Monday, April 7, 2014

WOW: What is a Claret?

WOW: Wine of the Week

New Additions: What is a Claret?
Line 39 Wines
In the spirit of Bordeaux, this Napa Claret is sure to please even the most discerning of palates.  New flowers, new buds on trees and new additions to ShopUncorked.com...'tis the season!

ShopUncorked.com particularly likes this explanation from Dr. Vinny of Wine Spectator:
"Before 'claret' was the nickname for Bordeaux wines, it meant 'clear,' 'pale' or 'light-colored' wine ('claret' being derived from the Latin word for “clear”). This is back in the 14th and 15th centuries, when wines from Bordeaux were actually paler, almost like rosés. In the late Middle Ages, 'claret' also referred to a heated wine poured over a bag of spices.
The first known references to 'claret' as dark red Bordeaux wines were in the 1700s by the British trade. History buffs will recall that France and England were at war during this period, and it was right around then that the English started seeking out Portuguese wines to satisfy their thirst.
These days 'claret' is used as a generic way to refer to Bordeaux wines (or wines styled after Bordeaux) and the associated dark red color that’s also used to describe anything from nail polish to yarn."

Product Description

"Steltzner Vineyard is located in the Stags Leap District where we farm 30 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, along with small amounts of Sangiovese, Malbec and Petit Verdot.  Our family has owned this property since 1965.  We currently make our wine at Folio Custom Crush and source only grapes from throughout Napa Valley to create our Claret blend." - Winery Notes

Steltzner Claret 2011 Tasting Notes

Beautiful full fruit balanced with dark toasted oak notes.  Classic Bordeaux blend with just enough Merlot and Cabernet Franc to give the underlying Cabernet finesse and grace.  Dark berry fruits with hints of cedar box on the finish.

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