Bring in the New to End Summer

dbeltramo — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 10:00:21 +0000

Even though Summer is winding down, we still have excellent warm weather that will most likely continue for another month or two. You know, that famous California “Indian Summer” thing. So, why not keep summer alive with a new assortment of outstanding white wines that we recently acquired. These new arrivals are clean and fresh, beautifully made and perfect for seafood, poultry, salads, pastas and whatever other “summery” fare you create.

I highly recommend the following:

2011 Blanco Nieva –Verdejo – Rueda/Spain ($15.99)

2011 Chiroulet “Terres Blanches” – 50% Gros Manseng, 40% Sauvignon Blanc, 10% Ugni Blanc Cotes De Gascogne/France ($10.99)

2010 Dutton-Goldfield “Dutton Ranch” – Chardonnay – Russian River/California $29.99

2011 Eidosela –Albarino -Rias Baixas/Spain ($12.99)

2011 J. Hofstatter-Pinot Grigio -Sudtirol-Alto Adige/Italy ($15.99)

2011 Lieu Dit – Sauvignon Blanc – Santa Ynez/California ($21.99)

2011 Moulin de Gassac “Picpoul de Pinet” – Languedoc/France ($12.99)

2010 Jean-Baptiste Ponsot – Rully “Montpalais” – Burgundy/France ($21.99)

Enjoy!

Gary M., Beltramo’s Wine Consultant

One Grape, Many Faces

dbeltramo — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 10:46:59 +0000

Summer is right around the corner, a time for the beach, barbeque, ball games, and chilled white wines. Chardonnay is the un-disputed best seller in this category, with Sauvignon Blanc a close second and it is to this varietal I will turn. The vine is cultivated globally and is prized for its hardiness and prolific production of fruit. It is little wonder that with the grape being grown around the world there are many different styles, interpretations, and flavors.

I have highlighted some of my personal favorites which showcase the diversity of the Sauvignon Blanc. Please, join me on our international journey, and if you have any questions call me or stop by…

2010 Heritance, Napa Valley ($16.99) 91 Points Wine Enthusiast: “Made without oak, this is a beautiful, stylish and elegant young wine to drink now. Blended with some Sémillon for buttery fat, it highlights lime, green grass, white peach and white pepper flavors, brightened with brisk acidity. Achieves an unusual level of control and complexity, especially at this price.”

2010 Benziger, Sonoma County ($11.99) Bright citrus and floral aromas, followed by subtle notes of grapefruit, melon and lemon. The acidity has been softened by a touch of barrel aging, giving the wine a delicacy not often associated with Californian wines.

2009 Seresin, New Zealand ($14.99) “91 points. Bright yellow. Subdued, pure aromas of nectarine, spices, minerals, licorice and honey. Broad, concentrated, ripe and dry, with a tactile dusty texture to the pineappley fruit. Finishes chewy, savory and very persistent, with uncompromising dryness. Serious stuff.” Stephen Tanzer, Wine Access, September 2011

2010 Le Claux Delorme, Loire Valley France ($12.99) From the Valencay region, mid-way along the river comes a classy and classic example of a Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc. Lemon and limes with delicate nuances of flint and mineral tones on the nose and the palate matches this in combination with touches of apricot and peach.

2010 Francis Blanchet Pouilly-Fume Cuvee Silice ($21.99) This wine also heralds from the Loire Region, but originates in Pouilly-Fume closer to the famed area of Sancere but on the opposite bank of the river. The wine is juicy, thirst quenching, with aromas of gun smoke, wet stone and delicate white flowers. Great tone and lift on the palate, lots of citrus with a hint of white pepper.

2010 Venica Ronco delle Mele, Fruili Italy ($34.99) This wine originates from Friuli in Northeastern Italy. The nose is very expressive, exotic flowers and a hint of pear. A soft texture on the palate with hints of apricot, peach and citrus rinds. Very complex for a Sauvignon Blanc: my personal favorite.

James D-B., Beltramo’s Wine Consultant

Beltramos Blog » Sauvignon Blanc

Bring in the New to End Summer

One Grape, Many Faces