The Cellar: Blending Away
Steffen Rasch, GoLocalProv Wine Writer
The Cellar: Blending Away
This week's first featured wine is a red Bordeaux styled blend from South Africa. The $22 ‘Brew Master' is one of the wines from Nederburg's 'Heritage Heroes' collection; a limited-edition series of wine that celebrates the story of Nederburg’s Estate's heroes. The Brewmaster refers to Johann Graue who acquired the land in Western Cape, South Africa, in 1937.
The 2011 Brew Master is a ‘true’ Bordeaux blend made of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. The hand-harvested grapes, which were sourced from various plots in Darling and Paarl, were vinified separately. After sorting, the fruit was fermented on the skins in a combination of open wooden fermenters and stainless steel tanks. After fermentation was juice was allowed extended skin contact before it was pressed off and transferred to French oak barrels to mature for 18 months. The resulting wine is fruit-forward, succulent and delicious. I particularly appreciate the Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, which adds texture and savory notes of dried herbs and smoked meat. Good stuff!
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As with most well-made blended wines the climatic conditions of the season dictates the exact proportions of the final blend. In 2012 conditions were phenomenal resulting in a delicious wine made from 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc, 16% Merlot and 14% Syrah. After blending the wine was aged for 23 months in 50% new oak barrels. This is a massive wine, filled to the brim with ripe fruit flavor and loads of texture. The fruit is dark, deep and rich with notes of blackberries, dark plumbs and cedar. I enjoy the slightly drying tannic grip on this wine – it shows character. Once again the Cabernet Franc plays a crucial role in that it adds an element of savory herbaceousness balancing the otherwise very fruit-forward wine.
Cheers,
Steffen Rasch is a Certified Sommelier and Specialist of Wine. Follow him on Twitter or learn about wine in person by signing up for one of his tastings at the Providence Wine Academy.
10 New England Wine Getaways
Newport Vineyards
Newport Vineyards is the perfect Rhode Island destination for wine lovers year round. Visit the winery this weekend for tastings and tours, featuring an array of award winning wines.
909 E Main Road, Middletown, RI. (401) 848-5161.
Carolyn's Sakonnet Vineya
Carolyn’s Sakonnet Vineyards in Little Compton is much more than just a winery—it is a place to get away from the stresses of life and indulge your senses, a place to try new things, a place to focus on you. The vineyard is open every day, and invites you to come for a tasting and tour. Try their Petite Red, Vidal Blanc, and many more of their distinctive wines.
162 W Main Road, Little Compton, RI. (401) 635-8486.
Greenvale Vineyards
Visit Greenvale Vineyards in Portsmouth to sample their estate grown and produced wine, made in small batches. While at the estate, try seven different wines and keep the wine glass for only $12. While you are tasting, take in the gorgeous views of both the vineyard and river. Besides tasting the wines, Greenvale also invites customers to tour the winery and learn about the history and process of winemaking at the vineyard.
582 Wapping Road, Portsmouth, RI. (401) 847-3777.
Maugle Sierra Vineyards
For a trip to a vineyard that includes much more than just wine, hop over the border to Ledyard, CT, to check out Maugle Sierra Vineyards. The vineyard hosts live music on Fridays and Sundays to compliment your wine tasting experience. Pack a dinner or light fare and enjoy a tasting session in the Sierra Room while you take in the sunset.
825 Colonel Ledyard Highway, Ledyard, CT. (860) 464-2987.
Nickle Creek Vineyards
Nickle Creek Vineyard is a family owned and operated Rhode Island wine treasure. The winery, located in Foster, makes it their mission to handcraft the most unique, high quality wines in the business. All wines are created in small batches, giving them a distinctly unique taste. This weekend, visit their tasting room to try their variety of wines. On your way out, be sure to pick up a bottle of Foster Nights to get you through those chilly New England evenings.
12 King Road, Foster, RI. (401) 369-3694.
Nashoba Valley Winery
Take the bite off the winter chill this weekend and take a drive to Nashoba Valley Winery in Bolton. The winery hosts tasting events everyday from 10am-4:30pm For $5, receive a free tasting glass and samples of up to five different wines. Some favorites include Strawberry Rhubarb Wine, Holiday Special Cranberry Apple (a new release in November 2013), and New English Cider. If you are in the mood for something other than wine (if that’s possible), check out their beer selection as well!
100 Wattaquadock Hill Road, Bolton, MA. (978) 779-5521.
Bishop’s Orchards Winery
The wines from Bishop’s Orchards Winery and Farm Market in Guilford, CT, have won over 179 medals since the winery opened in 2005. The tasting room at Bishop’s is open seven days a week year round, so no time is off-limits for wine tasting. Head over on the weekend to enjoy a winery tour pre or post tasting session. While visiting the winery, also be sure to check out the market for fresh baked goodies.
1355 Boston Post Road, Guilford, CT. (203) 453-2338.
Diamond Hill Vineyards
For a cool twist on classic wine labels, look no further than Diamond Hill Vineyard in Cumberland. At Diamond Hill, you can get custom designed wine labels perfect for any occasion. If you’re interested in tasting the wines, visit their elegant tasting room for samples of their high quality wines such as Cranberry Apple, Estate Pinot Noir, or Blackberry.
3145 Diamond Hill Road, Cumberland, RI. (401) 333-2751.
Westport Rivers
Westport Rivers Vineyard & Winery
Tucked away on the southern coast of Massachusetts, Westport Rivers Vineyard & Winery, located about an hour’s drive from Worcester, is worth the trip. For only $10, you can take home a special edition etched wine glass and enjoy a tasting of up to six of their award-winning wines. While the tasting room is open Monday-Saturday, free winery tours are also offered to the public every Saturday from 1-3pm.
417 Hixbridge Rd, Westport, MA. (508) 636-3423.
Travessia Winery
Found on the southern Massachusetts coast about 30 minutes outside of Providence, is Travessia Winery in New Bedford. This micro-winery puts a twist on traditional wine culture with its cool urban flair. Travessia is open for sales and tastings Wednesday-Sunday, and invites customers to come in and enjoy their unique variety of wines.
760 Purchase Street, New Bedford, MA. (774) 929-6534.
