The Top Ten by Cru Wine Online

Top Ten Holiday Wine Gifts

2011-11-28T08:05:00.001-08:00

'Tis the season to drink too much eggnog, stumble around the Christmas tree, and tell your family what you really think of them. And since you'll be forced to face them again, you might want to consider offering a cool wine gift as an olive branch to smooth things over after your outburst. I compiled my own list in advance, because let's face it, this isn't hypothetical in my house. So here's a sneak peek at what my family will be getting this Christmas.

1. Cru Wine Aerator
I realize that ranking the Cru Wine Aerator as number one may seem like a shameless plug, but I honestly do believe that it's the perfect holiday wine gift. And this is also a shameless plug. When Cru decided to offer accessories, I set out on a mission to find functional, affordable, and practical wine necessities. And the first item I selected for the Cru Wine Shop was this aerator.

What drew me to this particular design for the signature Cru Wine Aerator was it's ability to act as a drip stop (so you no longer have to worry about staining your table cloth) and the in-bottle style that aerates as you pour rather than requiring an extra hand. It fit the criteria for a Cru product, and at just under $15 it's one of the most practical and affordable wine accessories on the market. You can't go wrong stuffing a stocking with a Cru Wine Aerator.

Watch this video to learn more about the Cru Wine Aerator.

2. Vinturi Wine Aerator
To prove I'm not biased, number two on this list is an aerator from a competitor. The Vinturi wine aerator comes with all sorts of bells and whistles, and is a staple in tasting rooms across the country. To be honest, I like this device, and I think it does a great job of infusing your favorite wine with air. I'm just not in love with the fact that you have to hold it over the glass and aim the wine through it as you pour. It can get messy, and you still have the problem of rivulets dripping down the bottle to create stains. Vinturi did come out with a stand that holds the aerator so you don't have to - a nice feature, but another expense.

Vinturi also offers a new aerator for white wine lovers. I don't know if I'm sold on the idea of needing a separate aerator for your whites and your reds, but it's another gadget to collect. Those of you with big families to offend might need extra peace offering options, so I figured it was worth mentioning.

3. Rabbit Lever Pull Corkscrew

There are a number of lever pull corkscrews available, but the best-selling design by Rabbit seems to grace the largest number of wine-loving counter tops across America. This easy-to-use, stylish opener allows you to remove corks effortlessly.

The Rabbit Kit - a covered storage case containing a foil cutter, drip-stop ring, bottle sealer, wax remover, and extra worm - makes this an even more appealing gift option, perfect for smoothing things over with your mother after insulting her Christmas sweater collection.

4. Electric Push Button Corkscrew

The electric push button corkscrew is a great holiday gift for the gadget-loving wino that has everything. This sleek and simple extractor literally removes just about any cork with the push of a button. Simply cover the top of the bottle, push the button and voila, you're ready to pour. It even has a reverse button to remove the cork from the worm. While I still enjoy the romance of the old butler's friend, I have to admit this is a pretty cool holiday gift. There are a number of brands available, and they're all comparable, so don't spend more than $35. Unless of course you happened to reveal your cousin's extramarital affair...with another dude. That might warrant a splurge. I wonder if I can get one bejeweled with diamonds?

5. Wine Refrigerator

Okay, this is a broad category. But I couldn't choose just one. Wine refrigerators range from capacity of 2 bottles to 200, and from simple counter top models to top of the line appliances with a dual wine zone option. The only necessary feature is temperature and humidity control, all the other extras are really about what the recipient would want. Heavy drinkers, er...wine connoisseurs might enjoy larger storage capacity and a refrigerator with front exhaust for under-counter installation, while the occasional sipper would be satisfied with a small counter top style.

If you're really looking to splurge - say, during your rant, the truth about your aunt's not-so-natural looking hairpiece slipped out - pick up a model that offers dual temperature control, like the one produced by EdgeStar. These store reds and whites at optimal service temperature for each. As a heads up, a decent wine refrigerator will run from $100-$800. Don't waste your money on a cheap one, it won't hold its temperature well.

6. Temperature Controlled Wine Chiller

This is the ultimate wine gadget. So if you want to distract someone from the slurred put-down you delivered mere days ago, this is just the shiny object to dangle in front of them. This counter top device ensures your wine reaches and holds perfect service temperature. I really like the one available at Sharper Image. As they explain: "the chiller's expansive menu incorporates more than 70 preset wine varieties, with temperatures selectable by country or wine type, or you can program in your own custom temperature to suit your preference." What more could you want?

7. Instant Wine Chiller

This cool gadget by Ravi will bring your wine from room temperature to service temperature in just seconds as you pour. The best part: it's easy to use. Simply place the device in your freezer about an hour before you need it. When you're ready to use it, remove it from the freezer, insert it into your bottle, and pour. The wine passes through a frozen steel chamber and right into your glass, chilled to perfection. A fingertip-controlled air inlet helps you adjust the temperature and prevent dripping. These will cost you around $40 this holiday season, but make for a very unique gift idea.

8. Cru Wine Online Gift Membership

This may seem like another shameless plug, and that's because it is. But then again, it's my top ten, and I wouldn't want to disappoint myself by not making the cut. For those of you unfamiliar with Cru Wine Online, our revolutionary web-based wine entertainment service provides users with wine picks, useful information, original recipes, and lots of laughter...or at least a few giggles. Cru Members can access hundreds of recipes and a pairing for each, to prepare delicious duos for any meal, any course, any occasion. Our users can even create personalized online wine tastings, viewable whenever, wherever, and with whomever you like. With these unique features, we’re revolutionizing food and wine. Who doesn't want to be a part of that!

Gift membership options include a 6 month ($47.95) or 1 year ($95.88) subscription, which starts when the recipient logs in for the first time. Upon account activation, they have access to: hundreds of Cru Wine & Recipe pairings; Cru Wine Podcasts, which include interviews with the industries top winemakers; discounts in the Cru Wine Shop; and access to the Cru Wine Forum. This really is the gift that keeps on giving. Save it for the family member who holds a grudge, because after this, he won't be able to.

9. Wine Club Subscription

I'm not a huge fan of wine clubs, because with the $25 or $50 dollars of my monthly wine budget, I would rather just go purchase what I like best. But that said, wine clubs provide you with an opportunity to taste wines you wouldn't normally buy, and usually at a discounted price. There are hundreds to join, from winery-specific clubs to the Wall Street Journal to international clubs, and even one by the NRA (hopefully you didn't piss off the gun-toting family member who would want to receive that one!)

Personally I think the Wall Street Journal's Wine Club is one of the best available. They pick cool bottles, and at just under $6 a bottle, it won't break the bank . You can also check out the Wine Of The Month Club, where each month you receive two wines for around $20 - you can even choose whether you get two reds, two whites, or one white and one red. Even if they're not for me (or you), wine clubs can make a great gift.

10. Wine Basket

When all else fails revert to the good old fashioned wine basket. Make your own, buy one online, check the shelves at your local wine retailer, you can't go wrong. Wine.com has a great selection that fits into just about every price point, and you can have it delivered right to the recipient's door...you know, in case you can't face your grandma after ridiculing her for her porcelain cat figurines.

Love what you read or hate it, I wanna know what you think! Leave a comment here or harass me on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or Google+ (handle tastewineonline@gmail.com). And don't forget to "like" Cru Wine Online on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for more wine-related fun. And of course, for spectacular food and wine pairing entertainment, please visit us at CruWineOnline.com. You didn't think I'd miss out on an opportunity to throw in one last plug, did you?

Salut,

Certified Sommelier

Wine Director

Cru Wine Online

Top Ten United States Craft Distilleries

2011-09-26T07:31:00.000-07:00

For this post we're switching gears a bit. As a Certified Sommlier I'm classically trained in all things wine, but most don't realize this education also includes beer, spirits, cigars, and tea...how come no one ever asks me about tea? After a monster couple of weeks of tasting domestic craft distillates, I just had to highlight some of my favorites. Even the most avid wine drinker needs a change of pace now and then, right?

1. Hangar One - Alameda, CA

Let's start off with a bang: Hangar One. Until two weeks ago I had only read about it, but with just one sip of their Straight vodka I already knew it would be one of the best I would taste all year. Hangar One vodka is made by St. George Spirits in Alameda, California, a brand owned and distributed by Proximo Spirits of New Jersey City in New Jersey. The Straight label is produced from a blend of pot distilled Viognier grapes and column distilled wheat. The name pays tribute to the distilleries history. When founder Jorg Ropf founded St. George Spirits as an eau de vie style distillery in 1982, he new he needed a large facility to house the operation, so the company set up in an old airplane hangar on the Alameda Naval Air Station. Although founded in the early 1980's, it wasn't until 2001 that St. George Spirits began producing Hangar One vodka.

After tasting Hangar One's clean, smooth Straight vodka, I moved on to their infused vodka line, which includes Spiced Pear, Fraser River Raspberry, Kaffir Lime, Mandarin Blossom, and Buddha's Hand Citron. What I like about this line is that, rather than syrups or artificial ingredients, they use real fruit sourced from all over the US to flavor their vodkas. With just enough fruit influence in smooth-as-silk vodka, these tasty treats are a symphony for your palate. Since it was out of stock, I didn't get a chance to try their Chipotle-infused vodka, but I am told it is equally delicious. Really though, the best part about this product is the price, Hangar One hits the shelves at about $30 retail. Two GIANT thumbs up Hangar One!

2. Death's Door Spirits - Madison, WI

For number two on this top ten list we head to my homeland, the Midwest. And while the football rivalry between Wisconsin and Minnesota is fierce, there's none when it comes to spirits. According to the producer's website Death's Door takes its name from the body of water between Door County peninsula and Washington Island, the 22 square mile island from which the producer sources organic hard red winter wheat to make their vodka, gin and white whisky.

I first discovered Death's Door vodka, about year ago when I visited Bradstreet Craftshouse Restaurant in Minneapolis. The moment it hit my lips I knew it had to be on the spirit's list at the Veranda Lounge, one of our accounts in Central MN. Then about two weeks ago I tasted through the rest of the line. Let me begin by admitting that I'm not not the biggest fan of gin; but the Death's Door gin is outstanding. Line priced with the vodka at about $30 retail, this gin wasn't too "pine needle-y." Some of the juniper berries in the blend are even sourced from prestigious Washington Island. The final product in the line, the white whisky, isn't my favorite, but then again I'm not big on white whisky. I'm more of a barrel aged whisky kind of guy. And speaking of...keep your eyes open for a barrel aged whisky from Death's Door. I have it on good authority that something may be brewing, or should I say distilling.

3. Great Lakes Distillery - Milwaukee, WI

A little further east in Wisconsin, Great Lakes Distillery is a small-batch facility located in Milwaukee. They are credited as being the first Wisconsin distillery to open up shop since prohibition. According to their site they "hand-craft award winning distilled spirits in limited quantities using old world methods and traditions which [they] believe results in a superior product." Amen.

I had a chance to taste this line at Rare Steak and Sushi in Minneapolis last week where I met Guy Rehorst, the founder and distiller. After tasting the Rehorst Vodka I asked a really dumb question: "How many times do you distill your vodka?" Guy quickly replied, "Until it's good." With that I was hooked. He went on to explain that their goal is to produce the best spirit with each batch. Their line includes Rehorst Premium Milwaukee Vodka, Kinnickinnic: [KIN-I-KUH-NIK] Whiskey, Roaring Dan's Rum, Pumpkin Seasonal Spirit, Rehorst Premium Milwaukee Gin, Rehorst Premium Milwaukee Citrus & Honey Vodka, a line of Artisan Brandies, and Absinthe, all hovering around $30. Great Lakes Distillery boasts some value packed craft spirits as well as a few medals from the 2008 San Francisco World Spirits Competition, including a double gold for gin and a silver for vodka, the highlights of the portfolio. Again, I'm not a huge fan of gin but the Rehorst is stunning.

4. 45th Parallel - New Richmond, WI

For this last Wisconsin distillery we head to a little town just 50 miles east of downtown Minneapolis, MN called New Richmond. 45th Parallel Spirits is a small, family owned distillery founded by Paul Werni. The name, as you may have guessed, pays tribute to the 45th parallel, a geographic line half-way between the equator and the North Pole on which the distillery sits.

Paul, a Wisconsin native who now lives in Minneapolis, MN chose the site almost by default. Werni had envisioned putting his distillery in an abandoned warehouse in downtown Minneapolis, but after researching Minnesota's policy and fee structure, he quickly realized that Wisconsin was a better fit for the operation. Paul, along with Toast Wine Bar and Cafe co-owner Scott Davis and a few others, have embarked on a quest to produce premium, no additive, corn-based vodka from the Midwest. In fact, all of their corn comes from a local Wisconsin farm. In addition to award-winning vodka, the distillery has recently released a gin and they are said to be working on a number of whiskeys to include rye, bourbon, and wheat styles. Keep your eyes out for these guys. They produce great stuff and have one helluva passion and hand for distilling.

5. Dry Fly Distillery - Spokane, WA

On to the Pacific Northwest for inspiration. Dry Fly Distillery was founded by two avid fly fishermen, Don Poffenroth and Ken Fleischmann. One day, knee deep in the Gallatin River, the two realized how lucky they were to be able enjoy the the beauty of Washington State everyday. So on a mission to bottle the mystical allure and purity of the Pacific Northwest, the two set up a small-batch distillery in Spokane and became Washington State's first licensed micro-distiller.

Today Dry Fly Distilling produces craft-distilled wheat vodka, a London Dry style gin and their newly released single malt whiskey, all using only locally grown grains and botanicals. I'm a big fan of their wheat vodka, and, again, for a guy who doesn't like the stuff much, they sure make a tasty gin. All hovering around the $30 retail price I think the clear liquids are the best in the portfolio.

6. North Shore Distillery - Lake Bluff, IL

Founded in 2004 and located in Lake Bluff, North Shore Distillery was Illinois' first boutique distillery. Today the still produces a range of products from vodka and gin to absinthe and aquavit.

The two best products in their portfolio in my humble opinion are their distinctly differnt gins. They offer two styles: Distiller's Gin No. 6 and Distiller's Gin No. 11. While they are both tasty, and for completely different reasons, I personally prefer the Distiller's Gin No. 6 which is a modern dry gin. They use botanicals from all over the world to create a complex, layered gin. They also offer a grain based North Shore Vodka and a citrus infused North Shore Sol vodka. Both are pretty good, but edged out by Death's Door and Hangar One. Their portfolio also rocks an absinthe they call Sirène Absinthe Verte and a US made Aquavit. The Aquavit was good...for Aquavit. I'm not crazy about this Scandinavia spirit, but cheers for attempting to produce a domestic version.

7. RoughStock Distillery - Bozeman, MT

Onward and upward to Bozeman Montana and the RoughStock Distillery, where fine American single malt whiskeys are being produced using local ingredients. The distillery offers a line of five whiskeys to include a barley mash Montana Whiskey, wheat-based Spring Wheat Whiskey, their cask strength barley Black Label, a white whiskey they call Sweet Corn Whiskey, and Straight Rye, you guessed it, a rye whisky.

The Spring Wheat was good...for a spring wheat. The rye won't be available until this winter, but I am anxiously awaiting it. And I've already expressed that I'm not overly interested in white whiskeys. That leaves the Montana and Black Label Whiskeys. The Montana Whiskey is RoughStock's flagship brand, made from barley mash, distilled twice, aged in virgin American oak barrels and released as small batch. It has great complexity and flavor, but if you really want complexity and flavor, check out the Black Label. It's a single barrel, non-chill filtered, cask strength version of the Montana Whiskey. Because they don't cut it with water, it's higher in alcohol (62.8% ABV versus the Montana Whiskey's 45%) and higher in intensity, but you'll pay for it. This is truly an artisan American whiskey to enjoy with good conversation and great friends. But only whisky-loving friends. Don't waste it on the rest.

8. Prichard's Distillery - Kelso, TN

The Prichard family has a deep history of distilling, both legal and...well...not. Today Prichard's Distillery is most famous for their line of American Rums, their award winning whiskey called Benjamin Prichard’s Double Barrel Bourbon, and their bourbon-based liqueur, Sweet Lucy.

As I mentioned, Prichard's produces a range of rums from Key Lime and Cranberry to Private Stock and Fine Rum. While I didn't much care for the flavored rums, I found the Fine Rum to be very interesting. The good kind of interesting. It's a cool domestic example of an aged rum. In addition to the Double Barrel Bourbon they also make a single malt whiskey, a Tennessee whiskey, and a white whiskey they call Lincoln City White Lightning. But what really interests me from their portfolio is their Sweet Lucy, a Duck's Unlimited-endorsed, bourbon-based liqueur. According to the producer: "Born in a duck blind and a frequent companion on duck hunts, variations of Sweet Lucy were generally homemade elixirs of peaches, oranges and apricots with lots of sugar and whiskey." I could never bring it hunting, because every time that sweet love hits my lips I scream out "Swwweeeeet Lucy!"

9. Noah's Mill - Bardstown, KY

Here we are in Bourbon country with the winner of a Double Gold Medal at the 2010 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Noah's Mill Small Batch Bourbon is bottled by Kentucky Bourbon Distillers in Bardstown Kentucky. To keep this list from consisting of ten bourbons, I had to make some cuts. It was like picking favorites with my children (which, let's be honest, is more tempting some days than others). But when the smoke cleared I ultimately kept the Noah's Mill by Kentucky Bourbon Distillers for its quality and character.

Like many bourbon producers, the story of Kentucky Bourbon Distillers is rich. The company was founded in the mid 1930's as the Willett Distilling Company, which it remained until the mid 1980's when Even G. Kulsveen (pronounced Evan), a native of Hamar, Norway and son-in-law to Thompson Willett, purchased the property from the Willett’s and formed Kentucky Bourbon Distillers, Ltd. It's said that, to this day, Even continues to operate the facility, making a range of award-winning bourbons, including Rowan's Creek. Noah's Mill is the quintessential small batch bourbon, aged in wooden barrels, bottled by hand at 57.15% ABV, and bottle aged for a minimum of 10 years. Grab a glass and pour yourself a sniff, you'll see.

10. Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery - Frankfort, KY

Last, but certainly not least, Old Rip Van Winkle Distillery at the Buffalo Trace Distillery facility, traces its history back four generations to pre-Prohibition whiskey distilled by family patriarch Julian "Pappy" Van Winkle, Senior. Today thanks to Pappy's grandson, Julian III, and his son Preston, the family owned and operated business continues to craft premium quality small-batch Bourbon in the classic Van Winkle style.

Ranging from straight bourbon to rye whiskies, all Van Winkle bourbons are aged a minimum of 10 years in charred mountain oak barrels. A double gold medalist in the 2010 San Francisco World Spirits competition, the Pappy Van Winkle 23-year-old bourbon could be one of the finest mash whiskeys made. But at $250 a bottle, it better be! Check out the whole line. I promise you won't be disappointed.

Like what you read or hate it, leave a comment or harass me on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or Google+ (handle tastewineonline@gmail.com) if you want to tell me about your favorite craft distillery that didn't make the list. And like Cru Wine Online on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for more wine-related fun. Also, for spectacular food and wine pairing entertainment, please visit us at CruWineOnline.com.

Salut,

Certified Sommelier

Wine Director

Cru Wine Online

Top Ten Vintages of the New Millennium

2011-09-14T08:16:00.000-07:00

With the the fall season comes cooler weather, beautiful colors, and of course grape harvest. This wonderful seasonal change inspired me to focus this post on the great harvests of the new millennium.

1. Bordeaux, France: 2009

We start out this top ten list with a bullet, Bordeaux. Arguably the most controversial region in the world when it comes to the subject of great vintages, Bordeaux often blurs the line between great marketing and great wine. Take the turn of the 21st century for example. The 2000, 2003, 2005, and 2009 vintages were all touted as the best vintage of the decade. In the words of J.D. from Saving Silverman, "Isn't one-and-only supposed to be, like, one? And only? "

The reason I selected 2009 over the others of the decade was for its success on both sides of the river, or should I say estuary. A wet spring season, followed by hail in some places (reducing yields) and a dry summer resulted in rich, powerful wine with balance, structure, and great aging potential. Even a shitty winemaker couldn't messed up the 2009 vintage. Although believe me, plenty tried. Other great vintages of note in Bordeaux are the infamous 1945 and 1989, and the legendary 1900.

2. Burgundy, France: 2005

East of Bordeaux is Burgundy, a region with huge vintage variations due to its climate and its affinity for the finicky Pinot Noir grape. This region was a tough one, with 2002 producing such fresh wines. But my decision to highlight 2005 came from its success in both Burgundy and France as a whole.

2005 touted a dry summer in Burgundy, and September gave way to beautiful conditions for the final ripening process. The end result was ripe, dense wine showcasing great aging potential. There are so many great vintages of note in Burgundy (that don't even include sleeper vintages like 2008), so I'm just going to mention the most recent: 1985, 1990, and 1996.

3. Piedmont, Italy: 2000

Leaving France, which was hard to do, and heading to Italy, 2000 marked a great vintage in Piedmont for all wines from Barbera to Barolo. Vintages of note from the decade include 2001 and 2006, but it was 2000 that produced high-quality wines all over the region.

The year 2000 in Piedmont was loaded with extremes. It began with a warm spring that lead into a well-distributed rainy summer. July was damp and August was just downright weird, with hail coming at the end of the month (reducing yields in places like Alba). Most producers increased their grey hair count by 200% this vintage, but when the smoke cleared, 2000 became the iconic vintage for the region. Amazing, powerful Nebbiolo based wines, racy reds from Barbera, and so much more. Other vintages of note are 1996 and 1997.

4. Tuscany, Italy: 2001

South of Piedmont to Tuscany, where it takes a little more consideration and justification because there were four really good vintages at the turn of the century. The year 2004 produced great wines in Brunello di Montalcino, but fell short in Chianti. And while 2006 and 2007 are both looking outstanding and may best the 2001 vintage highlighted here, it was hot, so alcohol levels are a bit high, especially in 2007. Overall 2001 showed more balance in the wines produced (the few that were) and yielded great wines from Bolgheri to Brunello.

Like many great vintages across the globe, 2001 was full of extremes for Tuscany. A wet winter led straight into an even damper spring that was brought to a halt in April with a late, dangerously detrimental frost. June and July were mostly dry but August and September brought the region a roller coaster of weather, filled with conditions that ranged from hot to cold and humid to dry . These extremes thinned crops and created concentrated, complex fruit worthy of this top ten list. Other recent vintages of note are 1990, 1997, and 1999. Like every other region on this list there are plenty of sleeper vintages, like 2005, which is a great wine for early drinking.

5. Douro Valley, Portugal: 2007

To Portugal and the Douro Valley, home of the country's infamous port wine production. Like any "great" vintage it is our job as the consumer to decide whether a certain year yielded better wine or better marketing. While 2007 has been touted by many as possibly the greatest vintage of all time, producing 100-point wines from certain trade magazines, 2003 has had more time to develop. This was a tricky pick for me, but ultimately 2007 shows so much greatness I had to go with my gut, or should I say palate.

Most vintage-declared years in the Douro are pretty predictable: hot and arid. But 2007 brought about strange weather with plenty of rain in the spring and a cool summer that delayed harvest by up to two weeks in some places. Yields were lower, quality was higher, and the vintage prevailed as one of the best since 2003 - the last declared vintage before 2007. Other vintages of note include 1948, 1963, 1994, 1997, 2000, and 2003. Oh, and the legendary wines of 1927. If you get your hands on a bottle call me, I'd love to join you for a taste.

6. Spain: 2005

I'm not going to sugarcoat this, Spain has had some great vintages, including some really good ones in the last decade, and I LOVE Spanish wines. But this was the hardest pill for me to swallow on this list due to a lack of consistency across the country and even within regions. With that said it was a toss up between 2001 and 2005, with 2004 getting a brief thought. And since my heart wasn't really in this one, I pretty much flipped a coin and came up with some bullshit to defend the winner (tails). So here goes.

The year 2005 in Spain yielded quality wines in the country's major regions: Rioja, Priorat, Ribera del Duero (which also produced great wines in 2004). The vintage was very dry, but not too hot. Still, yields were down as much as 40% in some areas. This resulted in a small crop full of concentrated fruit that produced balance, yet power. Other vintages of note include....uh...um...next region.

7. Germany: 2001

For our last Old Worlder on the list, we head to Germany, where there have been a string of really good vintages since the mid 1980's (excluding 2000). Germany was a toss up between 2001, 2005, and 2009, but in the end 2001 prevailed with its countrywide balance and finesse that came out of exceptionally ripe grapes at harvest.

A wet winter and spring in 2001 was followed by a heat spike in May. June was unusually cool, and July and August bounced back and forth between hot and humid and hot and dry. August, September and October were cool, but provided plenty of sunshine and very little rain, which resulted in ripe grapes that became balanced wines. Let me be clear, this one was very close. And I encourage you to keep your eye on 2009. It's going to be a doozy, especially for dry Rieslings.

8. California, United States: 2007

California has produced a number of quality vintages over the last 20 years. For this top ten spot I considered most of the decade, excluding 2003. But in the end, the textbook conditions the 2007 vintage allowed for great-quality wine to come from across the state. This progressive season yielded some of the finest wines ever produced in the US. And like 2009 in Bordeaux, the 2007 vintage in California allowed even novice winemakers to bottle quality wine. Other vintages of note include the mid 1980's and 90's, especially for Cabernet Sauvignon.

9. Willamette Valley: 2008

Like Burgundy France, the Willamette Valley prides itself on producing reds from the finicky Pinot Noir grape. And while I think there are plenty of great wines produced in off vintages, it just so happened that in 2008 the heavens opened up and blessed the Willamette Valley with perfect fruit.

I absolutely love this quote from the Wine Spectator as it sums up the vintage perfectly: "Sam Tannahill, partner and winemaker at Rex Hill Vineyards in Newberg, employed a baseball analogy to express the nail-biting atmosphere of the 2008 vintage in Oregon. 'We were down five runs in the bottom of the ninth and pulled it out,' he said. 'Then we looked up and realized it was the seventh game of the World Series, and we had won. At least that's how it felt.'"

2008 yielded the best fruit ever in Oregon, which isn't saying a whole lot because the industry is really quite young by even American, let alone international, standards. However, mark my words, great wines were produced even in vintages that were deemed "terrible" by trade magazines, to include the whites of 2007 and 2009. Other vintages of note are 2002 and 2004.

10. Australia: 2005

Last, and to be honest, least, is Australia. Now I thought and thought and thought about how I could include the 1998 vintage into this top ten list, specifically thinking about the Penfold's Grange. But to be fair I had to select a millennial vintage that was good and helped build a quality wine reputation in Australia. Ergo I will highlight the 2005 vintage.

Not much justifying here, this wasn't a hard choice. Clearly the best vintage of the decade, 2005 produced balanced wines in South Australia. Unlike any other vintage on this list, this was a year that yielded bumper crops. What separated 2005 from say 2004 or 2006 was the natural acidity and low pH levels in the grapes. The best wines from this vintage come from Coonawarra and Barossa. Other vintages to look out for are...well...let's be honest, just go find some '98 Grange.

Like all of my posts and any wine rank or rating, these selections are debatable. But that's why I write, to keep you talking. Leave a comment or harass me on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or Google+ (handle tastewineonline@gmail.com) if you want to tell me about a region or vintage that didn't make the list. Or write me a letter, I feel like nobody writes letters anymore.

Like Cru Wine Online on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for more wine-related fun. And for spectacular food and wine pairing entertainment, please visit us at CruWineOnline.com.

Until next time I'm Nick Barth with Cru Wine Online saying: It's your glass, fill it with what you like.

Salut,

Certified Sommelier

Wine Director

Cru Wine Online

Top Ten Summer Wines

2011-06-14T09:31:00.001-07:00

Nothing says summer like sunshine, sand, and...wine? With the summer in full swing I thought it only fitting to post this week on some of my favorite summer wines.

1. Pacific Rim - Riesling - Columbia Valley, Washington 2009 - $11

Pacific Rim winery was founded in 1992 by wacky winemaker Randall Grahm of the famed Bonny Doon Vineyards in California. In 2011 Grahm sold Pacific Rim to the Mariani family, proprietors of Italian wine giant Banfi. Today the winery is managed by Nicolas Quille, a self-proclaimed Riesling zealot who has been with the organization since day one.

Pacific Rim is an eco-friendly producer making more than ten styles of Riesling. From sparkling and still to dry and sweet, the winery prides themselves in showcasing the versatility of the grape. I'd classify this particular Riesling as off-dry. It displays characteristics of peaches, pears, green apples, and apricots, and makes for a great partner to spicy dishes, especially Mexican cuisine.

2. Adelsheim - Pinot Gris - Willamette Valley, Oregon 2010 - $19

Adelsheim Vineyard was founded in 1971 by David and Ginny Adelsheim. They produced their first vintage in 1978, a mere 1300 cases. Today the winery produces over 40,000 cases annually from their 190 acres on 11 different vineyard sites in the Willamette Valley. The winery focuses on varieties that ripen perfectly in the region's climate. This particular wine is loaded with fresh tree fruit aromas of pear and green apple. It has a fresh acidity and is more full-bodied than the lighter Italian Pinot Grigio's on the market. A great pairing for fish and moderately spicy foods.

3. St. Innocent - Pinot Blanc - Willamette Valley, Oregon 2009 -$20

According to St. Innocent: "St. Innocent Winery was founded in 1988 by Mark Vlossak who continues to be our winemaker and President. We produce small lots of handmade, vineyard-designated wine from some of the best sites in the Willamette Valley. Since our founding, we have grown from 600 cases that first year to our current production of 8-10,000 cases, yet each wine is still handcrafted in the very same manner. Year after year, St. Innocent Winery has received recognition from throughout the country and around the world for its outstanding Pinot noir, beautifully crafted white wines, and fair pricing."

This Pinot Blanc comes from the Willamette Valley's Freedom Hill Vineyard. It's lush and round, displaying aromas and flavors of pear and peach. A great partner for fish and fowl.

4. Shooting Star - Aligote - Washington 2009 - $12

This wine is produced by former Kendall-Jackson winemaker Jed Steele. While the winery may seem like a large estate, it's actually an artisan producer of quality California and Washington State wines. This particular wine is made from the Aligote grape. According to the producer, " a variety, which is little known but widely planted. It is in fact the fourth most planted wine grape variety in the world, with huge plantings dominating Eastern Europe, Ukraine, and Moldavia. In France it is the other white grape in Burgundy, but has always played second fiddle to the noble Chardonnay grape. Generally, Aligoté is planted in either hilltop or cooler valley locations because it is more cold-tolerant. It has never been planted in any commercial quantity in California, but in Washington State, where cold winters are a fact of life, Aligoté has found a happy home."

This fatter white has stone and tree fruit flavors and aromas, followed by a wonderful floral component. Pick up a bottle of this to enjoy with your favorite shellfish dish.

5. Lobster Reef - Sauvignon Blanc - Marlborough, New Zealand 2010 - $13

Lobster Reef was founded by the Brown family of New Zealand. According Lobster Reef importer World Wine HeadQuarters, "The Brown family join the Marlborough wine industry in 1980, initially growing for other companies before starting the own wine company in 1992. In 2002 an opportunity arose to purchase 120 ha of land in the Blind River in the Awatere Valley and the Cape Campbell brand was born. Lobster Reef is the latest release from Cape Campbell and celebrates the unique and rugged coastline just a stones throw from our vineyards."

While the Lobster Reef wines come from the Marlborough region of New Zealand, it's not too "Marlobourghy" if you would. What I mean by that is that while it has a nice, crisp, refreshing acidity, it's not too powerful. All too often New Zealand's Sauvignon Blanc is overly acidic, with too much citrus fruit on the nose and palate. Lobster Reef has a great balance but still displays the wonderful citrus fruit typical of New Zealand's Sauvignon Blanc. This wine is a great pairing for fried foods and fresh summer vegetables.

6. William Fevre - Chablis - Burgundy, France 2009 - $23

This wine comes from France's Burgundy region, specifically Chablis, a name that got a bad rap when it was plastered on large jug wines produced anywhere but Chablis in the 1980's and 90's. Chablis is the northernmost region of Burgundy and is actually closer to Champagne than its Burgundian neighbor, the Cote d'Or. Its northern proximity gives Chablis a cool climate that, coupled with the region's chalky soils, creates ideal conditions for growing clean, crisp Chardonnay.

The Fevre family has been in Chablis for more than two and a half centuries. Present owner, William, founded the Domaine de la Maladière and announced his first harvest in 1959. In 1998, the Henriot family from Champagne took over the reins from Fevre. The crisp, clean Chard from Chablis is lean and mean. It displays tree and citrus fruit aromas coupled with a wonderful wet stone-like minerality on the palate. A great partner for a variety of foods, try this wine with oysters, vegetarian dishes or grilled chicken.

7. Mulderbosch - Rosé - Coastal Region, South Africa 2010 - $12

Founded in 1989, Mulderbosch is often regarded as a value-packed producer of high-quality, accessible wines. The winery is located in South Africa's Stellenbosch region, a picturesque area that is often considered the country's finest. This particular rosé by Mulderbosch is made from the Cabernet Sauvignon varietal. Its pink color is derived from a limited amount of skin contact with the juice. In the instance of this wine the winemaker soaked the juice with the red grapes skins for a day or two and then bled off, or removed, the pink juice. This wine is loaded with aromas and flavors of fresh red fruits and spice. Try this tasty rosé with summer fruit salads or even grilled meats.

8. Penner-Ash - Pinot Noir - Willamette Valley, Oregon 2008 - $41

According to the Penner-Ash website, "Lynn (Penner-Ash) started Penner-Ash Wine Cellars with husband Ron in 1998, carefully crafting small amounts of Pinot noir and Syrah, while she was still at Rex Hill. Their early success with the label caused them to dream of what they could create and in 2001 they began building the Penner-Ash brand full time.Penner-Ash has achieved impressive growth, going from 125 cases of Pinot noir in 1998 to 9,000 cases of Pinot noir, Syrah, Viognier and Reisling in 2011."

All of their wines are beautifully crafted. This particular wine comes from the infamous 2008 vintage. It is the Penner-Ash entry level Pinot with racy acidity and displays red fruit, spice, and flower aromas and flavors. These characteristics make this wine one of the most food-friendly in the world; but wait a decade or so to test out that claim, it has the characteristics to last.

9. Bodega Renancer - Malbec - Mendoza, Argentina 2009 - $12

Bodegas Renacer is located in northern Mendoza in Perdrie, a sub-region of Luján de Cuyo with a great reputation for producing excellent Malbec. Bodega Renacer is a makes great examples of the high quality of the region. The wine highlighted here is their Punto Final Classico line. This wine is made from Malbec vines that are more than 50 years old. This fruit-forward, medium-plus-bodied red begins with red fruit aromas and flavors of raspberry and cherry followed by loads of dark chocolate and spice. The tannins are supple, making this wine a great partner for roasted or braised meats. If you are looking for an introduction to the great quality Argentina is producing, check out the Renacer's Punto Final Malbec.

10. Pedroncelli -'Mother Clone' Zinfandel - Sonoma, California 2009 - $15

In 1927 John Pendroncelli Senior purchased a small estate and vineyard in the Dry Creek Valley of Sonoma. The property came complete with Zinfandel vines planted in 1904. The winery has come a long way since since then. Today, the vineyards are planted to a variety of premium grape varietals and is filled with modern equipment. According to the producer, two elements from 80 years ago remain unchanged: the exceptional place the Pedroncelli family grows grapes, and the family's dedication to making fine wines. The grapes used in the production of this wine are cloned from the original “Mother” vines, of which one quarter of an acre remain today. Fruit from these 100-year-old vines is included in the blend. Try it with almost any meat off the grill, especially when using barbecue sauce.

An ice cold craft beer may be your go-to when a heat wave rolls in, but this season try burying your toes on the beach with a glass (or few) from this list. Your taste buds will thank you. And if you're looking for a new way to kick back this summer, don't forget to check out CruWineOnline.com for hundreds of other great wine picks and pairings, all wrapped up in entertaining video shorts.

Salut,
Nicholas Barth
Wine Director
Cru Wine Online

Top Ten Argentine Malbecs For Under $20

2011-03-21T06:51:00.000-07:00

As the weather heats up, most of us dust off the bag of coals in anticipation of the summer grilling season. And Malbec, with the weight and tannins to hold up to and compliment grilled meat, is one of my favorite grill wines. Since it tends to be slightly smoky by nature, it naturally enhances the same smoky characteristics that grilling imparts to a dish. The Malbec grape, native to the Bordeaux region of France where they use it for blending, quickly became Argentina's calling card red varietal, and a number of producers are making outstanding examples.

1. Bodegas Y Vinedos O. Fournier - 'Uco Urban' Malbec - Mendoza, Argentina 2009 - $11

The O. Fournier wine group was founded as recently as 2000. While the group only has their own estate vineyards in Mendoza, Argentina and Ribera del Duero, Spain, they produce wine in Spain, Portugal, Chile, and Argentina. According to Bodegas Y Vinedos O. Fournier, "At the turn of the millennium the Spanish family Ortega Gil-Fournier founded a small 'boutique' winery, at the foot of the Andes, in La Consulta, in the Argentinean province of Mendoza."

This Malbec falls under their Uco Urban line, and is a more fruit-forward style, showcasing flavors and aromas of raspberry and redcurrant followed by stewed blackcurrant and blueberry. The wine is full-bodied with a well-balanced acidity and tannin structure. Pair this juicy red with barbecued lamb or pork and I promise you won't be disappointed.

2. Bodega Renacer - 'Punto Final Classico' Malbec - Mendoza, Argentina 2009 - $12

Bodegas Renacer is located in northern Mendoza in Perdrie, a sub-region of Luján de Cuyo with a great reputation for producing excellent Malbec. Bodega Renacer is a makes great examples of the high quality of the region. They have three Malbecs as well as a Malbec rosé and a Sauvignon Blanc. Their high-end Malbec is the Enamore and regularly receives high accolades from respected trade magazines.

The wine highlighted here is their Punto Final Classico line. This wine is made from Malbec vines that are more than 50 years old. This fruit-forward, medium-plus-bodied red begins with red fruit aromas and flavors of raspberry and cherry followed by loads of dark chocolate and spice. The tannins are supple, making this wine a great partner for roasted or braised meats. If you are looking for an introduction to the great quality Argentina is producing, check out the Renacer's Punto Final Malbec.

3. Bodega Septima - Malbec - Mendoza, Argentina 2009 - $12

Bodegas Septima is owned by the famous Codorniu family of Spain, pioneers in the Spanish Cava industry. The Codorníu Group owns wineries in the Ribera del Duero, Rioja, Priorato and Sant Sadurni D’Anoia regions of Spain, Napa Valley, California in the United States, and Luján de Cuyo and Valle de Uco in Argentina.

Bodega Septima produces a wide range of wines using a number of varieties. This Malbec falls under their varietal line, and is made from 100% Malbec. Like the Punto Final and the Uco Urban, this wine is juicy. It begins with ripe red fruit aromas and flavors of raspberries and fresh cherries, which give way to blackberries, vanilla, and spice. The spice and vanilla are a byproduct of this wine's six months spent aging in American oak barrels. Pair this Argentine treat with pizza, especially with mushrooms and sausage.

4. Finca Sophenia - 'Tupungato Altosur' Malbec - Mendoza, Argentina 2009 - $12

Finca Sophenia was founded by Roberto Luca. Like many wineries around the world, Sophenia employs French winemaker Michel Rolland as consultant. The winery produces three lines: Sophenia Synthesis, Finca Sophenia Reserve, and their Altosur. The Altosur line features quality, concentrated fruit that sees a short aging process with French and American oak barrels. The winery believes that this line is a "true representative of the New World wines."

The Finca Sophenia 'Tupungato Altosur' Malbec is full bodied, with flavors and aromas of reduced plums, blackberries, and raspberries. Behind that you will find an array of spices and flowers. It has a nice grip to it, making it a great partner for meat dishes, especially when seasoned with barbecue sauce.

5. Altos Las Hormigas - Malbec - Mendoza, Argentina 2009 - $13

Altos Las Hormigas was founded in 1995 by an Italian investment group headed by brilliant winemaker Alberto Antonini, a well-known Italian winemaker and former head winemaker at Antinori in Tuscany. Antonini is also a head winemaker at Bodega Renacer, along with several other wineries in Argentina, Chile, and the United States.

The Alto Las Hormigas Malbec is a real treat for the price. It begins with round red fruit characteristics of plum, raspberry, and cherry followed by a hint of vanilla, a product of this wine's three months submerged in French and American oak insertstaves. Try this vibrant red with Mexican beef, lamb, or pork dishes, as well as with spicy grilled sausage.

6. Bodegas Escorihuela - 'Don Miguel Gascon' Malbec - Mendoza, Argentina 2009 - $14

Bodegas Escorihuela Gascon was founded in 1888 by Miguel Escorihuela Gascon, a Spanish native who emmigrated to Argentina in 1880 at only 19 years of age. For almost a century the Gascon family owned and operated the estate, but in 1993 they sold Bodegas Escorihuela to the Catena family of the widely distributed Bodegas Catena Zapata.

Like the others on this week's list, the Don Miguel Gascon Malbec is jammy, juicy, and fruity. It begins with bright red fruit aromas of raspberry and red currants followed by blackberry, blueberry, and a touch of mocha. Pair this full-bodied red with pasta tossed in a hearty red sauce or a meaty stew.

7. Kaiken - 'Reserve' Malbec - Mendoza, Argentina 2009 - $14

Kaiken was founded in 2001 by Chilean wine producer Montes. Their 2009 'Reserve' Malbec is made primarily of Malbec, with just a dash of Cabernet Sauvignon thrown in for structure. This full-bodied red is complex, with characteristics of blackberries, black cherries, black currants, vanilla, spice, chocolate, violets, and the list goes on. The tannins are firm, yet well-balanced. Try this outstanding Argentine Malbec with a grilled steak seasoned simply with salt and pepper.

8. Familia Zuccardi - 'Serie A' Malbec - Mendoza, Argentina 2009 - $15

Familia Zuccardi was founded in the 1960's by Alberto Zuccardi. In the 1980's Alberto's son José joined the family business with the vision of producing world-class wines in Argentina. Today the winery is considered one of the most innovative in the country. They own four different projects: Zuccardi, Saint Julia, Fuzion, and Malamado. Under the Familia Zuccardi line they produce a number of labels that range from Viognier to Tempranillo.

The wine featured here falls under the estate's Serie A line. The Familia Zuccardi Serie A Malbec is intense, with concentrated dark fruit flavors and aromas of figs and prunes followed by hints of chocolate and spice. This full-bodied red displays velvety tannins and a well-balanced acidity. Pair this monster with a thick, juicy grilled steak.

9. Argento - 'Reserva' Malbec - Mendoza, Argentina 2009 - $16

Argento, Latin for silver, was established in 1998. According to the producer, the term on the label "relates to the strong silver thread of tradition that runs through the veins of the country and pays homage to Argentina’s long history of crafting precious wines." The wine highlighted here comes from their reserva tier.

The Argento 'Reserva' Malbec is loaded with black fruit flavors and aromas of blackberry, black cherry, and figs, complimented by fresh flower aromas and cloves. The tannins are apparent but not overwhelming. Pair this muscular red with grilled meats or a hearty chili dish.

10. Vina Dona Paula - Malbec - Mendoza, Argentina 2009 - $17

Vina Dona Paula was founded in 1997 by The Claro Group, a Chilean based wine investment company whose portfolio includes producers like Los Vascos and Vina Santa Rita. Vina Dona Paula consists of five distinctly different lines, with Los Cardos representing the entry level. Retailing for only $10, Dona Paula's Los Cardos Malbec received an 86-point rating for their 2008 vintage, solidifying a spot on Wine Spectator's 'Best Value' list.

The Vina Dona Paula Estate Malbec showcases flavors and aromas of raspberry, boysenberry, licorice, dried herbs and spices. The palate is well-balanced, and showcases both depth and complexity. Try this wine with a grilled steak topped with a fresh berry and red wine reduction.

Between Malbec's popularity, both in Argentina and the US, and the number of high-quality producers in Argentina increasing annually, there is a good chance this list will change from vintage to vintage.

If there's a value-packed Argentine Malbec on your list that you think should've made mine, I'd love to hear about it. Leave a comment here, find me on Facebook, or shoot me an email. For more information about me, more fun and interesting wine information, and for delicious food and wine pairings, check us out online at Cru Wine Online. Our very own chefs from across the country have created original recipes just for you, and each day we pair them with the perfect wine and a little humor to bring you an entertaining video short.

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Salut,

Nicholas Barth

Certified Sommelier

Wine Director

Cru Wine Online

Top Ten Washington Wines Under $15

2011-03-05T10:12:00.000-08:00

In today's economy, conservatively priced wines are a must for most households. But just because you have to give a little on price, doesn't mean you have to budge an inch on quality. Certain regions around the globe produce stunning wines that double your pleasure and double your fun without doubling your cost.

One of those places is Washington state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. Year after year Washington puts out spectacular juice, much of which retails for less than $20. Add that to the 400% growth in the number of Washington wineries over the last decade and you have a recipe for the Top Ten Washington Wines Under $15.

1. Pacific Rim - Riesling - Columbia Valley, Washington 2009 - $11
There's a soft spot in my heart for this week's number one. Pacific Rim winery was founded in 1992 by wacky winemaker Randall Grahm of the famed Bonny Doon Vineyards in California. In 2011 Grahm sold Pacific Rim to the Mariani family, proprietors of Italian wine giant Banfi.

Last week I recorded an interview podcast with Nicolas Quille, Pacific Rim General Manager and self-proclaimed Riesling Zealot. He assured me that since the sale, things at the winery have been "business as usual" and that the Mariani family was not interested in changing the operation.

Pacific Rim is an eco-friendly producer making more than ten different styles of Riesling. From sparkling and still to dry and sweet, the winery prides themselves in showcasing the versatility of the grape. I'd classify this particular Riesling as off-dry. It displays characteristics of peaches, pears, green apples, and apricots, and makes for a great partner to spicy Asian dishes as well as Mexican cuisine. A steal for $11.

2. DiStefano - Sauvignon Blanc - Columbia Valley, Washington 2009 - $15

Best known for their full-bodied reds made from varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah, DiStefano Winery was founded in the mid 1980's by computer hardware developer Mark Newton and his wife Donna DiStefano. In addition to famous reds, the winery also produces a small amount of award-winning Sauvignon Blanc, proving that size doesn't always matter.

The DiStefano Sauvignon Blanc is a bit fatter than the now-popular, lean New Zealand Sauv Blancs, but it's still clean and refreshing. It displays aromas and flavors of limes, pears, peaches, and nectarines, with a wonderful floral component complimented by a slight herbal factor. This racy white will pair well with seafood, especially deep fried. You haven't truly explored Sauvignon Blanc until you've tried DiStefano Sauv Blanc.

3. Hogue - Gewurztraminer - Columbia Valley, Washington 2009 - $11

Hogue was founded by Mike and Gary Hogue in 1982. It was the state's 19th bonded winery of the now more than 550. In 2001 the estate was sold to Canadian wine group Vincor, owned by United States wine giant Constellation Brands, for a recorded $36.4 million. Today Hogue is one of Washington's largest wineries, producing over half a million cases annually.

The Hogue Gewurztraminer is a spicy little devil, displaying flavors and aromas of lychee nut and pear followed by stone fruit characteristics of apricot and peach. Behind all that fruit, the wine showcases spicy clove-like characteristics. This wine would do well with spicy Asian dishes, especially made from pork or chicken.

4. Castle Rock - Chardonnay - Columbia Valley, Washington 2009 - $10

Castle Rock was founded in 1994 by Greg Popovich, and has quickly grown into a major producer, making more than half a million cases of wine in 2009. Since the winery's inception, the goal has been to produce value-packed wines from site-specific regions. According to their website, "Castle Rock's wines are carefully made from grapes grown in the most prestigious areas of the West Coast states - California (Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Mendocino County, Monterey County, Alexander Valley), Oregon (Willamette Valley), and Washington (Columbia Valley)."

Their Columbia Valley Chardonnay displays characteristics of tropical fruit, citrus fruit, and a hint of tree fruit, while five months in French oak barrels imparted a wonderful vanilla flavor and aroma in the glass. It's ripe and round, but has a surprisingly clean finish. Pair this one with cream sauce pasta dishes and grilled chicken or pork.

5. Charles & Charles - 'Volume II' Rosé - Columbia Valley, Washington 2009 - $11

Charles & Charles is produced by Charles Smith, founder of both K Vintners and The Magnificent Wine Company in Washington, of which a large portion was sold to Precept Wine Brands in 2006. After his success with these wineries, he created the Charles Smith Wines: The Modernist Project line, releasing the first vintage in 2007. This brand showcases the producer's modern, rockstar-like winemaking mentality. Charles Smith wines are balanced, fresh, and flavorful, and made to be consumed young. My favorite Charles Smith quote: “It’s just booze – drink it!”

The 2009 'Volume II' Rosé is made from Syrah, and displays fresh flavors and aromas of raspberries, cherries, strawberries, and pomegranates. It has weight, acidity, structure and balance, making it a great partner to most foods, especially over a summer grill. Look for the Charles & Charles 2010 Rosé release on March 14th.

6. The Magnificent Wine Company - Steak House Red - Columbia Valley, Washington 2007 - $10

Sticking with Charles Smith, but changing brands, here's a wine that embodies the amazing quality you can get for the price in Washington state. As I mentioned, The Magnificent Wine Company was founded by Charles Smith. In 2006 he sold a large portion of the company to Precept Wine Brands, a wine group that represents labels like Canoe Ridge Vineyard and Waterbrook. Today their flagship label is their House Wine line, but they also make a Fish House and Steak House series. All of the wines in the portfolio display amazing depth and quality for the price.

The 2007 Steak House Red is made up of 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, and showcases red fruit characteristics of cherry and red currant along with blackberry flavors and aromas. What I love about this wine is how supple and round it is. As you may have guessed by the name, this wine pairs well with steak, especially when pan seared.

7. Snoqualmie - 'Naked' Merlot - Columbia Valley, Washington 2008 - $12

Snoqualmie was founded in 1984, and is a part of Ste. Michelle Wine Estates portfolio, a wine group that also owns Chateau Ste. Michelle, 14 Hands, Columbia Crest, and several others. The secrets to the winery's success is quality grape selection and winemaker Joy Anderson, who has been with the estate since 1991. The Snoqualmie 'Naked' line is made with certified organic grapes in a certified organic facility.

The 2008 'Naked' Merlot is loaded with dark fruit characteristics of blackcurrant, blackberry, and black cherry. It is full bodied with well-balanced tannins and acidity. For those of you who don't much care for the plummy, over-produced style of Merlot that became popular in the 90's, check out this gem. For only $12 this risqué red is sure to blow your hair back. Plus it's a great wine for roasts or grilled meat.

8. Columbia Crest - 'Two Vines' Vineyard 10 Red - Washington 2008 - $8

Like Snoqualmie, Columbia Crest is owned by the larger Ste. Michelle Wine Estates. In 2009 the 2005 Columbia Crest Columbia Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon earned a 95-point rating from Wine Spectator, solidifying its spot as the number one wine on Spectator's Top 100 list. An amazing feat for a $25 bottle. 'Two Vines' was created to offer customers an entry level Columbia Crest wine. Vineyard 10 overlooks the Columbia River and marks one of the original Columbia Crest estate vineyards.

The 2008 'Two Vines' Vineyard 10 Red is made from a blend of Syrah, Cinsault, Mourvedre, and Viognier. This Rhone-inspired red is full bodied, with dark fruit. It has a nice spice component that adds a little complexity to this otherwise juicy, fruit-forward, easy-drinking quaffer. Try this wine with wild game, especially roasted.

9. Chateau Ste. Michelle - Syrah - Columbia Valley, Washington 2007 - $13

No value-packed Washington wine list would be complete without a selection from Chateau Ste. Michelle (CSM). Like Snoqualmie and Columbia Crest, this wine is owned by Ste. Michelle Wine Estates. It's rumored that Chateau Ste. Michelle and their affiliates make nearly 70% of the total wine produced in Washington state. It's easy to talk negatively about CSM because they're a large producer, but at the end of the day they make some delicious wine for the price, with a wide variety of wines offered in a range of price points.

The 2007 Chateau Ste. Michelle is primarily Syrah with just a dash of Viognier to round out the corners. This process of blending small quantities of Viognier (a white grape) with Syrah (a black grape) originated in the Cote Rotie sub-region of France's Rhone region. This wine displays raspberries and blackberries along with black pepper and nutmeg on both the nose and palate. Its spicy, full bodied profile makes it an obvious pairing for Lamb and other red meat dishes.

10. Boomtown by Dusted Valley - Cabernet Sauvignon - Columbia Valley, Washington 2007 - $15

Dusted Valley was founded in 2003 by Wisconsin natives Corey Braunel and Chad Johnson, and the Boomtown line pays tribute to the booming Washington wine industry. The winery is located in Walla Walla, a sub-region in Washington that is home to more than 100 wineries.

The 2007 Boomtown Cabernet Sauvignon is loaded with dark fruit aromas of blackcurrant and black cherry. It's full bodied, firm, yet balanced, and refined. Complete with a dash of Cabernet Franc and Malbec and a healthy hand of oak, this is what a good quality Cab from the Pacific Northwest should taste like. Try this wine with a big ol' steak, or another glass of Boomtown Cab; it's up to you.

A list like this is getting harder and harder to put together as the state's wine industry continues to grow. In 1999 there were 144 wineries in Washington state, today there are more than 700 producing more than 12 million cases annually. One of the reasons: The Columbia Valley, Washington's premier wine growing area, has a constant climate ideal for growing grapes. The Cascade Mountain range blocks much of the rain from the Pacific creating a hot, desert-like area, and the region only receives 6-8 inches of rainfall annually. If you are looking for value, consistency, and good quality, look no further than Washington wines.

If there's a value-packed Washington wine on your list that you think should've made mine, leave a comment here, find me on Facebook, or shoot me an email. For more information about me, more fun and interesting wine information, and for delicious food and wine pairings, check us out online at Cru Wine Online. Our very own chefs from across the country have created original recipes just for you, and each day we pair them with the perfect wine and a little humor to bring you an entertaining video short.

Nicholas Barth

Certified Sommelier

Wine Director

Cru Wine Online

Top Ten Value-Packed New Zealand Wines

2011-02-28T06:23:00.000-08:00

When I say Down Under, most people think Australia. But just across the Tasmania Sea lies a land filled with organic farms, fresh vegetables, and sheep. Lots of sheep. Oh yeah, and plenty of wine. Over the last 20 years, New Zealand has become a major player in the United States wine market. The Marlborough region produces some of the finest Sauvignon Blancs in the world, and Central Otago is Pinot Noir's home away from home. New Zealand is the mecca for fresh herbs and, let's not forget, sheep. Add their affinity for 'the barbie,' and you have yourself this week's post.

1. Forrest - 'The Doctors'' Riesling - Marlborough, New Zealand 2010 - $15

What do you get when you combine a molecular biologist, a doctor of medicine, and wine? A producer worthy of this week's top ten list. Doctors John and Brigid Forrest literally are Forrest wines of New Zealand. This artisan, hands-on, producer makes fabulous wines from the Marlborough, Hawkes Bay, and Waitaki Valley regions. Their Riesling comes from the Marlborough region, located on the northern tip of New Zealand's South Island.

While grapes were first planted in Marlborough in the late 1800's, it wasn't until the late 1900's that the region really took off. Much of the credit goes to the Sauvignon Blanc variety, which accounts for over 50% of the region's area under vine. Along with Sauv Blanc, Riesling and Pinot Noir show incredible potential in Marlborough, benefiting from the moderately warm days, cool nights, low rainfall, and bountiful sunshine.

'The Doctors'' Riesling is sweet, but the sugar is matched by a racy acidity. It displays citrus fruit aromas of lime and lemon, followed by stone fruit aromas of peaches and apricots. If you're looking for the perfect pairing to a spicy Asian dish, look no further. This is a great value at only $15.

2. Ra Nui - Pinot Gris - Marlborough, New Zealand 2009 - $18

From Ra Nui, this eco-friendly, quality conscious producer of New Zealand wines believes that "the wine is in the grape," so they focus their attention on the vineyards. According to their website,"Grapes are hand picked in the vineyard and transported direct to the winery. At the winery further hand selection takes place discarding any unwanted fruit before transferring to the press. We then further ensure that we retain all purity of texture and flavour by whole bunch pressing for all white wines in order to minimise skin contact resulting in juice with fine texture and maximum flavour. We see ourselves as “guardians” of the grape and adopt a low key non interventionist approach to our winemaking."

The Ra Nui Pinot Gris is Alsatian in style displaying aromas of pear, peach, and spice. It's slightly off-dry with a weighter style, making it perfect for soft cheeses, fried fish, and grilled chicken, especially with a little added spice.

3. Nobilo - 'Regional Collection' Sauvignon Blanc - New Zealand 2010 - $14

New Zealand wines have seen a spike in popularity in the new millennium, and recently they've received lots of attention from industry critics who insist their Sauvignon Blancs are the best in the world. This new popularity has resulted in a number of wines doubling, if not tripling, in price in the last decade. I agree the wines are fabulous, but I liked them better at half the price. The value may not be quite as outlandish as it once was, but you can still get some bang for your buck if you know what you're looking for. In 2005 Nobilo's Regional Selection Sauvignon Blanc was a steal at $10, today it's still a good value at $14.

Nobilo was founded in 1943, by Nikola Nobilo. The winery was sold to Australian wine group BRL Hardy in 2000, which was later acquired by Constellation Brands in 2003 and sold again in 2011 to CHAMP. Today they are the second largest producer of New Zealand wines, and their 'Regional Collection' Sauvignon Blanc is a great value. Its typical New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, displaying citrus characteristics of grapefruit, lemon, and lime. It has a mouthwatering high acidity that showcases quintessential New Zealand Sauv Blanc. Try this wine with vegetarian dishes (including meals made using wine's arch nemesis Asparagus), pork, and seafood salads.

4. Tablelands - 'Single Vineyard' Sauvignon Blanc - Martinborough, New Zealand 2010 - $15

With this next top tenner we head north to Martinborough to check out the refreshing whites by Tablelands. As I mentioned, in the 1990's New Zealand exploded onto the wine scene with incredible Sauvignon Blancs from Marlborough. However within the last decade, new regions like Martinborough have begun crafting high-quality, distinctive Sauvignon Blancs.

Martinborough, just a stones throw across the Cook Strait from Marlborough, is the most important sub-region in the greater Wellington region, located on New Zealand's North Island. While the region is best known for producing world-class Pinot Noir, Tablelands has proven that it's capable of so much more. Their Sauvignon Blanc combines the calling card citrus and grapefruit characteristics often affiliated with New Zealand Sauv Blanc, with a wonderful Sancerre-like grassiness. Try this wine with salads, stuffed peppers, and chicken or seafood with a heavy hand of cilantro or other fresh herbs.

5. The Crossings - 'Unoaked' Chardonnay - Marlborough, New Zealand 2009 - $16

The Crossings was founded in the late 1990's by a group of wine lovers who realized the remarkable characteristics of the Marlborough region on New Zealand's South Island. Their first release was in 2001, and today their state-of-the-art winery produces Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir in the region. The wine that made this top ten list was their 'Unoaked' Chardonnay.

Today many producers are marketing their wines as unoaked or “tree free” as the bulk wine producer Yellowtail puts it. Trends are shifting to this clean style over the splinter-in-the-mouth sensation you may get from wines that see a long time in new wood. Oak, however, shouldn't be written off as it is a key component in many quality wines. The flavors and textures imparted by it are often mellowed as a wine ages, making it essential for drink-later wines. This fresh, clean white produced by The Crossings Chardonnay is loaded with tree fruit aromas of green apple, stone fruit aromas of white peach, and citrus aromas of lime and lemon, and its racy acidity reminds the palate more of a Sauvignon Blanc than a Chardonnay. This wine makes for a great seafood partner. Think crab, oysters, scallops, shrimp, trout, or halibut.

6. Craggy Range - 'Kidnapper's Vineyard' Chardonnay - Hawkes Bay, New Zealand 2009 - $20

This next value-packed Kiwi wine comes from the coastal Te Awanga sub-region, in the greater Hawkes Bay zone of New Zealand's North Island. Funny thing about Hawkes bay: it's as commonly spelled with an apostrophe as without. The name Craggy Range comes from a vineyard site discovered by co-founder Steve Smith. Overlooking the Craggy Mountain Range, Smith found a parcel of stony clay soils ideally suited for growing Chardonnay. Upon this discovery Smith approached international businessman and Craggy Range co-founder, Terry Peabody with the idea of producing wine from the site. The first Craggy Range wines were made in 1999 and came from small vineyards in Marlborough and Hawkes Bay. Over a decade later Craggy Range is considered one of New Zealand's finest producers.

The Craggy Range 'Kidnappers Vineyard' Chardonnay, named for the nearby Kidnappers Cape, is one of the finest Chards produced in the southern hemisphere. This wine displays tree fruit aromas and flavors of pear followed by citrus fruit characteristics of lemon and lime, along with a wonderful floral aroma. Pair this wine with lemon chicken dishes, seafood, and goose.

7. Goldschmidt - 'Goldschmidt Boulder Bank' Pinot Noir - Marlborough, New Zealand 2009 - $18

Moving into reds, this next one is a steal at $18. Goldschmidt is owned and operated by twenty-five-year veteran winemaker and New Zealand native, Nick Goldschmidt. Owner of Goldschmidt Vineyards in California, Nick returns to his New Zealand roots each year to showcase two of New Zealand's preeminent varietals: Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir.

While Pinot Noir is better known in Martinborough and Central Otago, the Boulder Bank Pinot Noir by Goldschmidt shows Marlborough is so much more than just Sauvignon Blanc. The Boulder Bank Pinot Noir is spicy with red fruit aromas and flavors of red currant, raspberries, and cranberries, followed by stone fruit aromas of plum. Pair this wine with mushroom dishes and sauces, red sauce pasta dishes, and roasted game.

8. Martinborough - 'Russian Jack' Pinot Noir - Martinborough, New Zealand 2009 - $20

Across the Cook Strait in the Martinborough sub-region of Wellington on the North Island, this producer makes things a little confusing for the consumer because Martinborough is both the region and the winery. Martinborough Vineyard was founded in the 1980's by a group of six wine enthusiasts. It has a track record of consistent excellence, which most marvel at. At a national level, Martinborough Vineyard has won gold medals or better for every Pinot Noir they've produced since 1986.

The 2009 'Russian Jack' Pinot Noir received an 88-point rating from Wine Spectator, a remarkable feat for a $20 wine. With aromas and flavors of red fruit along with blueberries and spice, this one's a great partner for lean beef, pork loin, and lamb, especially when prepared on the grill.

9. Wild Rock - 'Cupid's Arrow' Pinot Noir - Central Otago, New Zealand 2007 - $20

Central Otago, located on New Zealand's South Island, is home to the highest elevation vineyards in the country, and is one of the southern most wine producing regions in the world. Wild Rock winery is a unique group of innovative, eco-friendly producers who just want to make really good wine at an affordable price. Their carefree attitude and extracurricular activities extend into their marketing efforts as they are the main wine sponsor for the surf company Billabong. The winery is distributed by Kobrand, a large wine and spirits group which represents producers like Louis Jadot, Cakebread, Taylor Fladgate, and Craggy Range. Wild Rock benefits from the resources of Craggy Range, including their winemaking team, vineyards, and marketing support.

Wild Rock claims that "Pinot Noir is the most feminine and romantic of all the grape varieties," so with that came the Cupid’s Arrow name. The 2007 Cupid's Arrow Pinot Noir displays aromas and flavors of Red currants, cherries, roses, mushrooms, and spice, and begs to be served with grilled meats (especially veal chops), mushroom dishes, and salmon.

10. Mills Reef - 'Reserve' Merlot/Malbec - Hawkes Bay, New Zealand 2008 - $20

Last, but certainly not least, we have the Mills Reef Merlot/Malbec from Hawkes Bay. Hawkes Bay is New Zealand's oldest wine region. When people think Hawkes Bay, they think rich, creamy, and complex Chardonnays and racy Sauvignon Blancs. And the last thing they think when they hear New Zealand is Malbec. Nevertheless, the varietal grows in a variety of places in the country, including Hawkes Bay.

The Mills Reef Winery was founded in 1989 by Paddy Preston. The "Mills" name is a reference to Paddy's great grandfather, Charles Mills, a sea captain who arrived in New Zealand from the U.K. in 1864. The "Reef" refers not only to the captain's keen eye at sea but also to Charles' efforts in the underground mines of New Zealand. The Mills Reef 'Reserve' Merlot/Malbec is a blend of 55% Merlot and 45% Malbec. This floral red displays dark fruit flavors and aromas of blackcurrant and blackberry, followed by stone fruit characteristics of plum. Pair this wine with steak (especially Filet Mignon), full-flavored cheeses, and roast duck.

New Zealand has no shortage of value-packed wine. This list gave insight into the country's wine industry as well as highlighted a few of my favorites. If there's a value-packed Kiwi wine you think should've made the list, leave a comment here, find me on Facebook, or shoot me an email.

For more information about me, more fun and interesting wine information, and for delicious food and wine pairings, check us out online at Cru Wine Online. Our very own chefs from across the country have created original recipes just for you, and each day we pair them with the perfect wine and a little humor to bring you an entertaining video short.

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Salut,

Nicholas Barth

Certified Sommelier

Wine Director

Cru Wine Online

Top Ten California Cabs for Under $20

2011-02-21T05:17:00.000-08:00

Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most widely planted red gape varieties around the world. In fact, according to the United States Department of Agriculture, the grape accounts for over 25% of the land planted to red wine grapes in California, more than Pinot Noir but a lot less than Chardonnay. With this kind of coverage the Cab spectrum is wide, from $10 to $1000 and from generic, commercially-produced to artisan boutique style. Taking into consideration the current economy, I think it's fitting to dedicate this week's post to California's value-packed Cabernet Sauvignon producers.

1. Line 39 - Cabernet Sauvignon - Lake County, California 2007 - $10

Line 39 benefits from the lack of a mortgage payment, and not because of a foreclosure. They don't own vineyards or a brick and mortar winery. Instead they purchase fruit and rent resources to create mind blowing wine for the price. Founder Roy Cecchetti has over 20 years of wine industry experience, building brands that include the Pepperwood Grove line. The label sources fruit from Lake County, a region that Bob Browman, Line 39 winemaker, describes as the "new frontier." This area is often seen playing a role in North Coast AVA wines, which also includes Marin, Mendocino, Napa, Sonoma, and Solano counties. The Line 39 name refers to latitude 39, where many of the great wine growing regions of the world are found, including Lake County of course. With a full body and dark fruit aromas and flavors, this Cali Cab is a steal at only $10!

2. Cycles Gladiator - Cabernet Sauvignon - California 2008 - $10

Cycles Gladiator is value-packed brand produced by California wine icon Hahn Family Wines. This wine's label, a replica of an 1895 French bicycle advertisement featuring the image of a nude woman flying alongside a bike amid a star-filled sky, created quite an uproar in Alabama. In 2009 the state banned the label from appearing on retail shelves or wine lists. President of Hahn Family Wines Bill Leigon explains, "The Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control did, in fact, approve the label when the wine came into the market in 2006, but suddenly changed its mind late last year. We were unaware of the new ruling until now when it was deemed pornographic." Personally I say good! More Cycles Gladiator for me. However the "negative publicity" has proven positive for the company helping them reach sales of over 600,000 cases since the wines inception in 2006. This $10 red is full-bodied with juicy red fruit flavors and aromas. Fight the man! Drink Cycles Gladiator.

3. Bogle - Cabernet Sauvignon - California 2008 - $11

This next producer often finds its way into my wine tastings. I always tell people to take the Bogle challenge. It's kind of like the Old Spice challenge, but you don't have to take off your shirt and you get to drink. Bogle was founded in the 1970's and today is still family owned and operated. Their 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon fruit was sourced from Clarksburg, Lodi and Lake County, and the wine was aged for 14 months in American oak barrels. The flavors are big and bold, and this wine has aging potential, all for the low price of $11. Pick up a bottle and take the Bogle challenge.

4. McManis - Cabernet Sauvignon - California 2008 - $11

McManis Family Vineyards was founded in 1990 by Ron and Jamie McManis. Often compared to Bogle and competing for a similar market, McManis is still family owned and operated. The winery produces 300,000 cases of wine annually, over 100,000 of which are Cabernet Sauvignon. The 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon is likely sourced from their 2500+ acres of wine grapes, equally divided between Ripon and Lodi. The McManis Cab is ripe and spicy, with dark fruit flavors and aromas. Wine Spectator awarded the 2008 McManis Cab 85 points, a pretty amazing feat for an $11 wine. Pick up a bottle and you'll taste value.

5. The Crusher -'Wilson Vineyard' Cabernet Sauvignon - Clarksburg, California 2007 - $13

The Crusher is produced by Don Sebastiani and Sons. Don Sebastiani, of the famous Sebastiani wines, has over 30 years of industry experience. Don Sebastiani & Sons' portfolio currently consists of everyday labels like Smoking Loon, Flock, B Side, and Pepperwood Grove to name a few. The Crusher line was designed to focus on everyday, good-quality wines. The Crusher Cabernet Sauvignon comes from Clarksburg, a large area south of Sacramento. This big-boned red shows depth, complexity, and structure. It's safe to say you get a lot of wine for only $13 with The Crusher.

6. Bota Box - Cabernet Sauvignon - California 2007 - $19 (3L)

Yes, that's right. This one comes in a box. But before you break out in sweats and having flashbacks of your Franzia White Zin days, hear me out. Bota Box has a lot of advantages. It holds the equivalent of four bottles of wine, and its design allows you to drink wine by the glass without worrying about waste or spoilage. This system keeps wine fresh for up to 45 days after opening. Consider me converted. Not that spoilage or waste are a real problem in my house, but for those of you who pace yourselves, here's your solution. They claim their practice is "state of the art," but it's still a bag and tap system. I don't know about all of the "innovative" talk, but it's good juice and it's always on tap. Try to get past the embarrassment of heading to the register with boxed wine in hand and see for yourself. The proof is in the bag.

7. Louis M. Martini - Cabernet Sauvignon - Sonoma County, California 2007 - $17

Louis M Martini was founded in Napa Valley in 1933, and sold to the Gallo family in 2002. Today all they do is Cabernet Sauvignon, and with their '07 Sonoma Cab, it's safe to say they do it well. Sonoma County encompasses six valleys and 13 American Viticulture Areas (AVA). This particular wine comes from a number of appellations in the county. The 2007 Martini Cab is robust, with dark fruit and spice. If you are looking for a fat Cab to pair with your steak, look no further than this monster.

8. 4 Bears - 'Sean Minor' Cabernet Sauvignon - Napa Valley, California 2007 - $17

Four Bears Winery and Sean Minor Wines were founded in 2005 By Sean and Nicole Minor. After realizing their largest monthly expense was wine, the Minors decided to throw their hat into the ring and make money off their vice. The Minor winery is all about family; in fact, they named their business for their four children. With the help of family friend and colleague, Will Bucklin, 4 Bears' initial production featured a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Central Coast Chardonnay, and Dry Creek Sauvignon Blanc. They have since added a Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley Merlot, and a Napa Valley Carneros Pinot Noir. Today the winery produces good quality wines at an everyday price. This Cab is well-balanced, with lots of character. You won't be disappointed.

9. Kunde Estate - Cabernet Sauvignon - Sonoma Valley, California 2007 - $18

Kunde Family Estate has been family owned and operated since 1904 when Louis Kunde, a German immigrant, acquired the Wildwood Vineyards ranch in Sonoma. Today the fourth and fifth generation oversee an operation comprised of state-of-the-art winemaking resources and 1,850 contiguous acres of sustainably farmed vineyards of which 700 acres are planted to more than twenty different varieties of wine grapes. This wine comes from Sonoma Valley, an area where reds fend well and where vines have been planted for almost two centuries. Kunde's Sonoma Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is big and tight, and has the components to age for the better part of a decade. If you pick up a bottle, forget about it for a few years.

10. B. R. Cohn - 'Silver Label' Cabernet Sauvignon - North Coast, California 2007 - $20

B.R. Cohn Winery and Olive Oil Company was founded in 1984 by Bruce Cohn. A well connected grape grower since 1974, Bruce began his career by selling fruit to producers like Sebastiani, Caymus, Ravenswood, and Gundlach-Bundschu from his now-acclaimed Olive Hill Estate Vineyard. Along the way Cohn has employed a number of of iconic California winemakers including Helen Turley, Merry Edwards, and Steve MacRostie. Today the winery produces about 75,000 cases annually. Their 2007 'Silver Label' Cabernet Sauvignon received a well-deserved 88-point rating from Wine Spectator for its depth and complexity. If you're looking for ultra-premium wine at a reasonable price, check out the B.R. Cohn Silver Label Cabernet Sauvignon; it's a great bang for the buck.

This list was actually fairly easy to put together. The grape's popularity and the lack of good quality Cabs for under $20 left me searching for ten rather than sifting for ten. Don't get me wrong, there were plenty that didn't make the list, but to find accessible California Cabs with this kind of quality for under $20 is becoming more and more difficult. If there's a value-packed Cali Cab you think should make the list, leave a comment here, find me on Facebook, or shoot me an email.

Nicholas Barth

Certified Sommelier

Wine Director

Cru Wine Online

Top Ten Value Packed Wines From Down Under

2011-02-14T06:58:00.001-08:00

The Australian wine industry seems to be a hot topic as of recent. From the country's strong dollar, to flooding, to a lack of demand that has resulted in an ocean of left over juice, the Aussie wine industry has gotten a bad rap. So I wanted to clarify precisely what's up Down Under. Australia today is making as-good if not better-than-ever wine, and the prices haven't really changed. Part Australia's problem derives from the fact that "critter label" wines dominate retail end caps. Producers like Yellowtail and Lindemans have become the calling card of the country's wine industry, but they have so much more than that to offer. There are some outstanding artisan producers as well as some really value-packed wines being produced. If you're looking to stretch your buck and try some good quality juice, look no further than Australia.

1. Pewsey Vale - 'Dry' Riesling - Eden Valley, Australia 2010 - $17

When most people think Riesling, they automatically think sweet. However this delicious treat by Pewsey Vale is dry. It's clean, crisp and refreshing, and teeters more on the style of new world Sauvignon Blanc than it does lush, sweet Columbia Valley Riesling. Operated by the award winning Yalumba winery, Pewsey Vale benefits from the skillful hand of winemaker Louisa Rose. Today the estate is viewed as one of the finest producers of Riesling in the Southern Hemisphere. This particular gem by Pewsey Vale comes from the Eden Valley sub-region located in the Barossa Zone of the state of South Australia. An area that benefits from a higher elevation than the neighboring Barossa Valley region. Higher elevation provides a cooler climate, ideal for growing and producing wines with a higher acidity, especially dry whites using the Riesling variety.

2. Yalumba - 'Y-Series' - South Australia, Australia 2009 - $10

Viognier is a variety native to the south of France but today we are seeing plantings all over the world. The grape's emerging popularity stems from the fact that it showcases the elegance of Riesling with the weight of Chardonnay. The Yalumba winery was founded in the mid 1800's. It's Australia's oldest family-owned winery. An innovative producer, Yalumba practices eco-friendly winemaking techniques, and are one of the finest New World producers of Viognier. If you are looking to explore new varieties but don't want to break the bank, start with Yalumba. Their Y-Series is a great bang for the buck.

3. Two Hands - 'Brilliant Disguise' Moscato - Barossa, Australia 2009 - $19 (500ml)

Brilliant Disguise is a delicious, sweet, slightly sparkling white wine produced by Two Hands. The 'two hands' are Michael Twelftree, a former construction worker, and Richard Mintz, an accountant. Sounds like a bang up wine team right? The two started the company in 1999 with the idea of creating world-class Shiraz. Their wines are critically acclaimed, rarely receiving ratings under 90 points from the Wine Spectator. The Two Hands Brilliant Disguise comes from the Barossa Valley sub-region of South Australia, and the grape used to make this wine is Moscato. In Australia alone the grape goes by three different names: Muscat à petits grains, Brown Muscat or Frontignac. Two Hands refers to this grape as Frontignac, which again is simply a synonym for Muscat. Looking for that perfect pairing for stinky cheeses or fruit desserts? Look no further than this delectable Moscato.

4. Wishing Tree - 'Unoaked' Chardonnay - Western Australia, Australia 2008 - $13

The Wishing Tree Chardonnay comes from Western Australia, specifically the area around Margret River, which is quickly becoming the country's finest region. There is a sticker above the label on the bottle that indicates this wine is imported by the World Wine Headquarters, which is owned by John Larchet. Larchet has some super cool wines in his portfolio. In fact, he has been described as the Kermit Lynch of Aussie wines. That's quite a compliment when you consider Lynch is a well respected importer who brings us a bunch of really cool French wines. While many Chardonnays see a heavy hand of oak, this particular white is unoaked, resulting in a refreshing, clean style.

5. Angove's - 'Nine Vines' Grenache/Shiraz Rosé - South Australia, Australia 2010 - $12

When it comes to the spring and summer, this writer reaches for rosé. Because real men drink pink. This Aussie rosé comes from the South Australia state of Australia. While this is a big delimitation, it's also the area that consistently produces the highest quality juice in the country. Angove Family Winemakers has been making wine for almost one hundred years. They are still family owned and operated, and while they started out in the early 1900's as a small operation, today their high tech winery can make over one million cases each year. Their Nine Vines Rose is a blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Shiraz.

6. Robert Oatley - Sauvignon Blanc - Pemberton, Australia 2010 - $16

When I think clean, crisp white wines from the southern hemisphere, I rarely think Australian Sauvignon Blanc. This is because the Kiwi's do it better. It is their flagship varietal after all. But the Aussies have jumped on the Sauvignon Blanc bandwagon, and this particular example by Robert Oatley is easily the best I've ever had from Australia. The label indicates this wine comes from Pemberton, a fairly young but up and coming sub-region of Western Australia.

Robert 'Bob' Oatley is a native Australian often credited as the pioneer of Aussie exports. Oatley owned the infamous Rosemount Estate for several decades, the most recognized and successful family-owned Australian winery. His achievements with Chardonnay put Rosemount on the world wine map. His success with Shiraz, especially in the US, was instrumental in establishing the grape as a permanent feature on wine lists and retail shelves here. Today his smaller operation makes great artisan examples of Aussie wines. Case in point: this racy white.

7. Innocent Bystander - Pinot Noir - Victora, Australia 2008 - $20

This next "top tenner" comes from Yarra Valley sub-region in the greater Victoria state of Australia. Yarra Valley is considered by many the Burgundy of Australia. Innocent Bystander is owned by Phil Sexton, a brilliant veteran winemaker who also own the Giant Steps label in the Yarra Valley. The Innocent Bystander wines are distinctly regional, varietally expressive, and definitely not your run of the mill blends. Their Pinot Noir regularly receives high accolades from food and wine trade magazines around the world. All of the grapes used in the production of this beautiful red are hand picked.

8. St. Hallett - Shiraz/Grenache 'Gamekeeper's Reserve' - Australia 2008 - $13

Established in 1944, the St. Hallett winery is a value-packed producer making wine in and around the Barossa region of South Australia. Their wines have been produced under the skillful hand of winemaker Stuart Blackwell since 1973. Blackwell won Barossa Winemaker of the Year in 2003, and in 2004 the winery was named Winery of the Year by Wine and Spirits Magazine. What first interested me about their Gamekeepers Reserve was the unusual makeup of the blend. It's comprised of Shiraz, Grenache, and Touriga Nacional. Shiraz and Grenache don't surprise me at all; these grapes are commonly used together in blends, especially in Australia. It was the Touriga that caught my eye. This is a varietal native to Portugal, used in the production of Port wines from the country. The dash of Touriga adds a wonderful floral component to this spicy red.

9. d'Arenberg - 'The Stump Jump Red' - Adelaide, Australia 2009 - $10

Founded in 1943 by Francis d’Arenberg Osborn, d'Arenberg is often viewed as the pioneer winery of the McLaren Vale sub-region of South Australia. According to the website, "The name ‘Stump Jump’ pays homage to a significant South Australian invention – the Stump Jump plough. As well as clearing the land around McLaren Vale, it was adopted worldwide in the late 19th century because of its ability to ride over stumps and gnarled roots, saving valuable time and energy." The red is a blend of Grenache, Shiraz, and Mourvedre. All three of the varietals are native to the south of France but have become increasingly popular in Australia. If you're looking for an easy drinking red at a great price, pick up the Stump Jump Red by d'Arenberg.

10. Nine Stones - Shiraz - Barossa, Australia 2008 - $14

According to Vineyard Brands, the importer of Nine Stones, "Nine Stones began as a collaboration between Denis Power and Len Evans, a well-known wine educator and raconteur. Since Len’s death in 2006, Denis has continued the work of the Evans Wine Company, which also houses Bulletin Place and Kingsvale Ridge. Both Len Evans and Denis Power are of Celtic origin, and the name Nine Stones derives from the ancient Celtic custom of creating circular patterns of standing stones. The initial release wines were three wines of the Shiraz variety, selected to display the characteristics of the region from which they emanate." The three regions are Barossa, McLaren Vale, and Hilltops Region. For this top ten list I selected the Barossa Shiraz because, dollar for dollar, it's one of the best. If you thought Aussie Shiraz was one dimensional - high in alcohol and a fruity mess - think again.

As I mentioned earlier the country has no shortage of stunning wines for the price, so narrowing the list to ten was tough. Australia simply needs to get past the stigma wrapped so tightly around it, and hopefully posts like this will help by giving insight into smaller producers crafting higher quality wines at a great price. If there's a value-packed Aussie wine you think should make the list, leave a comment here, find me on Facebook, or shoot me an email.

Nicholas Barth

Certified Sommelier

Wine Director

Cru Wine Online

Top Ten Sweet Wines For Your Sweetie

2011-02-07T05:05:00.000-08:00

Ah, Valentine's Day. A wonderful Hallmark holiday; the chance to show someone how much you care by the offering of material goods. Personally, I find it's an opportunity to purchase half-priced heart-shaped candy on the 15th. Although I have to say, my sweetie wasn't impressed when I showed up a day late to hand her a half-eaten box of chocolates with a clearance sticker on it. This year I'll remember to take off the price tag. For those of you looking for something a little more daring than chocolates, I've put together a list of the top ten sweet wines for your sweetie, along with a few pairing suggestions.

1. Michele Chiarlo - 'Nivole' Moscato d'Asti - Piedmont, Italy 2009 - $15 (375ml)

When it comes to sweet wine, Moscato is a fan favorite here in the United States. People love the fresh flavors and bubbly sweetness of this wine. The best Moscato's from Italy come from the Moscato d'Asti DOCG (quality Italian wine region) in Piedmont. What I like about Michele Chiarlo's 'Nivole' Moscato d'Asti is that the fruit is fresh, rather than syrupy like you sometimes experience in other sweet bubblies from the region. This refreshing Moscato paired with a heavenly slice of Tiramisu is proof that God wants us to be happy.

2. Rosa Regale by Banfi - Brachetto d'Acqui - Piedmont, Italy 2009 - $24

Brachetto: the grape. Acqui: the region. Love: the word I use to describe this wine paired with chocolate covered strawberries. The Brachetto d'Acqui DOCG is a region of Piedmont not far from Asti. I feel like Vigne Regale by Banfi just waits each year for February 14th. All of their marketing for their delicious sweet, red, frizzante (semi-sparkling) is designed to persuade consumers to pair their Rosa Regale with a romantic evening. If you're looking to fall in love this Valentine's Day, pick up a glass of this wine and smell the fresh berries on the nose. With just one sip you'll realize you didn't really know love until you met Brachetto d'Aqcui.

3. Poet's Leap by Long Shadows Vineyards - Riesling - Columbia Valley, Washington 2009 - $20

This German-influenced Riesling from Washington's Columbia Valley is a perfect balance of fruit, acid, and sugar. Pair this poetic white with an apple dessert, and you'll find yourself finally understanding the word utopia. Long Shadows was founded by former Stimson Lane (Chateau Ste. Michelle) executive Allen Shoup. According to the company's website this wine is "inspired by the greatest wines of Germany and crafted by one of Germany's most highly acclaimed Riesling producers, Armin Diel, proprietor of the renowned Schlossgut Diel." Truly a wonderfully balanced Riesling at a great price.

4. Pacific Rim - Gewurztraminer - Columbia Valley, Washington 2009 - $11

While my heart was literally broken after legendary winemaker Randall Grahm (owner of Bonny Doon Wines) sold Pacific Rim winery to Banfi, this is, never the less, a great little wine for the price. The Pacific Rim Gewurztraminer is loaded with fresh fruit aromas of grapefruit and lychee nut, along with a wonderful floral component. Gewurztraminer is continuing to see sales growth in the US. If you thought this grape was one-dimensional, keep exploring with dryer styles from Alsace, France. Enjoy the Pacific Rim Gewurz with a lychee-topped dessert and a dimly lit room.

5. Inniskillin - Riesling 'Ice Wine' - Niagara Peninsula, Canada 2007 - $75 (375ml)

The Canucks take Ice Wine very serious. With many great Canadian Ice Wines to choose from, usually at a hefty price, it was Inniskillin's pivotal role in the advancement of Canadian wine that made me choose this producer over another. Inniskillin was founded by Don Ziraldo, one of Canada's greatest publicists, and Karl Kaiser, a highly respected oenologist. Hugh Johnson explains in the World Wine Atlas: "Their real break has been the discovery that Ice-Wine comes naturally to them. In 1991 Inniskillin’s Vidal Icewine won a Grand Prix d’Honneur at Vinexpo in Bordeaux. Now almost every winery makes Icewine – the best of astounding luscious freshness.” Pair this golden, sweet treat with some Créme Brulée to experience lust in food and wine form.

6. Castello di Brolio by Barone Ricasoli - Vin Santo del Chianti Classico - Tuscany, Italy 2004 - $52 (375ml)

Vin Santo is a red or white passito wine that may be sweet, semisweet, or dry. This particular treat by Baron Ricasoli is sweet, and makes for a great pairing to any nutty dessert. Or, for a little less sugar, try it with an almond biscotti. Barone Ricasoli explains, "According to Family Business, the leading American magazine that deals with the world classification of family businesses, Barone Ricasoli is the fourth longest-lived company in the world and the second in the wine sector.Barone Ricasoli is therefore the oldest winery in Italy." Whatever the case, they make a delicious Vin Santo for you and your special someone to enjoy on heart day.

7. M. Chapoutier - Banyuls - Languedoc-Roussillion, France 2007 - $27 (5ooml)

When I think poached pears, I think Banyuls. Banyuls AOC (quality French wine region) is the most southerly appellation in France. It is located in the Languedoc-Roussillon region, which produces fortified sweet wines, locally called Vin Doux Natural. While Vin Doux Natural translates to "Naturally Sweet," it is truly anything but. These wines are produced in a fashion that resembles port - a spirit is added to arrest fermentation. What you are left with is a sweet, high-alcohol wine. M. Chapoutier uses eco-friendly winemaking techniques and produces a killer Banyuls for the price. You, a bottle of Banyuls, a poached pear dessert, and Barry White. Oh yeah, and your significant other...better get two bottles.

8. Blandy's - 5-Year-Old Alvada - Madeira, Portugal NV - $15 (500ml)

When most people think pecan pie, they think Thanksgiving. I think Blandy's Alvada Madeira. This wine, as it's name implies, comes from the Portuguese island of Madeira. What makes it so special is the way in which it's produced. The wine is deliberately heated to replicate the accidental maderization that occurred at equatorial temperature during the voyages of old. Blandy's is a fine producer for the price. The Blandy's flavor profile could be described as liquid pecan pie. No wonder the pairing is so good: I'll take a slice of pecan pie with a side of pecan pie in a glass, please!

9. Emilio Lustau - 'East India Solera' Sherry - Jerez, Spain NV - $23

I've heard it too often: "I hate Sherry." But most don't know that there are two distinctly different styles of Sherry. Dry Fino style Sherry could be equated to drinking seawater. But the sweet Oloroso style is delicious and rich, and makes for a great pairing to chocolate. Like Port, Sherry is fortified. But unlike Port, the spirit is added at the end of fermentation. Emilio Lustau is arguably one of the country's most notable producers and makes a range of products. For the price, I'm a big fan of the East India Solera, which is full of nutty toffee and caramel characteristics. So here's a V-Day plan: Open the box of chocolates, bite into each one and set the toffee ones aside to enjoy with this Sherry.

10. Fonseca - Bin No. 27 Finest Reserve Port - Douro, Portugal NV - $19

Last but not least we have a delectable bottle of Port. According to Fonseca, "The Bin No. 27 was created over a century ago for family consumption, and only released commercially in 1972. Blended from reserve wines selected for their intense fruit character and depth of color, Fonseca Bin No. 27 spends four years in large wood vats prior to bottling. Although it may improve slightly with bottle age, Bin No. 27 is ready to consume when bottled. It does not require decanting, as a cold precipitation prior to bottling prevents any 'crust' from forming." What I like about this one is value for the price. That and it's a great pairing for stinky cheeses and chocolate, especially dark chocolate. I can't promise you a night of passion with your significant other, but crack open a bottle of Fonseca, serve up a plate of dark chocolate treats, and I promise you'll be head over heels.

No matter who your sweetie is, you're sure to find a wine to make your Valentine's Day special. Skip buying one of the over eight billion cliche candy hearts that are produced each year; a bottle of wine with a beautiful bouquet are sure to impress. And if there's no sweetie for you this year, just think of it as more for you.

Salut,

Nicholas Barth

Certified Sommelier

Wine Director

Cru Wine Online

Top Ten Super Bowl Wine Picks

2011-01-31T05:58:00.000-08:00

This Sunday over 100 million people will tune in to watch the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Green Bay Packers compete for the championship title at Super Bowl XLV in Arlington, TX. It's estimated that over $55 million and 10 million man-hours are spent purchasing and preparing all of the food for the big game. In fact, the amount of food consumed on Super Bowl Sunday is second only to Thanksgiving. The best part: we are expected to consume the majority of the estimated 30 million pounds of snacks within 15 minutes of kick-off. With all of that in mind, I thought it only appropriate to highlight a few wines to pair with some Super Bowl food favorites.

1. Nine Stones - Shiraz - Barossa Valley, Australia 2008 - $14

One of my favorite game day foods is chili. And whether you prefer the hearty stew-like chili or a lighter soup-like rendition, a spicy, juicy Shiraz makes for a great pairing. Personally I like my chili to have a little kick, and nothing will enhance the spice in the bowl like a spicy Shiraz from Australia. I like the Nine Stones because it's loaded with fruit and spice, and all for a good price. When you think chili, think Aussie Shiraz.

2. Artezin - Zinfandel - Mendocino County, California 2009 - $18

It's estimated that over 1 billion chicken wings will be consumed on Super Bowl Sunday. And when it comes to chicken wings I love barbecue sauce. So for this I selected a juicy, fruity Zin with a little spice to complement my game day selection. Try a little onion, garlic, and chili powder in your BBQ sauce, maybe even sriracha, and this Zin will draw it out perfectly.

3. Coppo - 'Camp du Rouss' Barbera d'Asti - Piedmont, Italy 2007 - $22

Super Bowl Sunday is the busiest pizza delivery day of the year. This year Domino's alone is expecting to sell between 1.1 and 1.2 million pies, and fans around the country will consume about 30 million slices on game day. When pairing wine with a frozen or delivery pizza I reach for a spicy red with some acid. The tomatoes in the sauce will bring a touch of acidity to the dish, and Barbera's natural acidity will ensure that this component is mirrored while its full body holds up without overpowering. Overall, a great game day pairing.

4. Crios by Susana Balbo - Torrontes - Salta, Argentina 2010 - $15

Like guacamole? You're not alone. It's estimated that over 50 million pounds of Avocados are consumed on Super Bowl Sunday. That's enough to cover the entire football field with a blanket of guacamole nearly 12 feet deep. And when it comes to guac, I look for a clean, crisp white with a little weight. Crios by Susana Balbo makes a great Torrontes, a varietal that has quickly become Argentina's calling card white. This wine has the weight to stand up to this pasty side with the flavors to enhance it. Add a little extra lemon juice to your guacamole this year; the Crios' refreshing acidity can withstand the citrus.

5. Cristalino by Juame Serra - 'Rosé Brut' Cava - Spain - $10

This Sunday experts say we will consume 8.5 million pounds of tortilla chips. Do you know what I hear? Nachos! Load on the beans, meat, chicken, tomatoes, black olives, shredded lettuce, sour cream, and cheese, and prepare for a night of antacids! A hearty nacho plate is complex, and believe it or not, the best pairing is a sparkling wine. I like Cava because it's made using the traditional method, but is available at a fraction of the price when compared to sparkling wines from Champagne. The Rosé Cava by Juame Serra Cristalino is incredibly food friendly and at a great value. It has the texture to compliment a busy nacho plate.

6. Dr. Loosen Brothers - 'Dr. L.' Riesling - Mosel, Germany 2009 - $12

The week leading up to Super Bowl Sunday, super markets see a 118% sales increase in lit'l smokies, or cocktail franks. For this delicious little weenie smothered in barbecue sauce you want something that has a touch of sugar. This clean, refreshing white has the acidity and sugar to compliment the sauce with a light weight to ensure we don't overpower this game day treat. The Dr. L is a great value-packed go-to for a variety of Super Bowl snacks.

7. Crossings - 'Unoaked' Chardonnay - Marlborough, New Zealand 2009 - $16

This week your neighborhood super market will see a 50% increase in the sale of Velveeta "cheese". It's this, coupled with the chip factor, that require me to offer a pairing for Velveeta Cheese Dip. Whether you doctor it up with refried beans and diced tomatoes or not, this processed brick of cheese turned creamy and labeled "queso" is a must have at most Super Bowl parties. And while I don't really consider it food, this dish begs for a delicious Chardonnay, hold the oak. The Crossings' 'Unoaked' Chardonnay has the weight to hold up to this creamy dish with a fresh acidity to hydrate the palate. Like I always say, there's a pairing for every dish, even a non-food dish!

8. Villa Maria - 'Cellar Selection' Sauvignon Blanc - Marlborough, New Zealand 2009 - $22

Whether or not you believe the claim that salsa outsells ketchup in the US, one thing is for sure: we eat a lot of salsa on Super Bowl Sunday. In fact, $5.3 million dollars worth to be specific. Couple that with the 8.5 million pounds of tortilla chips and you find yourself in need of a chips and salsa pairing. With salsa I look for a wine with some acidity to match the acid imparted by the tomatoes. The Villa Maria Cellar Selection Sauvignon Blanc has the perfect weight and acidity to compliment your favorite salsa, whatever the style.

9. Bogle - Chardonnay - California 2009 - $10

This Sunday Americans will consume over 4000 tons of popcorn. If we were to string all of that together it would be enough to go around the earth five and a half times. And to pair with this buttery, salty snack, I look for a buttery, rich California Chardonnay. I'm a big fan of Bogle wines as a general rule. Dollar for dollar they're a great value, and the winery is still family owned and operated, which I like. With this pairing the buttery richness of the Bogle Chardonnay enhances the buttery popcorn, while the mediumish acidity hydrates the palate after each sip.

10. Riondo - Prosecco - Veneto, Italy NV - $12

Last but not least we have Doritos - thank you Ali Landry. This salty, processed cheese snack makes for a great pairing to Riondo Prosecco. The refreshing characteristics of the wine hydrate the palate, while its bubbly texture compliments this crunchy triangular treat adored by football fans across the country.

America, enjoy your 51.7 million cases of beer and 1,300 calories per person this Super Bowl, but don't forget to pick up a few bottles of wine too. Now it's your turn. What favorite wines and snacks are going to be in your hand this Sunday? Send me an email, check me out on facebook, or leave a comment here on the blog to let me know!

For more information about me, more interesting wine information, and for delicious food and wine pairings, check us out online at Cru Wine Online. You'll find daily Wine and Recipe pairings just for our members. We pair our chefs' recipes with delicious wines, and bring them to you in an entertaining video short, complete with a brief explanation of the wine, the dish, and the pairing.

Sign up today for a 6 Month Membership and receive a FREE wine glass set, a $19.95 value. Life's too short not to enjoy every sip, so drink it up. Entertain your senses with Cru Wine Online's monthly membership. At only $7.99/month you can't afford not to! Thanks again for reading.

Salut,

Nicholas Barth

Certified Sommelier

Wine Director

Cru Wine Online

Top Ten Biodynamic Wine Producers

2011-01-24T06:03:00.000-08:00

With the increasing awareness, and thus sales, of organic food and wine, I thought it only appropriate to use this week's post to highlight biodynamic winemaking and some of the producers who are doing it well.

For those unfamiliar with the term, biodynamic winemaking is often described as a "step beyond" organic. While organic producers are protecting the earth from harmful chemicals, some argue they don't go far enough. Enter biodynamic producers, who take a holistic approach to winemaking. They see the vineyard and winery as a living organism, and use eco-friendly winemaking practices, along with a cosmic twist, to promote positive growth in their vineyards, leaving the earth better than they found it. There are plenty of skeptics, and while I admit I still have some reservations, it's a theory that sparks my curiosity. If the moon can effect the ebbs and flows of the ocean, maybe it's not so far fetched to think it could contribute something to grape growth. On to the top ten...

1. Clos de la Coulee de Serrant - Loire, France

Owned and operated by biodynamic wine legend Nicolas Joly, Coulee de Serrant is a 17 acre (7ha) monopole located in the Savennieres AOC of the greater Anjou sub-region in France's Loire region. Not only are they commonly viewed as the finest biodynamic producer in the world, but many consider their wines to be the best of the Loire. Coulee de Serrant consistently produces stunning, bone-dry whites made exclusively from Chenin Blanc. Austere in their youth, these wines are regarded as some of the longest-living dry, white wines in the world. It's the winemakers commitment to quality, coupled with the fact that Joly has literally written the book on biodynamic winemaking practices, that solidified Coulee de Serrant a spot on this week's top ten list.

2. Bonny Doon - Santa Cruz County, California

Bonny Doon, considered one of the most influential US biodynamic wine producers, is owned and operated by wacky winemaker Randall

Grahm, who, up until about a month ago, owned the Pacific Rim winery in Washington state. This rouge winemaker is known for pulling shenanigans, like naming his flagship red after an obscure ordinance passed in 1954 prohibiting UFOs from flying over vineyards in Chateaufuef du Pape and publishing a 30-page newsletter entitled The Vinferno, which ends with the eyes of two well-known wine magazine publishers getting eaten by the devil. While there are certainly other outstanding California producers using biodynamic winemaking practices (Quivira, Quintessa, Grgich Hills, Frog's Leap), it's Bonny Doon that takes the cake as California's finest biodynamic producer.

3. Cooper Mountain Vineyards- Willamette Valley, Oregon

Cooper Mountain Vineyards is owned by Dr. Robert Gross, who along with tending to the vineyards and winery is also a psychiatrist, a homeopath, and an acupuncturist. Cooper Mountain was the first U.S. winery of any kind to gain label approval for a no-sulfite-added wine under the new National Organic Program standards. And as an attestation of how seriously they take biodynamic practices, the winery completed Oregon's Carbon Neutral Challenge. Oregon is like the domestic breeding grounds for US biodynamic wineries, which include Sokol Blosser, Bergstrom (estate wines), and Rex Hill (converting) to name only a few. Beyond their delicious juice, it's their extended commitment to produce unadulterated wine that landed Cooper Mountain on the list.

4. Zind-Humbrecht - Alsace, France

Like Oregon in the US, the Alsace region of France is home to a number of biodynamic producers including Weinbach, Jean Becker, Albert Mann, and Josmayer. But it's Alsatian producer Zind-Humbrecht that, in this writer's opinion, showcases quality and consistency year after year. The Humbrecht family has a history of winegrowing in Europe dating back to the mid 17th century. The domaine was founded in the mid 1950's, and is currently managed by Olivier Humbrecht, son of the founder. Olivier was the first Frenchman to qualify as Master of Wine. Quality-conscious winemaking practices and an outstanding product ensure this Alsatian producer isn't budging from the list.

5. Chateau Beaucastel - Chateauneuf du Pape, France

Number five on this top ten list is a personal favorite, when cash flow allows. Some would argue that M. Chapoutier should be regarded as the Rhone region's finest biodynamic producer, but while I agree Michel is making some outstanding juice, I still go with Chateau Beaucastel for the win.

Chateau Beaucastel, producing award-winning wines in the southern Rhone Chateauneuf du Pape region of France, is owned by the Perrin family. And according to Vineyard Brands, importer for Beaucastel, "In 1903, a young chemical engineer and mathematics professor named Pierre Perrin, together with his father-in-law, began to restore the domaine following the ravages of phylloxera...Today, the third and fourth generations of Perrins, continue in the tradition of their father and grandfather. The vineyards of Beaucastel are treated as a garden: no chemical fertilizer, no chemical week killers or sprays are permitted. Organic fertilizer comes from compost and only a minimum of traditional sulphur-copper spr ay is used in the vineyards."

France is home to a number of quality biodynamic producers, from Huet in the Loire to Chateau Pontent-Canet in Bordeaux, but none bested Beaucastle. Family-owned with biodynamic practices and award-winning juice come together to form this week's number five, and the last of the Frenchy's.

6. Tenuta e Lageder by Alois Lageder - Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy

For number six we head to Italy, where biodynamic winemaking is finally beginning to get some attention. The Tenutae Lageder label by Alois Lageder comes from the northern Trentino-Alto Adige sub-region of Italy. Alois Lageder began the conversion to biodynamic winemaking in 2004, and the first certified-biodynamic wine Lageder released was the Chardonnay-Pinot Grigio Vigneti delle Dolomiti Beta Delta 2008. It scored 90 points on Wine Spectator's 100 point scale. Today the estate produces dynamite wines, but look out. More and more Italian producers are looking to biodynamic winemaking as an alternative to conventional methods, so this top tenner may not hold his spot for long.

7. Nikolaihof - Wachau, Austria

Owned by the Saahs family Nikolaihof is committed whole-heartedly to biodynamic winemaking. The estate is certified by Demeter, the organization that regulates biodynamic methods around the world. Their entire estate embraces the holistic approach, and from delicious Gruner Veltliner to world-class Riesling, Nikolaihof makes phenomenal juice.

8. Weingut Wittmann - Rheinhessen, Germany

Weingut Wittmann, one of my new favorite German producers, is owned and operated by Philip Wittmann. The estate was certified organic in 1989, and in 2003 they converted their vineyards to biodynamic. They claim: "Slow fermentation and lengthy aging in the cellar’s constant temperatures preserve aromas. This is how Wittmann wines achieve their unmistable expression, which nevertheless varies from year to year." Recently the producer has launched a new '100 Hills' line. The line was created to showcase world-class, unpretentious wine made using biodynamic winemaking practices. The 100 Hills Dry Riesling by Wittmann retails for about $22. If you get a chance, pick up a bottle and see for yourself what this producer is able to do with biodynamic winemaking.

9. Alvaro Palacios - Priorat, Spain

From the Priorat DOCa of Spain, Alvaro Palacios has been regarded as the country's premier winemaker. With an emphasis on international varietals, like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah, blended with Spanish natives, like Grenache and Cariñena, Alvaro Palacios is producing big-bodied wines in an eco-friendly way. The wines from this producer range from $23 (Camins del Priorat) to $700 (L'Ermita). If you are looking for a full-bodied biodynamic red, look no further.

10. Emiliana - Chile

On to South America where, to be quite honest, many producers are practicing eco-friendly winemaking techniques, some by default. Water is abundant and free, labor is inexpensive, and the climate is ideal for growing grapes, which means biodynamic isn't all that much of a stretch. Emiliana is a Chilean producer practicing positive winemaking techniques, with an emphasis on biodynamics. They began converting their estate over to biodynamic in 1998, and while today they are not yet fully converted, they do have two dynamite BioD wines in their portfolio, Gê and Coyam. Look for more biodynamic wines coming from Chile in the next decade.

With over 450 producers using biodynamic techniques, it's difficult to highlight only ten. So what are your favorites? Send me an email, check me out on facebook, or leave a comment here on the blog telling me which biodynamic lables make your list and why.

Salut,

Nicholas Barth

Certified Sommelier

Wine Director

Cru Wine Online

Top Ten Breathtaking Wine Regions

2011-01-17T05:32:00.000-08:00

The only thing better than a glass of wine, is a glass of wine that comes with a view. And what better way to have it all than to travel to the most beautiful wine regions around the world. From magnificent sunrises to awe-inspiring sunsets, just about anything would taste good paired with the beautiful scenery of these regions. So here's a list of the best regions to visit for a breathtaking view, although not necessarily a breathtaking wine:

1. Sardinia, Italy

As a general rule, Italy is home to some of the most breathtakingly beautiful landscapes in the world. From the Valle d'Aoste sub-region in the northwest, to Cinque Terre in Liguria and most of Tuscany, Piedmont, and the Veneto, it's hard to find a region that could make this list. I chose Sardinia, spelled locally as Sardegna, not only because of its mind-blowing scenery, but also its climate, and health benefits of the local lifestyle.

Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean behind Sicily. The region is heavily influenced by Spain, France, and of course Italy. Its Mediterranean climate makes the region ideal for growing the Grenache variety, known locally as Cannonau, which is the most widely planted grape on the island. Giro and Carignan, known on the island as Carignano, are other widely-planted red varietals. Most of the whites are made from the Vermentino grape and are commonly found in the northern regions of the island. Some producers are experimenting with international varieties, like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, both in blends and on their own.

The Sardinian diet has recently received quite a bit of attention. This is because National Geographic writer and Emmy award-winning documentarian Dan Buettner explains in his book, The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who've Lived the Longest, that the Sardinian diet coupled with the regions "feel good" reds are like a fountain of youth. Supposedly they can add about six years to the average life expectancy. Not that I ever need a reason to drink, but hey, a little extra motivation doesn't hurt.

2. Stellenbosch, South Africa

Hugh Johnson and Jancis Robinson, in their fifth edition of The World Wine Atlas, stated, "The most dramatically beautiful wine country in the world is surely South Africa." I chose Stellenbosch both for its gorgeous scenery and for the fact that the region is regarded as the finest in South Africa. This is due to the growing conditions and the University of Stellenbosch, which is incredibly influential in South Africa's wine advancement.

Virtually all of South Africa's vineyards are found within 100 miles of Cape Town. And while vines first were planted in South Africa in the mid 17th century, it wasn't until apartheid ended in the early 90's that the country really began producing quality juice. Today some great values can be found from the country.

3. Okanagan Valley, Canada

The Okanagan Valley is the oldest and most important wine region in British Columbia. It's also one of the world's most northerly wine growing areas. Over 90% of British Columbia's vines are located in the Okanagan Valey. The region is Canada's best chance at producing world-class varietal wines from grapes like Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir.

Starting at the Washington state border, the Okanagan Valley Vintner's Quality Alliance (VQA) stretches north 155 miles. It's home to the glacial Okanagan Lake which provides a moderating effect. The area is almost desert-like, receiving an annual rainfall of only six inches. While the region produces wines of good quality, you have to pay for them. Not the most value-packed, but certainly breathtaking scenery around the lake.

4. Mosel, Germany

George M. Taber explains in his book In Search of Bacchus: Wanderings in the Wonderful World of Wine Tourism, that "The Rhine and Mosel rivers and valleys are the birthplace of Germany's romantic heritage." The Mosel region, formerly the Mosel-Saar-Ruwer, is Germany's third largest region in terms of production, but is the leading region in terms of international recognition.

The Mosel is often regarded as Riesling's spiritual home. Cool temperatures, the Mosel river, and slate soil come together to create a perfect environment for producing world-class Riesling. The steep river banks are where most of the grapes are grown, with vineyards being planted on inclines of up to 60 degrees. The banks of the river are both breathtaking and practical as they provide good drainage and allow the river to act as a mirror, reflecting the suns rays up under the leaves to the berries to help warm and ripen them. It's the beautiful Mosel river and its steep banks that solidify this region's place on this top ten list.

5. Douro Valley, Portugal

The Douro Valley, home to the Douro River, is best appreciated from atop the nearby mountains. Vines are planted to the sun-baked soil hillsides, which are very steep in some areas. While the Douro region is famous for its fortified dessert wines called Port, what many don't realize is the region makes as much still table wine as they do Port.

Ten years ago visitors to the country would choke down the table wines from the region to hurry up and get to the world famous Ports. Over the last decade however, the region has been producing not only palatable juice, but good-quality wines. Quality table wines from this region are beginning to show depth, structure and age-ability. The reds from the region, when done well, can prove to be remarkable values. It is this factor, along with the beautiful view, that lands the Douro on this week's top ten list.

6. Provence, France

Provence is this writer's all-time favorite wine region. It's not just the wine or the scenery, but the cuisine and the culture that entice me. Situated between the French Alps and the Mediterranean sea, this breathtakingly beautiful region has the best of both worlds - skiing in the mountains and swimming in the sea. Its perfect Mediterranean climate ensure a mild winter and spring while supplying locals and visitors with a warm summer and fall. A perfect recipe for enjoying the region's most notable wine style, rosé.

Provence has been producing wine for over 2500 years. While the region makes delicious red and white wines, it's best known for its pink wines. In fact, over half of the region's wine production is rosé, which pairs perfectly with the local fare. Cuisine includes olives, garlic, seafood (think sardines), rockfish, sea-urchin and octopus, lamb and goat, and chickpeas. Local fruits include grapes, peaches, apricots, strawberries, cherries, and the famous melons of Cavaillon. Who could resist?

7. Napa Valley, California

The view in Napa Valley is admired by over five million people each year. With more than 450 wineries, the Napa Valley is often regarded as the finest American Viticulture Area (AVA) in the United States. The valley floor is surrounded by mountains, with the Mayacamas Range on the western and northern sides and the Vaca Mountains on the eastern side. The floor of the valley gradually rises from sea level at the southern end to just over 350 feet above sea level at the northern end in Calistoga at the foot of Mount Saint Helena.

While commercial wine production began in the mid 1800's, it wasn't until the Paris Wine Tasting of 1976, now called the Judgement of Paris, that this region was viewed world-wide as a quality wine producing region. As the acclaimed Chateau Montelena was stealing the first place spot from French Chardonnays of premier Burgundy producers, Warren Winiarski's 1973 Stag's Leap Cabernet Sauvignon was also besting the Frenchies, taking the first place title from first growths like Chateau Haut Brion and Chateau Mouton Rothschild. While it was a crying shame that the film Bottleshock completely skipped over this feat, it was this accomplishment that put Napa on the map. The region's stunning view and world-class wine production helped it make this week's top ten list.

8. Finger Lakes, New York

This one has a soft spot in my heart. With over 9,000 square miles of gorgeous rolling hills and 117 wineries, the Finger Lakes region is New York's largest AVA. Tom Stevenson, in the fifth edition of his book The Sotherby's Wine Encyclopedia, explains "The (Finger Lakes) name is derived from the 11 finger-shaped lakes in west-central New York. These inland water masses temper the climate, and the topography of the surrounding land creates "air temperature" in the winter and summer."

The Finger Lakes is the oldest and most prominent region in the Northeast. It's prized for soil with good drainage and extreme cold. Because of the cool growing season Riesling tends to do best, but international's like Pinot Noir and Cab are popping up in some vineyards. Also because of cold climate and harsh winters, they produce some exceptional Ice Wines. While it's difficult to find any wines from the Northeast outside of the area, this region is producing some delicious juice. Definitely worth hunting down. But like the wines of Okanagan Valley in Canada, you have to pay for them. The region's lack of Hollywood hype, as compared to the glitz and glamor of Napa, as well as its delicious wines and breathtaking view solidify its spot on this top ten list.

9. Mendoza, Argentina

Mendoza is considered by many to be Argentina's most important wine region. At over 350,000 acres of land planted to vines, the region accounts for nearly two-thirds of the country's entire wine production. Located in the eastern foothills of the Andes, the elevation at which the grapes are planted is one of the only reasons the region is so successful. These vineyards are some of the highest in the world, with the average site located between 1,900 and 3,600 feet above sea level. It's this elevation that provides ideal conditions to slowly ripen thick-skinned grapes, because with elevation comes a decrease in temperature - one degree Fahrenheit for every 300 feet of elevation.

The mountains in Mendoza provide this region with the perfect climate, soil, and location. The diurnal variation, or range, is ideal for growing hearty varietals like Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon. It has an alluvial soil type, which is great for growing grapes, and the region receives the perfect amount of rainfall. And in dry years, the water from melting snow-capped moutnains makes up for any lack of rain. Very few vineyards need to irrigate, so water is virtually free - a major bonus when considering it's one of the largest costs at a winery. It is this region's delicious, value-packed wines and proximity to Mount Aconcagua that makes it one of the most breathtaking wine regions in the world.

10. Central Otago, New Zealand

Last but not least is one of the most southern wine producing regions in the world. With grapes growing at elevations up to 1,300 feet, Central Otago is home to New Zealand's highest vineyards. Its southern latitude and high vineyard elevation make this region prime for growing cool climate varietals. It's one of the fastest growing regions in New Zealand, producing what some are calling world-class Pinot Noir. Critics have gone as far as to say the style of Pinot Noir produced is "Burgundian". However, the region, in my opinion, grew a tad too fast, resulting in a number of mediocre to below average wines being produced.

The reason this region is on this week's top ten is the view, oh what a view. Want to experience it in full but can't afford the ticket? Get the blu-ray version of Lord of the Rings, the film was shot in New Zealand. Central Otago is covered in mountains and beautiful green hills. Take this along with the fact that it's capable of producing world-class wine, and you have yourself a beautiful wine region worthy of a visit.

These ten regions showcase a variety of terrains with stunning views and delicious wines. There are so many gorgeous regions around the world, many producing quality juice, that it was tough to nail it down to ten; there are many more that could have made the list. I hope you have a chance to visit a few of these or any of the other fantastic wine destinations. In fact, if you have, I'd love to hear about it. Drop me a line via email, facebook, or leave a comment here on the blog.

For more information about me, more interesting wine information, and delicious food and wine pairings, check us out online at Cru Wine Online. You'll find daily Wine and Recipe pairings just for our users. We pair our chefs' recipes with delicious wines, and bring them to you in an entertaining video short, complete with a brief explanation of the wine, the dish, and the pairing.

Sign up today for a 6 Month Membership and receive a FREE wine glass set, a $19.95 value. Life's too short not to enjoy every sip, so drink it up. Entertain your senses with Cru Wine Online's monthly membership. At only $7.99/month you can't afford not to! Thanks again for reading.

Salut,

Nicholas Barth

Certified Sommelier

Wine Director

Cru Wine Online

Top Ten $10 Wines

2011-01-10T05:57:00.000-08:00

Over the weekend I received a letter in the mail from my bank. They were writing to inform me that I had $10 in an old savings account I had opened when I was a kid. To be quite honest I had forgotten about the $10, so I kind of feel like a kid playing Life or Monopoly who just got handed a card that says "Bank error in your favor. Collect $10." I know I'm rambling over an Alexander Hamilton here, but in today's wine market, that can get me a lot. All of this led to a list of the top ten wines for $10. And since I'm feeling a tad indecisive, I'm employing my readers to help me. Peruse the list and leave a comment telling me which one I should purchase with my ten spot.

1. Cristalino by Jaume Serra - 'Cava' Brut Rose - Spain NV - $10

After a ridiculous legal battle between French luxury brand Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessey (LVMH) and value-packed sparkling Spanish wine producer Cristalino, this wine is now Jaume Serra Cristalino, as opposed to simply Cristalino. LVMH owns Louis Roederer, the Champagne house that produces the Cristal Cuvée De Prestige, and their claim is that "An appreciable number of consumers falsely believe because of the name CRISTALINO that an inexpensive sparkling wine is the low-priced offering of the makers of the premier champagne, CRISTAL." While that's absolutely ridiculous, in August of 2010 a federal court in Minneapolis ruled that Cristalino infringed on the coveted name and therefore must change the name of their product. Enter Jaume Serra Cristalino.

This value-packed Cava is a great alternative to traditional Champagne. Cava, like Champagne, is produced using the traditional method. It's made from 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Trepat, a grape native to the northeast of Spain. This wine is dry, as Brut on the label indicates. It's fresh and clean, with flavors and aromas of strawberries, raspberries, and cherries, and the traditional production method imparts aromas of fresh bread dough. The Cristalino by Jaume Serra makes a great seafood pairing.

2. Snoqualmie Vineyards - 'Winemaker's Select' Riesling - Columbia Valley, Washington 2009 - $10

The next ten spot wine is a wonderful white from the Pacific Northwest. Snoqualmie is an Eco-friendly producer owned by Washington wine group Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, whose portfolio includes Chateau Ste. Michelle, Erath, Columbia Crest, 14 Hands, along with several others. The 'Winemaker's Select' Riesling by Snoqualmie comes from the Columbia Valley in Washington, one of the largest American Viticultural Areas (AVA) in the US. What I like about this wine is that it's bright and crisp. Many Pacific Northwest Riesling's tend to be fatter, with lush fruit flavors and aromas that equate to presumably higher sugar levels. Instead, this wine is off-dry and refreshing, with characteristics of peach, pear, and apricot. It pairs well with shellfish, soft cheeses, and spicy dishes.

3. Pomelo - Sauvignon Blanc - California 2009 - $10

This next "top tenner" takes its name from the fruit that it showcases. Pomelo Sauvignon Blanc tastes and smells like the Pomelo, a citrus fruit native to southeast Asia. Pomelo Sauvignon Blanc was conceived in 2004 by Randy Mason, owner of Mason Cellars in California who has been producing world-class Sauvignon Blanc since the mid 1990's. This wine is dry, displaying fresh citrus aromas of grapefruit, lemon, lime and of course, Pomelo. It's a great pairing for white meat and fish as well as vegetable dishes, especially salads with a vinaigrette dressing.

4. Fairview - 'Darling' Chenin Blanc - Coastal Region, South Africa 2010 - $10

This next value-packed white comes from South Africa. Fairview, creator of the Goats do Roam wine line, is owned by the mischievous Charles Back II. The winery is home not only to grape vines, but also a goat farm. These goats produce award winning cheese, and provided Back with inspiration when naming his "goat" wines. Chenin Blanc, sometimes called Steen in South Africa, is a staple varietal in the South African wine industry. The 2010 Darling Chenin Blanc by Fairview comes from vineyards just outside of Darling on the west coast of the country. This slightly off-dry white is lush, with flavors and aromas of citrus fruit coupled with green apples and peaches. It makes a great partner to chicken and seafood as well as Chinese dishes.

5. Yalumba - 'Y-Series' Viognier - South Australia, Australia 2010 - $10

Number five on this top ten list is one of this writer's favorite Viogniers in almost any price point. Yalumba, which is aboriginal for "all the land around," is a fifth generation, self-proclaimed oldest family-owned-and-operated winery in Australia. Like Snoqualmie, Yalumba is a good steward of the earth, practicing Eco-friendly winemaking techniques. Under the guidance of winemaker Louisa Rose, Yalumba makes stunning wines at a remarkable price. The 2010 Y-Series Viognier by Yalumba is full of peaches, pears, and honeysuckle. It makes a great pairing to vegetarian dishes as well as cream-based pasta dishes.

6. Vina Cono Sur - Pinot Noir - Central Valley, Chile 2009 - $10

This next Hamilton-friendly wine is owned by the incredibly young and innovative Cono Sur winery. As I highlighted in Top Ten "New" Wines To Ring In The New Year, Cono Sur is owned by Chilean wine giant Concha Y Toro. They are producing some absolutely stunning wines for the price, and this particular bottle is a great example of that, especially since it's rare to see a good-quality Pinot Noir for under $20. This delicious red comes from the Central Valley, a large region in Chile that stretches 120 miles from Santiago in the north to Concepcion in the south. The Pinot Noir by Cono Sur displays red fruit flavors and aromas of raspberry, cherry, and strawberry, pairing well with grilled white meat and fish.

7. MandraRossa - Nero d'Avola - Sicily, Italy 2008 - $10

As I noted in Top Ten Value Packed Wine Regions, southern Italy is home to an ocean of value-packed wines. In Sicily the Nero d'Avola grape in particular is making some approachable, well-priced wines. Many describe the wines of this grape as a juicy, Syrah-like red. MandraRossa bottles carry the "Traceability of Production Line" sticker which indicates that each wine carries information relating to each step of production and distribution. The MadraRossa Nero d'Avola displays bright red fruit flavors and aromas of cherry and raspberry, with just a hint of vanilla courtesy of the six months it spent in oak barrels. It's a great partner to red meat and pasta dishes with red sauce.

8. La Vieille Ferme - Ventoux - Rhone, France 2009 - $10

Number eight on this top ten list is an old favorite of mine. La Vieille Ferme, translated "The Old Farm", is owned by French wine giant Perrin & Fils, whose portfolio includes the world-famous Chateau de Beaucastel of Chateauneuf du Pape in France. According to importer Vineyard Brands, "Jean Pierre Perrin established La Vieille Ferme over 35 years ago, when he chose to produce an inexpensive, straightforward Rhône wine to sell by direct mail to French wine lovers. He used the same grape varieties in similar proportions to those planted at the family’s Château de Beaucastel, in a similar vinification process. The result was an immediate success in France, a wine of character and style in keeping with its Beaucastel heritage." The La Vieille Ferm Ventoux is loaded with rich red fruit and spice. It pairs well with a variety of red meat dishes, along with lamb and duck.

9. Quinta da Garrida by Caves Aliança - Red - Dão, Portugal 2007 - $10

According to Portuguese wine group Aliança's website, "Aliança was founded in 1927, over 80 years ago, by 11 associates leaded by Domingos Silva e Ângelo Neves, in Sangalhos (Anadia’s county), Bairrada region. Present in the main wine regions of the country, Aliança believes in quality, and to accomplish the goal, the company purchased several Estates, in regions as Alentejo, Douro, Dão, Bairradas and Beiras, exploring around 600 ha of winery." The investment group's portfolio includes labels like the Quinta da Garrida from the Dão region of Portugal. Garrida's 2007 red blend was given an 88-point rating by the Wine Spectator. The Quinta da Garrida Dão red is a blend of Jaen, Tinta Roriz, and Touriga Nacional, three red varietals native to Spain. The wine is loaded with dark fruit flavors and aromas of blackberry, black cherry, and plum. Its smoky characteristics make it a great partner for grilled meat.

10. Paringa - Shiraz - South Australia 2008 - $10

Paringa Vineyards is owned and operated by Australian wine god David Hickinbotham, whose family has been instrumental in the progress of Australian wine. The Paringa line was designed to provide the world with good-quality, value-packed wines. According to the about us page on their website, "Wine from the Paringa vineyard under the Paringa label was first produced in 1999. The 2000 Paringa Cabernet was one of the first $10 retail per bottle wines to receive 90 points from the Wine Spectator magazine. The 2001 Pariga Shiraz also received 90 points and the wine also appeared on the front cover of Wine Spectator and was a Top 100 wine. The latest vintage, the 2008 Paringa Shiraz recently received a score of 89 points from Wine Spectator magazine and was a best value as well as the best buy of the week on the Wine Spectator website." This wine is big, with dark fruit aromas of blackberry and black cherry. It's loaded with Shiraz's stereotypical spice. This wine will pair wonderfully hamburgers, mushrooms...maybe hamburgers with mushrooms.

Now I ask for your feedback. How should I spend my new-found wealth? Read the list and make a suggestion by leaving a comment, a message on facebook, or by emailing me directly.

For more information about me, more incredible wine picks and delicious food and wine pairings, check us out online at Cru Wine Online. You'll find daily Wine and Recipe pairings just for our users. We pair our chefs' recipes with delicious wines, and bring them to you in an entertaining video short, complete with a brief explanation of the wine, the dish, and the pairing.

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Salut,

Nicholas Barth

Wine Director

Certified Sommelier

Cru Wine Online

Top 10 "New" Wines To Look For In The New Year

2011-01-03T08:12:00.000-08:00

Ahh...the new year. It signifies rebirth, a clean slate. A chance to get it right and avoid the mistakes you made the year prior. Oh, who are we kidding. We all know history repeats itself. But I will say, the new year is the perfect opportunity to try some amazing new wines. As I think about the year ahead, I begin to envision the "new" wines 2011 will bring with it. So I put together a list of 10 must-try wines for the new year. If you're feeling adventerous, this year's resolution could be to try all 10 before the ball drops in 2012.

1. Vina Cono Sur - Brut Sparkling - Bio Bio Valley, Chile NV - $20
We start this top ten list with a relatively new wine produced by the young, innovative Cono Sur winery of Chile. Cono Sur is the offspring of Chilean industry giant Concha Y Toro. The winery was founded as recently as 1993, but they have quickly become a staple in the Chilean wine market. They are the second largest exporter of bottled wine in Chile in terms of value, and they are one of the most progressive wineries in the country in terms of eco-friendly winemaking practices. Cono Sur was the first winery in South America to receive a double ISO certification, one for their quality assurance procedures, and one for their environmental policies.

What makes this wine worthy of my "new" top ten list is the fact that Vina Cono Sur is one of the few Chilean wineries to make wines with grapes grown in the Bio-Bio Valley, located in southern Chile. Bio Bio is one of the most southern wine producing regions in the world, boasting a climate that is sunny yet cool. These factors create ideal conditions for growing high acid grapes, which are perfect for producing sparkling wines. In addition this bubbly is a unique blend, consisting of 90% Chadonnay, 6% Pinot Noir, and 4% Riesling. It is dry - as the term 'Brut' on the label signifies - fresh, and clean, and makes for a great pairing for your backyard deck...or seafood.

2. Koutsoyiannopoulos - Assyrtiko - Santorini, Greece 2009 - $19
This next one comes from a region that has been making wine for over 6500 years. But only recently have we started to see a surge of good quality wines. The country is focusing on native varietals and modern production methods. The result is a boom in Greece's wine quality and quantity. This particular refreshing white by Koutsoyiannopoulos is made from the Assyrtiko (aka Asyrtiko) grape, a varietal indigenous to the island of Santorini. Santorini is regarded as one of the most beautiful vacation destinations in the world. I myself would enjoy basking in the sun and enjoying this beauty with a friend, but it also pairs well with shellfish and white sauce dishes.

3. Lorca - 'Fantasia' Torrontes - La Rioja, Argentina 2010 - $15

Torrontes is the most-planted white wine producing varietal in Argentina. The grape could be considered the yin to Malbec's yang. Three varieties of Torrontes exist: Torrontes Sanjuanino, Torrontes Mendocino (aka Mendozino), and Torrontes Riojana. Torrontes Riojana is by and large the most widely planted of the three, accounting for over 20,000 acres of vineyard land in the country. When not properly cared for the grape can produce wines lack acid and are way too high in alcohol. Fortunately Lorca's Fantasia series Torrontes is well crafted, and the wine is clean, crisp, and bright, not flabby and hot. This wine is great with seafood, chicken, and ceviche.

4. Southern Right - Sauvignon Blanc - Walker Bay, South Africa 2010 - $19
Southern Right is a boutique South African producer that specializes in Pinotage and Sauvignon Blanc. It was founded as recently as 1994 by Anthony Hamilton Russell, and the Sauvignon Blanc remains the wineries best seller. The label takes its name from the Southern Right whale that frequents the cool Walker Bay, and with every bottle sold Russell contributes a donation to the Southern Right whale conservation. Not that I need a reason to feel good about drinking, but it doesn't hurt to know I'm saving the whales every time I pour a glass. This wine is racy, with citrus fruit flavors and aromas. It pairs well with salads, garlic chicken dishes, and whale...kidding! On second thought...

5. Mollydooker - 'The Violinist' Verdelho - Adelaide, Australia 2010 - $25
Named after the Australian term for a lefty, Mollydooker is an outstanding Australian producer. The winery is owned and operated by left-handers Sarah and Sparky Marquis. Sarah and Sparky have spent the last decade or so making wine and building brands around Australia. In 2005 they decided to make wine exclusively for their own project, Mollydooker. The name the Violinist comes from the days when Sarah was forced to play the Violin right handed so she wouldn't poke her right handed neighbors in the eye with her bow. All of their wines are labeled with clever, quirky names that are linked to a story about their lives.

The Mollydooker Violinist is made from the Verdelho grape a white wine producing varietal native to Portugal, specifically the island of Madeira - not to be confused with the Verdejo grape of Spain. The Australian style is widely prized for its intense flavor and oily texture. The Violinist Verdelho is big and powerful with aromas of honeysuckle and lime. A great pairing for creamy pasta dishes, and it can even stand up to veal.

6. Inchanka - Bonarda - La Rioja, Argentina 2007 - $15
Inchanka, translated "Water of the Condor," is a relatively young producer in Argentina. This wine is imported by John Larchet of the World Wine Headquarters, a company that has an outstanding portfolio full of delicious treats. If you ever see a bottle with the WWHQ sticker on it, pick it up. In my experience, they only carry good juice.

This wine is made from the Bonarda grape native to Italy. In Argentina the grape is the second most widely planted red varietal. The Bonarda by Inchanka is loaded with concentrated red and black fruit aromas and flavors. The fruit is complimented by plenty of spice and a smoke-like characteristic. This wine is a great match for red meat, especially grilled.

7. Paringa - Cabernet Sauvignon - South Australia, Australia 2008 - $10
Paringa winery was established by the Hickinbotham family in the late 1990's. Their 2000 Cabernet Sauvignon was the first $10 bottle to get a 90 point rating from the Wine Spectator. What solidified Paringa's place on this top ten list is their outstanding commitment to quality. Year after year they produce value-packed wines with great flavor and character, which is more than I can say for almost any other $10 Australian wine. This red is loaded with black fruit flavors of currant and blackberry. Its weight, tannin structure, and acidity make it a prime candidate for a big ol' steak, especially a top sirloin.

8. Decoy by Duckhorn - Zinfandel - Napa Valley, California 2008 - $22
Duckhorn was founded in the mid 1970's by Dan and Margaret Duckhorn, and while this winery is by no means "new", the 2010 release of their 2008 Decoy Zinfandel marked the first vintage of this spicy devil. Duckhorn is a large, well-respected producer in Napa. They regularly receive high accolades from various industry specialists and trade magazines. The Decoy series has allowed them to showcase their Napa Zinfandel at a "non-Napa" price. For the first run of this red they produced over 9000 cases, no small amount for a market "test" batch. This juicy red pairs well with Cajun spiced pork, turkey, and beef.

9. Bodegas Volver - Tempranillo - La Mancha, Spain 2007 - $16
Volver could be my new love affair. Imported by Spanish wine icon Jorge Ordonez, this delectable red highlights the robust flavors and aromas of Tempranillo. It comes from the very large La Mancha sub-region of Spain. I say very large because La Mancha accounts for nearly one third of all the wine produced in Spain. This wine is full-bodied, with flavors and aromas of black and red fruit smothered in spice. This, coupled with its well integrated tannins, makes it a great pairing for lamb and beef. This wine gets better with each vintage, leaving me very excited for the 08'!

10. Quinta do Vallado - Red - Douro, Portugal 2007 - $19
While the Quinta do Vallado has been in the Ferreira family for six generations, it has only been in the last 10 years that we've seen the true quality this estate is capable of. It was in the late 1980's that the red wines of Portugal took a turn for the better. Before that time, grape prices were too low and growers made only enough money to sustain their businesses - updating equipment and staying current with technology was out of the question. But a surge of quality-conscious wine producers soon paved the way for what is now an encouraging wine industry.

For years the Ferreira family produced Port wines, but in 1993 they chose to steer their family winery in a different direction. It was at this time they took a quality-focused approach to red and white still table wine production. The 2007 Quinta do Vallado basic Red scored a 93 point rating in the Wine Spectator, a 92 point score in Wine & Spirits, and a 90 point rating from Robert Parker of the Wine Advocate. The wine is a blend of 5 native Portugese varietals, including Touriga Franca, Touriga Nacional, and Tinta Roriz. The wine is muscular, with concentrated red fruit characteristics. A monster like this deserves a roast, a steak, or simply a refill.

While some of these producers have been around for quite a while, it's only recently that their production has gained enough attention to be recognized on the international wine scene. Think of this list as an opportunity to try wines you've never heard of, a project, if you would, for 2011. I hate to give homework, but if it involves drinking, I figure it's not a bad assignment. I would love to hear about your "new" 2011 wines, so contact me on Facebook or via email.

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Salut,

Nicholas Barth

Certified Sommelier

Wine Director

Cru Wine Online

Top Ten Bubblies To Ring In The New Year

2010-12-27T06:46:00.000-08:00

This year's resolution: I vow to quit drinking. I know it sounds crazy, but I figure if I pick one I know I'll break right away, I don't have to deprive myself of something for a month only to end up failing anyway. And whether it's Cava, Prosecco, or Champagne, sparkling wine is the ultimate symbol of celebration. It's the beverage of choice for ringing in the new year, and in my case, for breaking the new year's resolution. Some of you may splurge on a special bottle, others enjoy the excitement of hunting for an inexpensive treasure. These ten are some of my favorites from a variety of price points, styles, and regions.

1. Veuve Clicquot - 'Yellow Label' Brut - Champagne, France NV - $45

Sparkling wine from the Champagne region of France is the quintessential symbol of celebration. The wines of this region show depth, complexity, and more importantly, carry with them a level of prestige. With this bottle you definitely pay for the "Nike Swoosh," but it's still a delightful Champagne for the price. Quick history: The Veuve Clicquot Champagne house was run by the famous Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin-Clicquot, who revolutionized the industry with techniques like riddling (remuage), the process of getting sediment into the neck of the bottle. Her innovative marketing techniques and attention to detail made her wines an international symbol of quality and celebration. Today the Champagne house is owned by the luxury brand company Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessey, whose portfolio consists of big name Champagne brands like Moet & Chandon, Mercier, Ruinart, and Krug.

This wine is a non-vintage, which means it is a blend of several years' grape harvests. Non-vintage is the very essence of Champagne. While vintage Champagnes show us what a producer can do with good quality grapes in ideal conditions, the non-vintage Champagnes showcase the house's style and reputation. It's their calling card if you would. This wine is made from all three of the principal grape varieties of Champagne: Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier, and Chardonnay. Brut on the label indicates this wine is dry, with 15 grams of sugar per liter or less. The Yellow Label is the most accessible of all of the Clicquot line, available in most retail locations. What I love about the 'Yellow Label' is its finesse. This wine is racy, with bright fruit flavors and a wonderful yeast component.

If you've ever wondered what makes Champagne so much more expensive than, say, Cava or Prosecco, consider these three factors: The labor-intensive traditional method of production in Champagne, branding - the Nike Swoosh, if you will, and the amazing flavors and aromas that, as a result of the traditional method, are unique to Champagne. If you're looking for something special for this year's countdown, try Veuve's luxury brand, the Grande Dame, from a spectacular vintage like 1990 or 1996. But be aware, you will pay upwards of $150.

2. Nicolas Feuillatte - Brut Rosé - Champagne, France NV - $48

Nicolas Feuillatte, or Nicky Foo as many call it, is a value-packed Champagne producer. The house started production in 1976, and today they sell more than 9 million bottles annually. Their flashy style and youthful approach to marketing helped them quickly become one of the top five Champagne producers in the region.

Like Veuve Clicquot, this wine is both non-vintage and brut. But what separates this from the widow is its pink color. This particular rosé gets its color from blending white and red wine together. This bad boy is loaded with spicy aromas and berries on the palate. Its silky texture, great flavor, and long finish landed it a spot on this week's top ten list. The same producer also makes a non-rosé non-vintage brut that is definitely worth trying if you get a chance.

3. Domaine des Baumard - 'Carte Turquoise' Brut - Cremant de Loire, France NV - $19

Also French, this next top-tenner is a great bang for the buck. What separates this bubbly from the Nicky Foo or Veuve Clicquot is where it comes from and the grapes that used to make it. Cremant de Loire is a sparkling wine made using the same method used in Champagne, the traditional method. It comes from the Loire region of France located just south and west of Paris, or more importantly, Champagne. The grape used to make this wine is Chenin Blanc, a principal white varietal in the Loire. This value-packed bubbly displays aromas of green apple and nuts, with a creamy texture and bright acidity. A great alternative to Champagne for a fraction of the price.

4. La Marca - Extra Dry - Prosecco DOCG - Veneto, Italy NV - $12

Looking for something a little less traditional that won't break the bank? Then the La Marca is perfect for you. This wine comes from the Prosecco di Conegliano-Valdobbiadene sub-region in the greater Veneto region in northeastern Italy. It has this ridiculously long, and hard to pronounce, name because the grapes are grown near the towns of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene. The grape used to make the wine is Glera, formerly known as Prosecco. Unlike Champagne or Cremant de Loire, this wine is made using the tank method, not the traditional method. This means that the wine is produced in a big tank and then sent under pressure into the bottles rather than being fermented in the bottle itself.

This wine could be one of my favorite summer sparklers. Its light and fresh, showcasing aromas of green apple, lemon, and grapefruit. The palate is refreshing, making it incredibly approachable. The term 'Extra Dry' on the label indicates that this wine has just a touch of sugar, making it more off-dry than dry. One would assume extra dry would have less sugar than say brut, but this isn't the case. This is because the term Brut on a label traditionally indicated that the wine was meant for the Brits, who like it very dry. Extra Dry was the style sent to the Americans, who claimed they liked it dry, but really liked a touch of sweetness in their wines. And now you know the rest of the story.

5. Nivole by Michele Chiarlo - Moscato d' Asti DOCG - Piedmont, Italy 2009 - $15 (375 ml)

Also in Italy is the Asti sub-region of Piedmont, well known for producing delicious bubblies from the Moscato (Muscat) grape. This one is sure to entertain the masses. With its candied nose, filled with citrus and green apple aromas, this wine is perfect for any of your non-wine drinking guests. But the best part is it's delicious, so you'll love it too. What I like about this wine is its sugar content. It's not sickeningly sweet or syrupy like you may have experienced with other Moscato d'Asti's. Instead the flavors are naturally sweet, like fresh strawberries versus concentrated strawberry juice. Like the La Marca, this wine is made using the tank method. If you are entertaining a lot of guests and don't know what to get, pick up the Michele Chiarlo. It's great little bottle that is sure to be a real crowd pleaser.

6. Bellavista - Brut Cuvee - Franciacorta DOCG - Lombardy, Italy NV - $42

This next bubbly is a treat for any wine geek. Franciacorta is a sub-region in the heart of Lombardy known for producing world-class sparkling wines using the traditional method. This wine is made from 90% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Bianco (Pinot Blanc). The problem with this Franciacorta is production; not how they do it, but how much they make. It's incredibly difficult to find these wines in common retail locations. They must be sought out, and when they are found, they must be purchased. Franciacorta, like Prosecco di Conegliano-Valdobbiadene and Moscato d'Asti, is a DOCG, the highest quality wine tier according to the Italian wine laws. Once you taste this bubbly delight you will see it is NOTHING like Moscato d'Asti or Prosecco. Close your eyes and you could mistake this beauty for a high quality Champagne. It's dry, yeasty, creamy, and delicious. All other Italian DOCG's could learn a lot from Franciacorta.

7. Roederer Estate - Brut - Anderson Valley, California NV - $23

The Roederer Estate is owned by the infamous Louis Roederer of Champagne, the house that produces the ultra-popular luxury cuvee Cristal. They debuted their Roederer Estate Brut from California in 1988. Like Cristal, this wine is made using the traditional method, the same process used in Champagne, France. And sticking with tradition, Louis Roederer uses Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes, two of the three principal varieties used in the production of Champagne. All of the fruit used to make this wine comes from the Anderson Valley, which is located in Mendocino County, just north of Napa and Sonoma. This area is cooler, similar to the climate of Champagne. Like the other non-vintage wines on this list, this dry domestic sparkler is made from a blend of several years' grape harvests. If you are looking for a great bubbly for the price, look no further than the Roederer Estate Brut from Anderson Valley in California. They also make an award winning rosé that is outstanding.

8. Argyle - Extended Triage - Willamette Valley, Oregon 2000 - $60

This next bubbly was one of the only domestic sparklers to make it on Wine Spectator's elite top 100 wine list. Anyone who knows me knows that no top ten sparkling wine list is complete without the Extended Triage by Argyle. Like the Roederer Estate, this wine is made using the traditional method and is a blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. It comes from the prestigious Willamette Valley, a region noted for its premier growing conditions for world-class Pinot Noir. This winery was started by Rollin Soles, an American, and Australian native Brian Croser. With a focus on creating high-quality Pinot Noir and sparkling wines, these two took a dream and made it reality. This wine is loaded with ripe fruit aromas of pear and apple complete with a creamy, rich palate. This coupled with the fact that the winery practices eco-friendly winemaking techniques makes this wine a perfect for just about any top ten list!

9. Petaluma by Croser - Piccadilly Valley, Australia 2007 - $30

For our next wine on this week's list we head down under, but a familiar face is there to greet us. Petaluma is an Australian wine project by Brian Croser. That's right, one of the men behind the Argyle wines. This wine, like many of the others on the list, is made using the traditional method. And like the other traditional method wines on the list, this one is made from the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes.

In the Piccadilly Valley sub-region, located just outside of the city of Aidelaide, the vines grow in altitudes of 1300 to 2300 feet. This elevation provides ideal climate conditions for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. If you are looking for a light, yet aromatic wine full of tropical fruit, like pineapple, and citrus fruit, like lime, then you came to the right place. This wine is dry with a crisp acidity that is sure to please just about any palate. Unlike most of the other wines on this list, the Petaluma by Croser is a vintage wine which means that all of the grapes come from the year stated on the bottle, in this case 2007. An OUTSTANDING sparkling wine from a world-class producer. Truly a must have when the clock strikes midnight!

10. Freixenet - 'Cordon Negro' Brut Cava - Spain NV - $12

Last but certainly not least is the Freixenet Cava from Spain. The Cordon Negro, often called the Black Bottle by Freixenet, is the number one imported sparkling wine in the world. Over 350,000 cases of this bubbly are exported to the United States alone each year. Like the Veuve Clicquot, Nicky Foo, Bellavista, Roederer Estate, Argyle, and Petaluma, this wine is made using the traditional method. But unlike the other traditional method production wines on this list, this one is made from the Macabeo, Xarel-lo, and Parellada grapes. These three native Spanish varietals are commonly used in the production of Cava. Much of the Cava produced in Spain comes from the Penedes region located in the northeast. So despite the fact that the label simply states the wine comes from Spain, I would venture a guess that the majority of the fruit is from the northeast. With its lively acidity and pear and apple characteristics, this wine is a value-packed alternative to traditional Champagne this New Year's Eve. Plus, it's really easy to find.

Each one of these sparkling wines will make for a great celebratory bottle on December 31st. I tried to incorporate a variety of regions, price points, and styles to showcase the versatility of sparkling wine. Be advised, many of the wines on this list are dry, so beware criticism from your old-school family members who's quintessential "champagne" is a bottle of Andre Spumante. And don't let them put cola in it. Just buy a backup box of Franzia if that's the case. Whatever you selected and whoever you choose to share it we at Cru hope you enjoy your celebration. From all of us here, have a safe and happy new year.

Salut,

Nicholas Barth

Certified Sommelier

Wine Director

Cru Wine Online

Top Ten Fruitcake Wine Pairings

2010-12-20T06:52:00.000-08:00

It's said that one in four Americans give the gift of a fruitcake during the month of December. So like it or not, there's a pretty good chance you'll find yourself stuck with one this holiday season. Maybe you like them, maybe you don't, but before you toss yours in the trash or re-gift it to your least favorite cousin, consider how the right wine might just make it worth keeping. From liquor-soaked to tropical fruit, there are a variety of fruitcakes available, and a wine for each. This is why I put together my list of the top ten fruitcake wine pairings.

1. Graham's - '10-Year-Old' Tawny Port - Douro, Portugal NV - $35

When it comes to wine and fruitcake, you can't go wrong with a delicious tawny port. This value-packed treat by Graham is no exception. When pairing wine with dessert, you want the glass to be as sweet or sweeter than the dish. This puppy has more than enough sugar to compliment, ensuring neither the dish nor the wine get lost. And its apparent spice component will draw out the spices in your fruitcake.

Brandy-soaked fruitcake brings a distinct flavor and an apparent alcohol component to the pairing, so this variety can overpower light wines. But the tawny by Graham has more than enough weight and alcohol to compliment. If pairing an alcoholic dessert with more alcohol isn't a recipe for holiday cheer, then I don't know what is!

2. Hardy's - 'Whiskers Blake' Tawny Port - South Australia, Australia NV - $13

While a wine should only be called Port if it comes from Portugal, this producer does a nice job of mimicking the style and stealing the coveted title. It's a great alternative to spendier traditional Port from Portugal. Like the Graham's, this light-colored fortified dessert wine has the spice, flavor, weight, sugar, and alcohol to enhance just about any fruitcake. Improving on the world's most hated dessert might not sound like much of an accomplishment, but trust me, these wines had their work cut out for them. The Hardy's, like the Graham's, is a non-vintage, which means the fruit used to make it came from several years' grape harvests. Overall this tawny from Australia has a little extra kick, making it a great wine not only for the fruitcake, but also help ease the pain of having to spend time with your family during the holidays.

3. Campbells - Tokay - Rutherglen, Australia (375ml) NV - $19

This next top-tenner also stole its name from a prestigious style of wine. In Hungary, Tokaji is a delicious dessert wine produced from botrytis (noble rot) infected grapes. This wine is made from the Muscat varietal (aka. Moscatel, Moscato, Muscadelle, etc), and is slightly fortified, resulting in a high 17.5% abv and dried fruit flavors and aromas. These components, along with its high sugar content and spicy notes, make it a perfect for your holiday fruitcake, especially if it's filled with raisins.

4. Chambers - 'Rosewood' Muscadelle- Rutherglen, Australia NV (375ml) - $18

Number four literally tastes like liquid fruitcake. Like the Campbells, this wine is made in the Rutherglen sub-region of Australia. Also like the Tokay by Campbells, this wine is made from the Muscadelle grape, a blend of six to ten of your old Muscadelle grapes to be more specific, and is fortified to give the same alcohol and surge of sugar. If you believe that like pairs well with like, then this one's right up your alley.

5. Quady - 'Essencia' Orange Muscat - Madera, California 2008 - $20

Close your eyes and think oranges and apricots. The Essencia by Quady is another fortified dessert wine, but this one is made from the Orange Muscat grape. Orange Muscat is native to France, but today little grows in the area. In fact, most of the plantings of this varietal exist in Italy and Australia. Andrew Quady, owner and operator of Quady wines, has taken this native French varietal and perfected it in the warm climates of Madera county in California, not be confused with the Madeira region of Portugal. If you have a fruitcake with dried apricots, oranges, and peaches, add a touch of honey and this is your ideal pairing.

6. Chateau Ste. Michelle - 'Eroics' Riesling - Columbia Valley, Washington 2008 - $24

A partnership between Washington wine giant Chateau Ste. Michelle and German Riesling legend Ernst Loosen of Dr. Loosen, this wine is the perfect balance of weight, flavor, and sugar. The reason I chose a Washington State Riesling over one from Germany is because the Pacific Northwest style tends to have more body, and the fruit flavors and aromas are usually ripe. This wine's lush characteristics of peach, pear, and apricot make it a great pairing for just about any "non-drunken" fruitcake. Well-balanced acidity and sugar make this a great wine to enjoy all on its own if you just can't bear to eat the fruitcake.

7. King Estate - 'Vin Glace' - Willamette Valley, Oregon 2007 (375ml) - $15

The term Vin Glace (Vin de Glace) is French for Ice Wine, called Eiswein in Germany. Ice Wines are produced from frozen grapes either naturally, by leaving the grapes to hang on the vine until the temperature drops below freezing or artificially through cryoextraction. Cryoextraction, which is basically putting the grapes into a freezer, is used in places and vintages where the temperature doesn't get low enough to freeze the grapes naturally. Traditional producers from notable Ice Wine-producing countries like Canada and Germany frown on this method of production. The King Estate Vin Glace is made from 100% organically grown Pinot Gris grapes frozen with the cryoextraction method. The end result is a sweet wine full of tropical fruit and apricots, perfect for tropical fruitcakes.

8. Bricco Riella - Moscato d' Asti - Piedmont, Italy 2009 - $12

Yhis bubbly made from the Muscat grape, called Moscato in Italy, comes from the Asti sub-region inside the greater Piedmont region. This delightful little sparkler is full of fresh flavors and aromas of green apple, pear, and lime. This wine's wonderfully racy acidity, low alcohol content, and bubbly texture make it a great compliment for most fruitcakes. For only $12 this bottle is a great value and a real crowd pleaser, so convince your friends and family help you through the fruitcake, and reward them with this pairing.

9. Banfi - 'Rosa Regale' Bracchetto d'Aqui - Piedmont, Italy 2009 - $20

This slightly effervescent red by Banfi makes a great pairing for the fruitcakes that have dried red fruits and berries. Made from the Bracchetto grape, this wine comes from the Aqui sub-region, which like the Asti sub-region is located in Piedmont, Italy. It displays characteristics of strawberries, raspberries, and cherries, and has a the perfect sweetness, bubbly texture, and weight to pair with fruitcake, especially a chocolate one.

10. Pacific Rim - Framboise - Columbia Valley, Washington 2009 - $14

Number ten on this list tastes like bottled raspberries, and for good reason. It's made from raspberries grown in Mount Vernon, Washington. Framboise is kind of a wine, because it's fermented fruit, but is often considered more of a beer. Pacific Rim winery is owned and operated by Randall Grahm of the famous Bonny Doon label. This wine solidified its spot on this top ten list because it can make literally any fruitcake palatable. Its 20% ABV gives it enough weight to hold up to dense fruitcakes, and it has enough sugar and intense fruity flavors to take on the fruitcake covered in dried fruit.

If you can't bring yourself to eat the fruitcake, consider this your list of sweet wines to pair with good company. Travel safely this holiday season and enjoy your time with your loved ones. Merry Christmas!

For more incredible wine picks and pairings, check out Cru Wine Online. We pair original recipes with delicious wines, and bring them to you in an entertaining video short, complete with a brief explanation of the wine, the dish, and the pairing.

Sign up today for a 6 Month Membership and receive a FREE wine glass set, a $19.95 value. Life's short, so drink it up. At only $7.99/month you can't afford not to! And while you're there, don't forget to finish your Christmas shopping in the Cru Wine Shop.

Salut,

Nicholas Barth

Certified Sommelier

Wine Director

Cru Wine Online

Top Ten Holiday Ham Pairings

2010-12-13T06:46:00.001-08:00

It's that time of year again. Time to break out the fine China, turn on Andy Williams, wrap presents, and invite your family over to share in the holiday festivities. Everybody's holiday dinner is a bit different. Some of you may bring back the turkey, others go with something less traditional, rack of lamb, lobster, or perhaps lasagna. But for those of you sharpening your knives for the traditional Christmas ham, I've put together a list of my top ten holiday ham wine pairings.

1. Reilly's - 'Barking Mad' Riesling - Clare Valley, Australia 2009 - $15

When people see Riesling on a wine label they either think, "Yay!" or "Oh, I don't do sweet." This refreshing white is perfect either way, because it showcases delicious fruity characteristics and it's dry. The Clare Valley is known for producing world-class dry whites from the Riesling grape. These wines tend to be a little weightier than, say, a German Riesling. This racy white has the weight to hold up to the ham, with the acidity to hydrate the palate after each salty bite. An incredible, food-friendly wine for the price.

2. Alexander Valley Vineyards - Gewurztraminer - Mendocino County, California 2010 - $9

Alexander Valley Vineyards is one of my favorite "value" producers in California. They are known for their Cabs, red blends, and Chardonnays, but this little ditty shows a whole new side of this value-packed producer. This California Gewurztraminer from the cooler Mendocino County displays typical Gewurz characteristics. With aromas of lychee nut and spice followed by an oily texture and a kiss of sweetness, this weighty white is your ham's soul mate. Its mediumish body and touch of sweetness make it a perfect partner for a honey glazed ham.

3. Trimbach - 'Reserve' Pinot Gris - Alsace, France 2007 - $28

I've said it before: Alsace produces some of the most food-friendly wines in the world. What separates their Pinot Gris from Italy's Pinot Grigio, other than the name, is the added weight and lush, versus lean, fruit flavors and aromas. Alsatian Pinot Gris has a fuller body, making it a great partner for a protein like ham. Oven roasting concentrates flavors on the outside, so pairing a roast ham with a fuller-bodied white ensures the wine won't get lost. In addition, this Alsatian Pinot Gris has the lush fruit flavors and aromas to compliment a variety of sides on the table.

4. The Crossings - 'Unoaked' Chardonnay - Marlborough, New Zealand 2009 - $18

Chardonnay is probably the most adulterated grape of them all. Its delicious characteristics are commonly masked by winemakers through the use of oak and malolactic fermentation. This producer takes a different approach with Chardonnay. They preserve the grape's natural acidity by not aging or fermenting in oak. The result is a dry, clean, refreshing wine, perfect for pairing with your Christmas ham.

5. Beckmen - Grenache Rosé - Santa Ynez, California 2009 - $18

When in doubt, think pink. Rosé is one of the most food-friendly styles in the world. The apparent acidity and light structure of these wines make them a great match for a wide range of foods. The Beckman's light red color and soft tannin comes from a limited amount of time spent soaking with red grape skins. This producer used the Grenache grape to make its delicious rosé, resulting in a spicy pink delight. I like this pairing because it won't overpower the ham, but more importantly, because it has a touch of tannin to cut through fat. Plus it has a little spice to compliment any mustard accompaniments. I would describe this pairing as an instant holiday classic!

6. Wild Horse - Pinot Noir - Paso Robles, California 2007 - $25

For those of you who prefer the redder side of life, this beautifully-crafted Pinot is for you. I had the pleasure of visiting Wild Horse back in 2003, back when you could get a great Pinot from the lesser-known central coast of California for under $20. Today it's harder than ever to find a good quality US Pinot Noir for under $50. Wild Horse is a steal at only $25. It has a wonderful medium weight, but more importantly a clean, medium acidity. This is a result of the cool climate where the grapes grow on the central coast. When it comes to pairing, Pinot Noir is much like rosé - incredibly versatile. Like Kevin Bacon in Footloose, this bad boy has all the right moves in all the right places.

7. Georges Duboeuf - 'Cru Beaujolais' Morgon - Beaujolais, France 2009 - $13

I have highlighted Cru Beaujolais' food-friendliness in the past. Its juicy flavors, light tannins, and bright acidity make it a great partner for salty foods, especially pork dishes. Morgon is a larger Cru in Beaujolais, and this region produces wines that display concentrated fruit. I love this pairing, but then again, I'm a sucker for Cru Beaujolais. I think it's because many wine professionals view the Cru's of Beaujolas as a joke, and I like to fight for the little guy.

8. Joseph Drouhin - Volnay - Burgundy, France 2007 - $42

Basically the same rules apply for the Drouhin as they do for the Wild Horse, since they are both made from the Pinot Noir grape. This particular Pinot comes from the Volnay sub-region inside of the great Beaune region of Burgundy in France. Volnay produces some amazing reds for the price, and is often described as firm yet silky. The style produced in Burgundy is more subtle, and slightly more earthy than the Pinot's of the central coast of California. This beauty has the characteristics to compliment and enhance a ham, plus you get a great taste of Burgundy without having to empty your pockets.

9. Dashe - 'Dry Creek' Zinfandel - Sonoma, California 2007 - $24

Not too many people think Zin when they think ham. But a young, juicy Zin can make for a great pairing. Dashe Zin comes from the infamous Dry Creek Valley in Sonoma, viewed by many as the grape's finest growing region. Although this writer believes the styles tend to be a bit big at 16%+ ABV, this juicy red will compliment a variety of sauces and sides on the table. Plus it appeases the big-red-only drinker, important if you've got one sitting at your holiday dinner table.

10. Allegrini - Valpolicella Classico - Veneto, Italy 2007 - $18

Valpolicella is a region in Italy that produces red wines from the Corvina grape, along with a few other regional varietals. The styles tend to be muscular in their youth, but after only a few years they soften and become incredibly food-friendly. Allegrini is a great producer in the region, and makes a great example of this value-packed red. It's easy to drink, easy to pair, and has a little muscle for that same big-red-only drinker who swears Cabernet Sauvignon won't beat up the dish...which, of course, it will.

My suggestion would be to pick up both a red and a white for the dinner table. This allows you to see the major pairing differences and cater to the many palates present. Plus, isn't the holiday season all about making everyone around you happy at the expense of yourself, all while maxing out your credit card? I may sound like the Grinch, but I truly am a fan of the holidays. Above all, I think the holiday season is about being with the people you love...and sharing, of course. So this year I am planning on sharing with the people I love just how much they annoy me. Happy holidays!

Salut,

Nicholas Barth

Certified Sommelier

Wine Director

Cru Wine Online

Top Ten Holiday Gift Wines

2010-12-06T06:01:00.000-08:00

When it comes to the holiday season, I think family, friends, co-workers, and wine. Lots of wine. I find the wine makes everything else on that list more tolerable, so I start with a glass at Thanksgiving and drink right on through to the New Year. But no one likes to drink alone, so I make sure the chubby guy in the red suit brings a few treats for my family and friends too.

Selecting wine for a holiday dinner or to put under the tree for a loved one can be a bit intimidating. So before you go dashing through the snow looking for that perfect wine gift, consider these tips to help in your adventure.

1. Argyle - Extended Triage Sparkling Wine - Willamette Valley, Oregon 2000 - $60

Nothing says holiday spirit quite like a bottle of bubbly. Sparkling wine is incredibly versatile, and thus makes for a great gift. This is because it can be drank in celebration, with a meal, or for no good reason at all. I like the Argyle Extended Triage for two reasons. One, it is absolutely delicious. It has depth and character, and the right component balance to last for another couple of years. Second, it is the only domestic sparkling wine to make Wine Spectator's Top 100 list. While I'm not a ratings whore, I will say that is a pretty remarkable feat; one that Argyle certainly earned. The 2000 Extended Triage makes for a great gift to give a loved one, co-worker, or just to bring as a guest to a holiday celebration.

2. Pierre Sparr - Alsace One - Alsace, France 2008 - $13

Looking for something a little less expensive? The Alsace One by Pierre Sparr should be right up your alley. This food-friendly, slightly sweet white is a real crowd-pleaser. It'll satisfy even the pickiest drinkers. It's a great gift for the wine collector who has everything, or nothing. If he has nothing he likely doesn't collect, and is looking for something delicious to enjoy right now. If he collects, chances are he would love a slightly sweet white to entertain guests with. In addition, because this wine is so food-friendly, it's a fabulous gift for your holiday party host. Affordable, delicious, easy to drink...these make Alsace One a great gift bottle this season.

3. La Crema - 'Russian River' Chardonnay - Sonoma, California 2005 - $27

I like to give La Crema to the "name collector". La Crema is like the Reebok of wine. Sure they make wonderful wine, but name recognition is what really sells their juice. No need to ask how much was spent on this one, it's a dead give away. This gift says "We're more than acquaintances, but I'm not going to break my bank for you." It let's your loved one or friend know you reached to the top shelf, but they can still drink it anytime.

4. Chateau d'Arch - Sauternes - Bordeaux, France 2005 - $31

Chateau d'Arch's 2005 Sauternes is a great gift for the collector. This bottle won't leave you penniless, but still has another decade or so left to age. Sauternes is a region in France that produces sweet, concentrated whites from Semillion and Sauvignon Blanc. This wine is full of honey and apricot aromas with wonderfully sweet flavors, and the best part, it's only $31. Sauternes from great vintages like 2005 can range in price from $50 to $500. This is a great value, plus it's delicious. Pick up a bottle and give it to your friend who has everything, they will appreciate it. If they don't know what it is, tell them it's a delicious sweet wine from France that pairs well with desserts like Creme Brulee or Peach Compote, but will also stand up to Foie Gras. If you get a blank stare just tell them it's nummy and rare.

5. A to Z Wineworks - Pinot Noir - Oregon 2008 - $20

I have been drinking and writing about A to Z Wineworks Pinot Noir for the last three years. I first discovered this wine in a blind tasting and was shocked when I found out the price. Upon further investigation, I discovered I liked their style - a lot. Their slogan is "Aristocratic wines at democratic prices." For only $20, this is a steal, but wait there's more! This wine a 90-point rating from the Wine Spectator, solidifying its spot on the magazine's Top 100 list. This bottle is practical, affordable, and lets the recipient know you did your homework. It makes a great bottle to give to just about anyone because it's a light red, and pairs with just about any dish. This factor also makes it a great wine to bring to a holiday party. It's easy to find in retail stores, so buy one for yourself too. You're going to love it!

6. Marques de Casa Concha - Cabernet Sauvignon - Maipo, Chile 2008 - $22

This next top-tenner makes a great gift for the Cab-lover. This bottle is fairly easy to find, but is often passed over by the "I only drink Napa Cab" drinker. This one will blow your hair back, plus it's easy on the wallet. It's big and bold and will compete with many of the bottles in their cellar from Napa that retail for $35 or less. Because it's so big, I might not suggest bringing it to dinner if you are planning a Turkey or Ham. It's a bit to tannic, and would beat up the dish. But put a bow on it, and set it under the tree. It's a bottle that the recipient won't feel bad about opening, and will feel so good after tasting.

7. Taurino - Rosso Reserva - Salice Salentino, Italy 2006 - $14

Looking for something red and unique for a steal? The Taurino Salice Salentino is just the one. This approachable red is incredibly versatile, and will pair well with many dishes, especially pizza. The wine lover who has everything will appreciate the fact that they have something to open that night or soon as a "daily drinker." It's a cute little red, and something most people likely haven't tried, and it's easy to find at your local retailer.

8. Cyrus by Alexander Valley Vineyards - Red Blend - Sonoma, California 2006 - $55

While Sonoma has struggled a little bit in the new Millennium this producer continues to make good quality red wine year after year. Tom Stevenson of the Southerby's Wine Encyclopedia said that Alexander Valley Vineyards' Cyrus red blend could easily be classified as one of California's top ten red blends. The best part: it's under $100 and a tad obscure. This bottle makes for a great gift for the person who doesn't have a cellar. Consider this their "starter bottle". For $55 you can pick up a red that will age for 3-5 more years, which is perfect for the non-collector, because he often buys special bottles, but can't wait to drink them. If you are looking for a special gift for your boss or co-worker and you have a few bucks to spend, make it a Cyrus.

9. Graham - 10-Year-Old Tawny Port - Douro, Portugal NV - $35

I love to give the gift of Port during the holidays. I think it's because I live in a place where it snows, and I can think of nothing better than curling up next to the fireplace with a blanket and a glass of port...well, almost nothing better. The 10 year old Tawny by Graham is a fantastic Tawny for the price. This style is light brown in color and displays aromas of brown sugar, caramel, vanilla, and burnt almonds. It's a great companion to dessert or stinky cheeses, but also works great on its own. Because it's fortified (a spirit - brandy - has been added), it holds up a little longer once it's opened. Most wines like a Pinot Noir or Sauvignon Blanc don't make it much past a few days, but this wine will be good for a couple of weeks once opened. Perfect to nip on from time to time. This is a great gift to give anyone because they will always find a special time, dish, or partner to drink it with.

10. Dow - Vintage Port - Douro, Portugal 2007 - $80

Last but not least we have the 2007 Dow Vintage Port. This monster says "I frickin' love you" or "I really need a raise." For only $80 you can purchase a bottle of wine that was a perfect 100 on Wine Spectator's rating scale. It also ranked number 14 in the world in 2010. The best part: your recipient can lay it down for a decade or two because it needs some time to mellow. This bottle is a statement and a quality product, so don't give it to just anyone. Instead save this bad boy for your boss, your spouse, or yourself. What? The holidays are about giving, so don't leave yourself out.

You may notice I didn't include a single bottle of Champagne on this list. I felt it might be a bit too cliché, and your money could be better spent elsewhere. What I like about this list is there is something for everyone. So whether it's your boss, your sales team, your mom, your husband or your best friend, you should be able to find something in there they will enjoy.

For more information about me, more incredible wine picks and delicious food and wine pairings, check us out online at Cru Wine Online. You'll find daily Wine and Recipe pairings just for our users. We pair our chefs' recipes with delicious wines, and bring them to you in an entertaining video short, complete with a brief explanation of the wine, the dish, and the pairing.

Sign up today for a 6 Month Membership and receive a FREE wine glass set, a $19.95 value. Life's too short not to enjoy every sip, so drink it up. Entertain your senses with Cru Wine Online 's monthly membership. At only $7.99/month you can't afford not to! And while you're there, don't forget to finish your Christmas shopping in the Cru Wine Shop.

As always, feel free to contact me via email, on Facebook, or simply leave a comment here on the blog. Thanks again for reading.

Salut,

Nicholas Barth

Certified Sommelier

Wine Director

Cru Wine Online

Top Ten Steak & Wine Pairings

2010-11-29T05:03:00.000-08:00

On average each person in the US eats over 200 pounds of meat annually. That's more than half of a pound a day! Couple that with the fact that we, as a nation, consume more wine at 760 million gallons than any other country in the world, and you have yourself this week's blog topic.

Even though the grill is a steak's best friends, wine and steak pairings aren't just for the summer months. While those of us crazy enough to live in states that reach -20 degree F do put away our grills come fall, we don't put down the steak knife. So let's cut into this delicious list of pairings.

1. Rib Eye

Caymus - Cabernet Sauvignon - Napa, California 2006 - $70

The rib section is home to the Prime Rib and Rib Eye steaks. These cuts are loaded with flavor thanks to heavy marbling. Rib Eye is the boneless interior of the Rib steak, and some argue it's the most flavorful cut because it's so tender and succulent.

The reason I selected the Caymus Cab from Napa for this pairing is because of its tannins. Tannins (mouth-drying astringency) beg for protein, and can cut right through fat. Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa has plenty of grippy tannins, making this wine a great pairing for the Rib Eye. Caymus is an iconic producer in the region, and consistently makes good-quality wine year after year. The 2006 vintage in Napa was great for Cabs. While it was a bit rugged in its youth, this wine has had a little time to mellow and harmonize. Being only four years old, however, its tannins are still firm enough to hold up to the steak.

2. Flat Iron

Torres - Salmos - Priorat, Spain 2005 - $32

Our Flat Iron steak is the Butler's steak in the UK or the Oyster Blade in Australia and New Zealand. This relatively new cut comes from the shoulder, and also has a significant amount of marbling. The Flat Iron was rated by the North American Meat Processor (NAMP) buying guide as the second most tender cut after the Tenderloin.

Priorat is a DOCa (Spain's highest quality) located in the Northeast of Spain. The region is well known for producing big, powerful reds from native and international varieties. The Torres Salmos is made up of Garnacha (Grenache), Syrah (Shiraz), Cabernet Sauvignon, and Carinena, a classic Mediterranean varietal. This wine has the body and tannins to hold up to the marbling in this cut, and a symphony of flavors to enhance the pairing. The '05 received a 90-point rating from the Wine Spectator.

3. Filet Mignon (Tenderloin)

Chateau Frombrauge - St. Emilion - Bordeaux, France 2005 - $37

In the hind quarter, directly behind the ribs we find the Tenderloin. The Tenderloin runs along the sides of the spine, and is usually taken in two long, snake like cuts. Although this cut doesn't have the marbling or intensity of flavor of the Rib Eye or Flat Iron, it is supremely tender, hence the name. Filet Mignon is the French term for the cut taken at the large end of the Tenderloin. This is traditionally one of the most expensive cuts of beef.

The Chateau Frombrauge from the St. Emilion sub-region comes from the Right Bank of the greater Bordeaux region. While the Left Bank, with regions like Medoc, Pauillac, St. Estephe and many others, is dominated by the Cabernet Sauvignon grape, the Right Bank tends to make the majority of their wines from Merlot. Like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot has plenty of weight and structure. But Merlot tends to mellow a little better than Cab. The vintage I suggest is 2005, a monster in Bordeaux. While 5 years aging is not enough to drink this bad boy on its own, it will have the perfect tannin structure and balance to enhance this tender cut of beef. Plus, I figure this is kind of a play on the "grows together, goes together" concept of food and wine pairing seeing as this wine is French and so is the cut, although not necessarily the beef.

4. New York Strip

E. Guigal - Cote Rotie 'Brune et Blonde' - Rhone, France 2006 - $70

The New York Strip, like a portion of the Tenderloin, is taken from the short loin just behind the ribs. Because it comes from a muscle that doesn't do much work, Strip steak is very flavorful and incredibly tender, although not as tender as a Rib Eye or Filet Mignon. Internationally it's called the Club steak, but it also goes by the names Strip Loin, Shell, and Kansas City Strip in North America.

Cote Rotie, found in the Northern Rhone region of France, produces big reds from Syrah with just a dash of Viognier to soften them. The term Brune et Blonde goes back to a story of the land owner having two daughters, a blond and a brunette. On their wedding days the father/land owner gave each of his daughters a piece of his land and named one Brune for the brunette and one Blonde after the blond. This wine is a blend of grapes from each site. E Guigal is a great producer who makes rich and full-bodied, yet elegant wines from Cote Rotie. The 2006 has plenty of tannins to chew through the meat, but has matured with time, so it won't overpower the tender cut. A great marriage of power and finesse.

5. T-Bone

Castello di Brolio by Baron Ricasoli - Chianti Classico - Tuscany, Italy 2006 - $55

The T-Bone is like a twofer because it's cut from both the short loin and tenderloin. The "T" shaped bone divides a small Tenderloin and a large Strip, making it an indecisive diner's dream come true. This steak has the best of both worlds - the most tender cut on one side, and one of the most flavorful on the other. Due to its large size and high-quality, it is often one of the priciest steaks on the menu.

Because we have two cuts of beef, we want a wine that will be gentle to our little Tenderloin, but in the same breath one that won't get overshadowed by the rich Strip. Chianti Classico is a sub-region inside of the greater Chianti region of Tuscany that is classified as the "original" Chianti delimitation. The wines here are made up primarily of the native Italian Sangiovese grape. This full-bodied, spicy little devil is an incredibly food-friendly varietal. Baron Ricasoli is one of the oldest producers in the world, and is still family owned and operated in its 32nd generation. The 2006 Castello di Brolio by Ricasoli was given a 96-point rating by the Wine Spectator, solidifying its spot as number five on their top 100 wine list. While I'm not a ratings whore, I will agree this is a great quality wine. This wine will be able to chew through the Strip without overpowering the Tenderloin, a tricky balancing act.

6. Porterhouse

Chappellet - Cabernet Sauvignon - Napa California 2006 - $42

The Porterhouse Steak is basically a thicker T-Bone with a larger Tenderloin. There's some debate over what truly separates the two, but for our purposes, it's not really important.

With this pairing I wanted something with structure, but also something that had a bit of age to it so it wouldn't overpower either cut. As I mentioned earlier, Napa makes big, robust, tannic Cabs. Chappellet is a quality Napa producer that instead makes well-balanced reds, showcasing good levels of alcohol, acid, and tannin. With its apparent tannin, but mellowed flavors and textures, the 2006 has had enough time to soften for our Tenderloin, yet still retains enough structure to take on the Strip. A great wine with a great steak.

7. Top Sirloin

St. Hallett - 'Faith' Shiraz - Barossa, Australia 2006 - $16

Now we come to the sirloin, located between the short loin and the round section. Although less tender and traditionally less expensive than cuts from the short loin, these puppies are still incredibly tasty. The sirloin section lies on top of the tenderloin, with the top sirloin beneath it, and bottom sirloin below that. The bottom is less tender and much larger, usually what you get when you purchase a steak simply labeled Sirloin. When selecting a Sirloin steak from your butcher or on a mis en place at a restaurant, try to get a cut as close to the loin as possible. Cuts close to the short loin have a flat bone, those closer to the round section have a round bone and are less tender. Of course the most tender and flavorful of your sirloin options is the Top Sirloin, and it's always labeled as such.

Whether you select the Top Sirloin or the Bottom Sirloin, you'll want to pair it with a wine that is fruit forward and juicy. Australia is the king of juicy, fruit-forward wine, especially when it comes to their Shiraz. St. Hallett is a value-packed producer making stunning wines from Shiraz. Their Faith Shiraz is a great bottle for the price. It displays dark fruit flavors with plenty of spice. One of my favorite ways to season a steak is simply kosher salt and freshly ground pepper. This wine will enhance the black pepper, while the hearty Shiraz grape provides plenty of tannin for the meat.

8. Round Steak

Marchesi di Barolo - Barolo - Piedmont, Italy 2005 - $46

The Round steak comes from the rump. In some countries like the UK, Australia, and South Africa, it actually goes by the name Rump steak. This cut is moderately lean, and generally tough, but can showcase nice flavors. Like sirloin, the round section yields three different round cuts. The Top Round is the best of the three, but can still get a little tough on the grill. These steaks respond better to slow roasting or braising. The Eye of Round often becomes stew meat or a roast because it doesn't respond as well to quick preparation methods commonly used for steaks. And the Bottom Round is usually cut into roasts because it requires slow cooking.

For a tough cut of meat like this, we want a little muscle in our wine. And who better to provide that than the Italians. Barolo is a sub-region in the northwestern Piedmont region of Italy. This wine is made from the Nebbiolo grape, a thick-skinned, dark-colored varietal. Nebbiolo produces rich wines that are big and rich, with plenty of tannin. Many times you pay $100 or more for quality Barolo, but Marchesi di Barolo is a quality producer for the relatively low price. This rugged red will get in there and just tear apart this tough cut. A chewy wine for a chewy cut. I feel like making that noise Tim Taylor made on Home Improvement when I think about this pairing. Argh, Argh. Argh.

9. Skirt Steak

Cline Cellars - Syrah - Sonoma, California 2007 - $10

Skirt steak comes from the plate or belly of the animal, right below the rib. It's a long, flat cut that is prized more for flavor than tenderness. Technically the Skirt steak is divided into two categories, inner and outer, but there isn't a ton of difference between them. The outer Skirt steak is covered with a membrane that needs to be removed before cooking, while this was removed from the inner Skirt steak before it was packaged.

Skirt Steak is often used to make fajitas and Chinese stir-fry. Since both of these dishes display spice, I selected a wine that had a little spice itself in order to draw out these wonderful flavors. Cline Cellars is owned and operated by Fred Cline, and focuses on eco-friendly winemaking practices. This Syrah is big and bold to chew through the tough cut of meat, but has a wonderful spice to enhance any spicy flavors imparted by other ingredients. An inexpensive wine for an inexpensive cut.

10. Flank Steak

Alexander Valley Vineyards - Merlot - Sonoma, California 2007 - $20

Last and perhaps least is the Flank steak. Flank steak, also known as Bavette, is one of the toughest there is. It comes from the strong, well exercised belly of the cow, behind the plate and below the short loin. Many mistake this cut for the Skirt steak, but they are different; the Flank is actually tougher. Like the Skirt, the Flank is best in Mexican Fajitas and Asian or Indian inspired stir-fry dishes. The Flank is best when it has a bright red color.

For this last top-tenner, I selected the Alexander Valley Vineyards Merlot. This winery is located in the Alexander Valley sub-region of Sonoma. They produce amazing wines for the price, and their Merlot is top notch. This bad boy drinks more like a Cabernet Sauvignon than it does a Merlot. It has plenty of weight and structure, making it a great match for this tough steak. Fight big and tough with big and tough.

You probably noticed there is not a white wine to be had on this list, and that's because there are very few circumstances that allow a white wine to work with steak. This is generally because whites don't have the tannins that protein, and red meat in particular, screams for. One of the specific cases in which a white will work is when the steak is served with a cream sauce, like a Bearnaise. Here you could pair to the sauce and try a full-bodied Chardonnay with plenty of oak, but still I'd recommend a Barolo or Cru Beaujolais instead.

While some of these pairings are a little pricey, they are equally delicious. I hope you get the chance to try one. For more information about me, more incredible wine picks and delicious food and wine pairings, check us out online at Cru Wine Online. You'll find daily Wine and Recipe pairings just for our users. We pair our chefs' recipes with delicious wines, and bring them to you in an entertaining video short, complete with a brief explanation of the wine, the dish, and the pairing.

Subscribe today and receive a FREE wine aerator, a $14.95 value. Life's too short not to enjoy every sip, so drink it up. Entertain your senses with Cru Wine Online's monthly membership. At only $7.99/month you can't afford not to! And while you're there, don't forget to finish your Christmas shopping in the Cru Wine Shop.

As always, feel free to contact me via email, on Facebook, or simply leave a comment here on the blog. Thanks again for reading.

Salut,

Nicholas Barth

Wine Director

Certified Sommelier

Cru Wine Online

Top Ten Turkey Day Pairings

2010-11-22T08:13:00.001-08:00

The Thanksgiving table at our house is a mess. Besides the fact that my uncle will be drunk when he shows up and my aunt feels the need to tell me in great detail about her recent trip to the craft store, our Thanksgiving feast is chock-full of random, borderline non-food ingredients. This year will be with my father's side of the family, and he has 11 siblings, each of which has spawned. This year it will be a small gathering with only 68, which means a plethora of taste preferences, cooking skills (or lack thereof), and most challenging, personalities. Fortunately, wine's got us covered on all points.

This may be completely foreign to you, and if it is, count your blessings. Because we're so big, we have to run our Thanksgiving like a giant potluck. Whoever hosts, God bless them, makes the turkey. Then each guest is assigned a side: potatoes, stuffing, yams, and of course the questionable ribbed cranberry "sauce" and Under the Sea "salad" I alluded to in last week's post.

If you wonder why I got into this line of work, it's because my family drove me to drinking. In this family, holiday cheer comes in 750ml bottles. I like to have a glass the night before Thanksgiving and drink right on through to the New Year. So those of you who have complicated dinner arrangements, and I'm not just talking about food, raise your glass with me and toast a list of my favorite Thanksgiving wines.

1. Dr. Loosen Bros. 'Dr. L' - Riesling - Mosel, Germany - $12

When you have a lot of flavors and textures on the table it's best to throw a little sugar at it. This light, refreshing Riesling won't overpower the turkey, and will compliment sugar in sides like the yams and cranberries. It also has a racy acidity to hydrate the palate after each salty, gravy-laden bite. Plus, that nice touch of sweetness makes it easy to drink, so your uncle who "hates" wine will be able to knock back a few without complaining. For your trendy, ratings-whore cousin, the '08 scored a 90 points in Wine Spectator last year, solidifying its place on Spectator's Top 100 list. That'll shut him up.

2. The Crossings 'Unoaked' - Chardonnay - Marlborough, New Zealand - $16

This clean, refreshing white is a great compliment to the many elements on the table. It has the body to stand up to heavier dishes, without getting lost. Plus, it's nothing like a typical Californian Chardonnay, so you can squash that ABC (Anything But Chardonnay) mentality. This winemaker avoided adulteration to create a perfect Turkey Day wine.

3. Trimbach - Gewurztraminer - Alsace, France - $23

Alsatian Gewurztraminer could be one of the most food-friendly wines in the world. Many people believe all Gewurz is sweet, but in Alsace many are produced dry, Trimbach being one. It has a little weight and a great acidity. In addition, it's spicy. So if you have cinnamon in your yams or cloves in your cranberry sauce, this will enhance them, drawing the spices out of the dish.

4. Willamette Valley Vineyards 'Whole Cluster Fermented' - Pinot Noir - Willamette Valley, Oregon - $19

This wine works on three levels. One, it's delicious. Two, Pinot Noir is incredibly food-friendly - light body and tannin make it a go-to pairing, Thanksgiving dinner included. And three, Pinot is popular. In the post-Sideways world, people love Pinot Noir (even if they've never had it) simply because it was the feature grape of the film. Plus it's approachable and easy to drink, appeasing even non-red drinkers...so I guess there's number four for you.

5. Georges Duboeuf Beaujolais Nouveau - Burgundy, France - $12

You've already heard me rant about Nouveau. While it is plonk, and basically a giant marketing campaign, it does pair well with Thanksgiving dinner. In fact, the 2010 Duboeuf Nouveau wasn't terrible. It's soft and juicy, with a decent acidity. The wine's almost sweet-like characteristics make it a great partner to the varying sugar levels on the table. It's also inexpensive and tastes like bubblegum, so it'll be a huge hit with non-wine drinkers. A great quaffer to get you through the meal.

6. Alexander Valley Vineyards Merlot - Alexander Valley - $20

This one's our dirty little secret. While it's almost hip to like Merlot again, some people never got the memo that most of the bottles coming out of California for the last two decades were overproduced fruit bombs. They're still keen on it from the late 80's. Some trends never die...unfortunately. In all seriousness though, it's fine with me. Drink what you like, I say. So show up with this one and you'll look like a hero among the never-updated-their-taste Merlot die-hards. But the secret is this puppy drinks more like a Cab than a Merlot. So while you play the hero, you'll also be able to enjoy it yourself, without any plummy, overproduced madness. Plus, it's got a high ABV, and it never hurts to have a little extra "sauce" for the family meal.

7. Rockbare Shiraz - McLaren Vale, Australia - $18

I love this spicy little devil. Shiraz from Australia is very popular, but much of it is high in alcohol, high in fruit flavors, and low in character or regional identity. This wine found a perfect balance. It still has fruit and weight, but shows depth and complexity. The spice in the glass will, like the Gewurztraminer, draw out any spice on the table. If you're getting wacky and thinking about going Cajun with your turkey (a la the Cru Wine Online recipe), reach for a bottle of Rockbare. You won't be disappointed.

8. Duckhorn 'Decoy' Zinfandel - Napa, California - $22

BEWARE. If your family is anything like mine, you may have to explain that Zinfandel is red. Only when adulterated and artificially sweetened is it the boxed Kool-aid "wine" popular in the 80's & 90's. Wait, that was more of a burn for Kool-aid than White Zin (Oh Yeaahh!). All joking aside, 2008 is the first vintage of the Decoy Zin Duckhorn has ever produced, and they are having a tough time selling it. Hard to believe when their test market batch was around 9000 cases. A lot of stores are discounting this product, so you can usually get it for a steal. Low sales be damned, the wine is great. It's jammy, not tannic, which is what you need for Thanksgiving dinner. A real crowd pleaser.

9. Novelty Hill Syrah - Columbia Valley, Washington - $22

Que Shiraz, Syrah. When you roast a turkey flavors are concentrated on the outside of the bird, creating a little more texture and weight. This hearty Syrah will be do well with the bird and appease the "Big Red" drinkers in the family. It has a slightly vegetal thing on the palate, so rubbing elbows with the green beans and other veggies on the table will also be right up its alley. Novelty Hill does great work. If you haven't already, pick up a bottle for yourself and don't share. Wait...the holiday's are about giving...nope, just too delicious.

10. Roederer Estate 'Brut' - Sparkling - Anderson Valley, California - $23

Last but not least is the Roederer Estate Brut bubbly. Roederer Estate is owned by the infamous Louis Roederer, the man who produces the ultra-popular Cristal. This pairing could be regarded as one of the most generic of those on this list because it lacks creativity. But hey, if it works, it works. Its crisp acidity, lower alcohol, and bright bubbles make it a good match for the various, sometimes dubious components on the table. The texture of bubbles can compliment just about any dish under the sun. If you're stuck and don't know where to turn, reach for this delicious bubbly. It's made using the traditional method, the same process used in Champagne, France. This method imparts more flavor, balance, and depth into the wine. It is dry though, so beware criticism from your old-school family members who's quintessential "champagne" is a bottle of Andre Spumante. And don't let them put cola in it. Just buy a backup box of Franzia if that's the case.

Well, there you have it, the top ten turkey day pairings. If you read this and think I'm crazy because you enjoy spending the holidays with your family, I have just one thing to say...Can I get directions to your house this Thursday? In all seriousness I love my family as much as the next guy, but too much of a good thing...you know. So this year I was trying to figure out a way to imply they all need to leave after dinner, without being rude. So I decided I'm going to slip into my nightwear after we eat to send a subtle hint. Boy are they going to be surprised when they find out I sleep in the nude.

These are 10 value-packed, accessible options for your Thanksgiving day meal. I hope you get the chance to try one. I myself am going fully loaded to Thanksgiving. I'm bringing them all. For more information about me, more incredible value picks and delicious food and wine pairings, check us out online at Cru Wine Online. We post Wine and Recipe pairings for our users each day, pairing our chefs' recipes with delicious wines, and bringing them to you in an entertaining video short, complete with a brief explanation of the wine, the dish, and the pairing. Subscribe today and receive a FREE wine aerator, a $14.95 value. Life's too short not to enjoy every sip, so drink it up. Entertain your senses with Cru Wine Online's monthly membership. At only $7.99/month you can't afford not to!

As always if there's something that you think should have made this top ten list, feel free to contact me via email, on Facebook, or simply leave a comment here on the blog. Thanks again for reading.

Salut,

Nicholas Barth

Wine Director

Certified Sommelier

Cru Wine Online

Top Ten Things You Need To Know About Beaujolais Nouveau

2010-11-15T05:29:00.000-08:00

Le Beaujolais Nouveau Est Arrive!!! Translation: Everyone run, the French are releasing that crappy purple-pink fruit juice again!!!

Each year on the third Thursday of November, the flood gates open and a river of mediocre to below-average red wine pours into the streets. What am I talking about? Beaujolais Nouveau. France's answer to the German Oktoberfest. Don't get me wrong, there is a time, a place and, more importantly, a dish for Beaujolais Nouveau. But let's be straight; it's just not good.

The hype and marketing behind this slightly-sweet, no-character, nail-polish-smelling, bubblegum-tasting "red wine" is brilliant. Believe it or not, over 1 million cases of this lollipop wine are sold each year. But before you go dashing through the snow to pick up a bottle, here are the top ten things you need to know about Beaujolais Nouveau.

1. Beaujolais is...

Beaujolais is a sub-region in the greater Burgundy region of France. The area is located just south of the Maconnais. The region is predominantly located in the Rhone department, and is actually closer in climate and proximity to the Rhone region than it is to the rest of Burgundy. In some years the Beaujolais sub-region makes more wine than the rest of Burgundy, with over half of it being sold as Nouveau. The grape used to make the wines of Beaujolais is Gamay, a thin-skinned varietal low in tannins. In addition to the climate, grape, and proximity to the Rhone, what sets Beaujolais apart from the rest of Burgundy, is the way the wines are fermented.

Beaujolais is produced in a process known as Carbonic Maceration. The grapes are placed in a vat, and as more are piled on, the weight gently crushes the fruit, sparking fermentation. The grapes almost ferment from the inside out. This results in a pear-drop smelling wine that is juicy and low in tannin. This practice is often viewed as a lower-quality production method. Anthony Hanson, in his book Burgundy, quotes Jean-Marie Guffens describing this fermentation process as "Carbonic Masturbation." In other words, even the French don't much care for the process.

2. Nouveau is...

Like Cru Beaujolais, Beaujolais Village, Beaujolais Superieur, or even basic Beaujolais, Beaujolais Nouveau is made using the Gamay grape. The difference between Nouveau, also called vin de primeur, and the others is the time Nouveau ages, or should I say, the lack of time it ages. Beaujolais Nouveau grapes are picked, fermented, bottled, aged, and consumed all within six to eight weeks.

3. Drink young, very young

Because of the method used to produce these wines, Carbonic Maceration, the young, fruity Nouveau wines of Beaujolais are meant to be consumed young. You see, for a wine to age it requires presence and balance in three of four important categories: sugar, acid, tannin, and alcohol. Nouveau misses the boat in all four categories.

Because the wine is fermented using Carbonic Maceration the tannin, that mouth-drying sensation found in red wines, is low to almost non-existent. That's why many non-wine drinkers enjoy the young, fresh, and fruity Nouveau. It doesn't have the same grippy astringency as, say, a Cabernet Sauvignon from California.Although this wine tastes juicy and fruity, it usually bears little to no residual sugar. When sugar is a factor in aging, it's usually apparent, like in the wines of Sauternes, France or the Trockenbeerenauslese style produced in Germany. Beaujolais Nouveau usually has a mediumish acidity, not quite high enough to bear ageable qualities. It often softens quickly, making these young wines flabby rather than crisp. When it comes to alcohol, Beaujolais Nouveau usually comes in around 12% abv. But because they lack the other three ageable characteristics, what you're left with is faded fruit flavors in a flabby red with burning alcohol.

The majority of Nouveau is best if consumed before the first of the year. Hence the reason you usually find a big sale on the juice that's not sold before Thanksgiving.

4. Beaujolais Nouveau is the celebration of the new harvest

I always say, "Beaujolais Nouveau is not meant to be sipped in enjoyment, it's meant to be chugged in celebration." I mentioned before that Nouveau is France's answer to Oktoberfest. In Germany, Oktoberfest is used as an excuse to consume the beer from the previous year. The festival helps the country get ready for the new beers being produced. So while the two are both celebrations of new products, the French don't celebrate by drinking the old stuff, they celebrate the with their new wines...really new.

Beaujolais has always made a vin de l'annee to celebrate the harvest. Prior to World War II, the vin de primeurs of Beaujolais couldn't be sold until the middle of December. But in 1951 the Union Interprofessional des Vins de Beaujolais (UIVB) relaxed the laws, allowing the wine to be released a month earlier in the middle of November. Seeing a marketing opportunity, the country slapped the Nouveau label on these young wines and shipped them around the globe so the rest of the world could join in the celebration.

5. Beaujolais Nouveau is a mass marketing campaign

When the laws regarding the release date of vin de primeur changed from December 15th to November 15th in 1951, producers realized there was an opportunity to sell their wines around the world in huge quantities and at great margins. Beaujolais Nouveau is vin ordanaire, which simply means it's just ordinary red table wine. The margins on this generic juice are pretty high, especially since only a specific amount of Nouveau is made and distributed, making it slightly (very slightly) rare. Producers realized this was a great way to sell an ocean of mediocre, juicy wine to consumers around the world, and make really good money along the way.

The real pageantry began in the '70's when producers created a race from Beaujolais to Paris. People would run through the streets screaming "Les Beaujolais Nouveau est Arrive!" This gained media attention, and before you know it, a world-wide race began to see who could get it and serve it fastest. People traveled by motorcycle, helicopter, elephant, balloon, jet, car and foot, racing to get these young wines to their destination. In 1985 the date of release was changed from November 15th to the third Thursday in November creating a world-wide day of celebration. The region has certainly succeeded, because when all is said and done, over 65 million bottles of Nouveau are sold around the world.

If France can figure out a way to encourage people to drink plonk, maybe Greece just needs to stage a celebration to put Retsina back on the world wine map! Just a thought. Or, I know, call Gallo; we'll use Boone's Farm to celebrate the new harvest in the US!

6. Beaujolais Nouveau pairs well with Thanksgiving Dinner

Beaujolais Nouveau conveniently makes it to most retail end caps just before Thanksgiving, and many wine store attendants push Nouveau as a pairing for Thanksgiving. This leaves people wondering if it's because the wine pairs well or because it won't last much into the new year. The answer is...well...both.

Beaujolais Nouveau has a fruity flavor with decent acidity and a lowish alcohol content. This makes it incredibly food-friendly. And if your Thanksgiving dinner table looks anything like my family's, you need something versatile.

At my family's Thanksgiving, we always have the traditional turkey, stuffing, and yams. And you can't forget the cranberry sauce...from the can of course. They don't bother mixing it up; just slide the jiggly red cylinder out of the can and eat, rib marks and all. We also have our "under the sea salad," which isn't a salad at all. It's usually made from green or orange Jell-o, and topped with marshmallows. A table like this requires a lot of patience from a wine. And not everyone in my family appreciates wine. So something fruity and easy going not only pairs well with the many flavors and textures on the table, but it's also an easy quaffer for non-wine drinking guests.

7. Beaujolais Nouveau pairs beyond Thanksgiving

As you can imagine, if Beaujolais Nouveau can pair with the smorgasbord of flavors and textures present at the Thanksgiving dinner table, it also pairs well with a variety of other foods.

Because of its fruity flavors, soft texture, and decent young acidity, it is a great pairing for fresh goat cheese. It can also pair well with cured meat platters, often referred to as charcuterie. It has the weight to stand up to these cured meats, with a refreshing acidity. You can also pair Nouveau with chicken, gilled meat, lighter pastas, pork, salmon, and veal. But these pairings work best with young Nouveau, as in consumed before the first of the year.

8. Beaujolais Nouveau producers

There are a handful of Beaujolais Nouveau producers present on the retail shelf. One of my favorites is Georges Duboeuf. His wines are available in most markets, and at a competitive price. Duboeuf is considered the most American French producer in Beaujolais because his wines tend to cater to the likings of US wine drinkers. His Beaujolais Nouveau is consistently good, and is generally a good representation of the region.

You may also find success with Mommessin. They usually have a fun label, and each year they focus on a different place in the world Nouveau is celebrated. You'll also see Bouchard Aine & Fils on your retail shelf, but this is one of my least favorite of those available in the US. Then again, that's not saying much since I don't really like any of them. Some retailers carry the Beaujolais Nouveau wines of Joseph Drouhin, Labour- Roi, Jean Bererd & Fils, Pascal Chatelus, Joel Rochette, and a couple others. While one may be better than another, it's like lipstick on a pig...it's still a Nouveau.

9. Plastic bottles?

One of the largest expenses for producers is shipping. Because Nouveau is harvested, fermented, bottled, and aged within six to eight weeks, they must ship it around the globe on planes. And when it comes to air shipping, weight is everything.

Producers like Mommessin and Bouchard Aine & Fils have gone to plastic bottles with a screw top closure to reduce the ship weight of their Nouveau. While I appreciate the effort to save a buck on low grade juice, I didn't notice a price decrease at the counter. Supposedly producers of Beaujolais Nouveau ate a price increase the year prior, but come on, the wine already sucks, and now you send it over in a plastic bottle? At least dress it up a little for the consumer. Retailers and wine bars are trying to sell the stuff to promote wine and celebration, and you send it in a plastic bottle? It's like getting kicked when you're down. Send these producers a message, steer clear of the plastic bottle, buy glass or nothing at all.

10. Beaujolais Nouveau Village is...

Beaujolais Nouveau Village in theory is more respected than standard Beaujolais Nouveau because the fruit selected comes from better sites within the Beaujolais region. While the Village wines may be slightly better, showcasing just a touch more depth and structure, I say save the $2 and just go for the standard Nouveau. Again, even with lipstick, it's still a pig.

Well, there you go, everything you need to know about Beaujolais Nouveau. Some people justify their Nouveau purchase by saying it is an early indication of the year's crop. While that may be true, the wines don't showcase enough character to tell how the vintage will fend. I guess you could make the argument it either really sucks, or just kind of sucks. If it just kind of sucks then perhaps the vintage is going to be good throughout the country. But then again, last year was one of the best Nouveau's I have ever tasted, and it was a 2009, supposedly an instant classic in France. But saying '09 was the best Beaujolais Nouveau vintage I have ever had is like leaving your dentist's office saying, "That was the best root canal ever!" In both cases it was still a painful experience.

In most of my posts this is the part where I qualify my argument or apologize for my rant. But not today. The Nouveau wines of Beaujolais are a disgrace to the region, a mass marketing campaign disguised as a celebration. Drink them or don't, but if you do, know that you're supporting bad behavior.

For more information about me and Cru Wine Online check us out online. We post Wine and Recipe pairings for our users each day. Watch as we pair our chefs' recipes with delicious wines, bringing them to you in an entertaining video short, complete with a brief explanation of the wine, the dish, and the pairing. Subscribe today and receive a FREE wine aerator, a $14.95 value. Life's too short not to enjoy every sip, so drink it up. Entertain your senses with Cru Wine Online's monthly membership. At only $7.99/month you can't afford not to!

As always if there's something that you think should have made this top ten list, feel free to contact me via email, on Facebook, or simply leave a comment here on the blog. Thanks again for reading.

Salut,

Nicholas Barth

Certified Sommelier

Wine Director

Cru Wine Online

Top Ten Wine & Cheese Pairings

2010-11-08T04:53:00.000-08:00

Many believe wine and cheese make for a fool proof pairing. While the two CAN make a good pairing, more often than not it takes a little consideration to ensure a delicious marriage. Without getting all "cork dork" on you, this is because cheese is salty and often dehydrates the palate, making it difficult to detect the characteristics of the wine. So while many view red wine as a great go-to for pairing cheese, it's more often a crisp, refreshing white than a big, bold red that will best compliment. In this week's blog, we will explore the top ten wine and cheese pairings. The recommended pairings are examples I feel are good quality, accessible, and a good value for the price (no matter how expensive).

1. Sancerre & Chevre

Recommended Producer: Pascal Jolivet - Sancerre - Loire,France 2009 - $27

Sancerre is a world-class wine producing sub-region in the Loire of France, known for making delicious whites from the Sauvignon Blanc grape (reds from the region are made from Pinot Noir). While the whites produced in Sancerre have a racy acidity, they're not quite as extreme as Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand. Sancerre tends to be more herbaceous, smelling of fresh cut grass. In addition the whites of the region usually display notes of flint, a product of the soil type (flint) where the grapes are grown. Oh yeah, and many describe the ammonia aroma found in Sancerre as reminiscent of cat pee...yummy.

Chevre is a modern soft cheese made from goat's milk. The cheese, like the wine, is made in the Loire region of France. This pairing is the essence of the statement, "If it grows together it goes together." Chevre is firm, yet breakable, and has a slightly sticky texture on the palate. It's fruity, with a distinct almond flavor. But what makes this pairing so great isn't matching the flavors of the two, it's mirroring their acidity. Chevre can almost be described as tangy. The wine's racy acidity will compliment and enhance this feature, while cleansing the mouth after each sip, readying the palate for the next bite.

2. Gewurztraminer (especially Alsatian) & Munster

Recommended Producer: Trimbach - Gewurztraminer - Alsace, France 2008 - $23

The Alsace region of France is one of the northernmost high-quality wine producing regions in the world. The region puts out a lot of white wine, using grapes similar to their neighbor across the Rhine river to the east, Germany. While German whites tend to be light and are often produced sweet, Alsatian whites tend to be dry and more full-bodied. The whites produced in the region have a unique texture and low sugar content, making them great partners for lots of different foods. Gewurztraminer's calling card characteristic is its spicy flavors and aromas. It's often described as resembling the spice of the lychee nut.

Muenster is a traditional, unpasteurized, washed-rind cheese made from cow's milk. The cheese is native to the Alsace region of France, so here again we have a "grows together, goes together" pairing. The cheese owes its unique character to the local cows, renowned for providing high-protein milk. The rind's rich color and aroma is a product of the outside of the cheese being constantly rubbed with brine for two to three months. Muenster is intense, with flavors that are both sweet and savory, ending with a spicy finish. What makes this pairing so incredible is the spicy characteristic of both the cheese and the wine. Alsatian Gewurztaminer will draw out the spice, complimenting the flavors of the cheese. The wine's refreshing acidity will also cleanse and hydrate the palate after each bite of this delicious, stinky, salty cheese.

3. German Riesling (especilly Spatlese) & Aged Gouda

Recommended Producer: Dr. Loosen - Riesling 'Spatlese' - Mosel, Germany 2009 - $30

German Riesling IS bottled elegance and finesse. The wines from the country display aromatic purity, and make wonderful pairings to many foods. The country makes over 180 million gallons of Riesling each year ranging from dry to sweet. Some of the best Riesling's from the country come from the Mosel region. The wines produced here display a perfect balance of sugar and acidity. For this pairing I suggest a Spatlese, which translates to "late harvest." Spatlese wines are made from fully-ripened grapes. They tend to be fuller bodied, but still display that wonderful balance of elegance and finesse.

Gouda is a traditional hard cheese made from cow's milk. On the contrary to what some believe, the cheese is actually native to Holland. Many people believe it to be from France, specifically Bordeaux, because that is often the cheese selected to pair with the wines from the area. Gouda accounts for more than 60 percent of the cheese production in Holland. Mature Gouda (18 months or older) is sweet and fruity, with a granulated texture. This pairing works so well because the wine's sugar and acidity cut through the rich texture of the cheese. In addition, the fruity and sweet flavors in the cheese are enhanced by the full -bodied, well-balanced German Spatlese. This wine has the power to stand up to the cheese, without getting lost. I would describe this as a very...Gouda pairing.

4. Champagne (especially Rosé) & Brie de Meaux

Recommended Producer: Nicolas Feuillatte - 'Brut' Rose - Champagne, France NV - $45

With this pairing we wrap two fool-proof wine pairing tips into one delicious marriage. It's often said that rosé wines have the texture (coming through as a hint of tannin from soaking with red grape skins) and acidity to pair with just about any dish. The same goes for sparkling wines; they have a low alcohol content, refreshing acidity, and bubbly texture, making them a wonderful compliment to most foods. Champagne is the Grand Poobah of all sparkling wines. Coming from the heart of France, these wines are an international symbol of celebration and class. Rosé Champagne is a product of blending white and red wines together to create a pink color. The wines are usually flavorful and complex, with a wonderful texture and a racy acidity.

Brie is a traditional, unpasteurized, soft white cheese made from cow's milk. It comes from the Ile-de-France (area around Paris) region of France. The slightly rubbery white rind is called penicillum. It's a mold created during the aging process, traditionally performed on straw mats. Penicillum protects the cheese, but also adds a wonderful mushroom-like, earthy component to the wheel. Good brie should be smooth and creamy, yet not quite runny. This pairing works well because the yeasty, earthy flavors in the wine enhance the flavors of the cheese. But more importantly, the slightly grippy rosé texture and the characteristics imparted through the fermentation process perfectly compliment the texture of the cheese. In addition, the wine's racy acidity cuts through the cheese, and hydrates the palate. These two fool-proof wine tips wrapped into one pairing simply can't miss.

5. Pinot Noir (especially light & Fruity) & Reblochon

Recommended Producer: A to Z Wineworks - Pinot Noir - Oregon 2008 - $20

After the 2004 film Sideways was released, the wine industry saw a boom in Pinot Noir sales, and a crash in Merlot sales. In the film, the main character, Miles, gives a poetic description of the reasons Pinot Noir is his favorite grape. This led to what the industry has coined as "The Sideways Craze." After many saw they film they wanted Pinot Noir, and the wine industry gave it to them in spades...mua-ha-ha-ha. But seriously, Pinot Noir is a finicky grape that should only be grown in a handful of places throughout the world. The grape is native to the Burgundy region of France. However, many steer clear of the reds from the region due to outrageous prices and inconsistency. Domestically, producers in Oregon and California have done well with the grape in select areas, with the 2008 vintage marking potentially the best year ever for Pinot Noir in Oregon. Unfortunately, the perfect climactic conditions in 2008 didn't just increase quality in Oregon Pinot Noir, they also increased prices.

Reblochon is a traditional, unpasteurized, semi-soft cheese made from cow's milk. The cheese is native to the eastern Haute-Savoie region of France, near the infamous Burgundy sub-region. Reblochon has sweet flavors, displaying crushed walnuts, spring grass, and wild flowers. A light Pinot Noir will be able to stand up to the weight of the cheese without overpowering the delicate flavors. In addition, the juicy, fruity flavors and medium-ish acidity of lighter Oregonian Pinot Noirs will enhance the cheese, ensuring a perfect marriage.

6. Barolo & Fontina

Recommended Producer: Marchesi di Barolo - Barolo - Piedmont,

Italy 2005 - $46

Barolo is a sub-region that makes deep, dark, full-bodied reds from the Nebbiolo grape in the Piedmont region of Italy. The big reds from the region often receive high accolades, and are regarded as some of the finest reds in not only Italy, but the world. The Nebbiolo grape grows very few places outside of the Piedmont region of Italy. It requires a specific growing season that is found almost exclusively in Piedmont. The reds produced are robust and rugged in their youth, but after aging for a decade or more, they soften and become balanced.

Fontina is a traditional, unpasteurized, semi-soft cheese made from cow's milk. The cheese is native to the northwestern Valle d'Aosta region of Italy. Fontina is dense, smooth and slightly elastic. It has a delicate nuttiness, with a hint of sweetness. This pairing is another "grows together, goes together," and works well because the dark-fruited, spicy Barolo will enhance the earthy and fruity flavors of the cheese. The texture of Barolo is big and full, but can almost be described as creamy, complimenting the creamy texture of the cheese.

7. Amarone & Parmigiano-Reggiano

Recommended Producer: Zenato - Amarone della Valpolicella Classico - Veneto, Italy 2006 - $70

Amarone is an Italian sub-region in the Veneto (northeast) that produces rich, almost sweet-like full-bodied reds from grapes like Corvina, Rondinella, and Molinara. To produce Amarone, grapes are harvested, then set out to dry to an almost raisin-like state, traditionally on straw mats. The grapes are then pressed, and the juice that runs out is concentrated and high in sugar. That sugar is then converted into alcohol through fermentation, resulting in a full-bodied wine with rich flavors and aromas of black currant, blackberries, more black fruit flavors, black licorice and spice.

Parmigiano-Reggiano is a traditional, unpasteurized hard cheese made from cow's milk. It gets its name from the Parma and Reggio sub-regions of the Emilia-Romagna region. Parmigiano-Reggiano is a granulated cheese with sweet and fruity aromas. The flavor is strong and rich, but not overpowering. Hard cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano are able to support a wider range of wines, including big reds. This wine's rich, dark fruit and almost sweet flavor perfectly compliments those of the cheese. Aged cheeses tend to be more flavorful, so a flavorful wine is important to enhance the pairing. This wine does that beautifully.

8. Fino Sherry & Manchego

Recommended Producer: Domecq - Manzanilla Sherry - Spain

Sherry comes from the south of Spain near the town of Cadiz. It's a fortified wine, which means a spirit is added to boost alcohol and make the wine more stable. Sherry is made from the Palamino, Pedro Ximenez, and Moscatel grapes. This particular Sherry is dry, which means the spirit was added after fermentation, versus during, like in the production of port. Manzanilla Sherry is a dry, fino style sherry made in the Sanlucar de Barrameda sub-region of Spain. Fino style Sherry showcases a salty, almost seaside aroma, with a distinct nutty flavor, crisp acidity, and a full body.

Manchego is Spain's bread and butter cheese. It's a traditional hard cheese made from sheep's milk. It comes from the La Mancha sub-region, the same place Don Quixote supposedly tipped over wind mills and protected the people. The cheese is ivory in color, with a hard black rind. Manchego is sold in various ages, but usually displays a nutty, burnt caramel flavor with a salty finish. This wine's crisp acidity and Spanish roots make this a perfect pairing. The salty flavors in the wine will enhance the cheese, and the crisp acidity will refresh the palate. A truly outstanding pairing for Fino Sherry.

9. Sauternes & Roquefort

Recommended Producer: Chateau d'Arche - Sauternes - Bordeaux, France 2005 - $31

Sauternes is a sub-region in the Bordeaux region of France that produces the world's greatest sweet wines from Sauvignon Blanc and Semillion. The wines from the region are vibrant, with flavors and aromas of honey and lush stone fruits, like apricots and peaches. These wines have a high sugar content and acidity in their youth, but over time mellow to become intense, powerful and complex.

Roquefort is a traditional, unpasteurized blue cheese made from sheep's milk. The cheese maker pierces the wheel of the cheese with long stainless steel needles to ensure the mold reaches all parts of the cheese. The mold was traditionally introduced by leaving loaves of rye bread beside the cheese wheels in the caves. Roquefort has a distinct aroma of blue mold, burnt caramel, and a flavor that comes across as creamy yet sweet. The rich, powerful whites of Sauternes cut through the stinky blue mold and firm texture of the cheese. The sugar in the wine enhances the sweetness in the cheese, and the powerful acidity cleanses the palate after each sip. This is considered by many as a classic food and wine pairing.

10. Vintage Port & Stilton

Recommended Producer: Taylor Fladgate - Vintage Port - Douro, Portugal 2003 - $92

Port is a fortified wine from Portugal. The port name carries with it special regulations and geographic requirements. A fortified wine should only be called port if it comes from Portugal and follows the specific guidelines set up by the Portuguese government. In the production of port, unlike sherry, the spirit is added in the middle of the fermentation process to kill the yeast, leaving sugar behind in the juice. The wine produced from this process is high in alcohol and sweet. The term vintage means that all the grapes used in the production of the wine come from the same year. Vintage ports showcase the best years in Portugal, and only happen about three times a decade.

Stilton is a traditional English, unpasteurized, vegetarian blue cheese made from cow's milk. It's made in the same process as Roquefort, with the cheese maker piercing the wheel to promote mold growth. Young Stilton is bitter and dry, but as it matures it becomes creamy and sweet. Good Stilton displays flavors and aromas of old leather, dark chocolate, and a distinct blue mold. The rich, powerful vintage ports of Portugal have the body to stand up to this hard cheese, the flavors to compliment the dark chocolate and old leather, and the sugar to contrast the stinky blue mold. This is another example of a classic food and wine pairing. I like to say sweet and stinky rather than sweet and savory when it comes to pairings like this.

While some of these wines retail for $50 or more, they make great pairings for these cheeses, and are good values for the price, no matter how high. Some or all of these pairings could be described as classic, but the reason they are in this category is because they are outstanding matches, a tougher feat than you think. As I mentioned before, it's easier to find success in pairing wine and cheese when you select a crisp, refreshing white wine over a big, powerful red. Also, sweetness almost always does well with cheese, because you get a sweet and savory sensation on the palate. So if you're stumped, reach for something with some sugar.

I tried to choose cheeses that are accessible, with wines that are found in most retail locations. I hope you get a chance to try some of these because they are truly mind-blowing. To learn more about fabulous food and wine pairings, check out Cru Wine Online's NEW Daily Wine and Recipe pairings. Wach day we pair our chefs' recipes with delicious wines and bring them to you in an entertaining video short, complete with a brief explanation of the wine, the dish, and the pairing. Subscribe today and receive a FREE wine aerator, a $14.95 value. Life's too short not to enjoy every sip, so drink it up. Entertain your senses with Cru Wine Online's monthly membership. At only $7.99/month you can't afford not to!

As always if there is a wine you think should be on this top ten list feel free to contact me via email, on Facebook, or simply leave a comment here on the blog. Thanks again for reading.

Salut,

Nicholas Barth

Certified Sommelier

Wine Director

Cru Wine Online