Tag Archives: Pinot Blanc

July Bubbly Club Iowa

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Bubbly Wine Clubduckhorn-decoy-brut-rose-sparkling-wine-bottleDecoy
Limited Brut Rosé Sparkling Wine
California

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Artfully combining Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, this radiant Brut Rosé draws you in with tantalizing aromas of Bing cherry, wild strawberry, candied lemon rind and graham cracker. On the palate, generous fruit flavors are framed by a lively balance between luxurious mousse and vibrant acidity, which carries the wine to a bright, sophisticated finish.

Decoy-Varietal-ComboAnalysis: 12.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
pH: 3.00-3.50
TA: 0.7-0.9 g/100 ml
RS: 0.00-0.12 g/100 ml
Dosage: 0.5-1.0 g/dL
Method: Méthode Champenoise

Production & Winemaking:
Crafted in the méthode champenoise style and harvested early, this stunning wine spent a year en tirage before being disgorged. This fresh and radiant Brut Rosé shimmers with layers of strawberry, summer melon and orange blossom.
 
About Decoy Wines:
From its inaugural vintage in 1985 by legendary vintners Dan and Margaret Duckhorn as the companion label to Duckhorn Vineyards, Decoy has evolved to the perfect and comprehensive entry-level luxury brand for the entire Duckhorn Portfolio. It is a collaboration of all Duckhorn Portfolio winemakers that produces high-quality wines at remarkable prices. Its fruit is sourced from distinguished grower and estate vineyards, making approachable yet complex wines that are ready upon release. Learn more here.
 

Photo and Information © Decoy Wines – All Rights Reserved

piper-sonoma-brut-bottlePiper Sonoma
Brut
Sonoma County, California

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Primarily composed of Chardonnay, with some Pinot Noir, this Brut is dry and fresh, with a long elegant finish, possessing crisp citrus flavors with hints of green apple, mandarin orange and brioche. Delicious on its own or the perfect foundation for memorable mimosas and other classic cocktails such as their signature Sonoma 75. This sparkling wine pairs perfectly with crab cakes, sautéed shrimp or sushi.

Piper Sonoma Brut has a pale gold color, petite bubbles and a rich, creamy texture. Sonoma’s warm summer days and cool nights prolong the growing season, producing flavorful grapes with fresh acidity. The fruit is harvested by hand in small containers and whole clusters are pressed to bring out pure aromas and flavors.

Appellation: Sonoma County, California
Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 70% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Noir, 3% Pinot Blanc, 7% Aged Reserve Blend
RS: 6.5 g/L
Method: Méthode Champenoise
Awards: 91 pts. – Wine Enthusiast

In the Vineyards:
With nearly forty years of experience in Sonoma County, the winemaking team source from more than 20 growers, some of whom, like the Greene, Young and Ledbetter families, have been supplying grapes for more than three decades. Many growers have adopted voluntary no-till farming practices, with a strict adherence to hillside ordinances. Sustainable agriculture and integrated pest management techniques have been integrated and organic or naturally derived fertilizers are utilized, while composted grape material is used as fertilizer to increase water efficiency and help build soil structure.
 
In the Cellar:
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Blanc fruit is hand picked and brought directly to the winery. Each parcel is pressed and fermented separately, creating an extensive selection of base wines to choose from. Winemaker Keith Hock then tastes each component and selects those base wines that show potential to produce exceptional wine. The cuvée is placed en tirage for secondary fermentation in the bottle prior to disgorgement. Finally, a small percentage of older reserve wine is included in the liqueur d’expedition adding further complexity and texture.
 
House Style:
The Piper Sonoma house style is focused on precision and attention to detail. Each wine displays a balance between fruit expression, complexity and texture, to create wines that are immediately approachable and can further develop with bottle aging.
 
About Piper Sonoma:
Piper Sonoma was founded in 1980 by the Marquis d’Aulan family, direct descendants of the Piper family. Recognizing Sonoma as a great growing region for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and believing in its terroir, the family’s vision was to produce world-class sparkling wines in the New World, using old-world winemaking techniques. Nearly forty years later, the Piper Sonoma winemaking team continues to realize that vision and hand crafts premium sparkling wines under the guidance of long-time winemaker Keith Hock.
 
 
Photo and Information © Piper Sonoma. Video © Folio Fine Wines. – All Rights Reserved

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December Bubbly Club Iowa

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Bubbly Wine ClubGustave_Lorentz_Cremant_dAlsace_bow-bottle-imageGustave Lorentz
Crémant d’Alsace
Brut
AOC Alsace, France

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

The balance and freshness of Crémant d’Alsace comes from the subtle match of four grape varieties: Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Analysis: 12.5% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 60% Pinot Blanc, 18% Pinot Gris, 12% Pinot Noir, 10% Chardonnay
Total Acidity: 5.05 g/L
Residual Sugar: 10 g/L
Region: AOC Alsace, France
Producer: Gustave Lorentz

VINIFICATION:
The grapes are carefully selected and vinified according to the “Methode Champenoise”. After traditional fermentation “vin de base” in tanks, a second fermentation “prise de mousse” takes place in the cool cellars. It does not undergo malolactic fermentation. Aging is done “sur lie” over 14 to 18 months with daily bottle rotation, going from a horizontal to vertical position, in order for the yeast deposit to accumulate in the neck of the bottle. At the time of disgorgement, the neck is frozen and enclosed in ice, the sediment is ejected by natural pressure, after which the bottle is corked and wired.

Gustave_Lorentz_Cremant_dAlsace_Brut_Rose_bow-bottle-imageGustave Lorentz
Crémant d’Alsace
Brut Rosé
AOC Alsace, France

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

The Crément d’Alsace Rosé is made from Pinot Noir, which is full of charm and elegance. It makes a refined aperitif and an ideal cocktail or reception drink. Fresh and discreetly fruity, it inspires a host of gastronomic matches.

One of the outstanding wines is the Crémant d’Alsace Brut Rosé, made of 100% Pinot Noir. Having been aged for nearly four years and made in the traditional method, its pleasing aroma and lively acidity demonstrate all that is great about Gustave Lorentz.

Analysis: 12.3% alcohol / volume
Varietal: 100% Pinot Noir
Total Acidity: 5.6 g/L
Residual Sugar: 7.8 g/L
Region: AOC Alsace, France
Producer: Gustave Lorentz

VINIFICATION:
The grapes are carefully selected and vinified according to “Methode Champenoise”. After traditional fermentation “vin de base” in tanks, a second fermentation, (“prise de mousse”) takes place in the cool cellars. It does not undergo malolactic fermentation. Aging is done “sur lie” between 14 and 18 months, with daily bottle rotation, going from a horizontal to vertical position, in order for the yeast deposit to accumulate in the neck of the bottle. At the time of disgorgement, the neck is frozen and enclosed in ice, the sediment is ejected by natural pressure, after which the bottle is corked and wired.

ABOUT THE WINERY:

“The essence of our wines stems from the close relationship between grape variety, terroir and climate.” – Gustave Lorentz

Since its founding in 1836, there have been seven generations of family tradition, currently helmed by sixth generation Georges Lorentz; with that kind of legacy comes innovation. Gustave Lorentz was among the first producers in Alsace to use stelvin closures and was certified organic by Ecocert in 2012. Gustave Lorentz vineyards are nestled in the hills of Altenberg de Bergheim in the Vosges Mountains on 85 acres, with four acres on the hills of Grand Cru Kanzlerberg and 30 in the Altenberg de Bergheim. Riesling, Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Blanc varieties, all vinified separately, make up the majority of plantings of these exceptional vineyards, along with smatterings of other varieties. The wines have been described as “gastronomic”, being a perfect partner to any type of cuisine.  To learn more about Gustave Lorentz Winery and family, click here.

Photos and Information © Quintessential and Gustave Lorentz – All Rights Reserved

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Skylark Orsi Vineyard Pinot Blanc

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Butternut Squash SoupButternut Squash & Apple Soup

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 2–3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 Granny Smith apple, diced 
  • ½ tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary 
  • 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh sage
  • 1 small butternut squash, peeled and diced (about 5–6 cups/800 g)
  • 1 13.5 ounce can of light coconut milk
  • 3 cups vegetable broth
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Bring a large soup pot to medium-heat and add the oil (for oil-free add a splash of vegetable broth). Add the onion and apple, then sauté until the onion is translucent, 3 to 5 minutes.
  2. Add in the garlic, rosemary, sage, and a pinch of salt. Sauté for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, then add in the squash, coconut milk, and vegetable broth.
  3. Raise the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes, until the squash is fork-tender. Carefully use an immersion blender to blend the soup until smooth, or transfer to an upright blender and blend on high speed to do the same.
  4. Serve as desired; leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days, or can be frozen for up to one month.

© Recipe and Photo courtesy of From my Bowl. All rights reserved.

NOVEMBER WINE CLUB:

Crisp Wine StyleSkylark_Pinot_Blanc-wine-bottleSkylark
Orsi Vineyard Pinot Blanc
Mendocino County
North Coast, California

CRISP WINE STYLE

Light straw yellow. Aromas of green apple, lemon skin and tangerine. The palate is sleek and refined, with a mineral component lending structure to the fleshy fruits of apple and citrus. The beautiful interplay of fruit and acidity results in a silky fruit impression folding into a fresh and palate-cleansing finish. – Jeb Dunnuck, 90 points

WINEMAKING DETAILS:
This vintage is a beautiful rendition of Orsi Vineyard Pinot Blanc. The Skylark team has been farming this Mendocino vineyard with Berni Orsi since 2005, watching this heritage site deal with the fickle harvest weather with stubborn grace. The year began with a difficult flowering where frost reduced yields in April. Summer was warm but not hot until late August, when daily 100 degree temperatures scorched the North Coast. The grapes were picked on August 31, right before the heart of the heat spike, preserving natural acidity with plenty of phenolic ripeness. This vintage will be remembered as a small harvest in California with memorable wines – Orsi Vineyard Pinot Blanc will fit right in that category.

“We strive to produce wines that crystallize our passion within each bottle. Because of our relationships with meticulous and respected grape growers, we have been able to produce wines of distinction and character that represent the best of what Northern California vineyards have to offer. We are proud of Skylark and hope to continue share these wines with family and friends, old and new.” – John Lancaster and Robert Perkins

Information & Photos © Skylark Wine Company – All Rights Reserved.

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January Bubbly Club

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Bubbly Wine ClubAntech Brut NatureAntech
Blanquette de Limoux Brut Nature
Limoux, France

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

“Our Brut Nature wines are made with “zero dosage”, which means that no “expedition liqueur” (sugar) has been added to the bottle. They respect and reveal the purest expression of our painstakingly selected grapes and our blends — berries, linden tree flowers, crisp green apple, anise, etc. — depending on the cuvées.” – Antech

This wine has not received any dosage and thus it expresses the purity and liveliness of the wine. With a crystalline yellow color and golden highlights, the fineness of the bubbles are delightful. The intense nose offers delicate aromas of hawthorn and a pretty fresh mouth of citrus aromas with a very harmonious finish, where the wine can express itself. Taste it as an aperitif or along with the meal. Serve chilled (45-47°F).

Analysis: 12% alcohol / volume
Varietals: 90% Mauzac, 5% Chenin, 5% Chardonnay
Vinification: Traditional Method, exclusively handpicked harvest. Direct pressing of the grapes and selected musts are set for a first fermentation in inox vat under controlled temperature. Finally, blending and a second fermentation are completed in capped bottles on lattes for around 18th months in air conditioned cellars.
Critical Acclaim: 90 points from Decanter

VINEYARD:
This wine is grown with an oceanic influence in a Mediterranean climate on hillsides and terraces with gently sloping clay-limestone soil. On average, the vine age is about 20 to 40 years old and yields less than 50 hectares. For over five centuries, Antech has tamed this magical terroir to make fine sparkling wines. The secret of their character lies in the wise combination of Limoux’s three terroirs, which form the backbone of their cuvées: freshness from the Pyrenees, vinousness from the ocean and roundness from the Mediterranean. Limoux is a lovely little Languedoc town in the heart of Cathar country.  Learn more about their vineyards here.
ABOUT THE WINERY:

Family owned and independent for 6 generations, the Antech Estate dedicates itself to the elaboration of sparkling wines in Limoux, legendary sparkling wine area. Forerunner in the regional anchoring and the revival of the traditions, the Antech Estate distinguishes itself by a distinctive style, from the elegance of its bubbles to the commitment of its action.

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© Photo by Antech Winery
© Photo by Antech Winery
© Photo by Antech Winery
© Photo by Antech Limoux

CollectionDomaine Charles Baur
Crémant d’Alsace Brut
Eguisheim, Alsace, France

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Crémant is a style of sparkling wine from France, with strict regulations that govern the production methods. Alsace, as a Crémant producing region, dates back to the 19th century and typically have fine mousse (bubbles).

This Crémant, or Brut sparkling white wine, offers a complex nose of apples, pears, white flowers, and a touch of melon. On the palate, this sparkler is fresh, delicate, well-balanced, and provides a fantastic mouthfeel. It pairs nicely with seafood, oysters, and desserts, but can also be enjoyed on its own any time.

Analysis: 12.5% alcohol / volume
Varietals: 80% Pinot Blanc, 20% Chardonnay
Appellation: AOC Crémant d’Alsace
Harvest Method: Manuel harvest with sorting
Vinification: Pneumatic pressing of whole grapes with selection of juices. Prize de Mousse in bottles at low temperature. Stored, then disgorged.
Critical Acclaim: 92 points Wine Enthusiast 

VINEYARD:
The vines are located in Eguisheim and the surrounding area. Predominately clay-limestone, the slopes of Eguisheim have weak to steep slopes. Protected by the Vosges, rainfall is low, which promotes maturation and limits disease. To learn more about Domaine Charles Baur’s Vineyard, click here.

Alsace wines Charles Baur Eguisheim_ Crémant d'Alsace Brut

Photo by Domaine Charles Baur

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Located in Eguisheim, in the heart of the Alsatian vineyard, the Charles Baur family cultivates vines located on the slopes of Eguisheim and its immediate surroundings. Their beautiful wine heritage is made up of several plots located on the Grands Crus Brand, Eichberg and Pfersigberg. With the aim of producing great Alsace wines, they seek moderate yields and harvest and sort all of their production by hand. In order to ensure a high level of quality every year, they exclusively produce wines with their own harvest grapes. The Charles Baur Winery develops the entire range of Alsace wines, a very wide range of Grands Crus and several Crémants d’Alsace.

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Skylark Pinot Blanc

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Creamy Lemon Pappardelle with Scallops

Creamy Lemon Scallop Pasta

© Spices in my DNA

INGREDIENTS:

For the scallops

  • 1 pound jumbo scallops, side muscle removed
  • small drizzle of olive oil
  • 1/2 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • squeeze of lemon

For the pasta

  • 9 ounces pappardelle pasta
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 – 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
  • 4 ounces mascarpone cheese
  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/3 cup finely grated parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
  • zest of 1/2 a lemon
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil, plus extra for serving

DIRECTIONS:

For the scallops

  1. Make sure scallops are super dry, pat down thoroughly with paper towels until they’re dry. Season with pepper (no salt yet). Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small drizzle of olive oil and the butter. Once melted, wipe out the pan so that only a thin layer of oil and butter remain. Sear the scallops on one side for about 2 minutes, or until a golden brown crust forms. Flip and sear on the other side for 1 minute or until just cooked through. Season with salt and a squeeze of lemon.

For the pasta

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil for the pasta. Salt the water generously. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook until al dente. Be sure to scoop out the pasta water during the last few minutes of cooking, or right before you drain it.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the butter and olive oil. Once melted and hot, add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly. If it seems too hot, reduce the heat to medium (you don’t want the garlic to brown). Add the reserved pasta water (start with 1/4 cup), mascarpone, ricotta, parmesan, and lemon zest, and stir until melted and creamy. Add the pasta and toss until coated. If the sauce seems too dry, add another splash of pasta water and toss until desired consistency is reached. Add the chopped basil and toss again. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve the scallops over the pasta, and garnish with extra fresh basil and parmesan. Enjoy!

© Recipe from Spices in my DNA

DECEMBER WINE CLUB:

Silky styleSkylark Wine Company
Pinot Blanc
Mendocino County, California

SILKY WINE STYLE

Light straw yellow in color. High-toned aromatics of lime peel, roasted lemon, Granny Smith apple and a complicating note of pebbled soil. Intense and penetrating on the palate, the flavors follow through with the roasted lemon and green apple enlivened by natural acidity. Deftly light and concentrated at the same time, with the crunchy fruit streaming into a palate-staining finish.

One of Skylark’s oldest vineyard sources is Bernie Orsi’s Pinot Blanc outside of Hopland in Mendocino, California. Originally planted by John Fetzer in the 1970s, John and Robert walked through the oldest block of this site in 2005. Impressed by the thick, stubby trunks and gnarled old vines, they signed on to purchase that section for harvest 2005.  They have now grown production to almost the entire vineyard for Skylark’s Pinot Blanc bottling. After picking, the fruit is whole cluster pressed into a tank, then racked to Mueller stainless steel barrels for fermentation. Stirred the lees once, blocked malolactic fermentation and bottled with a light filtration. No doubt, this vintage of Pinot Blanc will brighten your day.

John L and Robert P

Photo by Skylark Wine: John L. and Robert P.

Analysis: 13.2% alcohol / volume
pH: 3.28 g/L
TA: 7.1
Aging: Whole cluster pressed and vinification in multiple stainless steel 75gl barrels
Harvested: Hand-picked
Vineyard: Orsi Vineyard
Cases Produced: 800

“To reflect our palates, the portfolio at Skylark includes crisp, flavorful, aromatic white wines and full-bodied, rich, spicy red wines. As we have long admired the beautiful white wines produced in Alsace and Austria, our Pinot Blanc is a California rendition of a classic European varietal.”

 

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Winery Spotlight Series: Dec. 9th Skylark Wine Company

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Skylark Wine Company Logo
Virtual Wine Tasting Event on Zoom and Facebook LIVE

Skylark Wine Company

Wednesday, December 9, 2020
6:00pm CST / 7:00pm EST

Please join us for a virtual wine tasting event, featuring the co-proprietors of our December Wine Club, John Lancaster and Robert Perkins, from Skylark Wine Company. During our virtual event, John and Robert will be guiding us through a tasting of our December Wine Club wines and other Skylark wines too. The following 6 wines featured during the tasting will be:

Zoom Facebook Live

  • Skylark Pink Belly Rosé 
  • Skylark Orsi Vineyard Pinot Blanc
  • Skylark Red Belly
  • Skylark Grenache  
  • Skylark Las Aves 
  • Skylark Rodgers Creek Vineyard Syrah 

Be sure to RSVP at your local WineStyles location or on Eventbrite.  Pre-order your wines in advance at your local participating WineStyles location and taste alongside John and Robert with a front seat on Zoom!  Or watch on our Facebook LIVE event.Skylark Wines

About Skylark Winery:

Skylark Wine Company is collaboration between Boulevard Restaurant wine directors John Lancaster and Robert Perkins. John and Robert have run the wine program at the acclaimed Boulevard Restaurant in San Francisco for the past fifteen years. During their tenure at Boulevard, they have built a close friendship, an inventory of wines from around the globe and a palate of tasting wines of the world from vintage to vintage. This partnership has created long-term relationships with the entire scope of the wine industry, from winemakers to vineyard managers to owners. With these relationships, their next logical progression was the realization of a dream: making fine wine from select vineyards in Northern California. While the original plan was simply a barrel, they jumped in with 14 barrels of Syrah from the 2002 harvest. Skylark Wine Company was formed. Learn more about Skylark Wine Company here.

John Lancaster – Co-Proprietor

John Lancaster

Photo by Skylark Wine: John Lancaster

Co-proprietor of Skylark Wine Company, is a graduate of Washington State University in Pullman, Washington. His passion for wine grew while working in the restaurant industry and brought him to the culinary destination of San Francisco. As the Wine Director of the wildly eclectic Cypress Club, he was recognized by the Wine Spectator for his wine list. For the past eleven years, John has been the Wine Director at the James Beard award winning Boulevard Restaurant. During his tenure at Boulevard, John has traveled extensively throughout the world’s wine regions studying wine production. In addition to his professional duties at Boulevard, John is also a professional wine judge and consultant. John resides in San Rafael with his wife and two daughters.

Robert Perkins – Co-Proprietor

Robert Perkins

Photo by Skylark Wine: Robert Perkins

Co-proprietor of Skylark Wine Company, is a graduate of Fine Art Painting from the San Francisco Art Institute. His paintings have been shown throughout the Bay Area: San Francisco Museum of Modern Art-Artist Gallery, Canessa Gallery and Mesh Gallery. His designs are featured on every Skylark Wine label. When Robert is not in his studio in San Francisco, he is pursuing his other creative outlet, wine. Robert has worked in the restaurant industry for 20 years and has worked at Greens in San Francisco, Willowside Café in Sonoma and at Boulevard Restaurant as a sommelier for the past nine years. With his expertise in the wine industry, Robert has been a wine consultant for several Bay Area restaurants. He has also worked hands-on in production at several small wineries including Nalle, Scherrer and Sean Thackrey. He resides in San Francisco with his wife Kristine.

“We strive to produce wines that crystallize our passion within each bottle. Because of our relationships with meticulous and respected grape growers, we have been able to produce wines of distinction and character that represent the best of what Northern California vineyards have to offer. We are proud of Skylark and hope to continue share these wines with family and friends, old and new.”

 

Let’s Taste, Learn and Enjoy® together! 

Contact your local WineStyles to RSVP for this tasting event.

Skylark Wine Company
Mendocino County, California

Cheers!

WineStyles.com