Category Archives: Terroir

Blog Posting Number 200

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It’s been an interesting journey since we kicked this into gear in the summer.


Our most gracious Goddess of Wine now has us working on the 5th Mystery Case – much to our delight.  This is a tradition that we have no intention of stopping.  The adventures are too much fun. At your requests, we’ll be adding more of our food pairings.  I’ll give you hints as to the ingredients, but you will be on your own to spice to your palate. 


And yes, we will do more comparisons with past adventures in the various grapes.


Some have asked that I go back to doing my ‘doors’ photo series .. Maybe, baby, but will certainly keep the request in mind on our walks.

Our Mantra for the upcoming year.


I do intend to find the answer to the question:

When will I see you again?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUSYj5zq144

Tell us what you would like to see more of.

R&B – still rockin after all these years

Affordable. Drinkable. Enjoyable

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It’s very juicy and has a very refreshing finish.  

Pour me a little more will you?


You might think it’s a Northern Rhone terroir that brings out the silkiness and complexity. But, the vineyards are just outside Saint-Joseph.  


This brings us to the end of this mystery case.  We already have the next case in house and soon will be starting our next series of adventures brought to us by the Goddess of Wine.


Ardeche Syrah – Saint Desirat – 2018

$13.49

12% Alcohol

UPC: 03331452104136

Almost Seductive

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This one is for the modern stylists.  Nicely balanced.  Quite Fruity but with good structure and has a bright freshness about it.


A very pleasant wine – either by itself or paired with Continental cuisine – pasta, cheeses, and crusty breads.


The game changed in the early 1990s when international investment arrived with the opportunity to modernize and update.  New and old vintners alike found new markets to showcase their indigenous grapes.

The family of vintners has found that Touriga Nacional is the most flexible of grape varieties because it adapts so well to both dry and wet conditions. The vines are planted up and down the slope and patamares (terraces) with one or two rows of vines.

It is a lovely blend of 30% Tinta Roriz, 25% Touriga Franca, 35% Touriga Nacional and 10% Tinta Barroca

2018 Flor de Crasto

14% Alcohol

$17.99 

Gently, Please

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Restrained?  What the hell!  Am I supposed to tie up the grapes and whip them instead of stomping on them to get out the juice?


Where do some of these wine reviewers get their terminology?


Another reviewer of this Sauv Blanc went on to say that the Vineyard is a story of passion.  Now we’re getting kinky.  Next thing you know we’re going to have to put a Restricted rating on the wine.


Villa Maria was also the first wine company in New Zealand to declare the winery a “cork-free zone,” sealing all wines from the 2001 vintage onwards with a screw cap to ensure quality in every bottle.  They have used sustainable viticulture and wine making since the1990s. And they have been NZ’s most Admired Wine Brand from 2015-2019 for consistently outstanding focus on quality.


Southern Clays is a sub-region of the Wairau Valley in the eastern foothills of Marlborough New Zealand.


Definitely a fruit driven style with natural acidity.  


Very much enjoyed with quick seared scallops (lightly seasoned with salt, pepper and paprika) and the house Special couscous made with the usual bad boys of cumin, cardamon, and turmeric.

SAUVIGNON BLANC – VILLA MARIA SOUTHERN CLAYS MARLBOROUGH 18

$24.97 regularly $33.99

13% Alcohol

UPC: 09414416105470

Great Value Organic

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The vines vary in age from 30 to more than 60 years and the sun exposure is north- south in the warm and dry Mediterranean vineyards.

The wine is fermented in steel, aged in oak.  The vineyard is sustainable with organic practices. Castaño makes all types of wines but their calling card is their vibrant and juicy version of the variety called, simply, Monastrell.


At first glance, a rather Cherry look to it.  Intense nose and great expression to the taste.  Hard to believe that the price is less than $12. Almost is too good to be that price.  Definitely a 90+ pointer that is full bodied and robust.
.

YECLA MONASTRELL – CASTANO

14% alcohol

$11.49 regularly $12.49

UPC: 00805109112247

Apricot Limes and Herbs

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Catarratto is one of the most widely planted grape in Italy, but you’ll find it primarily on Sicily.


This varietal is at the top end of the quality range.  Totally organic and from a bio-sustainable vineyard (Caruso & Minini). Slight hints of lime tease you until you catch on that this is really bright and crisp.  

Lovely palate and a VERY dry finish.


You’re not quite sure why this is different than many other whites, but I think it’s the complexity of the terroir coming through. Windswept off the Mediterranean with moderate temperatures that bring out the minerality of the stony soil.


Sicilia Catarratto – Caruso & Minini Naturalmente Bio 2017


$25.99, regularly $26.99

13% alcohol

UPC: 08028920040014