Founder (and magnificently monikered) Bonventura Maschio converted a distillery into a state-of-the-art winery in 1973, thus committing to crafting Prosecco. Made from the Glera grape, Prosecco has lively, fun bubbles that are perfect for any occasion. Here’s a fun fact: in 2009, the Prosecco region in the Veneto renamed the sparkling wine’s grape from Prosecco Tondo to Glera (with the approval from the EU). Their objective was to prevent other Italian regions from producing this world-renowned sparkling because moving forward, it had to come from the stated place of origin, Prosecco (ahh, the EU rules and regulations!). So while many confuse Prosecco as a grape, style of wine, and/or location, at one time all of these were true (and two still are)! The Maschio is a dry bubbly with crisp acidity and floral aromas of orange blossom and wisteria. When tasted, various citrus flavors along with peach and almond are unleashed. The Lemon Herb Shrimp plate from Coco Shrimp would be a delicious pairing.
It’s another European wine named after its world-famous region! According to the Wines of Portugal website, this northwestern area is “one of the most original and distinctive regions of Portugal, marked by an extreme Atlantic influence, in a green and humid landscape, with cool temperatures and abundant rainfall.” It is also the largest Denomination of Origin in Portugal, occupying nearly 60,000 acres. The theories surrounding the region’s colorful name range from how green and lush the Portuguese landscapes are to how fresh, acidic, and fruity wines are to how they are meant to be drunk young. Whatever theory you like, Vinho Verde is traditionally tangy, aromatic, and refreshing. Made from indigenous grapes Loureiro, Arinto, Trajadura, and Avesso, the first sip showcases electric acidity, imparting green apples, lemon curd, stone fruits, and a tinge of minerality. Enjoy a glass with steamed or spicy edamame from Komodo Loco for a pleasing culinary experience.
Winemaker Graziano Prà says, “I only guide the wine. I don’t improve what nature offers, but, rather, lead it in the right direction towards an elegant, precious wine” (it probably sounds even more alluring in Italian). Named after Otto, a Border Collie that was part of the family for 15 years, this wine is such a fascinating study into Italian white grapes. Soave, a zone in Verona, is made from the Garganega grape (Europe, you did it again!). Adding ‘Classico’ to the name is important because Classico sites in Italy are revered as prototypical of the style and more superior than just a ‘regular’ wine. Indelibly floral, with aromas of Hawthorn flower (a gorgeous white species emitting almond, honeyed scents) and jasmine, the ‘Otto’ also conjures up green apple to coalesce with almond, mineral, and saline notes, spinetingling acidity, and a bit of richness due to aging on the lees (expired yeast cells). You ‘otto’ partake of a glass alongside with a warm bowl of vegetable soup from The Chestnut Tree.
Completing the quadruple threat of wines with names based on their location, the Vignerons des Monts de Bourgogne Rouge, or more simply, Pinot Noir from Burgundy, is a glimpse into why Burgundy is the spiritual heartland of this grape variety. The history of the area is transfixing, from Romans drinking watered down versions over 2000 years ago to monks of the medieval age making huge advancements in viticulture and winemaking to Louis XIV being prescribed wine to cure his ailments. Napoleon I then really made an impact through his Codes of Inheritance, which passed land down to any and all children. Currently, vineyards encompass such a small amount for each landowner (generally) that Burgundy also has many cooperatives and négociants, or merchants, to make and sell wine. This particular wine is sourced from vineyards in the Côte d’Or, the very best region for Pinot Noir, and the Mâconnais, which is at the far south of Burgundy. In the glass, red and black fruits pop, like redcurrant, cherry, blackberry, and blackcurrant, assuaged by some subtle but quintessential forest floor and mushroom characteristics. Try it with the Red’s smoked turkey sandwich at Render Texas Delicatessen.
Navarra, in north-central Spain, shares a border with France; its closest big city is Pamplona, where the Feast of San Fermín, or the Running of the Bulls, happens each July. Navarra is often overshadowed by its more famous neighbor Rioja, which specializes in bold, oaked Tempranillos, but Navarra is gaining in its reputation for red wines. It was once known as the epicenter of rosados, or rosés, due to its proximity with France and the moderating influence of both the Bay of Biscay to the west and the Pyrennees to the northeast. Garnacha is the most planted variety here, and in the case of the Hacienda Uvanis, this rendition is fruit-forward but concentrated, coming from older vines. Ripe plum, black cherry, fennel, plus hints of balsamic and earth envelop the mouth. With fresh acidity, medium body, and medium tannins, this wine is the perfect transition into warmer weather. Serve it with salmon, either sushi or hibachi, from Blue Ginger Japanese Bistro.
Bodegas Bianchi is one of the oldest family-owned wineries in Argentina, founded in 1928 by Italian-born Valentín Bianchi, who was born in 1887. Bianchi moved to Argentina in 1910, and he realized his dream of making wines in San Rafael, one of the two recognized Denominations of Controlled Origin (DOC) in Mendoza (the other is Luján du Cuyo). Bodegas Bianchi is quite possibly the most famous winery in San Rafael, and this wine is noted as ‘Oasis Sur’ (or ‘South Oasis’) because of the various soil types and microclimates which can impart the best expressions of Bianchi wines. Also, cool Andean air gets funneled into the vineyards, resulting in longer hangtimes for the grapes in the sunny, warm climate of San Rafael. In the glass, this can translate to a wine of more complexity and structure. Notable aromas and flavors in this Malbec are fresh plum, blackberry, black cherry, fig, and spice. The blue cheese wedge from L'Amitié would hold up nicely to this tantalizing wine.
Some of you may remember a Pinot Noir we had awhile back from Ministry of the Vinterior. The guys behind this punnily named wine, Chris Nickolopoulos and Elijah Pfister, are also behind The Dirty Pure Project. Their unapologetic red blend is called ‘The Bomb,’ and it might be decorated with a few choice ‘F’s’ on the label. ‘The Bomb’ has been around for 10 years, starting with the 2015 vintage when they were playing around with wine they had left in barrels, wanting to make, in their words, a “solid red blend.” Nickolopoulos and Pfister craft a different combination each year, challenging themselves to create the most outstanding blend possible. The 2022 vintage is highlights Grenache, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon, which sees a minimum of 6 months in used American and French oak. A quaffable wine with strawberry jam, raspberry, red plum, black mission fig, and toasty vanilla oak, ‘The Bomb’ will explode alongside your choice of BBQ from The Brisket Burger.
‘Pets,’ or Petite Sirah, has its origins in France, where it is known as Grand Durif. With small, compact grapes that pack a punch, Petite Sirah can knock you out with its concentration of fruit aromas and flavors but also its color (it is known as a tooth-stainer, after all!). This version from Vinum Cellars is also named for pup Tanker, who belonged to one of the grape growers that Richard Bruno and Chris Condos, Vinum founders and winemakers, work with regularly. Although Tanker barked at Bruno and Condos whenever they would visit, they were inspired by the canine, whom they called “dark colored, long legged and bold, but has the potential to be your best friend.” Thus, this wine can feel like a nice companion, playfully offering up notes of boysenberry, blueberry, blackcurrant, licorice, vanilla, dark cocoa, and coffee, with a lingering finish. Imbibe with some carnitas tacos from Taqueria Guanajuato, and your day will be made!
This moody, evocative statement is on Torbreck’s website to pique interest in this wine: “You’d imagine a high country Scottish woodcutter might like a satisfying red at the days end – something rich, warming, and full bodied…” While it’s uncertain what exactly any of this means (ha!), the ‘Woodcutter’s’ Shiraz is, of course, just that wine. David Powell, who established Torbreck in 1994, was indeed a lumberjack for a short time in the Inverness Forest in Scotland (so maybe he is the woodcutter?!), but somehow after nearly two decades since Torbreck’s founding, Powell got the ax (couldn’t help it – but he does now work on winemaking projects with his son). However, the ‘Woodcutter’s’ Shiraz has stood the test of time…despite all of the drama. Full-bodied and luxurious, there are plentiful fruits including blueberry, mulberry, black plum, and blackberry; these are complemented with rosemary, thyme, and some sandalwood. The next time you are in Sanger, get a steak from the Parker Brothers Trail Dust, which will be an excellent companion for this Shiraz.