The Cellar: Look Beyond the Label
Steffen Rasch, GoLocalProv Wine Writer
The Cellar: Look Beyond the Label
While the label rarely tells you what is inside a bottle of white Bordeaux the regional rules dictate that only certain grapes are allowed. The most commonly utilized grapes are Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon, so chances are that the wine is a blend of these two grapes - perhaps with a splash of Muscadelle. If the label reads simply ‘Bordeaux’ and no other sub-region is indicated on the bottle it usually means that the wine is made from grapes sourced from throughout the region. These wines are often the best values.
This week’s featured example is such a wine; the 2013 Bordeaux Blanc from Domaines Barons de Rothchild. Priced at around $15 this 55% Sémillon / 45% Sauvignon blend is everything you’ll want from a hot summer day sipper. It has that great high-acid Sauvignon Blanc grapefruit flavor, but the wine is restrained by the mellow Sémillon which adds stone fruit flavors and a healthy dose of minerality. The wine has a long finish and a great mouth puckering texture. All in all, a great blend and a fantastic value for $15ish.
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The wine is a homage to proprietor Anne-Marie Liegeois Hedges who in 1976 said goodbye to her life in Champagne, France and left for the United States with her new husband Tom Hedges. This wine is dedicated to her grand-father Marcel Dupont, Chevalier du Tastevin and bon-vivant, lover of good food and great wines.
Normally a limited production, single vineyard wine such as this would cost a pretty penny. However, in this case the suggested retail price of $26.99 makes it a real steal. Because this wine is seriously delicious! While still very young, the wine currently comes across as a savory blend of old world and new world Syrah. This is far from an ‘Australian Shiraz fruit bomb’. The flavors are tempered and balanced - rustic and earthy which makes me think of a Northern Rhone Syrah. Yet, the wine’s texture is on the softer side with hints of oak on the finish – arguably a result of the 14 months in 30% new oak. If you’re looking to taste something beyond Australian Shiraz, look for this outstanding wine.
Cheers,
Steffen Rasch is a Certified Sommelier and Specialist of Wine. Feel free to email him at [email protected] with any wine-related questions.
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.
