En Primeur or wine futures: Purchasing wine before it is bottled.

Wine futures…no it is not a movie about purchasing wine in the space age, but instead it is a potential investment opportunity for the avid wine speculator.  En Primeur also known as “wine futures” is actually the act of purchasing wine that has been made but not yet bottled. Although this is occurring in many regions today, including California and Italy, en primeur is a specialty of Bordeaux (region in France). Each April, Bordeaux hosts tastings for investors, merchants, collectors, etc. who are interested in purchasing wines en primeur.

Like any investment there are some pros and cons with purchasing wines en primeur.

Pros:

• Consumers can secure wines that may have very limited quantities and may be difficult to obtained after they are released.
• Purchasing a wine en primeur or as wine futures will be cheaper than purchasing once it is released to the public.
• There is opportunity to gain wines from great vintages like Bordeaux 2000.
• Wines can be obtained in less common formats like halves, magnums, and so on.

Cons:

• Payment is required at least a year to 18 months prior to the official release of the vintage.
• What you taste and pay for could be totally different from what you actually received once the bottled version has been released.
• You have to wait at least two years to receive your wine.
• You could be required to carry insurance and pay storage fees if you aren’t keeping the wine on your on property.

Before you set out to invest in wine via the en primeur or wine futures route do your research. As with any investment it can be a gamble (no pun intended) and you surely want to be well versed. Choose a reputable merchant to work with. Other helpful tips regarding en primeur or wine futures can be found at decanter.com. Check them out and happy drinking!

Rideau 2006 Chateau Duplantier Cuvee

As I am writing this I am finishing a delicious glass of one of Rideau’s finest wines…2006 Chateau Duplantier Cuvee. I am almost speechless when it comes to this wine because it is like drinking a glass of liquid heaven. It is not only exquisite but sexy as well. Lets start with the sexy name…Duplantier, which is the owner’s (Iris Rideau) maiden name. The name immediately transports you to the romantic countryside of France.

Next is the aromatic fragrance of warm spice that lingers in this California Rhone-style wine. It wafts over your nose causing your salivary glands to go into overdrive.  Finally after taking your first sip of this elixir, you will be delighted to taste the soft, dark cherries and ripe raspberry flavors that take control of your tongue while the smooth velvety texture caresses the back of your throat. The finish on this wine is one of pure silk. A blend of Syrah, Mourvedre, Grenache & Petite Sirah, this wine is elegant enough to be served at the grandest of functions.

The unfortunate thing about this wine is that you can only get it from the Rideau Vineyards in Solvang, CA. However, you can visit their website and order it online. The cost of this wine is about $50.00 a bottle but is worth every penny. If you are in California and feel like taking a drive you should definitely stop by and visit the Rideau Vineyards. The landscape is lush and the ambience reminds you of the jazzy New Orleans French Quarter. Besides delicious wines you can also indulge in the fantastic gourmet cuisine while listening to great live music.

To get a peek at the gem that is Rideau please check out the video below:

All over the world different versions of sparkling wines are produced. Some are of extremely good quality and some are cheap imitations made from inferior grapes. These are the ones that usually give drinkers headaches, causing them to think they really don’t like champagne. True champagne and good quality sparkling wines don’t usually have this type of an affect. The two primary grapes used to make sparkling wines in France and in most of the New World are chardonnay and pinot noir. Again, the traditional process called Methode Champenoise makes true French Champagne. This process requires that grapes be harvested at low sugar content levels. This is done for two reasons: (1) to obtain a lower alcohol level during fermentation of the base wine because a second fermentation process (which creates a natural carbonation) will also occur creating more alcohol and (2) to obtain a higher acidity level & lower pH causing the wine to have greater longevity as well as a crispness.

Foam on Champagne is called "Mousse"

Now I know that some of you are saying well there are some sparkling wines made in the United States that have the name “champagne” on the label. That is correct but there is a good explanation for this and quite an interesting story. In 1919, the Treaty of Versailles was signed to end World War 1. Included in the treaty were limits on the use of the word “champagne”. However, during this time the U.S. was in the middle of the prohibition so they didn’t ratify or sign the treaty. This caused a gap and many producers decided to call their sparkling wine “champagne” even though the French frowned it upon.

In 2006, though, the U.S. and the European Union signed a wine trade agreement. During this time the issue about champagne resurfaced. The U.S. finally agreed to not allow any new producers of sparkling wine called their product “champagne”. Producers were also not allowed to use other names like Burgundy, Chablis, Port and Chianti. However, if you had used these names prior to the 2006 agreement, you could continue using them on your label. That is why today we still see this on some wine labels.

We have also seen French winemakers seek out opportunities and expansion in the New World. A very well known champagne producer, Moët & Chandon of Champagne, France stumbled upon and purchased an Abbey where a French monk had made a discovery of a sparkling wine. The monk researched the process of how this wine was made and ultimately made some significant contributions which are still used today. This monk was none other than Dom Pérignon for whom one of the best brands of champagne is named. Moët & Chandon expanded to the U.S. in 1973 and eventually created Domaine Chandon in Yountville, California. Domaine Chandon is the producer of great sparkling wines.

Sparkling wines can also be found in other countries. Below are a list of countries and the names their sparkling wines are known as:

• Italy – Spumante
• Spain – Cava
• South Africa – Cap Classique
• Germany – Sekt

Some popular brands of champagnes and sparkling wines include:

Champagnes

• Dom Pérignon
• Louis Roederer Cristal
• Moët & Chandon – White Star
• Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label
• Pol Roger White Foil
• Bollinger’s Special Cuvée

Sparkling Wines

• Montana Chardonnay Pinot Noir Brut Cuvée
• Roederer Estate Quartet Brut
• Castillo Perelada Brut Reserva
• Presecco Veneto Extra Dry
• Domaine Chandon Brut Classic
• Domaine Chandon Reserve Pinot Noir

No matter what the name sparkling wines are fun and exciting to drink. They continue to make any occasion festive and joyous. So for your next party or special event go out and pick up a bottle of champagne, sparkling wine or just plain old bubbly.

Map of the Champagne-Ardenne Region of France

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.

Recently I had the pleasure of making the acquaintance of Coppola’s Diamond Collection Celestial Blue Label Malbec. I really didn’t know what to expect initially. I must admit upon first taste I wasn’t really impressed. A little surprised (because the Zin was so tasty), I decided to give it another try. I then started to appreciate the fruity aroma which also possess a hint of minerals. The taste of very dark fruit became more pronounced as the wine aerated. I served this wine with a nicely seasoned salmon dinner and the flavors complimented each other quite nicely.

The malbec grape is a native of Cahors which is in southwest France. However, it has been produced quite abundantly in Argentina and on a smaller scale in Chile. You will find this grape spicy, as well as fruity. The flavors of blackberries and mulberries are very prevalent. This grape is often blended to make delicious wines like the California meritage. In New Zealand malbec is now being blended successfully with merlot given it a nice full flavor.

There are moderate tannins in Coppola’s Malbec so you would think the “pucker effect” would be quite great. However, to my surprise this wine finished very, very smoothly. To learn more about Coppola’s wine please check out the site here.

As always, drink responsibility. Cheers!!!

This evening my husband and I attended the Louis/Dressner Portfolio Wine Tasting held at the Woodland Hills Wine Company in Woodland Hills, California. This was a unique event for the WHWC. It was a casual walk-around tasting where you met some of the finest winemakers from Europe. Included below are the producers who attended:

Francois Pinon – Vouvray

Luneau-Papin – Muscadet

Franck Peillot – Bugey

Terres Dorees – Beaujolais

Domaine Louis-Claude Desvignes – Beaujolais

Domaine Marechal – Burgundy

Azienda Agricola Montesecondo – Toscana

Campi di Fonterenza – Montalcino

Occhipinti – Sicilia

Eric Texier – Rhone

Vittorio Bera & Figli – Piedmonte

Chinati Vergano – Piedmonte

Each winemaker poured two or three of their wines for tasting. There were several good wines among these and a few not so great wines. Three wines that stood out for my husband and me this evening. The winner for me was the Campi di Fonterenza – Montalcino 2006 Sangiovese IGT. For those of you unfamiliar with the Sangiovese, it is a red grape grown primarily in Tuscany, Italy. It is Italy’s most planted variety and creates the framework for many Italian wines including Chianti and Carmignano. Of all the wines I tasted this had the most elegant flavor. It is age for six months in a stainless steel tank and then for six months in Slovenian oak barrels. The fruits of this wine come alive as you inhale its aromatic bouquet. This wine is medium-bodied but has a rich flavor unlike many European wines. It retails for about $30.00.

My husband’s pick of the evening was the Chianti Classico by Azienda Agricola Montesecondo – Toscana. This was somewhat shocking to me because this is a quite a robust wine and my husband tends to like a sweeter flavor. I thoroughly enjoyed this wine and we both agreed that it would serve well with a nice pasta dinner. It had a very rich flavor but was smooth at the end. This is definitely one for the wine cellar. Retailing for about $28.00, it is definitely a good buy.

Our final pick was quite surprising for me because I am not a lover of sweet tasting wines. However, we both found the Moscato d’Asti by Vittorio Bera & Figli – Piedmonte quite refreshing. Today was an unusually hot day in the area we live in so this chilled and moderately sweet wine really hit the spot. The hint of orange and melon provided you with a sense of relief from the 100-degree temperature. Its crispness almost made you feel as if you were not drinking wine but instead a sparkling ade.

Overall this was quite an interesting tasting. I have tried French wines on several occasions but never really find one that excites my palate. French wines tend to be a bit to smooth and mellow for me. When drinking wine I like a little excitement on my taste buds. However, I will continue to try them. The Italian wines really were the jackpots for my husband and me this evening. So much so that we definitely made a few purchases before leaving. If you get an opportunity please tastes the wines I’ve mentioned here and let me know what you think. Also, check out the Jackpots & Craps sections on this blog and see which wines made the list.

Until the next time…Ciao!