Serge the Concierge

Ben Rye Vino Passito, Sweet Dreams for My Tenderest Twosome

I don't really drink dessert wines usually.

At Vino 2010 and a just a couple of days ago at Tre Bicchieri tasting, I discovered Vino Passito and have grown fond of it.

When I noticed Your Tenderest Twosome offered by The Domestic Goddess as the theme for Wine Blogging Wednesday #66 in tandem with Sugar High Fridays, I had grapes to pick on.

 
Now I had to narrow my choices.

Maybe because it is the latest that I tasted and the memory is still fresh, I decided to go with Ben Rye Vino Passito di Pantelleria (08).

We have to thank Donnafugata for producing this 'miracle wine' on the island of Pantelleria near Sicily.

It is 100% Zibibbo grapes (also known as Moscato d' Alessandria).

Making Passito starts with letting the grapes dry after harvesting them.

You can sense orange flavors in this Passito. What I like about it is while intense it is not sugary sweet, rather sweet and subtle.

I would give it a try with an almond or nut cake or if you are in the mood for sipping , munching and taking it slow, get some almonds, nuts, figs and hard cheeses and enjoy the moment.

Pairings are often a very subjective matter.

Nick Stephens of Bordeaux Undiscovered gives us in Pantelleria, Passito and Carole Bouquet (October 08) a guided tour to Passito's history and roots.

Sweet dreams, sea and sun!

Cascina Lo Zoccolaio, Dolcetto d'Alba, Vigna dij Sagrin 2007, my WBW #54 pick

 At the foot of the the mountain is what Piedmont stands for.
Where do the traces of French influence come, I am not sure. Occitan is spoken by some in the region I learned.

I must confess that after being a steady participant in Wine Blogging Wednesday, I took a long leave of absence from this monthly wine challenge.

For whatever reason, I could not resist David Mc Duff call to show Passion for Piedmont on this 54th Edition of WBW.

Since I did not want to splurge and spend from $40 to $80 on an upscale Barbera or Barolo, I set my eyes on an alternative.
After a few unsuccessful trials, I decided to roll the dice and give one last try with the Lo Zoccolaio 'Vigna dij Sagrin' Dolcetto d'Alba (2007).

Lo Zoccolaio was originally an old farmstead. In these country dwellings, the tradition was to plant a tree in the courtyard to provide shelter from the heat during the summer months.

The tree used as an emblem, a symbol for the winery is a white poplar.

After this digression into local roots and history let's return to the matter at hand, le vin.

A first pour, I was pleasantly surprised by this Dolcetto ruby red color, touch of spice and good tannins.

Nothing fussy here, great company with paprika and cayenne sprinkled grilled chicken breast accompanied by pommes de terre en robe de chambre sauted with olive oil and garlic.

Simple pleasures, country fare if you will...

Some grapes from Piedmont have found their way to California. I had the pleasure recently to taste a Grignolino from Heitz Cellars. It was disctinctive and I had to note its low alcohol content.

My pick retails for around $13 by the way.

Related: European Wine Quintet, Tuscany to Burgenland and Alentejano

Passion for Piedmont marks my Return to Wine Blogging Wednesday

My almost neighbor David McDuff just announced the theme for Wine Blogging Wednesday #54.

I could not resist his call to share in the Passion for Piedmont which is what it will be all about.

Tuscany might be the most romanticized wine region yet the northern Italian region of Piedmont has a lot to offer with 46 DOC appelations.

David reminds us that  "while there are some fine white wines made in the region – from Gavi di Gavi to Roero Arneis to Moscato d’Asti – there’s no denying that Piedmont is red wine country. The Nebbiolo-based wines of Barolo and Barbaresco may steal the thunder. But it’s the wines made from Piedmont’s other two primary varieties – Barbera and Dolcetto – that appear most often on the Piedmontese table. Less common regional specialties like Freisa, Grignolino and Brachetto add local color and help to make Piedmont one of Italy’s most diverse wine zones."

I have not participated in Wine Blogging Wednesday in a while so this will mark my return.

Be on the lookout for my catch from Piedmont on February 18, 2009.

Recent wine bit: Spice up your Meal with Domaine Mas du Bouquet Vacqueyras 06, a Red with Integrity

European Wine Quintet, Tuscany to Burgenland and Alentejano

Even though I have not participated in Wine Blogging Wednesday in awhile, one thing I enjoyed doing it was being challenged to get out of my comfort zone and explore wine regions or styles I tend to neglect.

Gleaning through recent purchases, I thought I would give a tip of the hat to WBW with 5 recent purchases, a European Wine Quintet which takes me from Tuscany to Burgenland and Alentejano not to forget Apulia.

Let's start with Tuscany which scored twice.

The Palladio, Rosso di Montalcino (2003) is 100% Sangiovese Grosso, hand harvested and deep purple red in color, good legs, stands up to hearty food such as Tripe with Beans (as suggested by Italian Made). This Rosso is like a youthful cousin to Brunello de Montalcino.

Next is a Morellino di Scansano from Fattoria Mantellassi (2007 Vintage) which combines Sangiovese (85%) with Cabernet Sauvignon and Canaiolo Nero (15%).
Ruby red color, tobaccoey with leathery notes, would you have it with pizza even though some Italians swear that beer goes best with pizza.

The Italian Wine Blog offers a broader view of the Morellino di Scansano wines beyond this one.

A third Italian pick was the Salice Salentino 'Riserva' (2003) from Cantele.

It comes from Apulia (or Puglia if you prefer, map below ) which some describe as the heel of the Italian boot.

The wine is 80% Negroamaro, 20% Malvasia Nera, the rich candied fruits get you first balanced by a spicy touch and good tannins.

I finally leave Italy for Austria and a Pinot Noir from Burgenland by Wengut PMC (2004 Vintage).

The winery is located in the Neusiedlersee wine growing region (the sunny side of Austria) and the labor of love of brothers Peter and Christopher Munzenreider, only 800 cases were produced.

I close this chapter with Terra Grande (2006), a red wine from Alentejano (Portugal).

Nothing fussy with this one, a great table wine made from Trincadeira (described as having a passion for heat) and Aragonez (Tempranillo in Spain says Wine Geeks) by Antonio Ventura.

Fellow Wine Blogging Wednesday contributors, Gabriella and Greg from Catavino give us an inside look at Goanvi, the producer behind Terra Grande.

Greg calls this wine a Portuguese 'Zin'.

I hope you learned as much on this short European trip than I did in my exploration.

Related: Without Fados, Groval 'Touriga Nacional', Simply Red Wine and
Italy and Figs in your Glass? Borgogno Barbera d'Alba

Going up North (Italy) Whites from Friuli-Venezia Giulia for Wine Blogging Wednesday

For Wine Blogging Wednesday #41, we will taste white wines from Friuli-Venezia Giulia in Northern Italy.
The theme was picked by Fork and Bottle.

This will take me out of my comfort zone which is good as I tend to lean towards reds as you have surely noticed.

Check back on January 16 and see what we come up with.

Previous WBW: La 'Petite Syrah' turns into 'Pets' Petite Sirah by Vinum Cellars for Wine Blogging Wednesday #40

Your own private Episode of Wine Library TV, Dinner with Eric Asimov...Wine and Menu for Hope

Shame on me! I realized on this very last day of Menu for Hope 4 that I had not mentioned any wine prizes. In case you missed my previous posts, Menu for Hope is a yearly fundraiser involving bloggers the world over and benefiting the UN World Food Programme.

At this time 10:17 AM (December 21st) we already raised $66,805.00.

If you are something of a wine groupie, Alder of Vinography has only amazing prizes starting with Your own, Private, LIVE Episode of Wine Library TV (good for Continental US only, Prize Code: WB 01).

Have dinner and wine obviously with Eric Asimov of the New York Times (in New York City, Prize Code: WB 02).

Dedicated to greener pastures and products, 6 bottles of 2004 Quixote Petite Sirah from the Stags' Leap Ranch organic vineyard and Quixote Winery sounds great (Prize Code: WB 08).

Want to get your hands dirty, spend a day in the vineyards of La Gramiere, in Castillon du Gard (southern France)with owners Amy and Matt. They grow grenache, syrah and mourvedre...Be ready for bruised fingers and an achy back but the experience is invaluable...(Prize Code: WB 15).

There are many more but I will stop here before I put you to sleep.

If you want to hedge your bets, read the Menu for Hope Tip Shit by Pim and/or head over to the Donation Page and place your bid.

Related stories: La 'Petite Syrah' turns into 'Pets' Petite Sirah by Vinum Cellars for Wine Blogging Wednesday #40 and Vincent, Simone and Wine...Mas de la Dame 'La Gourmande' 2004 

'Red, White and Drunk All Over' By Natalie McLean (Signed Copy)...New Prize for Menu for Hope 4

The more the merrier as they say.
Adam of Serious Eats was able to squeeze this late offering in the East Coast Line Up of Prizes for Menu for Hope 4.

Red, White and Drunk All Over, the second book by wine writer Natalie MacLean is not a bible or an encyclopedia for the oenophile distingué.
Natalie makes wine knowledge fun again.

You won't need to reach for the Alka Selzer while reading it. 

The Financial Times called Natalie MacLean 'a feisty North American answer to Hugh Johnson and Jancis Robinson'.

She was kind enough to offer a signed copy of Red, White and Drunk All Over as a late addition to the line up of Menu for Hope 4 goodies.

Want it, the Prize Code is UE44. Now open your heart and your wallet, go to the Donation Page.

Every year, Bloggers from all over the world join together for this fundraising campaign benefiting the UN World Food Programme. In 2006, we raised close to $63000.
Help us reach higher!

Recent  wine bit:
La 'Petite Syrah' turns into 'Pets' Petite Sirah by Vinum Cellars for Wine Blogging Wednesday #40 

La 'Petite Syrah' turns into 'Pets' Petite Sirah by Vinum Cellars for Wine Blogging Wednesday #40

Syrah, Sirah...No my day is not going to the dogs.

For this Wine Blogging Wednesday #40 on Petite Sirah hosted by Sonadora(the Wannabe Wino), I wanted to keep it fun and unpretentious.

Rather than picking a $20 to $30 bottle, I went with the Pets (2005) from Vinum Cellars.
Big on the berries with an earthy, spicy finish and decent tannins, it is a good, decent wine, neither flashy nor pretentious.

Bonus points:
-As a dog owner I cannot help but appreciate that a percentage of the profits goes to the local Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the San Francisco SPCA .

You should be able to find it for about $15.

What was Wine Blogging Wednesday #39 about: Not a single wine, rather a 'Maison' Jacques Depagneux for Wine

Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc 'Bois du Pied Redon' on Janis Robinson's White Wine Christmas List

As I mentioned last Saturday, Jancis Robinson this week shares her White Wine Picks for Christmas and the Holidays, the second selection (first installment was reds) in a four part series.

My recent piece Vincent, Simone and Wine...Mas de la Dame 'La Gourmande'  opened my eyes on white grapes (varietals) that were not on my radar such as Rolle so I could not help but notice one of Janis choices, a Chateauneuf du Pape Blanc.

This wine, Bois du Pied Redon (2006) besides the usual Rhone suspects Grenache Blanc and Roussanne uses Clairette and a grape new to me, Bourboulenc.

According to notes from Kobrand:

"Bourboulenc is an extremely old grape variety which is thought to have originated in Greece where it was known as the Asprokondoura. A late-ripening variety, it tends toward leanness and neutrality, but when picked at optimum maturity it retains high natural acidity and shows fresh citrus qualities with floral notes. On the sun-drenched, stony plateaus of the Mediterranean basin, the vine achieves a high degree of ripeness and corresponding degree of alcohol."

The only details I could find on the Bois du Pied Redon, Blanc  was on Marks and Spencer wine pages.
It is described as full yet rounded with peach, apricot and orchard flavors and a spicy finish.
This is a 'naked wine' (unoaked if you prefer), organic and made from handpicked grapes. Marks & Spencer rares it as 'suitable for vegetarians'. Some of their food pairing suggestions are Roasted Chicken, Vegetable Risotto or Thai Food.
It is bottled by Ogier Caves des Papes, clocks in at 13.5% alcohol and retails in the UK for 13.99 pounds which would translate into about $30 US, a small production, I almost forgot to mention the winemaker, Didier Couturier.

A Rose she mentions, Alphonse Mellot 'Sancerre Rose' (2006), does sound worth trying.
I am not sure it if her pick is the same as the Alphonse Mellot Sancerre Rosé La Moussière 2005  reviewed by The Wine Doctor.

This Loire Valley producer traces it roots in Sancerre all the way back to the early 16th Century.

All this makes me thirsty for a little tasting, is it too early?

Related: '60 Great Value Reds' for the Holidays: the Jancis Robinson Selection

Are Sonoma's water fountains filled with Pinot Noir? (via Fray)

If you settled in a wine growing area such as Sonoma,  you might be walking a thin line between having  an educated palate and becoming a sophisticated or sloppy drunk.

The character in Eric Spitznagel story on FRAY, illustrated by John Reddinger falls in the latter category.
Does not know his limits or when he passed them.

Here is an excerpt of Hobo Balls and other things that should not be compared to wine:

“This wine tastes like hobo balls,” I said, loud enough for the entire room to hear. Even as the words left my mouth, I knew that it was a horrible, horrible mistake. It’s not the sort of observation that a civilized person should make, and certainly not while partaking in a posh wine tasting. ¶ The other party guests just stared at me, too stunned to respond. I smiled and tried to laugh it off, saying something like, “Whoops, wrong crowd.” ¶ I hoped that my unfortunate remark would eventually be forgotten, but the damage was done. I’d crossed a line and there was no turning back. I had demonstrated, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that I was a man unable to hold his liquor."

In it current incarnation, FRAY is a magazine of good writing, published online and in print quarterly under the loving care of Derek Powazek.

I think it is part of what the Just  Over 50 and Not Dead Yet crowd cares about.

I have seen my share of people behaving badly at the tail end of wine tastings.
Which proves that spitting is the right thing to do sometimes.

I do despise people who have a liquid meal and no money to tip.

Also on Wine and Bad Behavior: Do the Right Tip with a little Help from 'Dinner with a Tightwad'