Behind the Cork™ - It's International Sherry Week!

November 6, 2024

Four Sherry Offerings from Gonzalez Byass Paired with Spanish Turrón

This week, November 4th - November 10th, is International Sherry Week. And González Byass is leading the way.

González Byass was created in 1835 by Manuel Maria González and remains in family hands today, now in the fifth and sixth generation.  Founded in Jerez de la Frontera, Andalusia, in the heart of Sherry country, it is dedicated to the production of high quality sherries.

Here are four excellent Sherries from González Byass:

Nectar Pedro Ximénez (375ml) $16.99 - Produced from 100% Pedro Ximénez grapes. This sherry is dessert in a glass! It is dark brown in color with aromas of molasses and brown sugar. On the palate it has rich flavors of raisins, figs and dates with syrupy sweetness. Paired best with the Egg Yolk Turrón.

Harveys Bristol Cream (375ml) $8.99 - Originally founded in Bristol England in 1796, it is now produced in Jerez, the home of sherry. Harveys is a light golden color with it distinctive nose from its blend of Oloroso, PX, Fino and Amonitillado that is aged for 7 years. It is mahogany in color with nice aromatics and flavors of raisins and caramel. Paired best with the Almond Nougat Turrón.

Viña AB Amontillado (375ml) $16.99 - Made from Palomino grapes that are fermented, then fortified before entering the Solera. Light amber in color, this Sherry is delicate with subtle note of oak from its 12 years in cask. Paired best with the Hard Almond Turrón.

Leonor Palo Cortado (375ml) $16.99 - Produced only from the “mosto yema” or the ‘free run’ juice, it is fermented and fortified prior to entering the Solera where it undergoes complete oxidation. It spends 12 years in American Oak casks. It is medium amber in color with a delicate nose. On the palate is has intense toasted notes and is sliky smooth. Paired best with the Soft Almond Turrón.

For those unfamiliar with Turrón, pastry chefs in the south of Spain have been making it for at least a thousand years. This famous confection is typically made of honey, nuts and usually egg whites. Many families keep a box of Turróns on hand for holiday parties or impromptu holiday gatherings - which is a great time to indulge with that perfect bottle of Sherry.

These four Sherries from Gonzalez Byass are a great fit as International Sherry Week’s Behind the Cork™ Wines of the Week. Cheers!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received these samples at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Media Sample Provided by Gonzalez Byass

Behind the Cork™ - Domaine Bousquet Uco Valley Cabs

October 30, 2024

Mendoza’s Uco Valley produces more than stellar Malbec. This high-altitude locale near Argentina’s border with Chile has started to make a name for itself with some pretty impressive Cabernet.

Certified organic fruit, high-altitude terroir and a French-Argentine profile have translated into a recipe for success for Domaine Bousquet.

The estate’s naturally elegant, environmentally friendly wines are now found in 61 countries around the globe, and Domaine Bousquet is Argentina’s leading name in exports of wine made from organically grown grapes.

But there is another simple reason for Domaine Bousquet’s success: “We just want to make the finest wines possible and sell them at prices people can afford,” says co-owner Anne Bousquet.

 Here are five prime examples of affordable fine wines from Domaine Bousquet:

Domaine Bousquet Reserve Organic Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 ($18)

Domaine Bousquet Alavida Kosher USDA-Certified Organic Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 ($18)

Domaine Bousquet Gaia Organic Cabernet Franc 2021 ($20)

Domaine Bousquet Gran Organic Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 ($25)

Domaine Bousquet Ameri Single Vineyard Organic Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 ($36)

Look for each of these Domaine Bousquet Cabs to be featured in upcoming Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week blogs. Cheers!

Atlantic Fresh - White Wines of Uruguay

When Europeans settled along the coast of Uruguay, many brought their local varieties with them—from Galicia, Liguria, Southern France. Among the reds, Tannat consistently delivered exceptional fruit and became Uruguay’s flagship. As for whites, the field continues to widen. Albariño shows its talents along the far coast, but a host of others thrive as well, reflecting their proximity to the Atlantic through their distinct varietal lens. These include Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier and even Riesling.

Uruguay has a varied terroir with 200+ soil types and is the only South American terroir whose climate is influenced by the Atlantic Ocean. Uruguay’s wine industry consists primarily of small, family-run wineries, many now in their fourth generation. 

Uruguay is home to a proud winemaking tradition in this unusual location, and a far cry from the desert- and Andes-dominated landscapes associated with most vineyard regions in the South America continent. Here, the dominant factor is the Atlantic Ocean, whose winds, storms, and tides ensure a cool climate. The result is a set of singular and fascinating terroirs as yet largely unfamiliar to international palates.

Each of these wines represent stories to taste. So, we’ll explore the Atlantic fresh white wines of Uruguay in upcoming Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week blogs. Stay tuned! Cheers!

2020 Sunstone Sauvignon Blanc ($28)

When the Rice family moved in 1989 from Santa Barbara to a peaceful 52-acre Santa Ynez ranch to grow wine grapes, little did they know that they would be stewards to the first organic vineyard estate in Santa Barbara County. 

Sunstone has been committed to growing wine grapes without the use of herbicides, pesticides, or synthetic fungicides since the initial planting in 1990.

Named after the exposed sun-dappled shale and stones of the vineyard estate, Sunstone winery is located on the California Central Coast, just 35-minutes north of Santa Barbara.

This Sauvignon Blanc is a pale gold in color with a medium-low nose of pear and apple. On the palate, this light-bodied wine is dry (14.5% RS) with medium acidity and flavors of pear and apple. Some research shows that Sunstone puts their Sauvignon Blanc through Malolactic Conversion which converts the sharper malic acid (found in green apples) into softer, smoother, creamy lactic acid (found in milk). This would explain the soft and smooth mouthfeel of this Sauvignon Blanc. It finishes nicely with just a bit of tartness.

This Sauvignon Blanc from Sunstone Winery is a terrific wine that is available at a great price. This make it a nice fit as this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week. Cheers!

The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

2017 Shadow Ranch Barbera ($25)

Shadow Ranch, located in the Sierra Foothills of California, embraces the concepts of sustainable farming and having as little impact on the environment as possible. Their operation is solar powered and their vineyards are organically farmed.

With ten acres of vineyards at Shadow Ranch, their vineyards are planted in the fine-grained, well drained, decomposed granite which is common in the Fair Play region. Hilltop exposure positions the vines to receive cooling breezes in summer, preventing the grapes from maturing too quickly. In the winter, the hilltop exposure allows cold air to drain to the valley, which limits the damage from frost. This allows the grapes to stay on the vines long enough to develop the necessary complexity and concentration required to make great wine.

Sourced from their Sierra Foothills Vineyards, these Barbera grapes soak up the warm days and cool evenings of the hillsides. Fermented in small lots, these wines were pressed to 30% new French oak and aged 21 Months prior to bottling.

This Shadow Ranch Barbera is delightful with flavors of raspberry and blackberry. It is medium-bodied, with moderate acidity and light tannins. If you love Barbera, like I do, from the Sierra Foothills, this is an excellent example. And, their 2022 vintage was a Gold Medal Winner at the 2024 Foothill Wine Festival!

This is a great wine at a very affordable price which makes it a great fit as this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week. Cheers!

The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

2016 Trefethen Family Vineyards Merlot ($36)

Pioneers in the Napa Valley, the Trefethen family are champions of estate grown wines. For three generations, they have carefully tended to their land, employees, and customers, building a loyal following for their legacy of fine, age-worthy wines with a deep integrity of place.

 Embodied in their approach is a profound respect for both people and place. This extends beyond the boundary of their estate, knitting them into the fabric of Napa Valley. Over the past 50 years, they helped establish the Napa Valley Agricultural Preserve, co-founded the Napa Valley Grapegrowers, took on leading roles within the Napa Valley Vintners and California Wine Institute, led the effort to build the viticulture and winemaking centers at Napa Valley College, supported the same at UC Davis, hosted the Napa Valley Cooking Class, and established the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley AVA. Their contributions to the wine industry go beyond the wines they make, and help inspire the Napa Valley to live up to its own great expectations.

This Trefethen Family Vineyards wine is a blend of 86% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Malbec from the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley. It is deep ruby in color with aromas of black fruit and dried fruits along with hints of its oak aging. On the palate, this medium-full bodied wine is dry (14.2% ABV) with rich flavors of black fruit, notes of red cherry and balanced acidity.

This Trefethen Merlot is an excellent wine from the premier Napa Valley. And, a great value too! This makes it a great fit as this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week. Cheers!

The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Fiol Extra Dry Prosecco ($19)

As we bid farewell to summer and “Hello” to the Fall, there’s no shortage of excuses to raise a glass of bubbly in the months that lie ahead.

“FIOL” means “son” in the Venetian dialect, but these days is more commonly understood to denote a natural leader or friend within a group who happens to stand out. The drive behind FIOL was to produce Prosecco in the authentic style, from the Prosecco heartland in Treviso.

Behind FIOL are childhood friends Gian Luca Passi and Giovanni Ciani Bassetti, whose families have lived and farmed in the Prosecco heartland of Treviso for generations.

The striking FIOL label, designed by FIOL co-founder Gian Luca Passi, features five vertical lines, both a stylized nod to the poles used to support the vines, and a reference to tradition and modernity.

FIOL Extra Dry Prosecco DOC is produced using the Charmat Method, in Stainless Steel tanks, to preserve the fresh and vibrant flavors using 100% Glera grapes. It undergos 40-days of secondary fermentation in tank for extra depth and complexity. [ABV: 11 %, Residual Sugar: 16 g/L (i.e., Extra Dry)]

This FIOL Prosecco is a beautiful pale straw color with subtle floral and citrus aromas. On the palate, this Prosecco has delicate notes of lemon along with refreshing acidity and a touch of tartness on the finish. While this is an “Extra Dry” Prosecco (13 g/L of residual sugar), it’s not sweet - the acidity does a wonderful job of making this a well-balanced bubbly. [ABV: 11%l]

This FIOL Prosecco is great as an aperitif, along with everyday meals or a real treat for special occasions. And, at this price, is a great value! That makes it the perfect fit as this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week! Cheers!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this sample at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Media Sample Provided by Fiol Prosecco DOC

2023 Pazo de Lusco Albariño ($24.99)

The Pazos de Lusco winery, within the Rias Baixas DO, is located in the municipality of Salvaterra do Miño, in the province of Pontevedra. The Rias Baixas DO in Galicia in north-west Spain is a small wine-growing region.

The name of the winery, Pazo de Lusco, is typically Galician. A pazo is a traditional Galician ancestral home usually in the country side. Lusco is an idiomatic Galician word that defines the magical moment between dusk and nightfall when the sun is going down.

This Pazo de Lusco Albariño is produced from 100% Albariño grapes that are fermented with their own yeasts from their most historic vineyards. It is aged on lees.

This wine is pale straw in color with aromas of citrus and apple. On the palate, this Albariño is medium-light bodied with good fruit flavors of citrus (lemon, lime and nectarine). It has bright acidity and a creamy mouthfeel from the aging on lees. This results in a smooth finish. [ABV: 12.5%, TA: 5.2 g/L, ph: 3.6, RS: 1.5 g/L]

This is a delightful Albariño from Pazo de Lusco that sips easy at any time and goes with a large variety of foods. And, at this price, makes it a great fit as this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week. Cheers!

Tió Pepe Fino Sherry ($19.99)

Tió Pepe’s Fino Sherry is from the city of Jarez in southern Spain's Andalusia region.

It’s made from the Palomino grape, fermented to the 11-12% ABV range, fortified to 15.5% and then enters the Tió Pepe Solera. While it spends four years in the Solera, a layer of yeast, known as the ‘flor’ forms on the surface of the Sherry within the cask. This protects the Sherry from oxygen and gives Tió Pepe its unique aroma and character.

The aroma is notable for its yeast along with notes of toasted almond. This Sherry is a pale golden yellow in color and light in flavor (hence Fino). It’s completely dry and, when served very chilled or over ice, makes for a wonderful aperitif. [ABV: 15%, TA: 4 g/L, pH:3, RS: <1 g/L]

So, whether you enjoy Sherry straight up or mixed in a cocktail, try this one from Tió Pepe. This is a very enjoyable Sherry that’s offered at a great price, making it a nice fit as this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week. Cheers!

2023 Madelyn White Wine Cuvée ($24)

Michael Trujillo, Winemaker at Trujillo Wines, says “In life, as in winemaking, a blend of great things often results in something fun and unique.” In tribute to his daughter, Sophia Madelyn Trujillo, he proudly makes this white wine cuvée (i.e., a wine made with more than one grape variety).

This wine is produced from a blend of 61% Sauvignon Blanc and 39% Gewürztraminer that was fermented and maintained in Stainless Steel tanks to preserve the bright fruit flavors.

This Madelyn Cuvée (KOO-vay) is medium straw in color with bright aromas of citrus, grapefruit and tropical fruits with the Gewürztraminer adding floral notes. On the palate it is medium-light in body and dry, not sweet, with refreshing citrus and grapefruit flavors, bright acidity and a lingering finish. [ABV: 14.1%, TA: 7.0 g/L, pH: 3.39, RS: 1.5 g/L] 588 Cases Produced

This Trujillo Madelyn White Wine Cuvée is a fun and refreshing wine that can be enjoyed in all casual setting and goes great with lite fare. This is a very enjoyable wine that’s offered at a great price, making it a nice fit as this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week. Cheers!

2021 Trujillo Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon ($96)

This wine is produced from 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, all of which are from the Napa Valley. It was aged 22 months in French Oak (82% new barrels).

It is deep, dark and dense in its color. On the nose it has dark fruit aromas of black cherry, currant, and a hint of plum, along with cedar and sweet herbs. On the palate, it starts bold and then yields a smooth richness with flavors of black cherry, currant, and dark chocolate that culminate in a lengthy finish. [ABV: 14.6%, TA: 5.6 g/L, pH: 3.71, RS: 0.4 g/L]. Cases Produced = 582

2021 Trujillo Gary Morisoli Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon (Check with Winery for Price & Availability)

The Gary Morisoli Vineyard is located near the western foothills of the Rutherford AVA and centered within the infamous Rutherford Bench. Year after year this amazing vineyard has consistently produced incredible Cabernet worthy of a Reserve bottling. This wine is 100% Napa Valley, Rutherford AVA, from the Gary Morisoli Vineyard. It was aged for 22 months in 100% French Oak (85% new barrels).

It has aromas of dark fruits, black cherry, and cassis with a vanilla notes and subtle hints of sweet tobacco. On the palate it is rich and bold with flavors of dark chocolate cherry, and currants. The tannins are very well balanced with the acidity. [ABV: 14.7%, TA:5.8 g/L, pH: 3.72, RS:0.6 g/L]. Cases Produced = 168

These two Trujillo Cabernet Sauvignons from Napa are truly amazing! And, a real treat for your palate. That makes them an easy selection as this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wines of the Week! Cheers!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received these samples at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Media Samples Provided by Trujillo Wines

Oliver Winery Wine Cocktails

Oliver Winery of Bloomington, Indiana has just introduced its first Signature Cocktail Collection. If you’re craving a French 75, Sangria or Passionfruit Martini, you’ll love these new inspired bottled wine cocktails that give you a refreshing flavor with the convenience of simply chilling the bottles and pouring them over ice. 

Produced with a crisp white wine base infused with real fruit flavors and natural botanicals, the new collection includes three varietals that are the perfect complement to warm weather sipping: Passion Fleurtini, Blossom Drop, and Peach Sangrini.

With a 13% ABV, these refreshing wines offer a fresh take on fan-favorite cocktails, boasting a lightness and drinkability that’s great for both casual sipping and special occasions.

Just chill and enjoy, or add a garnish and pour over ice for the cocktail experience.

Passion Fleurtini ($13.99) - Passion fruit is followed by a blush of soft & floral rosewater. A delicate delight that should be served chilled over ice or in a Champagne coupe glass for a little extra flair.

Blossom Drop ($13.99) - Crisp lemon & elderflower shine in this spritz-inspired wine cocktail. Light and bright on the palate, with just the right amount of spritz. This one should be served over ice and garnished with a lemon wheel and rosemary. Or, just chill and sipped as is.

Peach Sangrini ($13.99) - This bellini-inspired wine cocktail is like a sangria, with notes of bright peach and zesty lemon. Deliciously light and drinkable. Shake over ice and serve with fresh fruit.

For over 50 years, Oliver Winery has upheld its dedication to offering a guilt-free indulgence at an affordable price, welcoming wine experts and novices to enjoy their offerings with enthusiasm and accessibility.

This Signature Cocktail Collection from Oliver Winery is a great way to enjoy a warm evening, or really anytime. And, at these very affordable prices, they are a great fit as this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wines of the Week! Cheers!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received these samples at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Media Samples Provided by Oliver Winery via Dittoe Public Relations

2023 Beronia Rueda ($13.99)

This wine is produced from 100% Verdujo grapes that were harvested at night to maintain the fruit's freshness and prevent grape oxidation. The pressing was done gently in an inert atmosphere to minimize browning in the must. Fermentation took place for 10-15 days, using stainless steel tank and concrete tanks. After aging on lees for a period of 2 to 3 months, the wine was clarified and filtered before being bottled.

This Beronia Rueda is pale yellow in color with greenish hues. On the nose it has aromas of citrus, with hints of white fruit, fresh herbs. On the palate, it is bright and fresh just a hint of bitterness at the finish. [ABV: 13%, Acidity: 6.0 g/L, pH:3.25, RS: <2 g/L]

2020 Beronia Crianza ($14.99)

This Beronia Crianza (“kree-ahn-tha”) was made from 95% Tempranillo, 4% Garnacha and 1% Mazuelo grapes (a.k.a. Carignan). The fruit was macerated for a few days prior to fermentation, before entering temperature controlled alcoholic fermentation with regular pumping over to extract the desired color and aromas. The wine aged for 12 months in barrels made of American oak staves and French oak ends. After bottling, the wine was left to rest for three months prior to release.

This Beronia Crianza is medium ruby in color and has nice aromatics including red fruits (cherry and raspberry) and herbal notes. On the palate it has big red fruit flavors, medium tannin and a really nice lingering finish with a bit of crisp acidity. [ABV: 13.5%, Acidity: 5.8 g/L, pH: 3.60, RS: 1.7 g/L]

These two wines from the Gonzalez Byass USA portfolio are perfect for summer sipping or anytime of the year sipping! And, the price points of these wines are amazing for the quality and level. That make them a great fit as this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wines of the Week. Cheers!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received these samples at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Media Samples Provided by Gonzalez Byass

Bianca Giovese Vino Bianco ($34)

The Giovese Family of wines proudly announced the recent arrival of sister brand Bianca Giovese Vino Bianco, now available in retail stores, wine shops, bars, and restaurants across 20 US states and Western Canada. Each box contains the equivalent of four 750-ml. bottles of wine. That’s less than $10 a bottle-equivalent!

 Joining her “sisters” Sandy Giovese and Rosie Giovese in the newly established Giovese Family Wines portfolio, Bianca offers all the benefits that premium boxed wine presents to drinkers, including sustainability, longevity, and value that competes with comparable bottled wines. 

Like her sisters, Bianca is made from chemical-free, organically farmed Italian grapes, including Grechetto (55%) and Trebbiano (30%) blended with Sauvignon Blanc (%15). The grapes come from the pristine vineyards of Conti degli Azzoni, a sustainability-focused, family-owned winery pursuing B-Corp certification in the Marche region of central Italy.

Bianca Giovese is medium gold in color with delicate aromas of citrus. On the palate, this light-bodied wine has notes of citrus, nectarine and tangerine. It has bright refreshing acidity and has a fun sweet/tart finish. [ABV: 12%, TA: 5.2 g/L, pH: 3.47, RS: >2.0 g/L]

Don’t overlook this one as just another “box wine.” It may come in an earth-friendly recyclable cardboard container, but it delivers quality wine. And, at a great value! This makes the Bianca Giovese a great fit as the Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week! Cheers!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this sample at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Media Sample Provided by Giovese Family Wines via Savona Communications

2023 Gaia Pinot Noir Rosé ($18)

GAIA [ɡâi̯.a], the Greek Goddess of the Earth, has been the inspiration of the Bousquet family since the founding of their winery in 1997 when they pioneered and cleared virgin land in the highlands of the Gualtallary district of Tupungato, Argentina.

Thanks to the Uco Valley's dry climate and phylloxera-resistant sandy soils, organic farming at Domaine Bousquet, from day one, was not only possible, but desirable. Other factors that distinguish this landscape are the constant breezes from the Andes to the west, which help mitigate heat stress in this desert climate. Significant temperature differentials between day and night help enhance aromatics, while the sandy soils result in low fertility, desirable for vine stress and ideal for good drainage. With an average annual rainfall of just 8”, groundwater from the Andes snowmelt is vital for vineyard irrigation.

This Gaia Pinot Noir Rosé is produced from 100% Pinot Noir that is pressed in full bunches to maximize aroma extraction, followed by five-day cold maceration. It was then fermented for 30 days.

Gaia Rosé is a pale copper in color with delicate aromas of red fruit (cherry & strawberry) and floral notes. On the palate, this light-bodied rosé has subtle notes of Maraschino cherry and strawberry and finishes soft and balanced with just a hint of sweetness. [ABV: 13%, pH: 3.32, Acidity: 5.62 g/L, RS: 1.43 g/L]

Gaia Rosé from Domaine Bousquet is light, easy to drink and very affordable making it a great fit as this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week. Cheers!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this sample at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Media Sample Provided by Domaine Bousquet