Monday, May 20, 2013

WOW: NEW! Trentadue La Storia Red Wine Portfolio

WOW: Wine of the Week

New: Trentadue La Storia Red Wine Portfolio

La Storia Wines
The new products just keep coming to ShopUncorked.com!  Now offering three new Alexander Valley Red wines, at a price point that is sure to please!  This week's features are a Cabernet, Zinfandel and Petit Sirah, each of which are UNDER $25 per bottle...and the Zinfandel is coming in UNDER $20 per bottle!  If you are a fan of Alexander Valley, now is the time to try these fine wines with their rich history, deep, expressive profiles and outstanding value.

Winery Notes

"The Trentadue family arrived in Sonoma County long before their region gained a reputation as the Wine Country. Life-long, hands-on agriculturists, Evelyn and Leo Trentadue contributed significantly to the advancement of their region over the years. In 1959, the Trentadues decided to flee the developers encroaching on their apricot and cherry orchards in Sunnyvale, the area known today around the world as Silicon Valley. To preserve their way of life, these hard-working Italian ranchers purchased 208 acres of land in Sonoma County's then remote Alexander Valley.

The Trentadues were among the very first to plant new vines in Sonoma County since the days of Prohibition. Italians love their red wines, especially hearty reds like Carignane. In 1962, the Trentadue family began planting new Carignane vines in addition to the 68 acres of old vines already growing on their ranch. Now more than 35 years old, these vines are among the oldest producing Carignane vineyards in America. The family remains steadfastly devoted to this grape, and their wine ranks indisputably among just a handful of top ranked California Carignane. Case in point: At the 1997 West Coast Wine Competition, Trentadue 1993 Carignane was awarded both a Gold Medal and Best of Class.

This winery's story cannot be told without mention of the Trentadues' remarkable long-term relationship with Paul Draper of Ridge Vineyards. Their personal history began in 1952 when the Trentadues became Paul's neighbor in Santa Clara, after buying an old abandoned wine estate at the end of Montebello Road. Paul began buying fruit from their ancient vines, striking up a friendship which continues to this day." - Winery Notes

Trentadue La Storia Estate Cabernet 2010 Tasting Notes...$24.18 per bottle

"The Cabernet grapes that we select for this wine come from Block 901, which is by far, the best block of Cab that we have on our Estate. Often rounding out the blend on this Cabernet Sauvignon are the other Bordeaux varietals of Petite Verdot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. This wine is a classic Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, with a nose of ripe sweet cherry and plums, developed aromas of leather, licorice and hints of cocoa powder and molasses. With proper cellaring, this wine should age well for another 10 plus years." - Winery Notes

Trentadue La Storia Estate Zinfandel 2011 Tasting Notes...$18.18 per bottle

Extremely well balanced tannins, acidity and sweetness. Cherry, tobacco with a coffee finish.

Trentadue La Storia Estate Petite Sirah 2011 Tasting Notes...$24.18 per bottle

"Produced from grapes grown only on the Trentadue Alexander Valley Estate, this wine will impress with a black, inky color and a firm, rich and chewy mouth feel. The aromas often indicate cherry, blackberry and chocolate as well as an intriguing hint of cigar box. La Storia Petite Sirah exhibits a very big and firm structure that will allow for this wine to age gracefully for years to come. A true Sonoma County standout." - Winery Notes

Monday, May 13, 2013

WOW: Grape Trivia--What is Grillo?!

WOW: Wine of the Week

Grape Trivia: What is Grillo?!

Altadonna Grillo 2011
It is time to expand your wine knowledge (and palate!), this week's WOW is Altadonna Grillo 2011.  Grillo is a Sicilian grape variety that was once widely grown on bush-vines and used in the production of Marsala.  While it is still used for this purpose, the demand for Marsala has diminished and it is increasingly more likely to find this as a single varietal wine or in a blend with Chardonnay.

Grillo shows a range of citrus flavors, usually led by lemon.  The best part about this little known varietal is the price!  At under $12 per bottle, it is a convenient (and inexpensive) way to expand your wine horizons!

Winery Notes

"After a distinguished 25-year career working for some of the most prestigious, internationally acclaimed estates in Italy, Stefano Chioccioli – one of Italy’s leading enologists and agronomists – is working alongside his son Niccolo to produce wines under their own label: Altadonna. While Niccolo received a formal education in enology, following in Stefano’s footsteps and earning a degree from the University of Florence, he insists that it was his father who truly taught him the essentials of making and understanding wine. Together, they are producing wines that capture the essence of Italy and its diverse terroirs.
The Altadonna line is comprised of six varietal wines, each made from the principle grape variety of the respective region in its purity. From Pinot Grigio in the Venezie region to Nero d’Avola in Sicily, each wine is a reflection of this father-son team’s expertise and love for the land. According to Stefano, “The role of the winemaker is to enhance the land where he works, obtaining wines with the maximum quality expression of their area, applying a respect for nature with a modern winemaking approach creating richly balanced wines with fresh aromas. Quality is made in the details.” In developing Altadonna, Stefano and Niccolo sought out some of the top producers from which to source their fruit. They work closely with these producers to ensure the grapes are cultivated according to their strict quality standards. To eliminate the potential of crop deterioration during transport, the Chiocciolis work with trusted, local cellars in each region. They also closely monitor the vinification process to produce the highest quality wines. The winery takes its name from this duo’s beloved wife and mother, Anna Altadonna. In addition to adopting her maiden name, the brand features her silhouette on the front label of every bottle." - Winery Notes

Altadonna Grillo 2011 Tasting Notes

An indigenous varietal of Sicily, Grillo thrives in the hot, dry climate of the island. Fermented in stainless steel to maintain the freshness of the grapes, this Grillo is abundantly aromatic with lush notes of apricot, lemons and herbs. It possesses a seemingly salty quality, likely derived from the nearby sea.

Altadonna Grillo 2011 Pairings

Enjoy with a wide array of seafood dishes.

Monday, May 6, 2013

WOW: ShopUncorked.com EXCLUSIVE - Falcor Bon Jus!

WOW: Wine of the Week

ShopUncorked.com EXCLUSIVE: Falcor Bon Jus!

Falcor Bon Jus 2008
It pays to know people...wink, wink!

ShopUncorked.com is SO pleased to be the very first retailer outside of the winery (and the ONLY one online) to offer Falcor's newest endeavor and it is TRULY "Bon Jus!"

This White Rhone blend is our new Spring and Summer favorite!  Make sure to get this special blend while it lasts.  If there is one thing that we know about Falcor, it is that they are always keeping their portfolio (and us!) on our toes!

Winery Notes

"Michael Bee and Jim Peterson began working with noted winemaker Ray Coursen of Elyse to create the wines for Falcor in 1995. Ray’s long-term relationships with growers have enabled him to source some of the finest fruit from prime Napa vineyards for Falcor’s limited-production wines. Ray selects vineyard locations best suited to each variety, ensures that his growers practice meticulous vineyard management techniques and walks the vineyards constantly throughout harvest, picking only at the peak of ripeness. The resulting wines are fruit-forward, balanced by oak, with superior nuance and complexity. Our goal is to make wines that are in balance, with no one taste element dominating the others. Wines that are in balance are very drinkable on release and, if properly aged, will retain this balance while adding additional taste complexities." - Winery Notes

Falcor Bon Jus 2008 Tasting Notes

"‘Bon Jus’ or ‘Good Jus’ is a blend of Viognier, Marsanne and Rousanne from the Naggiar Vineyard in the Sierra Foothills.  This wine is intensely perfumed with expansive aromas of poached pear, melon and honeysuckle. While rich and densely textured, it finishes with refreshing acidity." - Winery Notes
Blend: 50% Viognier, 25% Marsanne, 25% Rousanne

Falcor Bon Jus 2008 Pairings

Bon Jus can be paired with a warm fire, loved one, a creamy St. Andre or triple cream brie and a fresh baguette. It’s unique PiƱa Colada and apricot flavors make it also pair very well with an apricot tart or wood fired apricot and mascarpone galette.