Winter Reds
This month we celebrate delicious reds from around the world. These are bottles to get cozy with on chilly winter evenings. A common thread tying these reds together is that they’re all very classic grapes coming from regions that aren't what people often think of first (or second, or third) when they hear these grapes. Italian Zinfandel, anyone? Napa Valley...Pinot Noir? Yes, please.
To complement the theme of cold weather comfort-wines, the pairing suggestions will all be comfort foods. Cuddle up, pour a glass, and make yourself that dinner you’ve been craving.
Boundary Breaks Cabernet Franc
Finger Lakes, New York
Producer Profile
A newer winery in the Finger Lakes region of New York, providing elegant examples of the winemaking potential of the area. Located on the eastern shore of Seneca Lake, proximity to this very deep body of water (up to 618 feet) moderates the vineyards in the winter, allowing for the use of ‘classic’ grapes. The winery started with Riesling, expanding to Cabernet Franc about 10 years ago.
Tasting Notes
Delicate red fruit notes of strawberry and raspberry and a slight touch of bell pepper on the nose (though very minimal). More fruit on the palate with lots of floral aromatics, white pepper, and some baking spices from the use of 2-year old oak in aging. Low tannin, decent acidity, medium body, no residual sugar to speak of.
Pairing Suggestions
Chicken Parmesan would be my choice here. Any iteration of chicken + sauce + pasta is going to work though!
Varvaglione 12 e Mezzo Primitivo del Salento
Puglia, Italy
Producer Profile
Varvaglione is one of the older wineries in Puglia, Italy (the heel), spanning four generations and over 100 years. The wines have always been made by the Varvaglione’s themselves and have always focused on Southern Italy’s historic varietals, including Primitivo, or Zinfandel as we know it here in the states. Zinfandel originated in Croatia, from there it likely hopped over the Adriatic where it is now known as Primitivo.
Tasting Notes
Lots of rich fruit: plum, ripe cherry, dates. Nice spiciness that compliments the notes of lavender and mint on the nose. Higher tannin for a Zinfandel, but integrated very nicely. Shorter finish but with some chocolate notes that are quite nice.
Pairing Suggestions
A nice, hearty chili with a little bit of kick to it.
Flores Merlot Pays d’Oc
Languedoc, France
Producer Profile
Flores makes a wide range of wines in Florensac, France, the heart of the Languedoc, an area known historically to mass-produce wines for the local French market. Flores is in the process of converting all of their vineyards to organic and biodynamic, a daunting task for a winery that produces such a variety of wines. The Flores wines we’ve had in the past are all very approachable and this Merlot is no different.
Tasting Notes
Stewed fruit like plum and blackberry. A somewhat brambly characteristic that compliments the tannins. Not much here for secondary aromas, just a hint of baking spices and earth. Very easy going red that typifies the nicer reds coming from the Languedoc.
Pairing Suggestions
Hearty red-sauce pizza loaded up with meats, herbs, and spices. Be bold, pair French wine with Italian food.
Cuvaison Estate Pinot Noir
Napa Valley, California
Producer Profile
An exceptional estate in Los Carneros, the southernmost AVA in Napa Valley. Family-owned since 1979, Cuvaison has been one of the leading producers in this interesting strip of land that spans Napa and Sonoma counties. It’s one of the only places in Napa suited to Pinot Noir (too hot elsewhere) due to its proximity to San Pablo Bay, from which it’s blanketed in fog for long stretches of the day. Their vineyards are certified sustainable and, in addition to Pinot, they grow Chardonnay, Syrah, and Sauvignon Blanc.
Tasting Notes
Beautiful fruit notes that seem to change with every sip. Rich cherry, strawberry, pomegranate… very perfumed aromas of red flowers. Spice notes of cedar, eucalyptus, and other lovely forest-y smells. Perfect amount of cinnamon and clove from a bit of new oak aging. Balanced acidity and tannin. Looong finish that stretches out the eucalyptus and florality.
Pairing Suggestions
Usually we go light with our Pinot pairing suggestions, but let’s go a different direction this time: barbeque! Something with a nice tang and rich, dark meat.