Tag Archives: Charles Smith Wines

August Sweet Club: Iowa

Posted on by

Sweet Wine ClubKungFu-Girl_Riesling_bottleCharles Smith Wines
Kung Fu Girl
Riesling
Washington State

NECTAR WINE STYLE

This medium-bodied Riesling is beautifully balanced with a burst of in-your-face flavor. You cannot escape the white peach and light floral aromas that fill your senses, rounded out with a refreshingly dry finish. The bright citrus flavors with pronounced Meyer lemon take the palate to exhilarating heights with crisp, tart acidity.

Variety: 100% Riesling
Alcohol: 12% alcohol / volume
Total Acidity: 7.6 g/L
pH: 3.1 g/L
RS: 0.14%
Food Pairing: Pairs best with spicy ramen, Sriracha pork tacos, and Chinese take out.

WINE AND CHEESE PAIRING RECOMMENDATION: Try this wine with a spicy asian-fusion cheese such as the TomaRashi from Point Reyes— their creamy Toma cheese infused with Shichimi Togarashi, a Japanese spice blend. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

WINERY NOTES:
Inspired by a fight scene in a notorious martial arts film, the idea of Kung Fu Girl was born: a killer white wine made to be paired with Asian food. This uniquely dry Riesling won’t have you fighting for flavor, but will leave you craving more. Dangerously delicious wine…outta Washington.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Charles Smith is the visionary winemaker behind iconic brands like K Vintners and CasaSmith. Charles has received over 300 scores of 95 points-and-above and over 1,400 scores of 90 points-and-above from leading wine publications. And it all started a little over 20 years ago, with 330 cases of 1999 K Syrah sold out of the back of Charles’ 1987 Astro van. Today, and many accomplishments later, Charles Smith creates wine for the people. Wine that is significant. Wine that proclaims, “I am from Washington”. Learn more here.

Information & Photos © Charles Smith Wines – All Rights Reserved.

Villa_Pozzi-Moscato-bottleVilla Pozzi
Moscato
Sicily, Italy

NECTAR WINE STYLE

Villa Pozzi’s Moscato features aromas of tropical fruits, apricots, and orange blossoms. It is crisp, refreshing, and slightly effervescent, with a gentle sweetness and lingering flavors of tangerine and honeysuckle.

Variety: Moscato
Appellation: Terre Siciliane IGT, Sicily, Italy
Sourcing: Petrosino region
Pairing: Pairs well with spicy foods and cheeses

WINE AND CHEESE PAIRING RECOMMENDATION: Reach for a spicy cheese to pair with this Moscato. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Daniele and his son Matteo are 4th and 5th generation winemakers with a family vineyard located in the Marsala region of Sicily. For generations, their family has dreamt of sharing the beauty of Italy and the delicious taste of Sicilian wines with the world. In honor of the Pozzi family legacy and the rich soil in which it was born, the beauty of Sicily is woven into every bottle of Villa Pozzi. Each unique tile shares a piece of the country’s long history. Learn more here.

Photo and Information courtesy of © Villa Pozzi Wine – All Rights Reserved.

Sweet ClubLove the Sweet Life?
“Wine” not try our Sweet Club!

Click here to learn more >

August Bubbly Club: Iowa

Posted on by

Bubbly Wine ClubGloria-Ferrer-Blanc-de-Blancs-bottleGloria Ferrer Wines
Blanc de Blancs
Chardonnay
Carneros, California

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

This wine opens up with an enticing orange blossom bouquet, lively bubble trails and fine mousse. On the palate, the wine is creamy, clean and refreshing. Flavors of Granny Smith apples, lemongrass, brioche and vanilla crème resolve with lively mineral notes into a well-balanced finish.

Made exclusively from hand-harvested Chardonnay, this wine is the superb result of meticulous grape growing, artisanal cellar practices, and the winemaker’s considerable blending skills. Blanc de Blancs is prized among sparkling wine connoisseurs for the rich textural qualities, complex aromas and flavors, elegance, and solid aging potential.

Varietals: 100% Chardonnay
Appellation: Carneros, California
Alcohol: 12.5% alcohol / volume
Total Acidity: 0.8 g/L
pH: 3.28
Dosage: 12.2 g/L

FOOD PAIRINGS:
The crisp freshness, beautiful acidity, and linear focus of the wine, pair well with dishes that have rich and unctuous textures, but delicate flavors. The acidity in the wine will cut through richness, but the subtle flavors of the wine will be overpowered by food matches that are bold — to create balance, opt for subtle and nuanced flavor profiles in your dish. Think avocado, smoked salmon, lobster and crab, East Coast oysters, caviar, and soft cheeses. Accent with fresh herbs or fruit garnishes to bring the California spirit to your plate. This sparkling wine pairs well with seared scallops, baked halibut, and fresh oysters. For cheese, pair alongside a rich Brie or soft goat cheese.

WINEMAKING:
Grapes were handpicked and transported to the winery in small bins where they are gently whole-cluster pressed to retain the delicate vibrancy and freshness. Fermented in stainless steel tanks at 55-60°F, the wine is then bottled and aged on the lees for 2 years to develop complexity and effervescence.

ABOUT THE WINERY
Gloria Ferrer is the first sparkling winery in Carneros AVA, located in the southern Sonoma and Napa counties of Northern California. Gloria and José Ferrer’s story began with a shared dream rooted in family tradition and carried forward by partnership and belief. Inspired by his Spanish winemaking heritage, José set out to bring traditional method sparkling wine to the New World, a vision strengthened by Gloria, whose passion, curiosity, and support matched his own. Together, they established themselves in Carneros, drawn by its familiar landscape, where their combined dedication transformed a personal dream into a lasting legacy—one that continues to be reflected in every bottle of Gloria Ferrer sparkling wine. Today, an integrated approach fuels everything they do with the intent to create sparkling wines as close to brilliant as humanly possible. They constantly ask themselves, “what should we be doing for the health of our employees, the land, the air, the vines, the grapes, and the wines.” Learn more here.

Photo – Video – Information © Gloria Ferrer – All Rights Reserved

KungFuGirl-Riesling-bottleCharles Smith Wines
Bubbled KungFu Girl
Riesling
Columbia Valley, Washington

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

This 100% Sparkling Riesling explodes with notes of white peach, lime zest and, jasmine, underscored by crisp minerality and a dry, mouthwatering finish. Zippy, focused acidity drives the wine forward like a roundhouse kick of freshness, balanced by a delicate touch of orchard blossom and wet stone. Unapologetically expressive and endlessly food-friendly, Bubbled Kung Fu Girl is not just a Riesling it’s a movement. Pair it with spicy noodles, salty snacks, or a good dose of rebellion.

Varietal: 100% Riesling
Appellation: Columbia Valley, Washington
Alcohol: 12% alcohol / volume
TA: 7.7 g/L
pH: 3.15
RS: 0.14%

WINERY NOTES:
Born from the windswept cliffs of the Evergreen Vineyard in Washington’s Ancient Lakes AVA, Kung Fu Girl is a Riesling with a rebel’s soul and poet’s precision. This high-elevation site, known for its dramatic diurnal swings and fractured basalt soils, yields fruit bursting with tension, purity, and electricity.

 

sparkling_Band_Roses_bottleCharles Smith Wines
Bubbled Band of Roses
Rosé
Yakima Valley, Washington

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

From the Ancient Lakes AVA, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah bring vibrant acidity and luminous color that shimmers in the glass. The Cabernet lays the foundation with crisp, electric freshness, while Syrah turns up the volume with rich, expressive character. From Yakima Valley’s cooler sites, Sangiovese enters like a show-stopping drum solo; complex, spicy, and perfectly timed to keep the rhythm alive. The result is a Rosé that is as layered as it is lively, bright and refreshing with a dry finish and an attitude that is unmistakably Charles Smith.

Varietal: 52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Syrah, 20% Sangiovese
Appellation: Yakima Valley, Washington
Alcohol: 12.5% alcohol / volume
TA: 5.9 g/L
pH: 3.51
RS: 0.10%

WINERY NOTES:
This unapologetically bold Sparkling Rosé hits all the right notes. Crafted from a trio of powerhouse grapes, it’s a wine with style, soul and just enough edge to turn heads. Whether you’re celebrating, stage diving, or just vibing, this one is made to sparkle. Born to Sparkle. Made to Rock.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Charles Smith is the visionary winemaker behind iconic brands like K Vintners and CasaSmith. Charles has received over 300 scores of 95 points-and-above and over 1,400 scores of 90 points-and-above from leading wine publications. And it all started a little over 20 years ago, with 330 cases of 1999 K Syrah sold out of the back of Charles’ 1987 Astro van. Today, and many accomplishments later, Charles Smith creates wine for the people. Wine that is significant. Wine that proclaims, “I am from Washington”. Learn more here.

Information, Photos, Videos © Charles Smith Wines – All Rights Reserved.

Bubbly Wine ClubLearn more about our Bubbly Club >

February Sweet Club: Iowa

Posted on by

Sweet Wine ClubKungFuGirl-Riesling-bottle-bowCharles Smith Wines
Kung Fu Girl Riesling
Washington State

NECTAR WINE STYLE

“It takes an unconventional winemaker to make a totally unexpected dry Riesling. One night, Charles was eating Chinese takeout and watching a fight scene in a notorious martial arts film when he had an idea: a killer white wine made to be paired with Asian food.  Just like that, Kung Fu Girl was born. And it’s been kicking ass and taking names ever since.” – Charles Smith Wines

White peach, mandarin orange and apricot are delivered with a core of minerality that makes this dry Riesling shimmer with energy and freshness. Another epic vintage of Kung Fu Girl.

WINE DETAILS:

Varietal: 100% Riesling
Region: Washington State, USA
Pairings: Spicy ramen, sriracha pork tacos, Chinese takeout
Accolades:

  • 90 points – Wine Enthusiast, February 2017
  • Best Buy – Wine Enthusiast, February 2017
  • Top 100 – Wine Spectator, December 2016
  • 90 points – Wine Spectator, December 2016
  • 90 points – Wine Advocate, June 2015

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: Pair with a spicy, herbal cheese. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

About the Winery:
Few winemakers have a story quite like Charles Smith. Although he was born and raised an hour from Napa Valley, California, Charles didn’t discover his love for wine until he moved to Europe. While living abroad, he managed a number of rock bands, including the famed Danish duo The Raveonettes. It was the wining and dining of a rock n’roll life on the road that sparked Charles’ passion for great wine. In 1999, while on a road trip to Walla Walla, Washington, Charles met a winemaker who convinced him to start making his own wine, true to his own story and vision. And in 2001, Charles released 330 cases of his first vintage. Eight years later, he would be named Winemaker of the Year by Food & Wine magazine and again in 2014, by Wine Enthusiast. Learn more here.

Information and photos © Charles Smith Wines – All Rights Reserved.

Willamette-Valley-Riesling-bottle-bowWillamette Valley Vineyards
Riesling
Willamette Valley, Oregon

NECTAR WINE STYLE

This riesling is classic and versatile. On the nose, this semi-sweet wine opens with a bouquet of poached pear, delicate florals and green apples. On the palate, the luscious mouthfeel displays flavors of melon, pear and nectar. The finish is wonderfully persistent with a perfect balance of sweetness and refreshing crispness. Serve well-chilled and allow it to warm in your glass for optimal enjoyment of aromas and flavors.

WINE DETAILS:

  • Analysis: 10.5% alcohol / volume
  • Varietal: Riesling
  • Appellation: Willamette Valley, Oregon
  • Pairings: Pair with spicy Asian or Mexican dishes, German-inspired dishes like sausage and schnitzel, and desserts like fruit pies, crème brûlée, or a savory artisan cheese plate.

WineStyles’ Wine and Cheese Pairing: Pair with an aged Gouda or Fontina cheese. Learn more about our wine and cheese pairings here.

About Willamette Valley Vineyards:
The “budwood” of Willamette Valley Vineyards began long before its founding in 1983 by vintner Jim Bernau. His Dad, a Roseburg attorney, was hired by California winemaker Richard Sommer to secure one of the first winery licenses in Oregon since Prohibition. Jim’s Dad allowed small tastes of Richard’s wine at the dinner table, lighting a path that led Jim from home winemaking to studies at UC Davis and eventually Beaune, France. In 1983, with the encouragement from winemakers making their move from California, Jim cleared an old pioneer plum orchard in the Salem Hills, hidden underneath scotch broom and blackberry vines to plant Pinot Noir. Learn more here.

Information and photos © Willamette Valley Vineyards – All Rights Reserved.

Sweet ClubLove the Sweet life?
“Wine” not try our Sweet Club! 

Click here to learn more >