Wine Wednesday; Tasting Violets

It's a special Wine Wednesday, Thanksgiving Eve. As I sat in my living room drinking a glass of Leese-Fitch Pinot Noir (research for my next wine column for TOTI Media) My parents were thumbing through current TOTI editions, getting caught up on my stories.

My Dad, peering over the top of his glasses, looked at my mom and said, "I want you to listen to what your daughter wrote." For a split second I went into little girl mode….oh no what did I do?  Think fast; did I say something obscene, risqué ? It was published, can't be THAT bad, not like a blog or a Facebook post.

He read aloud what I wrote about the 2010 Unus from my wine tasting at Mendel in Mendoz, Argentina, "It has a toasty, creamy nose and flavors of violets." He pauses and adds, "Apparently your daughter has been grazing in a field of violets."

I suppose it does sound strange. No, I haven't been eating violets, smelling them yes. I tasted their smell, but that takes up too many words and valuable space to explain in print. Wine critiques and descriptions often sound strange and define things you might not normally want to taste, like leather and dirt. But in the big picture it works.

My story on travel to Mendoza is in the Times Of The Islands edition currently on the stands (Nov/Dec 2013, pages 34-39).

Dad finished up with, "I'm very impressed with your writing and ability to graze on flowering plants." Reading the article again, I had a deep yearning to return to Argentina. So I pulled up some photos, opened a bottle of BenMarco from winemaker Susana Balbo and Dominio del Plato, toasted an amazing trip and being with my wonderful family on Thanksgiving. Cheers! 

Wine Wednesday: Bonarda

Have you ever had a bottle of Bonarda or Charbono? They are the same grape depending on wether you are in Argentina or France, respectively. I admit to generally discounting Bonarda as a blending grape; until this week.

Bonarda is another one of those French grapes that is flourishing in Argentina, similar to the superstar, Malbec. On a recent wine whirlwind in South America, I learned a lot  about Bonarda and how many producers are adding it to Malbec in higher percentages. Its the second most planted grape in Argentina and apparently it's the next big thing, or clever marketers are trying to make us believe it is.

And now Bonarda is the new "house wine" for my brother and sister-in-law. For wine Wednesday, we got geeky and did a blind test of two bottles from Mendoza, Argentina; Tercos and La Posta. Tercos smelled musty, tasted a bit leathery with dark fruit but didn't have much of a finish. The La Posta smelled lighter than it tasted with a bit of a cherry cola nose. This wine had more flavors of dark berries and a longer finish. Being a frequent buyer of Tercos, my brother said it generally tastes better after being open a day, as do many wines. It was a close contest, but La Posta won the taste test. Both are in the $15 range and both are good food wines.

Do you have a favorite Bonarda to recommend? Happy Wine Wednesday!

Wine Wednesday, Zaha

Ah, another Wine Wednesday and another maddening dilemma of what to write about, especially since I'm fresh off of the Fall Show for Opici Wines. I tasted so many amazing wines yesterday!

One of the things I love to do is let you know when something new is coming to the area, the area being Florida. If you are in other states or countries, I certainly hope you can find this fantastic Malbec, ZaHa.

It's no secret I'm a fan of Malbec from Mendoza and this is now one of them. Its not a typical Malbec though. While it has good fruit like black cherry, it is smoky with a bit of coffee and spice. While ZaHa is 90% Malbec, it has just a touch of Cabernet Franc and Petite Verdot to round things out.

In the $40 range,  the 2010 got 92 points from Wine Advocate. ZaHa means heart and it got mine!

Wine Wednesday, Puro Uno

At the winery in Argentina

I just made deadline on a story for TOTI Media about a recent trip I took to Mendoza, Argentina. I enjoyed so much, reliving the stories, the people and especially the food and wine.

So when I walked into a new wine store at Coconut Point in Estero, FL yesterday, the first thing I saw was the section labeled "Argentina". Top of the mind awareness I suppose. I was shocked and elated to see the Puro Uno label on the shelves. 

It's made by Frank Baroudi, he lives a few miles down the road in Naples, FL. Yes a local resident producing wine in Argentina. Puro Uno is actually bottled at another winery, Bodega Dolium, in Lujan de Cuyo; a premiere wine producing region in Mendoza. One of the most comprehensive, educational experiences I've ever had at a winery was at Dolium. I'll save that story for another time.

Until now, Baroudi's wines were only found in restaurants, like Cru in the Bell Tower Shops, Fort Myers. Even though The Grape Base is a retail store, the owners have a type of restaurant license that allows them to serve food.

At The Grape Base in Estero

So they can carry Puro Uno, not just the Malbec but also the sparkling wines. This makes me excited for many reasons. Although I enjoy dining at Cru, now I can have Puro Uno when I dine at home. I love having wines in my cellar that no one else has and wines with a good story to boot. Best of all, I'm always happy to support a local winemaker and most importantly a local wine retailer.  

Buy a bottle! It's good stuff! Cheers!

Wine Wednesday, Casarena

When the words "wine" and "Argentina" are mentioned in the same sentence, typically the next thing that pops into my head is "Malbec".  Just because Malbec is the signature grape ot the South American country doesn't mean it's the only one grown, and certainly not the only one done well.

My Wine Wednesday feature is a reserve Cabernet Ssuvignon from Casarena; another wine that is new to Southwest Florida. I sat down with Martin Perez Cambet, Commercial Manager for Casarena, at Bistro 41 yesterday. We began tasting the winery's entry level, 505 label. I would order ANY of these wines without hesitation, including the Chardonnay. They are amazing values in the $10 range. Next up were the Estate wines, also phenomenal values in the $15-$20 range.

But the big dawg was this lovely Reserva. It smelled a bit like raisins and I could tell the alcohol content was high, about 15%. The grapes come from old vines, with lots of sun exposure. The result is a wine that is ripe, with strong tannins, herbs, spice, dark chocolate and dark fruit. Its structure and elegance far surpasses the price tag; in the $25 range.

While tasting it, Cambet said it felt like the sun of Mendoza in a glass. Having been there, I couldn't agree more.  Cheers!

Wine Wednesday, Achaval Ferrer

Malbec World Day is FINALLY here! A celebration of Argentina's most famous grape and one that has been taking the world by storm. I have been featuring Malbec's all month for Wine Wednesday and I can tell you it hasn't sucked one bit!

I was in Mendoza in December, drinking Malbec until my teeth and tongue were permanently stained. I was looking forward to visiting every winery on my itinerary, especially Achaval Ferrer. Wine Spectator Magazine had just named the 2010 Finca Bella Vista, one of the Top Ten Wines of the World! We drank it from the bottle, from the barrel and it was fantastic. However, for Wine Wednesday I've chosen their signature Malbec Mendoza. It's easier to get your hands on and more affordable; in the $20 range.

This is a big wine for the price tag with layers of spice, raspberry and dark fruit; a little earthy with a perfume finish. Here's a little more from the studio with the crappy lighting! Happy Wine Wednesday and Happy Malbec World Day! Whats in YOUR glass??? CHEERS!!

Wine Wednesday, Trivento

It's Wine Wednesday and I'm continuing the Malbec Madness theme. April 17th has been declared Malbec World Day. However, since I don't like to wait for things like this, I started celebrating LAST Wednesday.

Today's selection is the 2011 Trivento, Amado Sur Malbec. I smelled the fruit as soon as I poured this one. It's got a little Bonarda and Syrah to make this a nice full glass of goodness. I think I'll call my friends at Ford's Garage and see if they can deliver my namesake burger to have with this one! I can taste it now. I was in Mendoza in December but did not visit this property. Here's a little more on this food friendly bottle, from the studio with crappy lighting...haha:

Wine Wednesday, Concha y Toro

It's Wine Wednesday! April 17th is Malbec World Day. Why wait? I decided to make the entire month of April a celebration of Malbec.

Instead of starting out with an obvious selection from Argentina, the Malbec making capital of the world, I'm going to neighboring Chile. Check out the 2011 Reserva Casillero del Diablo from Concha y Toro. I love the story behind the name of this wine, which translates to the Cellar of the Devil. Back in the day, the owner sent word that there was a Devil in his cellar, to keep people from stealing the wine that was stored there. It's a well made and affordable collection, under $15 for this bottle. It tasted great with the fajitas I had for lunch! Here's a short video with more info (better quality next week...promise!)

Spirits and "Spirits"

My second fast and furious day in Buenos Aires began with MORE walking. The adventure began by paying homage to the former first lady of Argentina, Eva Peron, with a visit to her crypt in the historic Recoletta Cemetery.

The cemetery takes up four city blocks and looks easy enough to find on the map, however, only a small section of those four blocks gives any indication of the burial grounds behind the facade. We walked in a circle for a good 20 minutes before finally getting a glimpse of something that looked sacred. I'll admit, I may have been a little distracted by the nearby store fronts.

Once inside it was easy to find Peron's resting place, just follow the crowd. The tree lined streets were jammed with stunning crypts; some telling stories, some protected by hand-carved angels and saints, some unkempt and others immaculate.

Evita's famous, family tomb is not near as grandiose as I was expecting, tucked in a narrow passage. After taking the obligatory photos and checking in on the proper social media networks, I wandered aimlessly, amazed at the architecture, curious as to the stories of those souls housed inside each structure. That is when I felt it, a chill that went up my spine, causing me to stop in my tracks; I literally shuddered.

No, I had not consumed any wine or other liquid spirits yet. I was sadly dehydrated as the morning sun beat down on me. Perhaps that is why I attracted this particular spirit, to push me along and into a quaint cafe for respite with a glass of Malbec, or something stronger. I continued to feel his presence that day, an uninvited hitchhiker. I even felt him when I looked at the photos of the cemetery, sitting on my couch in the US.

I'm not sure why the guy stowed away with me, but I was sure I needed to send him on to his next destination. My crude method must have worked because as I looked at these photos today, I did not feel him next to me. I Hope he has found peace and his soul is finally at rest.

Wine Twits and Tweets

Thank you Twitter for introducing me to a new friend, Lulu B.

Many of us have a love/hate relationship with social media. Keeping track of all of those sites is like a second job; and sometimes an annoying one. I love my friends and appreciate my business contacts but I really don't need to know every detail of every minute of every day. Just hit me with the good stuff!

I've had a Twitter account for quite some time but only recently started to "get it". Sure some people mindlessly tweet about needing of a cup of coffee but more often than not, you'll find people who tell you where to find the best cup (Bennett's Fresh Roast). Now that's something I can embrace!

And that is how I stumbled across Lulu B. wines. I've seen them in a grocery store I frequent, have been attracted by the label, but for whatever reason wasn't moved to put one in my basket. That is until I started tweeting with Lulu B herself, or is it her intern? Either way, the social networking worked for us both. Lulu B. got a sale and I got a great bargain wine.

I bought a Pinot Noir, a Malbec and spent less than $20. The Malbec was perfect for a night at home with pizza and friends. It was full of nice dark fruit and went down easy. According the website
it "pairs well with fabulous". I would agree. I'll uncork the Pinot tonight.

I'm not advocating Twitter above any other social media. However, if used properly, it's a great source of information and networking. I've been introduced to new music, recipes, wines and bloggers; the things I'm interested in and passionate about. Just start following people and businesses with similar interests and see what opens up for you. Start with me: @ginabirch

Unexpected Bedfellows

I have blogged about my love of pizza, and how I've eaten it in even the most remote places in the world, so when I was invited to a pizza/wine tasting at Grimaldi's Pizzeria last night, I could hardly stand it!

The first pairing, presented by General Manager Phil Lawson, was completely unexpected; white pizza and white wine, a Riesling at that. Sometimes the wine snob within tries to raise it's ugly head and I could feel it stirring. Best way to subdue the beast is to feed it. The piping hot pizza was loaded with salty artichokes and spicy sausage. The flavors knocked the peach and other sweet fruits right out of the Mondavi Riesling ($7 glass/$25 bottle) for a surprisingly nice partnership.


I initially went to last night's tasting in search of an Italian Malbec, exclusive to Grimaldi's. Yes, Argentina's flagship red is being grown and bottled in Northern Italy, and while it doesn't hold candle to it's South American brother, it did the job when served with the meatball pizza. In a blind tasting I don't think I would've nailed the KRIS ($8 glass/$30 bottle) as a Malbec. It was a bit thin with some blueberry notes; a little earthy with a hint of cassis in the finish. I tasted some cardamon when drinking it with the meatballs. I would like to try it again with a few more years in the bottle.

I'm a big fan of Italian wines so was really looking forward to the next pairing. The Santa Christina Sangiovese ($6 glass/$20 bottle) from well-known Italian producer Antinori, was a delicious glass of dark fruit; a bit floral with some all-spice. That combination with the sweet, roasted red peppers and ricotta cheese pizza was a hit. Lawson said his chef's roast between two to three cases of red peppers a day. They cut cheese about seven hours a day. (insert Beavis and Butt-Head joke here)

There's something about saving the best for last. My favorite combo of the night was the Educated Guess Cabernet ($10 glass/$40 bottle) from Napa, paired with a bold onion and pepperoni pizza, with a lightly charred crust. The wine had hints of cocoa, french vanilla, cherry and leather. Lawson calls it one of the best values on Grimaldi's menu. Order this combo!

A little inside info for my gluten free friends; Grimaldi's has been working on a dough recipe for you. It's a challenge, finding one that holds up to the heat of the coal oven while maintaining the integrity and reputation of the dough that Grimaldi's is famous for. But know that you are not forgotten and will hopefully soon be accomodated!

***COMMENTS: Thanks to all my Facebook friends for posting so many great comments. I would LOVE it if you could also post your comments here on this blog site. Many people tell me they posted and it never showed up. Disappointing for us both. So click comment, type your comment, check the box that says "comment as" then hit post. If a word verification box does not appear next (a scrambled word to retype) your comment did not post. Thanks!

Don't Cry For Me Argentina

My next wine tasting trip is going to be Argentina! I just attended a Malbec seminar at Austin’s Wine Cellar with adorable winemaker Santiago Mayorga of Mendel Wines. Malbec is the signature red wine of Argentina. All of the red we tried were 100% Malbec with one exception.

We actually started with the Mendel 2010 Semillion. It was a bit surprising since Torrontes is the signature white grape of Argentina. The first things I smelled were pineapple and white flowers. I tasted them too along with a hint of spice. It’s a great wine for Southwest Florida.

The reds were outstanding! We started with a juicy 2008 Lunta that had plum, spice and lots of tannins. Next up was the vineyard's flagship Mendel Malbec (2007). Robert Parker gave it 90 points. It had big ripe fruit and was smoother than the Lunta. The ’06 Unus was next. This Malbec was blended with 30% Cabernet. It had hints of mint and vanilla and when I closed my eyes I envisioned it with lamb.

The best is almost always the last: a 2007 Finca Remota. This wine is not even available yet and was given 94 points just after it was bottled. The grapes came from a single vineyard and there are only 1800 bottles! It smelled like sweet raisins. It tasted like velvet! What a treat!

These reds ranged in price from $22-$110. They were all well worth the money and I would buy any of them! See Frank at Austin’s to get yours!

Argentina's Flagships

When I think of Argentina I think of Malbec first then Buenos Aires! Malbec is a wonderful grape that is best described as being somewhere between a Cabernet and Merlot as far as taste. I just tried an '08 from Jelu Estates and it was full of black plums and spice. It filled the glass with a beautiful, deep purple color and was moderately tannic. For only $16 it gives a lot of bang for the buck!
Another grape synonymous with Argentina is Torrontes. It has become one of my favorites over the last several years. It's a great alternative to Sauvignon Blanc, a little smoother. The '09 Jelu has won some awards and there is good reason why. The nose is full of honey; the pallet is bright with white peach, lychee and slight acidity. It's another bargain at only $16!

Not only does Jelu Estates make amazing juice but also the owners are environmentally conscious. The wines are all organically grown and winery has gone "green"! No pesticides huh? I think I'll have another glass!