Corked Club

TGI Wine Friday - 5/15/09 - Aussie Invasion (via McLaren Vale...for the most part)!

2009-05-18T19:08:00.005-04:00

Happy Friday everyone!

On the wine list today are wines from the McLaren Vale wine region, located approximately 35km south of Adelaide in South Australia. Since I’m running out of time till wine club, lemme just get to the point J

The wine menu for today!

Gemtree Vineyards Moonstone Albarino 2008 (Ken)

Albarino is a magical variety hailing from the picturesque costal region of Galicia, locating in In Galicia it enjoys coroner of spain. For this reason and because we love the wines of Galicia, we decided to plant Albarino in our most treasured plot of dirt on our Tatachilla Road vineyard, which is situated 5km from the sea and maximises the influence of the climatic conditions in our area.
Albarino grapes develop thick skins contributing to their intense aroma of apples, peaches, pears and citrus. As a result we liken Albarino to a hybrid of Riesling and Pinot Grigio due to its gragrant aromatics and wonderful acidity.
We have left this wine as nature intended it, 100% natural fermentation, no additions and zero filtration so if diamonds appear in your don't be alarmed, they are harmless
Ken uses “we” because he and is “we”-counterparts actually make this wine

Logan Sauvignon Blanc 2008 (Div)

Vineyard: The grapes are grown at an elevation of greater than 900 metres on the slopes of Mount Canobolas.
Winemaking: Fermented over 18 days in stainless steel tanks. 5% of the wine was barrel fermented in large Hungarian oak barrels (500 L). The wine was lightly filtered before bottling.
Tasting notes: The Logan 2008 Sauvignon Blanc is pale gold in colour. It has a pungent aroma of passionfruit, guava and nettle. The palate zings with crunchy fresh flavours of pink grapefruit, green papaya and lime. The finish is long and crisp.

Chateau Reynella Shiraz Basket Pressed 2002 (Grant)

Reynella = start of sourthern oz red wine
http://www.atlasofwineries.com/wineries/chreynella.html
The Chateau Reynella Shiraz is typical of the full bodied style of Shiraz that can be made from McLaren Vale fruit. Parcels of fruit from select old vine vineyards were fermented in 7 ton open concrete fermenters and punched down by hand. The ferment was then basket pressed, ensuring the gentle extraction of only soft tannins and contributing to the rich, silky character of the wine. The wine was then transferred to oak barrels and was matured in American and French oak for a period of 18 months prior to bottling.

D’Arenberg Shiraz Viognier The Laughing Magpie 2007 (Big E)

The opaque purple-colored 2007 The Laughing Magpie Shiraz (90%)-Viognier (10%) offers up an expressive bouquet of smoke, mineral, violets, and wild blueberry
Scored between 91-93 points
Created by d’Arenberg is one of the most significant wineries in McLaren Vale. In 1912 Joseph Osborn, a teetotaller and director of Thomas Hardy and Sons, purchased the well established Milton Vineyards of 25 hectares in the hills just north of the townships of Gloucester and Bellevue, now known as McLaren Vale.

Hugh Hamilton The Mongrel Sangiovese Blend 2007 (Connie)

Hugh Hamilton is the fifthe generation fo the family who first planted vineyards at Glenelg in 1837 less than one year after European settlement in South Australia.
Sangiovese is the Italian variety native to Tuscany and Tempranillo the Spanish grape makes up 86% and 14% respectively
I got two free drinks for getting this for Connie…werd

Wolf Blass Yellow Label South Australia Riesling ???? (Cytena)

This Riesling is apart of the Yellow Label Range of single varietal wines sourced from premium vineyards throughout South Australia
It displays lifted floral and citrus aromatic characters
Wine is balanced with intense fruit flavours and a refreshing crisp finish
Screw caps are used to ensure freshness and preserve the characters of the wine. They’re also just cool.

And finally, King of the lab (for those Bones fans…a tv show) goes to the person that can answer this multiple choice question:

The region was named after

a) David McLaren
b) John McLaren
c) Chuck Norris…McLaren

Catch ya all at 3pm in Cascade (by the kitchen) for Clink time!

MC

TGI Wine Friday - 5/01/09

2009-05-18T18:54:00.010-04:00

The Wolftrap Syprah Mourvedre Viognier 2008 (Angie)
Syrah is a less common wine in S.A. spicy, aromatic blend. the name is a tribute to the pioneers who in the early days of the Cape erected a wolf trap at Boekenhoutskloof. To date, no wolf either real or mystical has been seen in the valley.

Beyond Byutebverwacgbtubgm Savingnon Blanc 2008 (Angie)
Byutebverwacgbtubgm which means "Beyond Expectaion" brings you a beyond mouth-watering full-bodied and fragrant wine.

Amanda BRAMPTON VIOGNIER 2007 (Amanda)
The aromatics are splendid: springtime perfumery, fresh ginger, peaches, apricots and honeysuckle. The palate is waxy and delicate yet with an underlying strength and focus. Aromas follow effortlessly onto the rich palate. Small parcels of judiciously chosen fruit were harvested by hand, chilled and then pressed to settling tanks thereafter transferred to barrel for natural, primary fermentation which was complete after 6-8 weeks. This wine was returned to barrel for a maturation period of 7 months. Racking, protein- and cold-stabilization took place after which the wine was bottled.

Southern Right Sauvignon Blanc 2008 (Amanda)
Made in a highly reductive way in order to maximize the fruit personality of the vintage, the 2008 shows more marked fruit aromatics than usual, while maintaining the typical Southern Right balance of Old World minerality and length with hints of New World palate coverage and body. 2008 is a wine that favours origin expressive individuality, minerality and palate complexity ahead of pure, pungent varietal aroma. A percentage of fruit from clay-rich soil has added an intense mid-palate structural component and addition overall complexity to this wine. "Gooseberry, pepper, fresh herbs and licorice on the nose and palate. Vibrant and varietally accurate; at once rich and gripping, with uncompromising dryness. Finishes brisk and perfumed, with lively hints of lemon peel and quinine. These vines are planted in a cool site barely two miles from the South Atlantic. Anthony Hamilton Russell is a co-founder here."
International Wine Cellar

Mulderbosch Sauvignon Blanc 2007 (Byron)
Winemaker, Mike Dobrovic is known as South Africa's Mr. Sauvignon Blanc, and for good reason. Pale straw with a green tinge. Packed with flinty gooseberry and a touch of citrus – yet maintaining its complex character of grassiness and nettle. This powerful and concentrated wine has become a trademark of Mulderbosch.Clear, lively green apple hues. A tropical nose packed with guava, ripe and green fig, granadilla, litchi, gooseberry and a hint of green pepper - yet still maintaining a complex character of nettle and freshly cut grass. The mouth-filling ripe fruit is supported by crisp acid.

Spier Private Collection 2006 Pinotage (Dave)
TASTING NOTES:
Dark ruby in colour, the wine shows rich black cherry aromas with vanilla undertones. Forward fruit shows on a full-bodied mid palate with a silky smooth texture and a juicy, lingering finish. VITICULTURE:
Trellised, 9 year-old vines planted on south-eastern slopes facing False Bay yielded the grapes for this wine. The vineyards received supplementary drip irrigation and yielded 7 tons per hectare. VINIFICATION:
Grapes from selected vineyard blocks were hand-harvested at optimum ripeness, meticulously sorted, gently crushed and cooled to 10-12°C. Three days of cold soaking preceded temperature-controlled fermentation; 15% of which occurred in open top oak fermenters. The wine matured in a combination of French- and American- oak; with individual barrels selected for blending. Fact 1 – Pinotage is the result of a cross between the Pinot Noir and Cinsault varieties of grape.
Fact 2 - Pinotage was created in South Africa in 1925, by Stellenbosch University Professor A.I. Peroldt.
Fact 3 – Spier is part of the Cheetah Conservatory and have ambassador cheetahs at their vineyard in Stellenbosch. For a donation you are allowed to go in and pet one. Attached is a picture of my wife and I petting Joseph.

***Bonus Wine***

"rich grape" 2007 Sebeka South Africa Cabernet-Pinotage (Dave)
2007 Sebeka South Africa Cabernet-Pinotage is a fruit-driven wine with subtle oak flavors of chocolate and mocha that features the blackberry, currant and herbal notes typical of Cabernet along with red fruit, acidity and smoky earth notes typical of Pinotage, South Africa’s signature varietal. In 1925, Stellenbosch University developed the Pinotage grape, a hybrid of Pinot Noir and Cinsault, as the grape most suitable for South African terroir. This well-balanced, crisp, and deep crimson wine won prestigious accolades in nine wine competitions held in 2008. It pairs well with a wide variety of rich foods, such as pasta, fire-grilled meats, and vegetables. Drink at time of purchase or age in the bottle for 2-3 years. The harmonious 2007 Sebeka South Africa Cabernet-Pinotage used grapes from South Africa’s finest vineyard districts located across the Western Cape. The most attractive Cabernet and Pinotage grapes were carefully hand picked and gently de-stemmed. To elicit a bright taste and retain bold fruit flavors, the grapes were then crushed, pressed and fermented separately in upright stainless steel tanks. The juice was allowed three days of fermentation on skins at 28°C to intensify color and flavor. After undergoing malolactic fermentation, the grape odor became richer, more vinous while achieving longer lingering notes, and a mellow, full-bodied, and buttery taste. The final wine is supported by good tannins and a velvety finish of toasted oak

TGI Wine Friday - 4/17/09

2009-05-18T18:46:00.002-04:00

In Argentina, wine production and consumption dates back from more than 400 years ago, when the first specimens of “vitis vinifera” were brought to America by the Spaniards, in the early 16th century. Catholic priests who came to America settled vineyards around their monasteries, so as to assure the wine to celebrate holy mass. Cabernet, Malbec, Pinot, Semillon, Merlot and Chardonnay discovered ideal weather conditions and prospered successful and rapidly, originating the first Argentinean fine wines. A proper temperature, long sun exposure sessions, low rainfall levels and humidity, and no strong winds together with exceptional soils, created the best ecological ambience for the production of top quality grapes.It is important to highlight that quality and an abundant grape production, within such a favorable ecosystem, make substantial corrections unnecessary, for which reason sugar addition to wines is legally forbidden in Argentina.

Cruz Alta President’s Reserve 2005
Facts:
1. Varietals: 85% Malbec, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Syrah
2. Aged 14 months in new barrels and was produced by Bedegas Escorihuela Gascon out of Mendoza, Argentina. Limited edition wine from the company president’s personal cellar.
3. Paula Witkowski signed the bottle…hmm, Witkowski doesn’t sound like an Argentinean name to me…calling fubar on that one.

Gascon 2008
http://www.wine.com/V6/Gascon-Malbec-2008/wine/97640/detail.aspx
Winemaker's notes:
Full-bodied wine with deep violet color, showcasing flavors and aromas of blackberry, blueberry, plum, dark cherry, and a hint of mocha. This wine is elegant and rich in texture, with soft and round tannins and a long velvety finish.

Alamos Torrontés
Info about the wine:
Torrontés has a unique expression in Argentina and has often been called the country's signature white varietal. Alamos Torrontés captures all of the explosive aromatic character of this Argentine grape, with lively notes of citrus and peach fruit interwoven with delicate layers of jasmine blossom and fresh herbs. The wine is light and fresh on the palate with excellent balance and finishing with bright, crisp acidity.

Pinot Gris Mendoza, Bodega Lurton 2008
1. Rare in Argentina, the Lurtons harvest this variety first each year to retain the delicate bouquet and the rich complex flavors of peaches, apricots and raisins.
2. J & F Lurton was set up in 1988 by twin brothers Jacques and François Lurton, sons of Bordeaux producer André Lurton. Their firm background in wine and the experience gained as international consultants has been brought to bear on a range of wines from around the world, which aim to keep up with current trends and offer value for money.
3. In 1997 the brothers bought 225 hectares of land in the Valle de Uco, Argentina, which has been turned into a 125 hectare vineyard and a substantial winery. In order to keep up with demand, they also control many neighboring vineyards in the same region of the Uco.

Rose of Malbec, Crios de Susana Balbo
1. This rose is produced by using the traditional "saignee" method, a bleeding of the lightly colored juice from the skins of the fermenting old vine Malbec grapes at just the right time to generate the brilliant red color.
2. Old vine Malbec grapes create a richer, spicier wine than most from around the world.
3. Can be paired with many different types of food.
4. Bottle says it is extremely lovable and fun to be around!

TGI Wine Friday - 4/3/09

2009-04-10T11:39:00.022-04:00

Whaddup everybody!

We’ve got happy hours galore today it seems with wonderful weather ( K ) …My poor miata felt like a submarine on the ride in but hey, things are clearing up which should make my smoke breaks much more enjoyable.

Now let’s get this party started shall we?

Nicole:
Brand: Santa Margherita
Type: Pinot Grigio
Other: Santa Margherita introduced Pinot Grigio to America nearly three decades ago.

JoAnne:
Mezzaluna Gavi 2006 (Cortese)

Is a brilliant pale yellow wine, rich in fruit notes, elegant , dry and soft. Its fragrant and crisp body is a perfect companion to shell-fish, salads oysters, pizza and poultry, excellent as aperitif.
Cortese is an Italian grape revered in the northern parts of the country, but seldom seen elsewhere. The best examples come from the DOCG of Gavi, in the region of Piemonte. Cortese di Gavis are light, crisp and have pleasant aromas of almonds, citrus fruits and freshly mown grass. It is also grown in the hills around Monferrato as well as in Lombardy where it is a part of the blend Oltrepo Pavese.

Sharmila:
Francis Coppola Diamond Collection Black Label Claret

Is smooth, perfectly blended, has a balanced and deep taste, and is consistent all the way through.
Like pretty much all Coppola wines, it does not require breathing time and can probably sit around a good few years in the cellar if you like too.The Claret is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot.
It won 2002 wine spec. award – 83 points

Erin:
2006 La Cattura Toscana

This wine is obtained from Teroldego and Syrah grapes from of the “Vigna Nuova” in Poggio al Casone.
The use of organic methods in the conduction of the vineyard and natural methods during vinification, makes “La Cattura” a fruity and fresh wine with a great intensity.
Balsamic and refreshing wine with clear herbaceous hints reminding green stem and grass; rose and green bell pepper, blackberry and red currant.

Maria:
2006 Toscolo Chianti

Toscolo is a word from Renaissance Italian meaning “Tuscan boy”
The Toscolo Chianti is the entry level of the three Tosculo Chiantis and is 100% Sangiovese.
Chianti’s are Angie’s favorite wines :) She suggests you can serve this with just about anything…even mac-e and cheese. Mmmm…

As always clink time is at 3! Don’t forget the company happy hour at 4 w/ the wonderful tunes of Kevin Moore. If there’s a dance off, I’m in this time!

Bada bing,

MC

TGI Wine Friday - 3/20/09

2009-04-10T11:35:00.005-04:00

This will be short and to the point. :)

(I need to pack up my cubicle, everything but the wine glasses of course!)

Here is our menu for today!

Eduard: Moldovan red wine bottled in 2007 called “Isabella”

Dessert wine, semi-sweet
Moldova, although geographically small, is one of the most important eastern European wine producing countries due to the favourable climate for viticulture, potential for wine quality and the versatility of the wine industry.
About eighty per cent of all the grape varieties planted in Moldova are of European origin and are mainly grown in the southern and central zones.

Tyler: Trapiche's Broquel 2006 Malbec

Website: Trapiche
Review
This is a delicious Malbec with intensity and kick, fruit and firm tannins. Malbec continues to be Argentina's signature grape and for good reason - it is rugged enough to handle a variety of meats, sausages and chipotle accents. The flavor profile consists of blackberry and some plum with a bit of smokiness and vanilla spice. The Trapiche Broquel Malbec is a fuller-bodied wine with good flavor and a decent finish. Should be a fairly versatile wine for summer grilling. Info on malbecs:

Ken: White- Pinot Grigio Fretelli D'Italie (wine name)

Vincis Vini (the guy that selected the wine)
Venzia Giulia- Indicazione Geografica Tipica "Our Vineyards are in the North East Of Italy, where vines were cultivated by Celts long before Romans.
The cool breezes from the Alps and the sea influence give to the wine complex elegant flavors and fresh and balanced tastes."

Manish: A surprise – one hint…it’s a white wine :)

Ok, as always clink time at 3pm at Cascade!

TGI Wine Friday - 3/06/09

2009-03-06T14:24:00.015-05:00

Caio tutti! Like how I threw a little Italian in there?…I’m international peeps ;) Wow so it feels like its been a hot minute since last corked club and like the title suggests, we have been going through changes. It seems like the vino drinkers have been coming out of the wood works and we’ve definitely been growing in size since our first meeting about a month or so ago. Heh…that’s the meeting where we realized that two bottles was perhaps too much for four people…but that was a fun realization ;) Trial and error ma friends!

Part of this trial and error was also to figure out a good reporting and record keeping platform for this group. We had originally gone with the google groups but that was turning into a project as it didn’t seem necessary since we had a work distro. So, we’re thinking of going with this:

http://corkedclub.blogspot.com/

The welcome page should have all of the info people need regarding the group (i.e. schedule, rules, info on Chuck Norris…I <3

And without further ado here is our menu for today!

Esra: 2006 Spanish Quarter Chardonnay Albarino

The wine is suggested as a summer drink. (well, it IS almost summer!)
Albarino, with an accept on the 'n' (pronounced Al-bah-reen-yo) was brought to Spain and Portgual by Cluny monks in the 12th century; it means "the white from the Rhine."
The blend with Chardonnay (60/40) is probably a response to the growing global wine market, and differs from what might have been a more traditional use of the grape. In its own right, it might be made into a lighter, sweeter wine intended for immediate consumption (which is still common in Portugal) and it may be carbonated. In this case, however, it is deliberately balanced as a stab at something more sophisticated for the export market. Nevertheless, it probably shouldn't be taken too seriously, but expected to be something wet and tasty, but with enough substance to avoid feeling young. (yes, I researched this; no, I never had this wine before, this is not my experience—I was just curious about it.)

Eliot: 2001 Glen Ellen Cabernet Sauvignon California

1) Cabernet Sauvignon has 140 calories per glass

2) For many years, the origin of Cabernet Sauvignon was not clearly understood and many myths and conjunctures surrounded it. The word "Sauvignon" is believed to be derived from the French sauvage meaning "wild" and to refer to the grape being a wild Vitis vinifera vine native to France.

3) As global warming has increased the number of warm vintage years, the possibility of creating varietal Cabernet in Bordeaux has also increased, making the decision to blend based more on ideology and tradition.

Karan: 2005 Villa Mt. Eden Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley Grand Reserve

1) Rating: 88 pts. Wine Spectator

2) Review: Supple and elegant, this is a touch earthy and savory, with spicy black cherry and wild berry fruit that's delicate and easy-drinking already.

3) Karan smokes Marlboro lights…and knows that when he comes to Cascade, to bring an extra one for Tuey…not me, I would NEVER smoke…

Lauren: 2007 Martin Codax Albarino Rias Baixas

1) Rias Baixas is where Spain's most respected white wines originate.

2) Martin Codax was a 13th Century Galician (language of the Western Ibero-Romance branch, spoken in Galicia, an autonomous community located in northwestern Spain) troubadour (was a composer and performer of Occitan lyric poetry during the High Middle Ages) whose romantic works are still sung and played in NW Spain. His music and poetry spoke to the inherent beauty of the Spanish countryside and coast.

3) Mineral, aromatic, floral, crisp, well-balanced, medium-body, acidic, citrus, pear, peach

Toby: 2007 Casillero del Diablo Merlot Chile

1) This was a donated bottle from the wonderful Toby :)

2) Toby’s name means “God is Good”. Mine means Master of Ceremonies. Not sure who wins…

3) Meh I’ll give it to Toby…he is pretty much way cooler than all of us! Thanks again Tobs!

Ok, as always clink time at 3pm at Cascade!

Make yourself a pleasant day and have a wonderful weekend!

Btw, someone left me a msg saying that and I just loved it! I wanted to say that all day lol

TGI Wine Friday - 2/13/09

2009-03-06T04:08:00.001-05:00

Happy Friday the 13^th everyone!

I was hoping the cop that stopped me this morning for a speeding ticket was going to say the same thing…he didn’t. I plan on running him over during lunch >:| Anyho, no reason to NOT enjoy wine so without further ado here is our menu:

Angie: Chianti Classico Riserva 2004

Three interesting facts about Chianti:

1) Tuscany in Italy is the only place in the world that grows Chianti grapes

2) Chianti is for drinking in winter because it is warming

3) the rooster on the label, as well as the "reserva" indicate it is a good wine ;)

Amanda: Cat Amongst the Pigeons Nine Lives 100% Barossa Valley Shiraz 2007

Three interesting facts about Shiraz:

Synonymous with Syrah. Called Syrah in its country of origin, France, as well as in Europe, Agentina, Chile, Uruguay , and most of the US. The name Shiraz because popular in Australia. Also called such in South Africa and Canada.
NOT the same as a Petite Sirah, which is a synonym for Durif.
Both came from out of the country via Hampden :)

Byron: TBD. He’s running out during lunch.

Three interesting facts about Byron:

He REALLY likes Britney Spears…his rendition of “Oops I did it again” is pretty spot on.
He secretly pockets money on his Thai Arroy runs…he got busted for that at his last job…it was a big stink
He’s got an awesome sense of humor :) Heh, ya know you’re the coolest Catholic school girl around!

Clink time at 3pm at Cascade J

TGI Wine Friday - 2/20/09

2009-03-06T04:02:00.006-05:00

TGI WineFriday!

Here is the run down for the week. Group No. 2 is sharing:

Eric: (Napa Valley) Charles Krug Merlot 2005

Three Interesting Facts:

Its from the oldest winery in Napa Valley
Scored 88 points
Best with a dish like Rosemary Chicken with Roasted Garlic Gravy

Connie: Boordy Vineyards, Icons of Maryland – Rockfish 2007

Consists of THREE other wine:

seyval blanc - 60%
chardonnay - 25%
vidal blanc - 15%

Cytena: 2005 Havens Merlot (Napa Valley)

Check out havenswine.com for the full write up!

Same place, same time. Cascade @ 3pm!!

- Tu Anh

Wine Making Class in Little Italy

2009-03-06T03:51:00.002-05:00

Introduction The Joy Of Wine-Making
Learn the techniques of creating a delicious homemade wine. SALUTE! Sat. March 21(1-3) pm. Fee $8.00 Instructors Sal Ranieri & Charlie Ferraro

Thanks Angie for the info :)

NYC Food Tasting Tours

2009-03-06T03:44:00.004-05:00

Info from a fellow member (Thanks Lauren!):

Hi Ladies and Gent,

This is the AWESOME food tasting tour I went on this weekend in NYC. It was 3 hrs in Greenwich Village, and it was WELL WORTH the $44/pp. I didn't think the Chicago one could be beat, but it was just as wonderful an experience (less exercise than Chicago, surprisingly, but bigger portions of food ;) Just wanted to share the link and my recommendation. There are different areas to choose from outside of the Greenwich one my mom and I did, but I def recommend Greenwich - we had scheduled an 11am tour; we left at 7am and found free parking on the street in Greenwich by 9:45am - AMAZING - I had no idea it was so easy to drive into the city! I guess it all depends on the time of day, but there was plenty of free street parking close by.

If you've never done a food tasting walking tour, it consists of one local, quirky tour guide and a small group of mostly couples of all ages visiting different local restaurants and shops. Not all stops will be tastings, but history, celebrity/movie/music trivia, and sharing of great info such as daily food specials in restaurants you walk by (after the tour we had a half dozen oysters and a glass of wine for $8 at this cute raw bar/cafe!). We also found out about all these places with prix menus ($30-$50 3-course dinners!). I had no idea there were such great/cheap deals in NYC!

Anyway, I highly recommend it, and plan to take the rest of the tours listed below this year. ;)

http://www.foodsofny.com/greenwichvillage.php

· Food and Culture Walking Tours

· Food Tasting Events

Sushi Tasting