You know you’ve experimented. It’s a way to discover what you like. And what you don’t. What makes you happy. What satisfies your soul. It’s how you know when you’ve found the one. The one that makes you say, “Sorry, I’m with Cabernet.” When you’ve met the love of your lie, is there really any reason to keep looking? (Back label of Monogamy Cabernet Sauvignon)

Monogamy or promiscuity…at some point we are all faced with the question of which way we should go. Now with wine the question comes up again.  Recently while shopping at my local market I came across an interesting bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon. Many of you know that I haven’t really been a big fan of Cabs but my heart is starting to soften for them as of late because I have been introduced to some really delicious ones Monogamy Cabernet Sauvignon, I must admit, has found it’s way into my heart and onto my wine rack.

The name was the first thing that caught my eye but I must admit it was the back label (seen above) that made me purchase this delightful vino. This wine is an arranged marriage of 88% Mendocino County Cabernet Sauvignon and 12% Merlot. Although the marriage is arranged the couple honeymoons last longer than most Hollywood marriages. You see French and American oak barrels are the honeymoon destination for this couple and it last for 14 months.

After honeymooning for over a year this couple produces a wonderfully smooth texture of plums and herbs. A warm toasty finish also awaits you. Truly, madly, deeply…whether you are a Cabernet lover or not you will fall in love with this wine and perhaps the idea of monogamy as well.

However, if you are content of not settling dow  maybe promisQous is more your speed. Although I have not yet tried any of these wines yet I am told that they are also extremely good. PromisQuous are red and white blends and at this time they offer  a Pinot Grigio, a white table wine (blend of Chardonnay, Chenin blanc, Gewurztraminer and other white varietals) and a red table wine (blend of Zinfandel, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah and a mixture of other red varietals).

If any of you have tried the promisQuous brand please comment here on the blog and let me know what you think. Also click on the Monogamy link in the first paragraph and take the quiz to see which wine will be suit your personality. Are you into monogamy or promiscuity?

Finally, below is a video from fellow wine blogger, The Wine Whore, with some comments on Monogamy. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on these wines as well.

Back in June I posted a piece on Orin Swift’s “Saldo”, one of the best Zinfandels I’ve ever tasted. Since then I have had the pleasure of being introduced to the winery’s flagship wine “The Prisoner” and I much say it also blew me away. This complex blend of Zinfandel (50%), Cabernet Sauvignon (24%), Syrah (14%), Petite Sirah (9%), Charbono (2%) and Grenache (1%) is incredibly decadent. With an intensely deep red color, this wine presents a bouquet of chocolate and dark berries. The aromatic smell is accompanied by the smooth but lush flavors of plums, blackberries, and chocolate with just a bit of spice on the end. This wine is a pleasure on the tongue and finishes very nicely.

Another cool thing about the wine is the image on the front label. The picture was inspired by a gift, an etching of a prisoner in chains, that was given to winemaker Dave Phinney by his mother and father (Orin & Swift). If you are a fan of Zinfandels or Cabernet Sauvignons I strongly suggest picking up a bottle of “The Prisoner”. It is a very elegant wine that would definitely impress your friends and family.

A bit of history…

• It is believed that grapes were first cultivated in the region between the Black and Caspian Seas (near northern Iran) as early as 6000 B.C.
• Grape seeds were found in Switzerland and Italy which dated 4000 B.C.
• The Phoenicians traders brought grapes to Egypt in 3000 B.C.
• Viticulture or the cultivation of grapes spread to Greece in 2000 B.C. and then on to Italy, Sicily and North Africal in 1000 B.C.

Variety of Grapes

Today…

There are hundreds of grape varieties produced worldwide today. Of these hundreds of varieties only a small portion of these are are used for wine production. Other varieties are based on table, juice and raisin production. Table grapes (those that we eat) differ from wine grapes in that they have a lower sugar content and are more flavorful. These grapes take about 8 to 10 weeks to mature and the majority of them don’t do well in wine production. The exception to that would be the Muscat grape which is a table grape as well as successful wine grape. Wine grapes tend to be more aromatic with a higher skin to pulp ratio than table grapes. They also have a higher sugar content which lends itself to greater triumph in the fermentation process.

White Wine Grapes

There are some classics when it comes to white wine grapes:

Chardonnay Grape

Chardonnay – This is probably the most famous of all white wine grapes. This fruit is originally from Burgundy. Its adaptability, however, makes it easy to grow in a variety of places including Mendoza, Napa Valley and the Barossa Valley. Winemakers enjoy working with this grape because it is so pliant. They can tailor it to the demands of the market.  Key flavors of this grape include butter, peachy, toasty, vanilla and walnut flavor. 

Sauvignon Blanc Grape

Sauvignon Blanc – This is one of the most distinctive white grapes because of its stimulating high acidity and its fresh, grassy aroma. This grape originated in the Loire Valley of France (around Sancerre and Pouilly-Fume). However, towards the latter part of the 1980′s, sauvignon blanc wines from Malborough, New Zealand started making a name for themselves. Sauvignon blanc from the Loire Valley often appears smoky in character but the Malborough sauvignon blancs are fruity, with incredible intensity and clarity. Key flavors of this grape include cut grass, flint, currant leaves or gooseberries.

Riesling Grape

Riesling – This grape originated in Germany but has since been successfully cultivated in Australia, New Zealand, California and Canada. Reislings are fruity and light. They range sweetness from bone-dry to extremely sweet. Their alcohol content also ranges from 8 percent or less in the Germany wines to about 14 percent in Australian wines. Key flavors included citrus (specifically lime), fresh apple, floral hints, honey and other fruits like apricot and peaches.

Other great white wine grapes that may not be as common to novice include:

Chenin Blanc Grape

Chenin Blanc – One of the least popular of the French varieties this grape, if not handled appropriately or if unripe, can produce some of the tartest and nastiest wine. However, when handled and used appropriately this grape can be used in a variety of styles including sweet, bone-dry and even sparkling wines. It originates from Anjou-Touraine in the Loire Valley. Key flavors include floral, straw and honey flavors.

Gewurztraminer Grape

Gewurztraminer – This grape has a unique pink color and produces a full-bodied, golden yellow wine with a slightly oily texture. It’s aroma is of unforgettable rose petals, lychee or ginger. This wine is usually very easy for a novice (after the initial experience) to recognize because of it’s dark color and powerful aroma. This grape is grown in Germany, Italy, Austria, Switzerland and Alsace. It can also be find in Washington state and Oregon as well as New Zealand. 

Pinot Gris/Grigio, Semillon, and Viognier are also white grapes that make some great wines and that a worth you looking further into. 

Red Wine Grapes

Some of the classics include:

Cabernet Sauvignon Grape

Cabernet Sauvignon – This is to red wine what chardonnay is to white. This grape originated in Bordeaux but has been planted and successfully cultivated in California, Chile, Australia, Argentina, South Africa, Vin de Pays d’Oc region (France), Tuscany and even Romania. These are just a few of the places this thick-skinned, dark blue grape can be found. This grape is very adaptable, however, it will not mature fully in climates that are really cold. It, also, will not flourish in extremely hot environments. Key flavors are chocolate, mint, and black currant. It also takes on the flavors of the oak barrel while it’s aging, producing additional flavors of vanilla and toast.

Pinot Noir Grape

Pinot Noir – This grape can either be the best thing that has happened to a winemaker or the worst. Pinot noir grapes are very finicky about their climate, soil and the way it is handled. However, if all conditions are optimal this grape can produce a wondeful wine that is low in tannins and acidity. The grape originates from Burgundy and is now being grown California, Oregon, New Zealand and Australia with very favorable outcome. Key flavors for pinot noir include roses, violets, raspberries, strawberries and truffles. This grape works well in French oak but not in American oak. 

Syrah/Shiraz Grape

Syrah/Shiraz – This grape is the king of producing deep, dark, full-bodied, spicy wines. It originates in the northern Rhone Valley, however, in Australia, huge plantings of shiraz are found. This grape produces some expensive, top-of-the line wines. However, in some places like Australia it is served as an everyday wine. Key flavors in northern Rhone tend to be of blackberries, black currants and raspberries). In Australia, the key flavors include an exotic spicy, chocolaty element. 

Merlot Grape

Merlot – This grape got a bad reputation in the movie “Sideways”. It’s unfortunate, too, because there are some very delicious merlots out there. It is similar to cabernet sauvignon but not as potent. It has a lusher, softer approach. It enjoys aging in oak and produces a plummy flavor. This grape has been widely planted in Bordeaux but does very well in a host of other places including St.-Emilion, Pomerol, Casablanca, Washington State and even California.

Other reds wine grapes you should seek out when making your wine selections include, mourvedre, sangiovese, petite sirah and my favorite zinfandel.

This listing is by no means all-inclusive. There are so many wine grape varieties out there. Next time you are out making your wine purchase try a different grape variety. You will broaden your tasting experience and you may just find a new wine jackpot. 

Until next time, drink responsibly.