Tasting Notes: Don Tony Perez of Curico Valley, Chile
Don Tony Perez has only been in business a few years, producing both whites and reds within the Curico Valley. This is one of the largest and oldest wine regions in Chile, located in the center of the country. With so many micro-climates along the coast and even inland, several varietals can be made within the region. In preparation to represent this brand, I tasted six of them and was wildly impressed. Tasting notes below!
1.) 2013 White:
A very approachable and enjoyable white blend consisting of equal parts Viognier and Riesling. The nose demands your attention with a plethora of tropical fruits like mango and pineapple. There’s a hint of vanilla, indicating the soft usage of (partial) oak. The weight is delicate but the tropical fruits are confirmed on the palate, and even a bit more raisonated and candied on the finish. Several other fruits exist across the finish, including golden pears and passionfruit. Again, nothing overwhelming or out of place, this white blend is surely a crowd-pleaser.
2.) 2011 Red:
This red blend is charming and exceptionally well balanced. The aroma leads with fruit and includes notes of dried figs and blackberries. The palate consists of leather and spices, with a touch of coriander on the finish. While the tannins are quite intense, this is definitely a food-preferred wine. I’d recommend a ragu or meat stew to pair best with this blend.
3.) 2011 Syrah Gran Reserva:
This is a stunning expression of the Syrah grape and fully came to life after decanting. The nose consists of licorice and stewed fruits like blackberry jam, cranberry sauce and orange marmalade. Very complex, as the palate is quite different than the nose. Secondary flavors of red pepper flakes, pine needles, chocolate and candied currants exist across the palate and throughout the finish. While a very fully bodied wine, the tannins are smooth and do not overwhelm. Exceptional and multifaceted!
4.) 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon:
First and foremost, this is an earth-driven, very mineral wine. Mushrooms and potting soil are quite apparent on the nose, but fade to the background across the palate. Leather, berries and cinnamon came to life once tasted, along with wet wood and dark chocolate (indicating mature barrels were used in production). Tremendously approachable for such a young Cabernet.
5.) 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva:
This wine is extremely fruit forward, conceivably due to the young age. The nose is bursting with boysenberries, blackberries and cherries. Some secondary aromas exist and include fresh ground pepper and red roses. This wine is very interesting and I'd like to see how it develops over the next few years. Still young and very powerful, I would pair with steak or grilled sausages.
6.) 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Gran Reserva:
This very concentrated wine has aged beautifully. All of the right Cabernet qualities are present on the nose and palate. Some tertiary aromas include granite, soil and smoked meat. The tannins are well integrated and the body is quite full. With such a long finish and several fascinating flavors, I can see this wine developing beautifully over the next five years.
Top 6 Somm-Tested Summer Recipes
I may know a thing or two about wine, but cooking isn't my strong suit. As far as recipes, I need 'em short, easy, and complete with pics, videos, puppet shows, you name it.
So, over the last few weeks, I tried DOZENS of summer recipes that I found on Google, Pinterest, and Instagram, claiming to be quick and easy. Today, find my Top 6 Sommelier-tested Summer Recipes. These Chefs know how to make delicious meals AND how to break it down for beginners. Simply click the recipes, or type in the below links and start cookin.' Comment for wine pairing advice!
1.) Chicken and Mushroom Lettuce Wraps: CLICK HERE FOR RECIPE
http://www.tablefortwoblog.com/from-the-archives-take-out-fake-out-chicken-lettuce-wraps/
2.) Zucchini and Sausage Penne: CLICK HERE FOR RECIPE
http://www.foodiecrush.com/zucchini-and-chicken-sausage-penne-pasta-recipe/
3.) Kale and Wild Rice Salad with Piquillo Peppers: CLICK HERE FOR RECIPE
http://food52.com/recipes/4307-brown-wild-rice-salad-with-kale-piquillo-peppers
4.) Chipotle- Lime Fish Tacos: CLICK HERE FOR RECIPE
http://www.closetcooking.com/2011/06/chipotle-lime-fish-tacos.html
5.) Grilled Shrimp Spring Rolls: CLICK HERE FOR RECIPE
http://www.foodiecrush.com/grilled-shrimp-vietnamese-spring-rolls/
6.) Tex Mex Chopped Chicken Salad: CLICK HERE FOR RECIPE
http://everydaydishes.com/simple-food-recipes/tex-mex-chopped-chicken-salad/
Impossible Pairings!!!
Like wine, some complex dishes just seem impossible to enjoy with anything but themselves. Loners perhaps, or just too stubborn to sign up for that dating app. ;) Today, I have 4 summer head-scratchers, and exactly how I match-made each one. These pairings are sure to result in a couple Whoahhhs at your next dinner party. In order of potential plate-drop:
- Beet Salad and Aged Riesling: When funky meets aromatic. You’ll likely have a goat-cheese component here, so the acidity in a German Riesling will cut right through. Also, the beets (and maybe some arugula) will sing with the wine’s earthy elements after a few years in the bottle. If you have a golden beet love affair, remember that they are a bit more neutral, so stick with a Riesling with age that won’t overwhelm with shocking fruit and florality.
- Tuna Tartare and New Zealand Sauv Blanc: I honestly thought this would be too much, but the tropical flavors brought out the sesame in the dressing. The pair also had a matching trace of jalapeño that heightened the spice. As one of many with “hot sauce in my bag swag,” this is an intense, but very much hell yes pairing.
- Pulled Pork Tacos and Sangiovese: To be clear, I am NOT talking about Brunello, or even most Chianti. I’m talking about that Rosso that every blind taster at the study group calls a Pinot Noir. The oak is pretty much non-existent, but we’re still working with a medium body for that obvious Chipotle sauce and slow cookin’. Can I get some slaw though? Don’t get syrupy with me, we need to balance it out with a little lime sauce, cilantro and vinegar. THANKS!
- Carrot Cake and Amontillado Sherry: Those little nuts on the frosting were not an accident, sweet and salty PLUS creamy and crunchy… It just doesn’t get any better, and I don’t even like sweets. Carrot cake cookers (bakers, whatever) please go easy on the sugar and let the nut do the crunch… OOoo salty, and that’s how it should be, so stick with dry sherry or dry-ish Madeira on this one. ;)
Chassagne Montrachet and Puligny Montrachet
Any passionate collector of white Burgundy undoubtedly turns to Chassagne Montrachet and Puligny Montrachet when looking to appreciate and expand their cellar. The infamous, aforementioned Premier Crus habitually provide a divine expression of the Chardonnay grape. Further, I have two favorites I'd like to share, within each sub region.
Le Domaine Francois Carillon, of Puligny are known for their 15 generations of farming and extensive winemaking expertise. Recognized to produce wines of racy elegance, Carillon perfectly exemplifies the Puligny terroir.
Domaine Michel Niellon of Chassagne contains predominately old vines within their few plots. The estate relies on low yields, which gives the wines intensity, but results in a low supply. This, along with Niellon’s massive following, makes securing bottles very difficult, but rewards immensely.
Top 5 Reds to Grill Over
It's almost nice enough to wonder if you're red wine collection feels a little too fire-side, catch my drift? As I've said, if Napa Cab and Aussie Shiraz are first to find their place in your beach bag, then by all means, drink what you like! ...However... for most of us, Spring and Summer calls for something lighter, with enough acidity to quench and fruit to refresh. For this reason, I've laid down my ALL-TIME seasonal favorite producers, styles and varietals for you to rely on. While made in small production, these also seem readily available to me (in NYC at least) and especially online. From light to full and paired best from app to entree, meet your summer red lineup. All under $25, might I add:
1.) 2015 Lapierre "raisins gaulois" (Beaujolais): The Gamay grape is known for it's approachable, light body, and tart fruit like cranberries and fresh apples. This pairs best with the beach, your porch, the backyard, a rooftop -you got it, no food necessary. Your beach bod will thank me ;)
2.) 2014 Copain Pinot Noir: Always delightful, from the Sonoma Valley, this could easily pass for old world, with their fresh and earthy style. I heard someone describe it as tasting "like the mountain-top," which might be due to their high altitude vineyard locations.. who knows. Also, feel free to go back 3-4 vintages if you can find them, because this stuff ages beautifully!
3.) 2014 (or '13) Tami Frappato: From Sicily, by the ever popular natural winemaker, Arianna Occhipinti (#girlboss), the 2014 vintage has been clearly perfected. The raspberries and strawberries on the nose are meant to offset the rocky minerality. Keep in mind, the touch of heat makes this one grill-ready. Try it with a burger or a bratwurst, you'll find it gracefully keeps up.
4.) 2014 Via Arxentea Mencia: The Spanish wine to know this summer! From the region of Monterrei, everything about this well-balanced red screams BBQ. The bell-peppery charm is stylishly balanced with clove due to the portion of new oak used to age. You'll be reminded of smoked sausages and mustard, clear components to successful grilling.
5.) 2014 Rosi Schuster Zweigelt. Welcome to one of my favorite, much lesser known varietals, Zweigelt. This particular Austrian producer really over delivers. With fine-grained tannins and a plethora of cooking spices and herbs, you would think I was talking about a wine worth hundreds more, and maybe it should be. Perfect pairing? Grilled eggplant or pork chops.
Cheers,
Hillary Zio
Popular Pinot!
While there are always trendy estates, the following 3 California Pinot producers have been increasingly asked for over the last year. First, Kistler, with their Burgundian styles and France-worth acidity levels. They have effectively put the Russian River Valley on the map.
Then, the great wines of Peter Michael, and his 15, single-vineyard bottlings, in their most ideal (not to mention picturesque) western-facing situation. These terroir-driven wines have proven to stand the test of time.
Finally, Rhys, while more of a new-comer in comparison, is clearly worthy of the recent praise from critics and wine experts throughout the world. Their mountainous terroir and rocky soils have differentiated them in Pinot Noir production with a very unique style. Feel free to reach out with questions regarding these fabulous estates, and remember, everything ships now!
2011 Vintage in Brunello
Lately, we’ve been discussing the 2011 vintage for Brunello. 2010 was a very hard act to follow, but wineries are not disappointed after tasting their new releases. The 2011 vintage wasn’t uniform like 2010, and there were some extremes in the weather. To make the right choices in 2011, you needed to know your vines as well as you know yourself. I’m placing my bets on the seasoned winemakers with an advantage when it comes to location. Marroneto is just that, based on a traditional and minimalist philosophy since planting their vines in 1975. Secure yours at Vinfolio.com!
2000 Bordeaux
Today we were discussing the 2000 vintage in Bordeaux. This year was responsible for some of the best wines that Bordeaux has ever seen. It's my go-to for collecting right now. This includes the right and left bank and I am considering the last 20 vintages! It was a warmer year, so the fruit is going to come out initially, but the body is most astounding. Many of these wines are huge, and extremely age-worthy. In fact 2016 is the drinking heyday for a number of them, so I absolutely recommend shelling out the $100 for a third or fourth growth and tasting one of these gems for yourself.
2007 Guigal "Ex Voto"
Produced only in exceptional vintages, the Ermitage “Ex-Voto” is the expression of a genuine desire to own vines in the Hermitage appellation. It encompasses the aspiration to produce unique wines that reflect the soul of the Rhône Valley.
This wine's vineyard components are 40% each of Greffieux and Bessards and 10% each of Ermite and Murands. This decision varies by vintage, and the winemaking team assesses each parcel in order to create the perfect blend, and just a few times per decade!
97+ Points from me.. Critc says: 97 (Wine Advocate)
2012 Clos du Caillou Chat du Pape!
I’ve stocked this wine in my cellar vintage after vintage, and no matter how hard I’ve tried to keep my hands off and allow them to mature—they somehow manage to disappear. Fortunately, I’ve had the opportunity to taste developed bottles of Clos du Caillou and the experience has been unforgettable, to say the least. It’s a wine that demands your attention and patience but rewards you tenfold.
As styles have changed and the popularity of the Rhone has grown, Clos du Caillou continues to produce one of the best and most affordable examples of traditional Chateauneuf du Pape that I have ever tasted. The Certified Organic estate focuses on respecting nature and giving back to the soil for total vitality. This vintage leads with blackberry and spice and follows with seared and smoked meat, the complexity here is utterly astonishing.
My rating: 97, Critic Says: 94-97+ (wine advocate)
2010 Chateau Le Carre!
Le Carre is a single-vineyard of just over one and a half hectares that borders Clos Fourtet, near the center of the town of Saint Emilion. This vintage has a plethora of black fruits, crushed rocks and flowers, all which are nicely wrapped in new oak, where it undergoes malolactic fermentation and ages. While predominately composed ofMerlot (80%), there is also a Cabernet Franc complement (20%).This gives the fruit a complex nature, reminiscent of leather and cedar.
The 2010 vintage was rather dry with a combination of warm days and cool nights. The resulting wines are big, tannic, and structured, requiring generous time to develop.
My rating: 97.5! Critic says: 95 (wine advocate)
2001 Rotllan Tora - Tirant
Within the steeps slopes of Priorat lies the small mountain village of Torroja del Priorat. The estate has long been known for their old vines and atypical blends.The Tirant is an extraordinary effort with only 9,000-bottles made from 30% Grenache (90-100 years old), 25% Carignan (90-100 years old), 25% young vine Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Syrah, and 10% Merlot. Fermented in large oak foudres and aged 12 months in new French oak, the wine was bottled without fining or filtration.
Beautiful wine, my rating: 96. Critic Says: 96-98! -Wine Advocate
Top 5 From the USA
After several distributor tastings and winery-hopping through Napa and Sonoma valley, I’m ready to reveal my top 5, in-stock picks from the USA. Over the past 2 days, I have highlighted my favorites from France and Italy, now behold, my favorites from the home land!
2010 Marcassin Pinot Noir
Marcassin Vineyard - $295
2008 Kistler Pinot Noir
Cuvee Natalie Silver Belt Vineyard - $140
Just Tasted! Top 5 From Italy
As mentioned yesterday, the post-holiday months of January and February are a wine professional’s ideal time to taste. From massive Italian tastings to boutique wineries revealing their latest vintage, I must say that the past few weeks have been chockfull of slurping, spitting and note-taking. Yesterday I highlighted my top 5 French Picks, today are the best tasted from Italy and tomorrow, America. We tried to obtain as much as possible from these phenomenal estates, but quantities are still quite low. I recommend acting now, as it seems the critics are in agreement with these show-stoppers as well. Behold, the best of Italy!
2010 Bibi Graetz - Testamatta - $110
2008 Bruno Giacosa - Barolo Riserva
Le Rocche del Falletto (Red Label) - $299
2010 Giuseppe Mascarello e Figlio
Barolo Monprivato - $160
2001 San Guido Sassicaia - $255
Just Tasted! Top 5 From France
If you weren’t fully aware, the post-holiday months of January and February are a wine professional’s ideal time to taste. From massive Italian tastings to boutique wineries revealing their latest vintage, I must say that the past few weeks have been chockfull of slurping, spitting and note-taking. Over the next 3 days, I am illuminating my top 5 picks from France, Italy and America. We had to obtain as much possible from these phenomenal estates, so there is decent inventory, for now. I still recommend acting fast, largely since I plan on securing some for my personal cellar! Today, I give you the best of France, and I'm not surprised that all 5 happen to be from the outstanding 2012 vintage!
2012 Mission Haut-Brion - $225
2012 Beaucastel Chateauneuf du Pape
Hommage a Jacques Perrin - $405
2012 Denis Mortet - Gevrey-Chambertin VV- $120
2012 Jamet - Cote-Rotie - $120
2012 Jacques-Frederic Mugnier
Nuits St Georges Clos de la Marechale 1er Cru - $108