LL | Saturdaze the Wine Class Way

California Wine 101

At the start of spring, I wanted to take a more “tastebuds-on” approach to my wine studies. Despite the wine books on my nightstand that were constantly reminding me of all the reading I needed to catch up on, I decided a wine class would be the perfect way to switch things up.

For $20 per person, I could taste a few selections at one of DFW’s wine retailers (a brand I used to work at). So I purchased two tickets for a popular class uncovering Napa and California wine selections and invited a fellow wine-loving friend to make my Saturday outing complete.

Here’s what we tasted:

• Titus - 2017 Napa Sauvignon Blanc | $25

• LIOCO - Sonoma Chardonnay | $20

• 16x20 - 2016 Sonoma Chardonnay | $45

• Paso Ranches - Bourbon Barrel Zinfandel | $20

• Philippe-Lorraine - Napa Cabernet Sauvignon | $30

Top three faves

• Peter Paul - Sonoma Pinot Noir | $30

• Austin Hope - 2014 Paso Robles GSM (35% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 35%, Mourvèdre) | $55

• Barnett Vineyard - 2016 Spring Mountain Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon | $90

• Giuliana - Prosecco | $17 *tasted in the store after class

Here’s a few things we learned:

• Cabernet sauvignon is the most planted grape in the world, but chardonnay is the most planted in California.

• Sauvignon blanc makes a great cheese pairing because its high acidity cuts through cheese fat and oils.

• California chardonnays are known for that oaky barrel taste, while chardonnays from other regions focus more the flavors of the fruits.

• New Mexico is another big region in the U.S. that is known for wine.

• California produces the majority (over 80%) of U.S. wine.

Tried any of these selections or taken any DFW wine classes? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

WW | 2018 Favs

2018 Was a Doozie. Good Thing There Was Wine

I know it’s March, dang near April, but I thought, “Why not start with a list of some wanders from 2018.” Technically, we’re still fresh into the New Year - since January and February were just practice months, am I right!? So if you are looking for some good finds to celebrate the spring try these out!

*Disclaimer: I couldn’t wait to officially review these selections (hangs head in shame), so this is a short list. However, they were delicious, and that’s motivation enough to share.

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Gruet Sauvage — Blanc de Blancs

• Origin: Albuquerque, New Mexico

• Type/Blend: 100% Chardonnay

• Alcohol Vol.: 12.5%

• Taste: Sparkling, dry, clean

• Flavors: green apple, lemon & grapefruit

• Retail Price: $20 | I Paid: $7.29 (on clearance)

Fun Fact: “New Mexico now has more than 60 wineries and produces 900,000 gallons of wine annually.” (Carpe Travel)

Seven Daughters — 2017 Moscato

• Origin: Piedmont (region), Italy

• Type/Blend: Moscato, 100% Muscat

• Alcohol Vol.: 7%

• Taste: Fresh, fruity, bright

• Aromas: Peach, honey

• Retail Price: $14 | I Paid: < $14 (on sale)

Fun Fact: “Muscat is the only fine wine grape that doubles as a table grape.” (Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association)

Rinaldi ReDream — Malvasia Frizzante

• Origin: Piedmont (region), Italy

• Type/Blend: Red Wine, 100% Malvasia

• Alcohol Vol.: 7%

• Taste: Pleasant, sweet, frothy

• Flavors: Honeysuckle, raspberry, citrus, cherry

• Retail Price: $20 | I Paid: $20

Fun Fact: “The [frizzantes] have small, light bubbles which are much lighter than those you will find in other sparkling wines like Champagne or wines made using the Méthode champenoise.” (LoveToKnow)

Jade Cove — 2016 Sauvignon Blanc

• Origin: Marlborough (region), New Zealand

• Type/Blend: Sauvignon Blanc

• Alcohol Vol.: 13.0%

• Taste: Crisp, Dry

• Flavors: Citrus, tropical fruits

• Aromas: Honey, guava, lemon, dried herbs

• Retail Price: $12 | I Paid: $12

Fun Fact: “Due to its location, New Zealand vineyards are the first on our planet to see the sun each day.” (Grape Collective)

W.B. Bridgman — 2016 Riesling

• Origin: Yakima Valley (region), Washington

• Type/Blend: Riesling

• Alcohol Vol.: 12.1%

• Taste: Crisp yet perfect balance of sweet & dry

• Flavors: Mangos, peaches

• Aromas: Peach, floral

• Retail Price: $14 | I Paid: > $14 (on sale)

Fun Fact: “William B. Bridgman was one of the first to plant wine grapes in the Yakima Valley.” (Precept Wine)

Cuttings — 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon

• Origin: Oakville, CA

• Type/Blend: 80% Cabernet Sauvignon; 20% Blend of Petite Sirah, Syrah and Zinfandel

• Alcohol Vol.: 15.4%

• Taste: Deep, rich, complex

• Flavors: Blueberry, dark cherry, cocoa

• Aromas: Fresh roasted coffee, black currant, vanilla bean, brown spice, wild berries

• Retail Price: $55 | I Paid: $13 (on clearance)

Fun Fact: “Inspired by the age-old method of using cuttings from idyllic sites for the propagation of new vines, this Cabernet Sauvignon showcases some of our favorite hillside vineyards.” (The Prisoner Wine Company)

Are you itching to try these sips? Let me know your thoughts.