a bit of tartness.

This Sauvignon Blanc from Sunstone Winery is a terrific wine that is available at a great price. This make it a nice fit as this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week. Cheers!

The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

It's International Pinotage Day!

Join in celebrating International Pinotage Day today, October 12th. This special day honors the remarkable Pinotage grape, a unique variety that originates from South Africa. Pinotage was created by a cross between Pinot Noir and Cinsault.

Known for its bold and expressive character, Pinotage offers a fascinating blend of flavors that can range from rich dark fruits to smoky undertones.

Discover the versatility of this extraordinary wine. Whether you prefer a full-bodied red to complement your grilled meats or a lighter option to pair with roasted vegetables, Pinotage has something for every palate. This is the perfect opportunity to explore both classic and modern interpretations of Pinotage from acclaimed wineries around the world.

Make International Pinotage Day a day of discovery and enjoyment. Raise a glass, share in the experience, and appreciate the rich heritage of Pinotage. Enjoy the journey, and let every pour of this unique wine remind you of the passion and tradition that goes into every bottle.

Cheers to International Pinotage Day!

Behind the Cork™ - Shadow Ranch Barbera

2017 Shadow Ranch Barbera ($25)

Shadow Ranch, located in the Sierra Foothills of California, embraces the concepts of sustainable farming and having as little impact on the environment as possible. Their operation is solar powered and their vineyards are organically farmed.

With ten acres of vineyards at Shadow Ranch, their vineyards are planted in the fine-grained, well drained, decomposed granite which is common in the Fair Play region. Hilltop exposure positions the vines to receive cooling breezes in summer, preventing the grapes from maturing too quickly. In the winter, the hilltop exposure allows cold air to drain to the valley, which limits the damage from frost. This allows the grapes to stay on the vines long enough to develop the necessary complexity and concentration required to make great wine.

Sourced from their Sierra Foothills Vineyards, these Barbera grapes soak up the warm days and cool evenings of the hillsides. Fermented in small lots, these wines were pressed to 30% new French oak and aged 21 Months prior to bottling.

This Shadow Ranch Barbera is delightful with flavors of raspberry and blackberry. It is medium-bodied, with moderate acidity and light tannins. If you love Barbera, like I do, from the Sierra Foothills, this is an excellent example. And, their 2022 vintage was a Gold Medal Winner at the 2024 Foothill Wine Festival!

This is a great wine at a very affordable price which makes it a great fit as this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week. Cheers!

The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

The Differences Between Old World Wines and New World Wines

In wine vocabulary, you may have heard of an “Old World Wine” versus an “New World Wine.” Let’s take a quick look at these two ‘worlds’ and how they differ.

Old World Wines

Old World Wines are primarily from Europe, including countries like France, Italy, Spain, Germany, and Portugal.

  • Terroir Focus: Old World wines emphasize the concept of terroir, which refers to the unique environmental factors (soil, climate, topography) that influence the grapes and ultimately the wine. Wines are often identified on the label by the region where the grapes are grown and where the wine is produced instead of the grape used to produce the wine.

  • Tradition and Regulation: These wines often must adhere to strict regulations regarding the grape varieties that can be grown, the winemaking techniques, and aging processes and durations.

  • Subtlety and Complexity: Old World wines tend to be more subdued in flavor, showcasing subtle fruit flavors, earthy notes and minerality. They often require considerable aging in order to develop their full character.

  • Well Known Regions

  • Bordeaux (France): Known for blends primarily of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

  • Chianti (Italy): Made primarily from Sangiovese grapes.

  • Rioja (Spain): Often a blend, typically featuring Tempranillo.

New World Wines

New World Wines come from countries outside Europe, including the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Argentina, and South Africa.

  • Fruit-Forward Style: New World wines are often more fruit-driven and expressive, with big, bold flavors and aromas. This is partially due to different climate conditions as well a winemaking techniques.

  • Innovation and Flexibility: Winemakers in New World countries have more freedom to create unique blends. This has led to diverse styles and unique interpretations of classic varietals.

  • Less Emphasis on Terroir: While some New World producers are increasingly focused on terroir, many wines prioritize varietal characteristics over the influence of specific regions.

Well Known Regions

  • California’s Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley: Known for their rich fruit flavors and oak influence.

  • Mendoza Argentina: Known for typically bold and jammy Malbec, with dark fruit flavors.

  • Australia’s Barossa Valley: Known for Shiraz that often showcases its intense fruitiness and spice.

Both Old World and New World wines offer unique experiences and flavors, catering to various palates. Exploring wines from both categories can provide a deeper understanding of the diversity and artistry in winemaking. Cheers!

Behind the Cork™ - Trefethen Merlot

2016 Trefethen Family Vineyards Merlot ($36)

Pioneers in the Napa Valley, the Trefethen family are champions of estate grown wines. For three generations, they have carefully tended to their land, employees, and customers, building a loyal following for their legacy of fine, age-worthy wines with a deep integrity of place.

 Embodied in their approach is a profound respect for both people and place. This extends beyond the boundary of their estate, knitting them into the fabric of Napa Valley. Over the past 50 years, they helped establish the Napa Valley Agricultural Preserve, co-founded the Napa Valley Grapegrowers, took on leading roles within the Napa Valley Vintners and California Wine Institute, led the effort to build the viticulture and winemaking centers at Napa Valley College, supported the same at UC Davis, hosted the Napa Valley Cooking Class, and established the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley AVA. Their contributions to the wine industry go beyond the wines they make, and help inspire the Napa Valley to live up to its own great expectations.

This Trefethen Family Vineyards wine is a blend of 86% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Malbec from the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley. It is deep ruby in color with aromas of black fruit and dried fruits along with hints of its oak aging. On the palate, this medium-full bodied wine is dry (14.2% ABV) with rich flavors of black fruit, notes of red cherry and balanced acidity.

This Trefethen Merlot is an excellent wine from the premier Napa Valley. And, a great value too! This makes it a great fit as this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week. Cheers!

The opinions expressed are entirely my own.