Summer’s Here.. sort of

The weather this year has been so up and down, it’s tough to decipher what season it really is. Summer is about a week away now, and although we’ve had some really great summery days, the weather doesn’t seem ready for summer.

Here in New England, we’ve definitely had more cold, wet and rainy days than warm and sunny ones. But if you’re anything like me, once you’ve had one day to remind you of the wonderfulness that is summer, you embrace it. The grill is out, the comforters are put away, and the wine is chilled! So even though the weather’s not quite there yet, here’s a few wines that are guaranteed to get you pumped for summer!

The Whites:

Zum Martin Sepp
Region: Austria
Grape Varietal: Gruner Veltliner

Tasting Notes –

Fresh, bright, slightly vegetal scented wine with notes of flowers and white pepper accenting the green berry juicy fruits with a slightly sweet mouth-feel

Pairing –

Perfect for steamers!

Price: ~$15 for 1Liter bottle

Domaine Labbe Vin de Savoie ‘Abymes’
Region: Savoie, France
Grape Varietal: Jacquere

Tasting Notes –

Bright crisp acidity loaded with green apple and crisp mineral flavors. Mouthwatering acidity makes for a perfect wine for a hot summer day!

Pairing –

Shrimp or Lobster

Price: Under $30

Domaine Cherrier et Fils Sancerre
Region: Loire Valley, France
Grape Varietal: Sauvignon Blanc

Tasting Notes –

It’s tangy and crisp with grapefruit and lemon-lime citrus, with a wonderful minerality that is so indicative of this region. It’s not overtly fruity which makes it even more refreshing for a hot summer afternoon!

Pairing –

It’s wonderful on it’s own but also pairs great with spinach, goat cheese or a seafood ceviche!

Wine Spectator: 89pts

Price: Under $25

The Roses:

2010 Mulderbosch Rose
Region: Stellenbosch, South Africa
Grape Varietal: Cabernet Sauvignon

Tasting Notes –

It has the hearty fruit characteristics of a cabernet – dark berries and black pepper – while being light bodied and crisp. It has a bright acidity that makes it refreshing while holding some of those cabernet characteristics.

Pairing –

This makes it perfect for smokiness of bbq’d meats and vegetables, as well as being light enough to be paired with summer fruit or chicken salads!

Price: $12-16

Domaine Houchart Cotes de Provence Rose
Region: Provence, France
Grape Varietal: 35% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 20% Cinsault, 10% Cabernet, 5% Mourvèdre, & 5% others

Tasting Notes –

- Probably one of my favorite value Rose’s. It’s light, crisp, and perfect for sipping on the beach! It is bone dry, but has a sweet nose from the fresh cut strawberry flavors. It’s very acidic and wonderfully refreshing!

Pairing –

Perfect as an aperitif!

Price: $11

The Cocktail:

Sangria!

Sangria is the perfect red wine based summer drink. Use your favorite red wine, and make it a few days before your BBQ to let the flavors really melt together.  I prefer to use a lighter style red wine, like a pinot noir, but if you like heavy spices, a cabernet or shiraz is a great choice!

One bottle of Red Wine

2 Cups Orange juice

1 Cup Lemon Juice

2 Cups Brandy

Sugar to taste (I would use simple syrup so that it will mix in better. Equal parts sugar and water boiled together)

One lemon

One Lime

One Orange

Cherries, apple slices, strawberries, and any other fruit you may like

Serve straight or with club soda, or for an extra special cocktail, top it off with some Prosecco or cava!

A Weekend in Portland, OR

3 Days is not long enough to discover an entire city and the wine and beer it produces. But it’s a start.. We flew in on a Thursday night and spend the next few days on a whirlwind tour of the city. We went to numerous wineries as well as a few local breweries, saw a Portland Trailblazers game, and hiked up Multnomah Falls! I’ve posted some pictures of our trip below, but first tasting notes from our wine tour:

Cooper Mountain

We started out our wine tour with Cooper Mountain Winery in Beaverton, OR. Cooper Mountain is both organic and biodynamic certified and has some great wines! They offer five wines for tasting as well as a bonus “sweetie”.

2008 Pinot Gris –

Ripe and lively. Bright and vibrant flavors of stone fruit, white peach, cool honey dew melon and a soft minerality.

Pairing: Clams or mussels in white wine sauce.

Price: $13 at the winery

2009 Chardonnay –

Softly smoky and flinty, opening up to notes of apple skin and baked pear with a touch of mint. Clean, crisp and elegant.

Pairing: Grilled swordfish.

Price: $15 at the winery

2008 Reserve Pinot Noir –

A soft nose with strawberries and blueberries. The palate carries darker fruits as well as pine and forest floor. Fine tannins and refreshing acidity round out the finish. Classic Oregon Pinot Noir.

Pairing: Chicken in a red wine reduction, tuna with rosemary.

Price: $24 at the winery

2008 “Mountain Terroir” Pinot Noir –

Bright flavors of Bing cherry, forest berries, earth, mushroom, spice, and tar on this Burgundian style Pinot. Beautifully balanced acids and soft tannins round out the soft finish. Clearly from the highly regarded 2008 vintage.

Pairing: Prime rib, Panko-crusted salmon

Price: $45 at the winery

2007 Malbec-

A joint effort between Cooper Mountain Winemaker, Gilles de Domingo and Koch Winery in Mendoza, Argentina. Pronounced plum, dark cherry, dark berries and loads of chocolate with ample tannins rounding out the finish.

Pairing: Beef stew, venison.

Price: $20 at the winery

2008 Pinot Blanc-

Medium bodied, softly sweet with a balanced acidity.

Pairing: Fresh fruit, shortcake.

Price: $20 at the winery

Adelsheim Vineyards

The second stop on our tour was Adelsheim Vineyards in the Dundee Hills of Newberg, OR. We were the only people in the tasting room, and the attendant was extremely informative and helpful. She gave us recommendations as to where else to stop, and even made calls to ensure tasting rooms would be open for us. She waived the tasting fee and even gave us an industry discount on the bottles we purchased. This was definitely one of my favorite stops on the trip.

2008 Stoller Vineyard Chardonnay –

Complex, yet balanced flavors of figs, Asian pears and apricots. The rich texture holds enough acidity to keep this wine from feeling heavy.

Pairing: Poached salmon, lobster and smoked meats.

Price: $45 at the winery

2008 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir –

Cherry and raspberry flavors with nutmeg, cinnamon and elegant, polished tannins on the finish.

Pairing: Salmon or duck

Price: $32 at the winery

2008 Elizabeth’s Reserve Pinot Noir –

The reserve bottling is a blend of single vineyards Pinot Noirs. Flavors of ripe currants, red and black cherries, strawberries, brown spice, and a hint of dried herbs. Firm tannins round out the persistent finish.

Pairing: Lamb, duck or grilled salmon

Price: $52 at the winery

2008 Ribbon Springs Pinot Noir –

Intense red cherry with rose petal essence and plum overtones. Flavors and aromas of raspberries, strawberries, red currants and spice lead to firm acidity with dark chocolate and a plush, velvety texture.

Pairing: Grilled salmon

Price: $68 at the winery

2008 Willamette Valley Syrah –

Classic Northern Rhone characteristics of plum and white pepper with good structure and acidity. Flavors of blackberry, blueberry, red currant and black pepper with rich, luscious tannins.

Pairing: Pepper-crusted steak

Price: $45 at the winery

Bergstrom Wines

Bergstrom Wines is about a quarter mile up the road from Adelsheim and also has a selection of primarily Pinot Noirs. Stopping at Bergstrom was a last minute decision, it came from a recommendation from the tasting room manager at Adelsheim.

2009 Hyland Vineyard Gewurztraminer –

Varietal aromas of roses, potpourri and gingerbread spice-cake. This is a full-bodied white wine with a generous flavors of melon, stone fruit and flowers. There is a touch of sweetness on the palate, but a dry finish.

Pairing: Indian cuisine, sausage.

Price: $28 at the winery

2009 Sigrid Chardonnay –

Serious and complex aromas of hazelnuts, white peach, pear, vanilla and citrus. Medium bodied with intense flavors of lemon, apple, pear and wet stone with and elegant oak finish.

Pairing: Oysters, mussels, crab or lobster.

Price: $78 at the winery

2008 Cumberland Reserve Pinot Noir –

Cumberland Reserve is a blend of Bergstrom’s top barrels that express Oregon’s diverse terroirs from a given vintage. This rare 2008 vintage is one of the greatest Cumberland Reserve wines. This wine is rich with cherry and blackberry flavors with baking spices, mouthwatering acidity and ripe tannins.

Pairing: Baked salmon

Price: $38 at the winery

2009 Shea Vineyard Pinot Noir –

Big ripe dark fruits of blackberry and cherry intermingled with tar, dark roasted coffee, tobacco, sweet spices and earth with luscious oak and silky tannins.

Pairing: Brown sugar glazed salmon.

Price: $48 at the winery

2008 Bergstrom Vineyard Pinot Noir –

Red fruit and floral aromas, earthy minerality and a silky tannic structure. Certified Biodynamic

Pairing: Lamb, duck confit.

Price: $78 at the winery

Sokol Blosser

Sokol Blosser was our No. 1 stop on our trip. It’s one of mine and my fathers favorite wineries. When I mentioned Sokol Blosser as our next stop to the tasting room attendant at Bergstrom, he gave me the name of a friend of his at Sokol Blosser to ask for. When we got there, the gentlemen was there, and also happened to be from Hawaii. They offer a 6 flight tasting. I believe by the time we left he had poured us close to 10 different wines.

2009 Willamette Valley Pinot Gris –

This wine shows plenty of mineral, stone, earth, and spice aromas with flavors of apricot, apple, and fig with a long luscious finish.

Pairing: Goat cheese ravioli

Price: $18 at the winery

Evolution –

Intense fruit up front and a crisp, clean finish. This unique white is truly a parade of flavors across the palate.

Pairing: Fresh salads and spicy Thai

Price: $15 at the winery

Meditrina –

A blend of Syrah, Zinfandel and Pinot Noir, this wine carries a rich, lush berry core, with flowers, earth and elegance. The finish is luscious and juicy with spice, tannin and structure.

Pairing: Pizza.

Price: $15 at the winery

2007 Dundee Hills Pinot Noir –

An elegant, complex wine with layers of mineral, red currant, raspberry, and forest-floor with toasty oak and dusty tannins on the finish.

Pairing: Chicken with a mushroom cream sauce.

Price: $45 at the winery

2008 Dundee Hills Pinot Noir –

Bright and youthful with deeply concentrated ripe fruit and dark cherries, violets and baking spice.

Pairing: Chicken with a mushroom cream sauce.

Price: $38 at the winery

2008 Estate Cuvee Pinot Noir –

A reserve level Pinot with a rich, full structure. Perfumed nose of violet and cassis lead to flavors of dark brambly fruit, spearmint and white pepper.

Pairing: Lamb chops

Price: $50 at the winery

2006 Big Tree Block Pinot Noir –

Licorice and mocha overtones with a dark, rich fruit concentration. Burgundian in style, with dark fruits and earthy notes with dusty tannins on the finish.

Pairing: Seared salmon

Price: $70 at the winery

2008 Big Tree Block Pinot Noir –

Subtle licorice, mocha and earth notes and a tightly knit texture.

Pairing: Grilled meats and mushroom dishes.

Price: $60 at the winery

2007 Goospen Block Pinot Noir –

Flavors and aromas are of black cherry, cola, chocolate, and spice.

Pairing: Pork tenderloin.

Price: $70 at the winery

2008 Goosepen Block Pinot Noir –

Black cherry, spice, and chocolate aromas and flavors with a long, complex finish.

Pairing: Lamb, pork tenderloin.

Price: $70 at the winery

2009 White Riesling Dessert –

Deep gold in color, this luscious dessert wine combines notes of hazelnut, floral, vanilla and pure honey aromas and flavors with a silky texture and bright acidity that creates a fresh, balanced sweetness.

Pairing: Vanilla ice cream, fresh fruit.

Price: $40 at the winery

Argyle

 

Our fifth and final winery of the day was Argyle. I’ve had some Argyle wines before so we almost skipped it, but I’m glad we stopped! I’ve never had Argyle sparkling wines, and they were fantastic!

2009 Willamette Valley Pinot Noir –

Exuding flavors of candied cranberry, cherry and allspice with a soft oak finish.

Pairing: Lamb chops

Price: $25 at the winery

2007 Cowhouse Pinot Noir –

Sweet, sensuous and super ripe fruits such as cherries and raspberries. Well balanced with firm tannins and powerful structure.

Pairing: Goat cheese ravioli

Price: $50 at the winery

2007 Nuthouse Pinot Noir –

Big, bold in style with ripe strawberries, cherries and cinnamon flavors.

Pairing: Prime rib

Price: $50 at the winery

2007 Brut  –

Crisp and clean with citrus fruit flavors. Soft, creamy textured bubbles. 63% Chardonnay, 37% Pinot Noir

Pairing: Marcona almonds

Price: $27 at the winery

2006 Blanc de Blancs –

Flavors of pear and white peach. 100% Dijon Chardonnay

Pairing: Dungeness Crab

Price: $50 at the winery

2006 Knudsen Vineyard Brut –

Incredibly rich and creamy texture with soft fruit flavors of apples and pears. 80% Pinot Noir, 20% Chardonnay

Pairing: Biscotti

Price: $50 at the winery

2007 Black Brut –

A sparkling red wine with flavors of black cherry and rose petal.

Pairing: Black forest cake

Price: $30 at the winery

 

 

Bridgeport Brewery Sampler

Sampler at Rogue

View of Portland from the Rose Garden

Multnomah Falls

 

 

Castello di Monsanto Chianti Classico Riserva

2008 Castello di Monsanto Chianti Classico Riserva
Region: Tuscany, Italy
Grape Varietal: Sangiovese

Tasting Notes –

Black cherry, black currants and sweet spices with a soft smokey note. Intense tannins are balanced by bright acidity.

Pairing –

Tomato based dishes.

Wine Advocate’s Robert Parker: 87pts

Price: Under $30

Jermann Vinnae

2009 Jermann Vinnae
Region: Friuli, Italy
Grape Varietal: Ribolla Gialla, Friulano and Riesling

Tasting Notes –

Fresh and lively and perfumey. Bright and crispy fruit flavors of apple and tangerine with mineral notes on the well balanced finish.

Pairing –

Caprese salad

Price: Under $30

Inama Soave Classico

2008 Inama Soave Classico
Region: Soave, Veneto, Italy
Grape Varietal: Garganega

Tasting Notes –

Delicate but richly textured with baked apple, peach, pear & mineral flavors. Soft acidity on this medium bodied wine.

Pairing –

Gnocchi or pasta in a cream sauce

Wine Advocate’s Robert Parker: 89pts

Price: Under $15

Chateau Thomas Laurent

2005 Chateau Thomas Laurent
Region: Bordeaux, France
Grape Varietal: 60% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon
Price: $15

Tasting Notes –

An excellent vintage! Big fruity, leathery, plummy flavors. A little tight but opens up after time. Soft tannins on the well balanced finish.

Pairing –

Beef stroganoff

Chateau Recougne

2006 Chateau Recougne
Region: Bordeaux, France
Grape Varietal: 75% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Sauvignon 10% Cabernet Franc

Tasting Notes –

Dark berry, mushroom, and earth flavors. Black currant and cloves with smooth tannins on the dry finish. Has a definite ability to age.

Pairing –

Hearty steak dishes.

Chateau Magneau

2009 Chateau Magneau
Region: Graves, Bordeaux, France
Grape Varietal: 45%SB, 45% Semillon, 10% Muscadelle

Tasting Notes –

Citrus fruit flavors of lemons and limes, grapefruit and pears. Floral with mineral and vegetal grassy notes. Hint of sweetness from the sweet fruit flavors.

Pairing –

Salads or lemon roasted chicken.

Chateau Bonnet

2008 Chateau Bonnet
Region: Entre-Deux-Mers, Bordeaux, France
Grape Varietal: 50%SB, 40%Semillon 10% Muscadelle

Tasting Notes –

Bright acidity with fresh flavors of peach, green apple, white flowers, and lemon. Fresh and refreshing with light mineral notes on the lingering finish.

Pairing –

Salad and lemon roasted chicken

Jean Marc Burgaud Morgon Cote du Py

2008 Jean Marc Burgaud Morgon Cote du Py
Region: Beaujolais, France
Grape Varietal: Gamay

Tasting Notes –

Fresh flavors of ripe cherries, pomegranate, mint with a light mineral note. Slightly tart and bitter fruit flavors are balanced by citrus acidity. A soft peppery finish.

Pairing –

Roasted turkey or chicken