Wednesday, September 21, 2016

WINES OF CHILE ARMADOR ESTATE SELECTION SAUVIGNON BLANC FROM ODFJELL 2015 FROM CASABLANCA VALLEY-$12.99

BY DWIGHT CASIMERE


Fall is here, and along with the cornucopia of fresh flavors from the harvest comes a dizzying array of new wines. Wines of Chile is in the midst of a whirlwind national promotion at Whole Foods Market, and the wine selections are a natural with the vast selection of fresh foods and produce available from the fall harvest. The common theme between the wines and the food products center around sustainability and biodynamic and organic practices. Such is the case with the wine of Odfjell, in particular the Armador Estate Selection Sauvignon Blanc 2015 of the Casablanca Valley, Chile. 







 The grapes are all hand picked and crushed in whole bunches, then fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve the pungent fresh fruit aromas and flavors. Think aromas of fresh grapefruit and gooseberry on the nose, followed by zesty citrus fruit flavors  and vibrant acidity that makes this wine great with all types of food. I tried it with a Chicken Tagine flavored with Moroccan spies and fresh root vegetables. Its a perfect, hearty Fall dish that takes full advantage of the harvest and makes for a colorful presentation, served in the same clay pot in which it was roasted in the oven. 

The story of Odfjell wines is noteworthy. Twenty-five years ago, a Norwegian ship owner (Armador in Spanish) fell in love with a tiny corner of Chile's Maipo Valley and decided to revive the forgotten wealth of Chile's wine growing past. With his commitment to sustainable agriculture and green winemaking practices, he created wines of distinctive character. The winery is especially known for its gravity flow system which minimizes the need to pump or agitate the juice throughout the winemaking process. The result is a finely crafted wine that is finished to perfection, preserving the natural subtleties of the wine and all of its rich, fruit and floral nuances.A variety of vegetarian dishes, salads, seafood and poultry dishes are perfect accompaniments to the wine, as are a variety of soft and semi-hard cheeses. My favorites are the marvelous goats milk (chevre) cheeses from Sonoma. which are also readily available at Whole Foods. That, and a tray of California Figs and a handful of honey glazed almonds, some  finely shave prosciutto and slices of fresh, artisan bread and you're in business for a fine al fresco lunch in the vineyards during  harvest!
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Tuesday, September 13, 2016

NEW HUNGARIAN WINES FOR FALL PACK A LOT OF FLAVOR FOR A REASONABLE PRICE

WINES FROM HUNGARIAN FURMINT GRAPE OF TOKAJ SHOW VERSATILITY;
THEY AREN'T JUST FOR DESSERT WINES ANYMORE

by Dwight Casimere


 Laszlo Balint-Co-Founder,  Director of Operations Furmint USA (r) and Assistant to the Consul General of Hungary Judit Ludwig-Janosy
Estate Furmint  Beres Estate 2014-$14



NEW HUNGARIAN WINES FOR FALL

by Dwight Casimere


The Romans brought wines to Hungary in the 5th cerntury AD. Over the centuries, new grape varieties were brought in from France and Italy.  Most of the production has been in white wine, particularly the sweet wines created from the Furmint grape of the Tokaj region. Furmint is a late-harvesting grape, often subject to botrytis, the "noble rot" that produces spectacular sweet dessert wines. Of late, dry wines made from the same full-bodied grapes are gaining traction. The Hungarian Consulate was the setting for an eye-popping display and tasting of new releases, destined for a restaurant or wine shop near you in the new fall season. A few may already be familiar; Beres Estate 2014, a mere $14, is among the most versatile of the bunch with flavors of crisp golden and green apples and hints of white flowers, white pepper and a touch of cardamum spice on the back note. This is a white wine with an unusual mix of flavors and surprising backbone that you rarely see in a white wine. It can stand up to really spicy dishes like curried lamb or thai basil chicken or, one of my favorites, lamb or chicken tagine redolent of Harissa  and mint. Kvasinger Winery Estate Furmint 2013-$22, is another crisp, bright wine with a lot of complexity. The Erzsebet Cellar 2012-$22 is another moderately priced, beautifully made white wine that is perfect with a variety of foods.  It won a Double Gold-Best of Category in the San Francisco International Wine Competition and was voted Best Eastern Europe, Best Buy  by Wine and Spirits Magazine.One thing is for sure, your palate will not be bored with these wines. They pack a lot of flavor into the bottle and for a very reasonable price. A veritable smorgasbord of goodies, ranging from various hams, cheeses and other charcuterie showed off the versatility of the wines presented. Somewhere in between, in terms of temperament and flavor was the Szent Donat-Estate Furmint 2014-$20. A real middle-of-the-road white wine, but still sure to please those who are just getting into wine appreciation. Serve it at your Fall Leaves soiree for one of the last meals on the patio before the dazzling colors of fall give way to the chill of winter. It will warm the soul.


 Savoring a delicious glass of Furmint  Szent Donat 2014-$20

 Not only are the wines versatile, according to Trade Commissioner Andras Juhasz, the label
of the Hold and Hollo Dry wine from Holdbogy Winery-$21, doubles as a nifty wrist band

 A smorgasbord of assorted charcuterie brought out the best in these versatile wines
 Kvaszinger Winery-$22 and (below) Estate Furmint Szent Dorat-$20

 The Furnint wine tasting at the Hungarian Consulate



Majores Estate Deak Furmint 2013-$20 A spectacular dessert wine

NEW HUNGARIAN WINES FOR FALL PACK A LOT OF FLAVOR FOR A REASONABLE PRICE

WINES FROM HUNGARIAN FURMINT GRAPE OF TOKAJ SHOW VERSATILITY;
THEY AREN'T JUST FOR DESSERT WINES ANYMORE

by Dwight Casimere


 Laszlo Balint-Co-Founder,  Director of Operations Furmint USA (r) and Assistant to the Hungarian Consul General of Hungary Judit Ludwig-Janosy
Estate Furmint  Beres Estate 2014-$14



NEW HUNGARIAN WINES FOR FALL

by Dwight Casimere


The Romans brought wines to Hungary in the 5th cerntury AD. Over the centuries, new grape varieties were brought in from France and Italy.  Most of the production has been in white wine, particularly the sweet wines created from the Furmint grape of the Tokaj region. Furmint is a late-harvesting grape, often subject to botrytis, the "noble rot" that produces spectacular sweet dessert wines. Of late, dry wines made from the same full-bodied grapes are gaining traction. The Hungarian Consulate was the setting for an eye-popping display and tasting of new releases, destined for a restaurant or wine shop near you in the new fall season. A few may already be familiar; Beres Estate 2014, a mere $14, is among the most versatile of the bunch with flavors of crisp golden and green apples and hints of white flowers, white pepper and a touch of cardamum spice on the back note. This is a white wine with an unusual mix of flavors and surprising backbone that you rarely see in a white wine. It can stand up to really spicy dishes like curried lamb or thai basil chicken or, one of my favorites, lamb or chicken tagine redolent of Harissa  and mint. Kvasinger Winery Estate Furmint 2013-$22, is another crisp, bright wine with a lot of complexity. The Erzsebet Cellar 2012-$22 is another moderately priced, beautifully made white wine that is perfect with a variety of foods.  It won a Double Gold-Best of Category in the San Francisco International Wine Copmpetition and was voted Best Eastern Europe, Best Buy  by Wine and Spirits Magazine.One thing is for sure, your palate will not be bored with these wines. They pack a lot of flavor into the bottle and for a very reasonable price. A veritable smorgasbord of goodies, ranging from various hams, cheeses and other charcuterie showed off the versatility of the wines presented. Somewhere in between, in terms of temperament and flavor was the Szent Donat-Estate Furmint 2014-$20. A real middle-of-the-road white wine, but still sure to please those who are just getting into wine appreciation. Serve it at your Fall Leaves soiree for one of the last meals on the patio before the dazzling colors of fall give way to the chill of winter. It will warm the soul.


 Savoring a delicious glass of Furmint  Szent Donat 2014-$20

 Not only are the wines versatile, according to Trade Commissioner Andras Juhasz, the label
of the Hold and Hollo Dry wine from Holdbogy Winery-$21, doubles as a nifty wrist band

 A smorgasbord of assorted charcuterie brought out the best in these versatile wines
 Kvaszinger Winery-$22 and (below) Estate Furmint Szent Dorat-$20

 The Furnint wine tasting at the Hungarian Consulate



Majores Estate Deak Furmint 2013-$20 A spectacular dessert wine

NEW HUNGARIAN WINES FOR FALL PACK A LOT OF FLAVOR FOR A REASONABLE PRICE

WINES FROM HUNGARIAN FURMINT GRAPE OF TOKAJ SHOW VERSATILITY;
THEY AREN'T JUST FOR DESSERT WINES ANYMORE

by Dwight Casimere


 Laszlo Balint-Co-Founder,  Director of Operations Furmint USA (r) and Assistant to the Hungarian Consul General of Hungary Judit Ludwig-Janosy
Estate Furmint  Beres Estate 2014-$14



NEW HUNGARIAN WINES FOR FALL

by Dwight Casimere


The Romans brought wines to Hungary in the 5th cerntury AD. Over the centuries, new grape varieties were brought in from France and Italy.  Most of the production has been in white wine, particularly the sweet wines created from the Furmint grape of the Tokaj region. Furmint is a late-harvesting grape, often subject to botrytis, the "noble rot" that produces spectacular sweet dessert wines. Of late, dry wines made from the same full-bodied grapes are gaining traction. The Hungarian Consulate was the setting for an eye-popping display and tasting of new releases, destined for a restaurant or wine shop near you in the new fall season. A few may already be familiar; Beres Estate 2014, a mere $14, is among the most versatile of the bunch with flavors of crisp golden and green apples and hints of white flowers, white pepper and a touch of cardamum spice on the backnote. This is a white wine with an unusual mix of flavors and surprising backbone that you rarely see in a white wine. It can stand up to really spicy dishes like curried lamb or thai basil chicken or, one of my favorites, lamb or chicken tagine redolent of Harissa  and mint. Kvasinger Winery Estate Furmint 2013-$22, is another crisp, bright wine with a lot of complexity. The Erzsebet Cellar 2012-$22 is another moderately priced, beautifully made white wine that is perfect with a variety of foods.  It won a Double Gold-Best of Category in the San Francisco International Wine Copmpetition and was voted Best Eastern Europe, Best Buy  by Wine and Spirits Magazine.One thing is for sure, your palate will not be bored with these wines. They pack a lot of flavor into the bottle and for a very reasonable price. A veritable smorgasbord of goodies, ranging from various hams, cheeses and other charcuterie showed off the versatility of the wines presented. Somewhere in between, in terms of temperament and flavor was the Szent Donat-Estate Furmint 2014-$20. A real middle-of-the-road white wine, but still sure to please those who are just getting into wine appreciation. Serve it at your Fall Leaves soiree for one of the last meals on the patio before the dazzling colors of fall give way to the chill of winter. It will warm the soul.


 Savoring a delicious glass of Furmint  Szent Donat 2014-$20

 Not only are the wines versatile, according to Trade Commissioner Andras Juhasz, the label
of the Hold and Hollo Dry wine from Holdbogy Winery-$21, doubles as a nifty wrist band

 A smorgasbord of assorted charcuterie brought out the best in these versatile wines
 Kvaszinger Winery-$22 and (below) Estate Furmint Szent Dorat-$20

 The Furnint wine tasting at the Hungarian Consulate

m

Majores Estate Deak Furmint 2013-$20 A spectacular dessert wine

NEW HUNGARIAN WINES FOR FALL PACK A LOT OF FLAVOR FOR A REASONABLE PRICE

WINES FROM HUNGARIAN FURMINT GRAPE OF TOKAJ SHOW VERSATILITY;
THEY AREN'T JUST FOR DESSERT WINES ANYMORE

by Dwight Casimere


 Laszlo Balint-Co-Founderr, Director of Operations Furmint USA and Assistant to the Hungarian Consul General of Hungary Judit Ludwig-Janosy
Estate Furmint  Beres Estate2014-$14



NEW HUNGARIAN WINES FOR FALL

by Dwight Casimere


The Romans brought wines to Hungary in the 5th cerntury AD. Over the centuries, new grape varieties were brought in from France and Italy.  Most of the production has been in white wine, particularly the sweet wines created from the Furmint grape of the Tokaj region. Furmint is a late-harvesting grape, often subject to botrytis, the "noble rot" that produces spectacular sweet dessert wines. Of late, dry wines made from the same full-bodied grapes are gaining traction. The Hungarian Consulate was the setting for an eye-popping display and tasting of new releases, destined for a restaurant or wine shop near you in the new fall season. A few may already be familiar; Beres Estate 2014, a mere $14, is among the most versatile of the bunch with flavors of crisp golden and green apples and hints of white flowers, white pepper and a touch of cardamum spice on the backnote. This is a white wine with an unusual mix of flavors and surprising backbone that you rarely see in a white wine. It can stand up to really spicy dishes like curried lamb or thai basil chicken or, one of my favorites, lamb or chicken tagine redolent of Harissa  and mint. Kvasinger Winery Estate Furmint 2013-$22, is another crisp, bright wine with a lot of complexity. The Erzsebet Cellar 2012-$22 is another moderately priced, beautifully made white wine that is perfect with a variety of foods.  It won a Double Gold-Best of Category in the San Francisco International Wine Copmpetition and was voted Best Eastern Europe, Best Buy  by Wine and Spirits Magazine.One thing is for sure, your palate will not be bored with these wines. They pack a lot of flavor into the bottle and for a very reasonable price. A veritable smorgasbord of goodies, ranging from various hams, cheeses and other charcuterie showed off the versatility of the wines presented. Somewhere in between, in terms of temperament and flavor was the Szent Donat-Estate Furmint 2014-$20. A real middle-of-the-road white wine, but still sure to please those who are just getting into wine appreciation. Serve it at your Fall Leaves soiree for one of the last meals on the patio before the dazzling colors of fall give way to the chill of winter. It will warm the soul.


 Savoring a delicious glass of Furmint  Szent Donat 2014-$20

 Not only are the wines versatile, according to Trade Commissioner Andras Juhasz, the label
of the Hold and Hollo Dry wine from Holdbogy Winery-$21, doubles as a nifty wrist band

 A smorgasbord of assorted charcuterie brought out the best in these versatile wines
 Kvaszinger Winery-$22 and (below) Estate Furmint Szent Dorat-$20

 The Furnint wine tasting at the Hungarian Consulate

m

Majores Estate Deak Furmint 2013-$20 A spectacular dessert wine

Wednesday, September 7, 2016

IN PRAISE OF SOUTH AFRICAN WOMEN AND THE WINES THEY MAKE

A CELEBRATION OF THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ICONIC 1956 WOMEN'S MARCH MARKS THE NATIONAL ROLLOUT OF SOUTH AFRICAN WINES MADE BY WOMEN

Story and photos by Dwight Casimere

 In praise of South African Women and their wines

 South African Consul General Mathula Nkosi and (below) Wines of South Africa Marketing Manager Jim Clark preside over the premiere tasting event at the South African Consulate in New York City


Sixty years ago, thousands of South African women demonstrated in the administrative capital of Pretoria outside the offices of then Prime Minister JG Strijdom to protest proposed changes to the reviled Urban Areas Act that would limit freedom of movement, employment and commerce through the use of restrictive passes and permits. Thousands stood silently in protest in traditional dress or colors of the ANC and Congress of Democrats to present petitions demanding that the proposals be rescinded. To mark the 60th Anniversary of the iconic 1956 Women's March, the South African Consulate presented a Showcase of South African Woman Owned Wineries and Winemakers.

Showcased wines included; Botanica Mary Delany Collection Untitled No. 1 Chenin Blanc-2014-($18). From  winemaker Ginny Povall of the famed winemaking region of Stellenbosch. Ginny is actually a transplanted, self-taught American winemaker who purchased a luxury guest house and flower farm in the picturesque Devon Valley. She started experimenting by making small batches of wine at home and then sending out samples to be tasted and critiqued. Her first wine, 2009 Chenin Blanc, turned out to be the charmer, earning a place as one of only two Chenin Blancs listed among 58  wines to be rated 5 Stars by the prestigious Platter's 2011 Guide.

Winemaker Ginny Povall in her vineyards in the Stellenbosch

This was my absolute favorite of the entire lot presented. It defies everything you might think about Chenin Blanc First of all, its a real mouthful, with a lingering smoky flavor and opulent fruit. There are flavors of tropical fruit with an elegant finish of orange zest and a hint of hazelnut that gives it a resonance. This is a great wine to pair with salads, seafood or a meal of lighter meats and fish, even light "white" meats such as veal or pork tenderloin would make an excellent pairing. Spicy Indian or Thai dishes literally cry out for this golden colored beauty.

Tesselaarsdal Pinot Noir ($25), another favorite, is an outstanding example of an expression of the Pinot Noir grape and, I would venture, one of the most superior ones I have had of late.  There's a terrific story behind this wine that is indicative of the reason for the type of celebration now being accorded wines made by South African women.

Winemaker Berene Sauls, a long-time employee of Hamilton Russell Vineyards, made the wine from grapes sourced from Mount Babylon in the historic Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. The wine is named for a quaint, historic Overburg faming hamlet in a largely underdeveloped paradise just Southeast of Cape Town, not far from where the grapes are harvested. .Since her beginnings as a winemaker 15 years ago,  Hamilton Russell has assisted her in acquiring her own, wholly-owned wine business. Winemaker Sauls was born in Tesselaars, the descendant of freed slaves who were bequeathed the land by a former East India Company settler, Johannes Tesselaar, upon his death in 1810.

 Winemaker Berene Sauls with her Tesselaarsdal Pinot Noir and (below) on the job in the Babylon Vineyards and at her winery






Tesselaarsdal Pinot Noir ($25) is a revelation. Light and aromatic,  it has lovely flavors of sweet red cherries and hint of white pepper and ginger that give it a nice, polished finish. At 13% alcohol,  the wine may seem a bit delicate, but it has plenty of backbone that carries the flavor right through to a silky finish. Elegant, with a sophisticated structure, this wine has that ephemeral quality so sought after, but rarely achieved, in Pinot Noir, that most elusive of all  grapes. Winemaker Sauls seems to have captured it all here with a deft hand. The result is applause-worthy.


Seven Sisters wines, which are readily available in many wine shops and markets around the country is a steal at only $9 a bottle. 2015 Twena Rose and Vivian Sauvignon Blanc were represented at the premiere tasting, and they are shining examples of each. They're just made for enjoyment. With food-friendly flavors abounding, the wines go with just about everything you'd want to serve for that end-of-summer feast, especially outdoor parties or lunch or dinner on the patio.  The Brutus sisters have named each of their wines after a sister, infusing the wine with the unique personalities of each of them. Like so many stories in South Africa, the roots of Seven Sisters winery were sprouted in adversity. The family had been evicted from their home after their father lost his job at a local fishery in the tiny fishing village of Petermoster. As the sisters grew to adulthood, they vowed to own land and to produce quality wine that would garner the world's attention. With Seven Sisters, they've achieved that goal and more.


 Dwight Casimere with winemaker Dawn Brutus of Seven Sisters
Four of the Seven Sisters at their seaside village

South African Consul General Mathula Nkosi and Wines of South African Marketing Manager Jim Clark presided over the unveiling and guided tasting for a host of VIP guests and wine media. It was an event of historic magnitude.

Here is a listing of the wines presented. Several of them are already in the US market. Others are being rolled out on a regional basis. If you don't see a particular wine that interests you, ask your purveyor to order it.

-Warwick The First Lady Chardonnay 2015-$17





Warwick The First Lady Chardonnay with Ginny Povall's Botanica Mary Delany Collection Chenin Blanc 2014

-Glenelly Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon Petit Verdot Merlot 2008-$29.99



 Winemery owner May de Lencquesaing and her Glenelly Cabernet Petit Verdot Merlot 2008





This is the Grand Dame of all South African Reds. A rich Ruby red color betrays the elegant, complex wine to be had. Flavors of ripe, dark red fruit with aromas and tastes of casis, dark red plum, with notes of cedar and maduro tobacco on the backnote. the well-balanced tannins give it a luscious finish. Estate owner May de Lencquesaing is a member of one of Bordeaux's oldest wine families. She is famous for Chateau Pichon Longgueville Comtesse de Lalande a Grand Cru Classe from Pauillac. Her success at Pichon led to her being named Decanter Magazine Woman of the Year in 1994.

--Jardin Barrel Fermented Chardonnay 2014-$22



Winemaker and Owner Kathy Jordan

If the name sounds vaguely familiar, that's because it entirely is! The California-trained winemakers  wanted to set this exquisite modern, racy wine apart from the rest with its own name and label. This Stellenbosch beauty is the provenance of the winemaking team of Kathy and Gary Jordan, who have been making world-class wines since 1993 at their state-of-the-art winery in the Cape district.  The wine is fermented and aged in Burgundy shaped barrels from various Chardonnay clones combined to give the wine richness, body and character. The wine is aged in French oak barrels for nine months "sur lie", with occasional rolling of the barrels to increase the "leezy" character. This is a wine with great finesse and grace. The taste and aroma of ripe lemons gives way to aromas and flavors of lightly toasted brioche. This is a well-balanced, elegant wine to be savored with Rabbit Pot au Feu or a roasted Pheasant or Duck. Use a bit of the wine in the demi-glace or sauce and you have a winning meal combination for the ages.  


-Saltare Methode Cap Classique Brut Nature NV-$24



This is a great, reasonably priced South African sparkler that can be had well-chilled at almost any time of day. The South Africans are famous for their love of seafood, pulled straight from the waters off the Cape and eaten lightly grilled, steamed or raw. Oysters, jumbo shrimp, lobster, all go down incredibly easy when you have this beautiful sparkler on hand.


Warwick The First Lady Chardonnay 2015 and Cabernet Sauvignon 2014-both around $16
 Warwick winery owner Norma Ratcliffe at her Stellenbosch estate
These are both moderately priced wines that you can mix and match with a variety of dishes. At this price, keep a mixed case or two on hand hwne unexpected company arrives. They'll be impressed and you can tell them you learned about it through this article on the premiere presentation of South African wines made by women winemakers. That ought to spark some interesting cocktail conversation.

Winery owner Norma Ratcliffe is considered "The First Lady" of South African wine, having been acknowledged as one of the first women to be recognized as a winemaker. She is the first woman to become a member of the Cape Winemakers Guild and the only woman to serve as Chairperson.  Her wines are serious and elegant, just as she is.