Tag Archives: pinot gris

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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July Bubbly Club Iowa

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Bubbly Wine ClubMumm-Napa-Cuvee-bottleMumm Napa
Cuvée M
Napa Valley, California

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

A slightly sweet sparkling wine, Cuvée M appeals to sparkling wine aficionados with a bit of a sweet tooth. This soft, elegant wine that showcases powerful, ripe fruit flavors of Napa Valley. Cuvée M highlights a graceful stream of fine bubbles and a lovely peach-rose hue. It has fresh white and yellow stone fruit aromas, complemented by notes of wild strawberry, fresh baked bread, vanilla and honey. Layers of ripe peach with subtle hints of mandarin orange combine with crisp citrus tones, leading to a long, satisfying finish. The complex bouquet works seamlessly for champagne cocktails, paired with hors d’oeuvres, spicy entrées and creamy desserts.

Varietal: 45% Chardonnay, 45% Pinot Noir, 10% Pinot Gris/Pinot Meunier
Analysis: 12.5% alcohol / volume
Style: Sec
Residual Sugar (Dosage): 3.00%
TA: 6.7 g/L
pH: 3.01
Time en Tirage: 16 months
Aging Potential: Drink now
Critical Acclaim: 91 Points – Wine Enthusiast

Method:
The Cuvée M grapes are harvested during the crisp morning hours to ensure they arrive at the winery in pristine condition. Fermentation is conducted at cool temperatures, mainly in stainless steel tanks to preserve freshness and fruit intensity. A few selected lots are aged in French oak barrels to add depth, complexity and spiciness to the final blend. After initial fermentation, the art of the blending begins. The winemakers find the perfect blend of wines to create their taste and style. Then the finished blend is bottled for the second fermentation. An average of 16 months yeast aging adds complexity, contributing subtle bread dough flavors and layers of creaminess. Disgorged as a Sec style (3.00% RS), Cuvée M’s final dosage is designed to highlight the beautiful, ripe stone fruit characters of the blend.

Photos and Information © Mumm Napa – All Rights Reserved

Mumm-Napa-brut-rose-bottleMumm Napa
Brut Rosé
Napa Valley, California

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

The Mumm Napa signature Rosé has an eye-catching, beautiful pink coral color with vivid aromas of black cherries, red berries and citrus. The palate showcases soft, red fruit flavors that are rich and mouth-filling, yet retain the elegant character that is Mumm Napa’s trademark. This wildly versatile and food friendly wine (from salmon and sushi to duck), it’s the perfect fit for date night or a girls night out.

Varietal: 69% Pinot Noir, 29% Chardonnay, 2% Pinot Meunier
Analysis: 12.5% alcohol / volume
Style: Brut
Residual Sugar (Dosage): 1.08%
TA: 6.8 g/L
pH: 3.05
Time en Tirage: 16 months
Aging Potential: Drink now
Critical Acclaim: 92 Points – Wine Enthusiast

Method:
Brut Rosé grapes are harvested during the cool morning hours to ensure they arrive at the winery in pristine condition. Fermentation is conducted at cool temperatures in stainless steel tanks to preserve freshness and fruit intensity. A small amount of red Pinot Noir is added to the blend before bottling to create the beautiful pink coral color. An average of 16 months yeast aging adds complexity, contributing subtle bread dough flavors and layers of creaminess. The wine is then disgorged and a dosage added back to balance the wine’s acidity.

About Mumm Napa:
The Mumm Napa roots can be traced back to GH Mumm, the leading international champagne brand in France. Established in California in the late 1970s, Mumm Napa follows traditional wine making techniques of its French heritage to create the finest, hand-crafted sparkling wines. Their dedication to quality has been rewarded with accolades and awards over the decades. Learn more about the winery’s history and vineyards here.

Photos and Information © Mumm Napa – All Rights Reserved

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Winery Spotlight: Stoller Family Estate September 22nd

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Wine Tasting Event

Stoller_Family_Estate_Logo_SFE_Full_Text_BLACK_w_COPPER-FE

Stoller Winery Tasting Room

Stoller Family Estate
Willamette Valley AVA
Dundee Hills, Oregon

Wednesday, September 22, 2021
6:00pm CST / 7:00pm EST

Join us for a wine tasting event, featuring Stoller Family Estate wines and sister winery Chehalem, from Willamette Valley, Oregon.

SFE-WebsiteAVAMap-2Wines Tasted:

  • Stoller Rosé Pinot Noir
  • Stoller Dundee Hills Chardonnay
  • Stoller Dundee Hills Pinot Noir
  • Stoller Reserve Pinot Noir
  • Chehalem INOX Chardonnay
  • Chehalem Mountains Pinot Gris
  • Chehalem Mountains Pinot Noir

To reserve a table and attend the wine tasting in person, please call your local WineStyles store. Or if you prefer to attend remotely, from the comfort of your home, pre-order a wine tasting kit-to-go and watch on Zoom.Sept 22_Stoller Wines

About Stoller Family Estates:

Stoller Family Estate is one of the most highly regarded vineyards and wineries in Oregon. Pioneering Oregonian and Founder Bill Stoller purchased his family’s second-generation farm in 1993 with the vision of cultivating an enduring legacy for the land and Oregon wine industry. Over the last 25 years, he transformed the 400-acre property into the largest contiguous vineyard in the Dundee Hills that has become synonymous with producing exceptional wines. Stoller Family Estate features the world’s first LEED® Gold certified winery and named the Best Tasting Room in the Nation by USA Today. Learn more >

Sustainability:
Stoller Family Estates is committed to leadership in sustainable environmental practices. They have planted cover crops and wild flowers to encourage a healthy environment of beneficial insects and natural wild life – allowing them to forgo many chemical sprays. The first Northwest winery to produce solar energy, their vineyard became LIVE (Low Input Viticulture and Enology) certified in 2006 and the winery in 2009. They built their Reserve Winery and Tasting Room from high percentages of recycled materials, and their efforts in the vineyard focus on energy efficiency, safety, and wastewater treatment. Learn more here.

About Chehalem Winery:

Stoller’s sister winery, Chehalem, translates to the “Valley of Flowers” in the Native American language Calapooia. In 1993 Bill Stoller became co-owner and in early 2018 he became the sole owner of Chehalem. By July of 2018, the winery achieved the rigorous certification of B Corp status, ensuring they meet the highest standard of verified social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability. Learn more about his story here.

© Photo by Stoller Family Estates
© Photo by Stoller Family Estates
© Photo by Stoller Family Estates
© Photo by Stoller Family Estates
© Photo by Stoller Family Estates

Let’s Taste, Learn and Enjoy® together! 

Contact your local WineStyles to RSVP for this tasting event.

Stoller Family Estate
Dayton, Oregon

September 22, 2021
6:00pm CST/ 7:00pm EST

Cheers!

WineStyles.com

 

Persnickety Pinot Gris

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© Photo by Aubrie Pick

Grilled Scallops with Prosciutto and Basil

INGREDIENTS:

  • 6 thin slices of Prosciutto di San Daniele
  • 12 large sea scallops
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher Salt
  • 12 fresh basil leaves
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon crush pink peppercorns

DIRECTIONS:

  1. Cut the prosciutto slices in half lengthwise to make 12 long strips. Season the scallops evenly with the salt. Place 1 basil leaf at the end of a strip of prosciutto, folding it in half lengthwise, if necessary. Place a scallop on its side on top of the basil and carefully roll the scallop inside the basil and prosciutto. Secure with a toothpick or skewer. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.
  2. Drizzle the scallops with the olive oil. Place the scallops on the heated grill or grill pan (preheated to medium-high heat), pressing down gently to make sure the scallops make direct contact with the hot surface. Grill for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until nice grill marks form and the scallops are warm in the center (see Cook’s Note below). Remove the scallops to a plate and sprinkle with the pink peppercorns.
  3. COOK’S NOTE: To check if the scallops are done, simply insert a thin metal cake tester into the center and leave it there for 10 seconds. Remove and place the metal against the skin beneath your lower lip. If the tester feels warm, the scallop is done.

© Recipe courtesy of Faith Middleton on Food Schmooze; excerpted from Giada De Laurentiis’ Book Giada’s Italy: My Recipes for La Dolce Vita

JULY WINE CLUB:

Silky stylePersnickety Pinot GrisEola Hills Wine Cellars
Persnickety Pinot Gris
Willamette Valley, Oregon

SILKY WINE STYLE

A collaboration from Eola Hills Wine Cellars’ Head Winemaker, Steve Anderson, and Assistant Winemaker, Steve Richards. The Persnickety Pinot Gris is pale yellow in color with aromas of tangerine zest and tart apple. The body is crisp, lively, and refreshing with flavors of grapefruit and honey.

Varietal: 100% Pinot Gris
Analysis: 12.9% alcohol / volume
Acid: 0.86
PH: 3.05
Residual Sugar: 0.4 g/L
Production: 800 cases
Brix at Harvest: ~22.2
Sourcing: Legacy Estate Vineyard and Eola-Amity Hills AVA
Food Pairing: The crisp natural acidity and bright fruit flavors of this wine pair wonderfully with grilled jumbo tiger prawns, chicken simmered slowly in a white wine sauce, or prosciutto wrapped sea scallops.

Steve Anderson - Photo

Winemaker Steve Anderson

WINEMAKER NOTES:
“Rich and vibrant, the Classic Pinot Gris is harvested by hand from our Legacy Estate Vineyards in the Eola Amity Hills sub-AVA of the Willamette Valley. With crisp natural acidity balancing out lush notes of grapefruit, honeyed lemon and orange peel, this juicy wine is a supreme representation of this beloved varietal.” – Steve Anderson.

Steve Richards

Assistant Winemaker, Steve Richards

ABOUT THE WINEMAKER:
Steve Anderson started his wine making career at the age of thirteen with is neighbor’s grapes and a 5-gallon bucket. His project was greatly encouraged by his parents, who gladly partook in the results of his experiments. Steve continued his career by studying Horticulture at Oregon State University. Two years into his degree, he ran out of funds and joined the U.S. Army to receive the Army College Fund. After three years as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician, Steve graduated from OSU with plans to become a nurseryman. In 1993, joined the Eola Hills Wine Cellars team as a “harvest season cellar rat”. He was quickly promoted to Assistant Winemaker, and eventually became Eola’s head winemaker, producing beautiful wines for them ever since. Learn more about his story here.

 

 

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Winery Spotlight: July 21 Eola Hills Wine Cellars

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Wine Tasting Event

 

Eola Hills Wine Cellars
 Willamette Valley, Oregon

Wednesday, July 21, 2021
6:00pm CST / 7:00pm EST

Join us for a wine tasting event, featuring Eola Hills from Willamette Valley, Oregon with guest speaker Steve Anderson on Zoom. As Head Winemaker and General Manager, he will be guiding us through a tasting of seven Eola Hills wines:

Zoom Facebook Live
  • Pinot Gris 
  • Lucent White Pinot Noir 
  • Riesling 
  • Sparkling Blanc de Blancs 
  • Patriot Red Blend 
  • Classic Pinot Noir 
  • Barrel Select Pinot Noir
To reserve a table and attend the wine tasting in person, please call your local WineStyles store. Or if you prefer to attend remotely, from the comfort of your home, pre-order a wine tasting kit-to-go and watch on Zoom. Eola Hills wines

About Eola Hills:

In the early 1980’s, Oregonian Tom Huggins found himself intrigued by the notion of creating great regional wines in the heart of the Willamette Valley. With close friends and family members, they invested in purchasing 35 acres that Tom thought was ideal for growing grapes. Today, Eola Hills Wine Cellars is still locally owned and operated and one of Oregon’s largest wineries, farming over 325 acres of prime vineyard land. They produce over 80,000 cases of fine wines that are enjoyed across the country and internationally, capturing the spirit and flavors of Oregon. Learn more >

About Steve Anderson – General Manager and Head Winemaker:

Eola-Hills-Steve-Anderson-winemaker-1-600x900Steve Anderson started his wine making career at the age of thirteen with is neighbor’s grapes and a 5-gallon bucket. His project was greatly encouraged by his parents, who gladly partook in the results of his experiments. Steve continued his career by studying Horticulture at Oregon State University. Two years into his degree, he ran out of funds and joined the U.S. Army to receive the Army College Fund. After three years as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician, Steve graduated from OSU with plans to become a nurseryman. In 1993, joined the Eola Hills Wine Cellars team as a “harvest season cellar rat”. He was quickly promoted to Assistant Winemaker, and eventually became Eola’s head winemaker, producing beautiful wines for them ever since. Learn more about his story here.

Boozie Banter PodcastPodcast with Eola Hills Winery:

WineStyles team recently hosted special guest Brett Huggins of Eola Hills Winery on our Boozie Banter podcast. We talk Oregon wine, his family winery, gleaning, moving to the Midwest and taste 8 wines from their expansive portfolio. Listen to the full broadcast on Spotify here >

© Photo by Eola Hills
© Photo by Eola Hills
© Photo by Eola Hills
© Photo by Eola Hills
© Photo by Eola Hills
 

Let’s Taste, Learn and Enjoy® together! 

Contact your local WineStyles to RSVP for this tasting event.

Eola Hills Wine Cellars Willamette Valley, Oregon

July 21, 2021

6:00pm CST/ 7:00pm EST

Cheers!

WineStyles.com

June Bubbly Club: Iowa

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Bubbly Wine ClubMumm_Napa_Brut_PrestigeMumm Napa
Brut Prestige
Napa Valley, California

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Brut Prestige is Mumm Napa’s signature sparkling wine. It is relaxed, yet elegant, featuring bright flavors of citrus, red apple, stone fruit and vanilla with notes of honey, and gingerbread spice. Its vibrant flavors are balanced by a fine acidity and a rich, lingering finish.

Analysis: 12.5% alcohol / volume
Varietals: 45% Chardonnay, 45% Pinot Noir, 10% Pinot Gris & Pinot Meunier
Residual Sugar: 1.1%
Style: Brut
TA: 7.0 g/l
pH: 3.15
Time en Tirage: 18 months
Aging Potential: Drink now
Critical Acclaim: 91 Points Wine Enthusiast – March 2017

FOOD PAIRING: This wine pairs beautifully with hors d’oeuvres, crab cakes, smoked salmon, fresh greens, salads, or grilled chicken and vegetables.

VINEYARDS:
The Brut Prestige is a blend comprised of the best selected grapes from different grower locations across the Napa appellation. Each harvest, the grapes are hand-picked in the mornings to ensure they arrive to the winery in perfect condition.

WINEMAKING:
Fermentation is completed in stainless steel tanks at cool temperatures, this preserves the fruit’s intensity and freshness. A few select logs are aged in French oak barrels to add depth, complexity and spiciness. From there, the finished blend goes through a second fermentation with about 18 month’s yeast aging, adding complexity, and layers of yeast dough and creaminess. Next, the wine is disgorged in brut style and part of the dosage is added back after being aged for another 3 months to balance the acidity. 

Mumm_Napa_Brut_Rose_Tech_Sheet_-_ConsumerMumm Napa 
NV Brut Rosé 
Napa Valley, California

BUBBLY WINE STYLE

Mumm Napa’s signature Rosé is coral-pink in color. It features fresh aromas of black cherries, red berries, and citrus. On the palate, this Brut Rosé has mouth-filling flavors of rich, robust red fruit flavors, rounding out to a very elegant finish. The Pinot Noir is responsible for the soft texture and forward fruitiness, while the Chardonnay plays a roll in the wine’s structure and elegance.

Analysis: 12.5% alcohol / volume
Varietals: 80% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay
Appellation: Napa County
Residual Sugar: 1.15%
Style: Brut
TA: 7.0 g/l
pH: 3.10
Time en Tirage: 18 months
Critical Acclaim: 91 points Wine Enthusiast – December 2015

FOOD PAIRING: Pairs beautifully with creamy cheeses, grilled salmon, roast duck, or spicy Italian or Asian dishes.

VINEYARDS:
Each harvest, the Brut Rosé blend is selected from the best grapes from up to 50 grower locations throughout the Napa appellation. Similar to Mumm Brut Prestige, the grapes are hand-harvested in the early mornings to ensure they arrive at the winery in perfect condition.

WINEMAKING:
Each individual vineyard lot is fermented separately at cool temperatures in small stainless steel tanks, this helps to preserve the individual flavors, freshness and intensity of each fruit. A few select lots are aged in French Oak barrels to create further depth and complexity to the wine. To create the coral-pink color of the wine, a small amount of red Pinot Noir is added to the blend before being bottled. From there, the wine is yeast aged for an average of 18 months to add further complexity and creaminess to the wine. Next, the wine is disgorged and a dosage is added back to balance out the wine’s acidity. The dosage includes a Pinot Noir fermented in traditional Burgundian fashion, creating an extra layer of depth, color and robust fruitiness to the wine.

ABOUT THE WINERY:
Established in California in the late 1970’s, Mumm Napa follows traditions from their French heritage. Their roots can be traced back to a leading International Champagne in France, GH Mumm. Today, the winery continues to follow traditional French wine making techniques to create their award winning, hand-crafted sparkling wines. Learn more about their story here.

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Autumn Entertaining

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Fall is in the air and with the change of season brings new combinations of entertaining options, seasonal ingredients and fall flavor combinations.  As the summer heat begins to recede into cooler fall temperatures, the cooler weather generally allows our taste preferences to transition into more SILKY or MELLOW wines that highlight the seasonal fall flavors.

AutumnWinePicks

RED WINE

FOOTBALL TAILGATING:OldSoul

Old Soul Petite Sirah (California)
 We like to think of Petite Sirah as a gentle giant, robust and powerful, but soft in tannin and mild in spice with enough acidity to keep the wines balanced for tailgating favorites such as burgers, brats and chili.

EbeiaJAMBALAYA:

Ebeia Tempranillo (Spain)
Tempranillo Dense red currant and raspberries with a  hint of roasted almonds and mint on the finish makes a great pairing for the spicy and hearty flavors of jambalaya.

DievoleMUSHROOMS & WILD RICE:

Dievole Rinscimento (Italy)
Delicious old world flavors of dried raspberry and cherry with a subtle earth notes make this a great pairing for savory flavors or mushroom and wild rice.

AveryLaneCRANBERRY & FIGS:

Avery Lane Merlot (Washington)
This easy to drink Merlot is soft, juicy and plush. Bright aromatics of black cherry, blackberry, clove and nutmeg swirl in the glass.  The soft tannins make it an ideal pairing for fall dishes featuring cranberry and figs.

WHITE WINE:

JovinoBUTTERNUT SQUASH:

Jovino Pinot Gris (Oregon)
The silky texture, orchard fruit aromas and flavors of Oregon Pinot Gris present a lovely pairing option for butternut squash, with enough acidity to cut the richness of the squash and enough fruit flavors to balance the sweetness.

NiroPUMPKIN:

Niro Pecorino (Italy)
This unique white wine is a great pairing with fresh pumpkin flavors. The silky texture combines with ripe tropical fruit aromas and flavors that finish with a hint of sage and floral notes.