Drew 2012 Albariño

I had the opportunity to purchase the 2012 Drew Albariño from the wine maker, and found it to be a wonderfully refreshing and clean wine.  It continues to impress me that wineries are expanding their wine making efforts to varietals not traditionally produced in California. 

Wine Makers Notes:

2012 Albariño   Anderson Valley

This wine has been our little secret for  the last three years with barely enough  to go around.  We offer it to our members and offer it for sale for a limited time during the Summer and early Fall in our tasting room in Philo.

 This clean and lively wine is loaded with crisp apple and citrus flavors with palate coating minerality.  It is lean and  vibrant and beautifully aromatic.  This white Spanish varietal is a favorite of winemaker Jason Drew.  He acquired some suitcase cuttings in 2006 from another California vineyard and then grafted to some older rootstock in the Valenti Vineyard located within both the Anderson Valley and the Mendocino Ridge appellations.   He also secured a small patch of Albariño in the organically farmed Wentzel Vineyard in Philo that we were unaware even existed.

 In 2012 we put both vineyards together to make this bottling which is surprisingly the only Albariño made in Mendocino County.  We have found this varietal to be both a joy to drink and to make, as it is perfectly suited to our coastal cuisine and our coastal climate.Traditionally paired with anything coming out of the ocean.  Oysters on the half shell anyone! 150 cases made.  

Airport Oasis

If you are ever passing through Minneapolis International Airport, a must visit is Surdyk's Flights.  Here you can sit down with a bottle of wine and order up some lovely meats and cheeses rather than typical fast food options.  The wine prices are comparable to retail liquor store pricing.  

A true oasis for a wine enthusiast.   

Friday Night Delight

Still thinking about the wine this morning.  This wine was fermented using native yeasts and barreled in 100% French oak for 18 months, wonderful. 

Abrente - Napa Valley Albariño

Another of Morgan Twain Peterson's efforts to push stylistic boundaries, bringing old world wine making traditions to his Napa Valley Albariño.
The citrus flavors, hint of mineral, and the burst of acidity on the finish was delightful.  This wine speaks to summer and a seafood meal.

Tasting Notes:
90 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

"Light yellow. High-pitched scents and flavors of green apple, lime and white flowers. A mineral nuance comes up with air, along with a hint of white pepper. Dry and light on its feet, with impressive focus and finishing power. "

Wineries To Follow On Twitter

One of my favorite wineries to follow on Twitter is @RidgeVineyards.  Great information and videos, check it out.

Think Pink This Summer

Did you know that the French drink more rosé than either red or white wine.  So next time you are looking for a great warm weather wine, think pink!  Cheers

Classic Sangria

We gave this sangria recipe a try this past weekend, and found it to be very refreshing and enjoyable. 

1 bottle of red wine, I used merlot
1/4 cup triple sec
1/2 cup brandy
1/4 cup orange juice
1 lemon, cut into wedges
1/2 an orange, cut into wedges
1 lime, cut into wedges
1/2 cup raspberries
1/2 cup strawberries
1 8 ounce can diced pineapples, with juice
2 cups ginger ale

1. Combine the wine, brandy, triple sec, and juice into a pitcher.
2. Add the fruit and refrigerate for 1 hour prior to serving.
3. Add the ginger ale just before serving.