The Cellar: First look at 2014 California

Steffen Rasch, GoLocalProv Wine Writer

The Cellar: First look at 2014 California

 

 

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Despite the continued influx of new and interesting wines from across the world, wines from California continue to dominate the domestic wine market with 60% of all wines sold in the US being from California. This week I have decided to head back to California to feature two readily available wines that for under $20 per bottle offer great value, as well as easy-drinking pleasure. Both of these wines are from the 2014 vintage which, with respect to grape growing, was near ideal; dry and warm with moderate precipitation at just the right times. 

Along with Pinot Grigio Chardonnay remains the most popular white wines on the market and California produces a lot of it. If you’re a Chardonnay lover you know that the grape expresses itself very differently depending on where it is grown and how the wine is treated inside the winery. This week’s featured Chardonnay is the 2014 Napa Valley Chardonnay from Franciscan Estate. In making their Chard the folks at Franciscan look for richness and opulence. To achieve this they barrel fermented the juice and allowed the wine to sit in the barrels after fermentation for 7 months with the occasional lees stirring to add richness. 

This wine also underwent a complete ‘malolactic fermentation’ which is a conversion of the acid structure. During this process the tart malic acids one would associate with a granny smith apple were converted into the much softer lactic acids that are found in milk. As one can imagine this procedure seriously changes the mouthfeel of the wine. And because 17% of the barrels the wine were aged in were new the wine also displays noticeable nuances of toasty oak to go along with the creamy mouthfeel. The fruit profile is ripe with notes of pear, vanilla and toasted caramel with a slightly tart apple lingering on the finish. 

This week’s other featured Californian wine is a Pinot Noir. As with Chardonnay, Pinot also has many faces depending on where it comes from and how it is made. The Californian expression has typically been more fruit-forward, a result of a warmer and longer season, with more obvious oak. Some producers are even adding Syrah, Malbec or Zinfandel to their Pinot. While this does add color and (some would say) complexity to the wine, most wine nerds aren’t fond of that sort of manipulation – especially not when the wine still says ‘Pinot Noir’ on the label. 

Thankfully Wild Horse Winery & Vineyards doesn’t blend anything into this delicious Pinot Noir which is made from 100% Central Coast fruit. During the open-top fermentation period winemakers punched down the tops twice daily to increase contact between the juice and skins (where all the color and flavor is). After settling, the wine was aged for 9 month in French oak barrels of which 20% were new. An interesting medley of dark and red fruit dominates the palate with hints of savory herbs and sweet oak and vanilla lingering in the background. The wine finishes with a nice and bright grip.

Cheers, 

Steffen Rasch is a Certified Sommelier and Specialist of Wine. Follow him on Twitter at @SteffenRasch 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.

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