For those of you who have seen the movie “Sideways” you may remember the scene where Miles makes the statement (“I’m not drinking any f***ing Merlot”). I certainly remember it because during that time all I drank was Merlot and I loved it. I couldn’t wrap my head around why he felt Merlot was bad and Pinot noir was superior. In the clip above, however, Miles’ passion for this grape and the wine it produces is made clear.

I must admit that my palate has matured slightly and I can now relate (somewhat). You see I have tried various Pinot noirs and have like some and hated others. Some of them I’ve found to be very soft and smooth, delicate even on the tongue. Others were quite garish with a lingering aftertaste. I was just about at a point to categorize them as “so-so” when I discovered the 2007 Limited Selection Pinot Noir from Gainey Vineyards.  In the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley, Gainey is located near many of the places that served as location spots while the movie “Sideways” was being shot.

This Pinot noir however has really made me re-think the grape as well as the wine. The smell of dark fruit and spice teases your nose, while taste of dark cherries and blackberries overtake your taste buds. This wine is rich but not over-powering. It is very luscious and full, something that is lacking with a lot of Pinot noirs. As Miles mentioned in the movie the Pinot noir grape is hard to grow, so for it to produce a wine with a structure this solid is quite impressive.

I wasn’t a huge fan of Pinot noir in the past but I am willing to give them another chance; at least when it comes to Gainey’s Limited Selection Pinot Noir.

If you are into wines and haven’t seen “Sideways” you’ve missed a treat. Head to your video store to day and rent a copy. I am sure you’ll love it.  Check out the trailer below…

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.

The Little Black Dress

About a month ago I wrote a blog post on the Little Black Dress Pinot Grigio. However, today I am hear to tell you of another relative in that sexy family. The Little Black Dress Merlot is out of this world. I was quite astounded when I tasted this wine. This merlot not only fits in nicely at the family bar-b-que but it also can be a star at the most elegant affair

The nose of this wine is of rich, supple dark fruit. The taste of deep dark cherries, cranberries and a hint of vanilla engulf your palate like a tidal wave. This medium bodied merlot also provides a nice toasty oak flavor which soothes the tastebuds and warms the soul. I found this to be a very sexy wine and would dare any wine aficionado to find fault in it. The finish is smooth and lingering. 

This wine really portrays the same things the actual little black dress portrays. It is as elegant as Coco Chanel, classy as Audrey Hepburn and sexy as Marilyn Monroe.  I’ve heard that the Little Black Dress wines are geared and marketed toward the female audience. That may be the case but men, I say to you, don’t get left behind. This wine will definitely provide pleasure to your tastebuds as well. 

For a wine this good you probably think you would need to go to an exclusive wine shop to purchase it. That may be true in some states but in California, you a can actually find this little jewel in your local supermarket retailing from 10.99 to about 12.99. This is a mere pittance for a wine that is so versatile. Merlots really got a bad wrap from the movie Sideways. However, I am hear to tell you that this jackpot is better than most Pinot Noirs (the preferred wine in the movie) I’ve tasted. 

Go out and pick up a bottle of this beauty today and let me know what you think. I will definitely be adding this one to the jackpots page.

Until next time drink responsibly. Cheers!