WOW: Winery Feature--Paraiso Vineyards!

WOW: Wine of the Week

Winery Feature:  Paraiso Vineyards

Uncorked had the distinct pleasure of meeting Dave Fleming, Winemaker for Paraiso Vineyards in mid-March.  Dave has a naturally infectious personality and he wears his passion for his family's Estate proudly on his sleeve.

Currently two of Paraiso's Chardonnays and two Pinot Noirs are distributed in the North Carolina market...lucky us!  What's even better is that Uncorked has slyly convinced Dave to return to the Charlotte market for a Winemaker Event in the Fall.  Stay tuned for details of this event to follow in the coming months.  For now though, quench your thirst for knowledge of the Paraiso Estate with their uncompromising product line.

Paraiso Vineyards Estate Overview

Paraiso’s 400-acre estate vineyard lies at the southern end of the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA in Monterey County, California. Winegrape pioneers of the region, Rich and Claudia Smith began planting this property in 1973. Today, Rich and his son Jason manage almost 150,000 vines in 16 different blocks. The land provides varying soils, elevations and microclimates, producing grapes uniquely expressive of their individual sites.
The Smith family’s winegrowing experience over the years has earned them a best-quality reputation, translating into high demand for their winegrapes. In addition to supplying fruit for the Paraiso Vineyards wine label, the family sells grapes under contract to several other ultra-premium wine producers.
Early bud break and fruit set, along with extended hang time, are big advantages of the Paraiso’s Highlands location. Spring is generally temperate, encouraging bud break as early as mid-March, and harvest typically begins in mid-September lasting through October. This fully ripened fruit of good color and flavor concentration makes for superior-quality wine in the bottle.

WOW: Wine of the Week!

WOW: Wine of the Week

Zocker Paragon Vineyard Gruner Veltliner 2009

Often times Pinot Noir is given the reputation of the most food friendly wine...and here at ShopUncorked.com, we are firm believers that it is quite appealing to pair with a variety of foods.  So too is Gruner Veltliner.  If it sounds like it should have a supporting role in the movie "The Sound of Music" you're right!  Gruner Veltliner is traditionally grown in Austria, Slovokia and the Czech Republic.  While it is less of a household name than Pinot Noir, it is made to be a very food friendly wine.  Zocker Paragon Vineyards is actually produced in California's Central Coast.  This wine is a cost effective, approachable, domestic introduction to this versatile varietal.

Product Description

The fruit for the Zocker Grüner Veltliner was grown in the Niven family’s estate Paragon Vineyard in the Edna Valley on California's Central Coast. Soils are generally made up of Diablo series, clay loam, rocky marine sediment, and volcanic remnants. In a few portions of the vineyard however, clay loam is more prominent, which allows for more water retention. This, along with the influence of the nearby Pacific Ocean and the extended growing season, makes the terroir here similar to areas in Austria where Grüner Veltliner reigns as the number one white varietal in the country.

Zocker Gruner Paragon Vineyard Veltliner 2009 Reviews

"A beautiful wine with a spine of steel and trenchant acidity that demands savory, spicy foods. It's brilliantly ripe in mineral-infused Meyer lemon and spicy green melon, and while it's technically dry, has a rich, honeyed sweetness. Editor's Choice." - 90, Wine Enthusiast

Zocker Gruner Paragon Vineyard Veltliner 2009 Tasting Notes

Rich and round but with great acid structure, this wine is steely and has good minerality. It has a bit of an earthy characteristic, a note of white pepper, and flavors of ripe melon and fruit cocktail.

WOW: Wine of the Week!

WOW: Wine of the Week

Maycas del Limari Reserva Especial Chardonnay 2007

Do you need a conversation piece at a cocktail party?  Would you like to share a unique wine-related story with friends, colleagues, family around good food and great conversation?!

Maycas Chardonnay presents YOU with the perfect opportunity to share a wonderfully made wine with a story unlike any other.  While one may just enjoy the label for its aesthetic appeal, this label boast far more than just a "pretty face."  Each vintage is unique in that the journey from harvest to bottle is pictorially illustrated by the Inca Solar Calendar on the label.  Rows and columns demonstrate the wine's journey in a most artful form.

Product Description

"Located 250 miles north of Santiago, in the rapidly developing Limari Valley, Concha y Toro has developed an exciting new project, Maycas del Limarí. Maycas, means "croplands" in Quechua. This land was the foundation of the Inca Empire, the most powerful civilization in South America. Limarí takes its name from the Franciscan monk who first planted grapes here in 1548. The Limarí valley benefits from a strong coastal influence - more so than Chile's other coastal areas such as Casablanca, Marchigüe and San Antonio, as the coastal range of mountains which hugs the shoreline starts in Limarí, and features lower elevations than the rest of the range as it heads southward. That means more of the ocean breezes make their way up into the valley. The wines produced here reflect the luminosity of the zone, the minerality of the rich marine soils and the extraordinary coastal breezes. The Limarí area represents one of the longest growing seasons in the world for wine grapes.
Maycas del Limarí Reserva Especial wines draw their inspiration from the Inca solar calendar, prominently displayed on each label." - Winery Notes

Maycas del Limari Reserva Especial Chardonnay 2007 Reviews

The 2007 Chardonnay Maycas de Limari exhibits even more aromatic complexity, serious depth, and gobs of ripe, mineral-accented Chardonnay fruit."- 92, Wine Advocate

"Beyond the initial limestone impression lies a rich, velvety white with note of guava, peach and pineapple, though it never lets go of that severe saline acidity that marks white from Limari. Serve with seared scallops." - 92, Wine & Spirits

"A very clean, pure style, offering nice cut to the yellow and green apple notes, with hints of fig and pear as well, all offset by a bright, minerally finish. Really opens nicely in the glass. Drink now through 2010." - 90, Wine Spectator

Maycas del Limari Reserva Especial Chardonnay 2007 Tasting Notes

"Brilliant light yellow in color, Maycas Chardonnay offers great citrus aromas mixed with notes of toasted almond and hazelnut leading to a distinct minerality. Full-bodied, this wine offers great freshness and density. Citrus flavors echo on the palate and end with a crisp and persistent finish." - Winemaker Notes

Maycas del Limari Reserva Especial Chardonnay 2007 Pairings

Enjoy with seafood and poultry dishes. Marries well with salmon, oysters, shrimp, and is excellent with rich sauces.

WOW: Wine of the Week--Pre-sale on 90+ Cellars "Lot 33" Rose 2010

WOW: Wine of the Week

Pre-Sale: 90+ Cellars "Lot 33" Rosé 2010

 

Now is the time to start thinking about Rosés!  I know, I know, "friends don't let friends drink pink wine," is a common school of thought.  But if you have not tried a Rosé lately, pink wines have changed (or we have found better pink wines!).

Rosé is the ideal wine for spicy foods, think Thai and pairs perfectly with most Sushi as well.  As our fare lightens with the warmer weather, a well balanced Rosé is the perfect compliment to any Spring or Summer day.

This is a pre-sale item and likely will ship out May 1, 2011 (if not before) at the latest.  Place your pre-order today to lock into this deal...ShopUncorked.com has the exclusive on this pre-sale, take the opportunity to capitalize on Uncorked's partnerships!

Product Description

This is a real deal Rosé, not that sweet pink stuff. Syrah, Grenache, Cinsault, and Mourvedre are hand harvested from several vineyards planted on windswept slopes along the foothills of the Cévennes, and then fermented and aged in tanks for seven months. Perfect for picnics and other outdoor festivities.  Cases available: 3,600.

90+ Cellars "Lot 33" Rosé 2010 Reviews

Source label pedigree:
2008: Wine Spectator 89 (TOP VALUE 2009)
2007 : Stephen Tanzer89

90+ Cellars "Lot 33" Rosé 2010 Tasting Notes

I love the color pink especially when it tastes like this! Aromas of ripe strawberries fill the glass accompanied by mild notes of Provençal herbs, white pepper, and cotton candy.

90+ Cellars "Lot 33" Rosé 2010 Pairings

It’s the ideal choice for washing down prosciutto and roasted red pepper sandwiches, niçoise salad, or crispy fried chicken.

WOW: Tikal Patriota Red Blend!

WOW: Wine of the Week

Tikal Patriota Red Blend:  A GREAT cool weather red!

Is it possible that after all discussions of Spring Fever that Uncorked jinxed the beautiful weather?!

Never fear, if in fact that is the case, Uncorked has the perfect solution for a red blend sure to please on these last cool days before "Spring" is officially ushered in to stay.

Many new products have been added to ShopUncorked.com over the last weeks...have YOU seen them?!  If not, please reacquaint yourself with Uncorked's new selections.  Soon to be added:  Uncorked's Favorite Wines for Spring!  Stay tuned!

Product Description

"Tikal is an Ernesto Catena wine named after his son.  Ernesto spent his childhood in the vineyards of Mendoza, amidst winemakers and local wine experts.  Since then, he has had the kaleidoscopic experience of living in an array of different places and cultures, including New York, Buenos Aires, Berkeley, Cambridge (Massachusetts) Milan and London.  But his heart has always been in Argentina, his homeland (where he now lives) with its natural beauty: mountains, streams and vineyards. And extraordinary wines and people, with their special passion for good living. 
There are few wines that reflect Ernesto Catena's sensibility as well as Tikal. A skilled jockey, fashion designer, software developer and book publisher, Ernesto pursues everything he enjoys in life. This hedonism, in the best sense of the word, is evident in his wines, whose style seeks to provide great pleasure rather than contemplation; they appeal to emotion rather than intellect.  The names of his wines reflect this passion: Patriota (patriot), Amorío (amour), Júbilo (joy)." - Winery Notes

Tikal Patriota 2008 Reviews

"The 2008 Patriota is composed of 60% Bonarda and 40% Malbec aged in French (40% new) and American (seasoned) oak. Purple/black in color, it has a splendid bouquet of cigar box, Asian spices, lavender, black cherry, and plum. Full-bodied, dense, rich, and powerful, this loaded effort has gobs of flavor, succulence, and great length. Only hedonists need apply. Drink it over the next six years while it retains its fleshy character." - 92, Wine Advocate

Tikal Patriota 2008 Tasting Notes

Deep reddish purple with aromas of bright berry/cherry fruit. Like swallowing a whole bowl of mixed ripe berries at once. Big body yet very balanced, with luscious layers of raspberry, cherry, and cocoa flavors. Just a hint of baking spice at the end brings it all together.

Tikal Patriota 2008 Pairings

Pairs well with grilled meats such as beef and pork, smoked ham, and even pizza with meat toppings. Incredibly fun to drink!

WOW: Wine of the Week, Parducci Red Blend!

WOW: Wine of the Week

Parducci Red Blend:  A GREAT warm weather red!

Uncorked has Spring FEVER!  We are turning our attention to wines for the Spring!  Over the next couple of weeks Uncorked will feature smaller producers experimenting with new blends, varietals and vintages.  What does that mean for our clients?!  VALUE!

This week Uncorked features the Red Blend counterpart to the Parducci White Blend featured last week.  This is the perfect red blend for our clients that are just trying to break into the world of red wine.  Enjoy!

Product Description

"Parducci is locally owned and operated in California's Mendocino County. We are committed to sustainable winegrowing practices that yield top quality grapes and wines while protecting the environment and supporting our communities and local farmers. Locally owned and operated Grapes from family farms Sustainable farming practices 100% green power Earth-friendly packaging 1st US carbon neutral winery." - Winery Notes

Parducci Sustainable Red Blend 2005 Tasting Notes

Parducci Sustainable Red has berry fruit flavors and spicy complexities. Blend: 39% Zinfandel, 26% Syrah, 23% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Carignane.

Parducci Sustainable Red Blend 2005 Pairings

Enjoy this robust dry red wine with pasta, pizza, grilled, and flavorful cheeses.

WOW: Wine of the Week...Parducci Sustainable White Blend

WOW: Wine of the Week

Parducci White Blend and Q1 WOW: Wine on Wednesday!

Spring is in the air, trees are flowering, the first signed of new life and renewal are EVERY WHERE!  There is no better time than the present to try a new wine and to EXPERIENCE the Uncorked difference!

This week Uncorked is featuring a white wine blend from the Parducci Estates.  AND, remember, for our local clients, we are just 2 days away from Uncorked's Q1 COMPLIMENTARY wine tasting in Charlotte.  Please see details below and RSVP today!

"Parducci is locally owned and operated in California's Mendocino County. We are committed to sustainable winegrowing practices that yield top quality grapes and wines while protecting the environment and supporting our communities and local farmers. Locally owned and operated Grapes from family farms Sustainable farming practices 100% green power Earth-friendly packaging 1st US carbon neutral winery." - Winery Notes

Parducci Sustainable White Blend 2008 Tasting Notes

Parducci Sustainable White has crisp, clean aromas and flavors of citrus and melon. A refreshing, crowd-pleasing wine! Blend: 41.5% Chenin Blanc, 38% Sauvignon Blanc, 12% Viognier, 7.5% Muscat Canelli, 1% Fruiliano

Parducci Sustainable White Blend 2008 Pairings

Enjoy this white wine with fresh salads, free-range chicken, and organic vegetable dishes.

Q1 WOW: Wine on Wednesday--March 16th--Dolcetto's!

In just 2 days, in our home market of Charlotte, north Carolina, Uncorked will host a FREE quarterly Wine Tasting for the public.

This month, we are revisiting Uncorked's favorite Charlotte Wine Bar, Dolcetto Wine Room in Piedmont Row (Southpark). This quarter we are focusing on value driven wines from Chile and Italy. Uncorked is featuring some hearty reds to compliment the remainder of our "winter months" as well as a couple of sparklings to get your spring bubbling.

Wine Selections:
Maschio Prosecco Brut
Maschio Moscato Cadoro
Maycas Chardonnay
Ritual Pinot Noir
Maycas Syrah
Cecchi Bonizio

And since we just know you'll find something that you LOVE, Uncorked will be providing special pricing at the event for orders received that night! Did we mention that we DELIVER your wine right to your door?!

The event will be casual, drop in anytime between 5:30-7:30pm. Bring your friends...but please RSVP (it's the polite thing to do)!  Please RSVP as a response to this email or our event on Facebook.  Click here for the link!