2011 Is Here!

Hello Wine Lovers!
I can't believe 2011 is here already. It seems just like yesterday 2010 opened up the year with everyone a little on edge. Lets face it, the economy hasn't exactly been stellar, unemployment is at an all time high, and oil prices keep rising and costing us all more at the pump! That being said, lets all look to a brighter 2011 and lots of exciting wine to drink and explore. I am writing about Korbel Sparkling Chardonnay today with New Year's Eve upon us. At $8.99 a bottle and the clean crisp taste of 100% Chardonnay, you can't go wrong with this beauty. You will find this wine, not only a great opening to your party or dinner, but also a nice accompaniment to your dinner. In other words, it will stand up to food. A little history of Korbel for you to sound wine savvy with your friends...

Korbel Winery was established by Bohemia-born Francis Korbel and his brothers, Joseph and Anton, in 1882 and is the oldest continually operating champagne house in North America.During the late 1870s, the Korbels harvested prunes, beets, wheat, corn and alfalfa, and operated a commercial dairy. During this time, they planted their first vineyards and began experimenting with different grape varieties, including Pinot Noir – early evidence of the Korbels’ ambition to become champagne producers. Pinot Noir was an unusual variety for California; it was known primarily as the principal grape of the Champagne region of France. In 1882, the three brothers began a small wine-making operation at their ranch and produced some 20,000 to 30,000 gallons of wine from their vineyard yields. KORBEL wines were so well received that two years later the brothers closed their dairy, converted all of their ranch lands to vineyards, and devoted all of their energy to wine-making. A tradition that was to become a legacy was well under way.The Korbel Winery continued to grow throughout the 1880s. It was during this time that the Korbels sent for winemaker Frank Hasek in Prague to come to the United States to be their champagne master. Employing the time-honored French method of producing champagne, méthode champenoise, the Korbels quietly but aggressively experimented with cuvées. By the mid-1890s, the Korbels shipped their first California champagnes, and by the turn of the century KORBEL was an internationally known, award-winning label.Taking advantage of Sonoma County's ability to produce high-quality pinot noir and chardonnay grapes, Adolf introduced KORBEL Natural', KORBEL Blanc de Blancs (100% chardonnay) and KORBEL Blanc de Noirs (100% pinot noir) – all of which he created using champagne yeasts he had developed himself. KORBEL. It is a name that tells the unique story of two families – their dreams, determination and dedication – and it is a name that stands for over 125 years of fine méthode champenoise California champagnes.
All KORBEL champagnes are made according to the traditional méthode champenoise technique, where the champagne is fermented inside the same bottle from which it is served. This time-honored process takes almost a year to complete. But the results are worth the wait. The taste of the méthode champenoise style is famous for its delicate nuances along with producing the countless streams of dazzling bubbles in every glass of KORBEL California Champagne.
The next time you come across a display in your local wine shop or supermarket, pick one up, you won't be disappointed!
Happy New Year!
Cheers!
J

Paso Robles Cabernet

Hello Wine Lovers!
Happy Holidays!
Lets talk Caberent

Today I am going to talk Cabernet. As I’m quite sure most of you know to find a decent Cabernet at a decent price is no small feat. Today’s entry will surprise the heck out of you… Castle Rock Paso Robles Cabernet for around $10 a bottle. (They also make a Nape Cabernet that is a little more $) You will find this wine full of blackberry, cassis and tobacco flavors with a slightly tannic finish. Very complex and soft for a wine at this cost point!
Let’s talk a little about this wine growing region. The California region of Paso Robles has been producing some wonderful wines as of late and their quality continues to rival Napa Valley but for a lot less money. The cost per acre is more than half the price of Napa and many young upstart wine makers have decided to call this area home. Located about half way between Los Angeles and San Francisco in what California calls “Central Coast” with elevation from 600 feet to 1100 feet above sea level. Grapes were first introduced to this area in 1797 by the Spanish and Franciscan Missionaries. New wineries have sprung up as well as investing in old wineries to bring them up to par with modern techniques and equipment. There are more than 250 wineries planting over 25 different grape varietals in the region. There has been many replanting of vineyards and now the two most prominent grapes planted there is Cabernet and Zinfandel. The region does not get quite as hot as Napa and the nights are cooler and longer which keep the grapes plump and juicy. Generally speaking, the wines are slightly more soft and approachable than wines from Napa… not to take anything away from Napa wines. Some people will say Napa Cabernet is some of the best in the world, and I certainly will not argue this point, but I believe Paso Robles is right on their heels! Look at the labels of the different Cabernets you come across in your favorite wine shop, when you see Paso Robles I don’t think you will be disappointed!
Cheers!
J

Spanish Red

Hello Wine Lovers!

Sorry for the delay in my latest post but the holidays has taken it's toll on my time to write with all the parties and get togethers with family and friends has left little time. As everyone gets their shopping finished, their cards sent out, and their presents wrapped be sure and take the time to lite a fire in the fireplace and relax with this little number. Bodegas de Murcia, Caracol Serrano, from the Jumilla Region of Spain. This wine is deep purple in color with lots of dark berries and a touch of licorice and spices on the long smooth finish. This wine drinks like it is $20 a bottle and will only set you back about $8, which leaves plenty of money to spend on your shopping!

By the way, Bodegas simply is the same as Chateau would be used in French wines. Don't let the name scare you, go into your favorite shop and ask for Caracol Serrano from Spain. If the guy (or gal) looks at you like your crazy... you have the wrong shop!

Have Fun!

Cheers!

J