The Pinot Crush...

Chemistry Sets and Better Wine

2008-05-24T08:17:00.000-07:00

Start checking those labels, many winemakers are now dabbling with high-tech chemical analysis to streamline the wine making process and squeeze more money out of every grape. For now, this technology is primarily being used to make harvest decisions — but others are beginning to use onsite labs to tweak the grape juice while it ferments.

Harvest decisions historically have relied heavily on simply tasting the grape. Today some vinters are using a laboratory process called chromatography that chemically separates grape into its component parts, such as the molecules responsible for aroma, taste and feel. That analysis can be used to make the decision to harvest when these particular molecules reach their highest concentration levels.

The wine scientists aim to bring the same chemical analysis used in agra-chemical, oil refineries and pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities to make wine manufacturing more efficient, consistent and, of course, more profitable.

Aglianico, A Barolo Like no Other

2008-04-13T08:30:00.000-07:00

I know it's been ages since my last post. Obviously blogging is a lot like venting stellar wines, with time they mature and are truly sought after. I've been exploring several Italian wines, one is the product of the up & coming Aglianico grape. It is one of Italy's great wine grapes, producing a wine that is sometimes called the Barolo of the South.

The Aglianico is very young and primary in its fruit aromas and flavors--upfront with blackberries, black cherries with a spicy tang. Very full bodied and velvety, but with good acidity and only 13.5 percent alcohol. I think this is a wine worth buying in quantity for drinking slowly over the next few years to see how it ages.

When I saw this Aglianico at Trader Joe's for $5.99, I couldn't resist giving it a try. Beneventano Epicuro is deep and purplish. The wine smells thick, noted in it's wide legs clinging to the side of the glass. You might mistake this for an Shiraz or a Zinfandel. But there's clearly no new oak treatment for this wine.

Enjoy Beneventano!

Unwind with Twisted Zin

2008-02-18T05:40:00.000-08:00

Purchased in a 1.5L bottle from Fred Meyers. This is an easy drinking wine, not too spicy - but given I'm a Zin newbie, I have a good idea this grape has potential. The term "Old Vine" cannot be used on a wine label unless the vines that produced the grapes are at least 30 years old. While old vines produce fewer grapes, those grapes are usually of superior quality.

Such is the case with the Twisted Zin label. The flavor derived from the old-vine grapes illustrates it's nimbleness and variety by showing large amounts of blackberry, cranberry, black cherry and, as an added bonus, toast and cinnamon spice flavors. I found the link, from the folks at Delicato.

A recent review was positive from Robert Whitley at the San Diego Union-Tribune

BabelFish Added

2008-02-16T12:07:00.000-08:00

Enable users to translate your webpage into their language of choice with just one click by including this feature on your page.

Trek Black Mountain

2008-02-16T11:17:00.000-08:00

This is a lovely Pinot Noir and probably best-valued wine in this variety of grape. The sniff is rather generic, but the body is just off-dry with wholesome lush dark fruit flavors and soft tannins. The finish was long, mildly vanilla- sweet, and reminiscent of the body.

As it turns out this his wine is a special label made exclusively for Trader Joe’s under the Napa Ridge - Branco brand, of Franzia. At five bucks this is a valued-based purchase. This is a nice wine for people who don't normally like reds, and goes with meal that requires a red.

A glass of red wine a day keeps the doctor away

2008-02-10T06:52:00.000-08:00

as reported in the The Yale-New Haven Nutrition Advisor

Is red wine the fountain of youth or a potent poison? Is enjoying a glass of red wine with dinner each evening beneficial to your health? Current research suggests that a glass of red wine each day may be providing you with more than just a little relaxation.

What are the health benefits of drinking red wine?
For over 10 years, research has indicated that moderate intake of alcohol improves cardiovascular health. In fact, in 1992 Harvard researchers included moderate alcohol consumption as one of the "eight proven ways to reduce coronary heart disease risk." However, research has suggested that specifically red wine is the most beneficial to your heart health. The cardioprotective effect has been attributed to antioxidants present in the skin and seeds of red grapes.

Scientists believe the antioxidants, called flavonoids, reduce the risk of coronary heart disease in three ways:

by reducing production of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (also know as the "bad" cholesterol)
by boosting high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (the good cholesterol)
by reducing blood clotting. Furthermore, consuming a glass of wine along with a meal may favorably influence your lipid profiles following that meal

Recently, researchers have found that moderate red wine consumption may be beneficial to more than just your heart. One study found that the antioxidant resveratrol, which is prevalent in the skin of red grapes, may inhibit tumor development in some cancers. Another study indicated that resveratrol aided in the formation of nerve cells, which experts believe may be helpful in the treatment of neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Which wines should you consume to reap the most benefits?
Researchers at the University of California, at Davis tested a variety of wines to determine which types have the highest concentrations of flavonoids. Their results concluded that the flavonoid favorite is Cabernet Sauvignon, followed closely by Petit Syrah and Pinot Noir. Both Merlots and red zinfandels have fewer flavonoids than their more potent predecessors. White wine had significantly smaller amounts than the red wine varieties. The bottom line is the sweeter the wine, the fewer the flavonoids. Dryer red wines are your best bet for a flavonoid boost.

How much red wine should I drink?
A four-ounce glass of wine is equivalent to one serving. Men will benefit from consuming one to two servings per day. Women should consume only one serving per day to reap the maximum benefits. This is not to say that you should start drinking alcohol if you presently do not. Occasional or binge drinkers have higher mortality rates than those who drink moderately on a regular basis. In those who consume three or more drinks per day, there is an increased risk for elevated serum triglycerides (fat in the bloodstream). Long-term, excessive alcohol consumption can damage nerve cells, the liver and the pancreas. Heavy drinkers are also at risk for malnutrition, as alcohol may substitute for more nutritious foods.

What if I have other health problems?
Recommendations to consume moderate amounts of wine are limited to individuals with a clean bill of health. It is clear that people with medical and social conditions worsened by alcohol should not consume any alcohol at all. Hypertryglyceridemia, pancreatitis, liver disease, uncontrolled hypertension, depression and congestive heart failure are diseases that may be worsened by alcohol. Those individuals at risk for these conditions should consult with their physician before consuming any alcohol at all.

What about grape juice and non alcoholic red wine?
In 1997, researchers at the University of Wisconsin concluded that purple grape juice also reduced blood clotting. Another study by researchers at University of California at Davis, confirmed the findings that non alcoholic red wine contains the same antioxidant profile as red wine. However in a 1998 study, Japanese researchers found that while grape juice still had antioxidative benefits, it did not significantly lower LDL cholesterol levels compared to red wine.

The debate continues on whether it is the components of the wine, the way the wine is consumed, or the lifestyle traits that is the most responsible for the long healthy lives of many wine drinkers. However, the evidence seems clear that regular, moderate consumption of red wine is beneficial to your health. So here’s a toast to your health! Cheers!

My Three Son's Pinot

2008-02-05T20:21:00.001-08:00

If you grew up watching TV's My Three Sons or any number of Disney movies (The Shaggy Dog, The Absent Minded Professor, Bon Voyage, Son of Flubber, Follow Me Boys, The Happiest Millionaire, Charlie and The Angel) in the 60's you may remember this actor.

Besides acting he also had an interest in wine making, and I'm glad he did as one of my more recent favorites is a Pinot from McMurray Ranch — a classic Russian River Valley Pinot. The winery destems the grapes but does not crush them and you can taste the velvety result.

MacMurray Ranch was the home and working vineyard of famed actor Fred MacMurray. He purchased the ranch in 1941 and raised his family there, enjoying the natural wonders of Sonoma County. The ranch and vineyards sold to Gallo in 1996. His daughter Kate is now their spokesperson.

Today, the ranch looks much as it did a century ago, surrounded by rail fences and framed by oak and redwood groves. Only now it is home to some of Sonoma County's finest vineyards. Aside from being beautiful, the Russian River Valley is among the premier growing regions for Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. MacMurray Ranch crafts some very elegant wines.

The Biodynamic Vineyard

2008-02-03T11:46:00.000-08:00

On the surface, the practice of medicine—both the traditional and non-traditional approaches—would seem to have little in common with the growing of grapes. But, for Dr. Robert Gross - Cooper Mountain Vineyards, there is a strong connection between his training as a medical doctor, and viticulture. This episode draws upon the rich interplay between two completely separate fields, each helping to enhance better understanding with the other.

"Grapes are a lot like human beings... my growth as a doctor and wine maker have gone back and forth and fed each other" Dr. Robert Gross - Watch the video clip on the biodynamics of wine making and health.

Dr. Gross's philosophy incorporates the work of Rudolph Steiner’s Biodynamic principles.

Visit>> Cooper Mountain Vineyards

Pinot Crush TV

2008-02-03T09:45:00.000-08:00

Want to take a look at the "crush" process of wine making? Your in luck, the two videos below capture both the mechanical approach used today, and the age old wine-making technique of foot stomping. You'll also note that the later serves a great cardiovascular workout too.

The folks at the Farella-Park Winery, in Napa Valley created this video of the mechanical pinot crush process. Tom Frella's Blog is also a great read.

Here's a clip of foot stomping at Alder Springs Vineyard

Erath, A Tried & True Favorite

2008-02-02T10:12:00.000-08:00

Considering it's price point, this is a great value for a bottle of Dundee Hills pinot noir. Erath Pinot Noir is a bright, medium-bodied and nice mid-palette pinot with a slightly tart, lingering finish. This is a sweeter Pinot Noir that is very fruity on the palate with attractive strong flavors of black cherry, strawberries, mineral flavors and a touch of vanilla too. This is a beautiful house red, this Pinot is very versatile with many foods.

There is nothing more enjoyable than discovering a new wine with others around the dinner table. I encourage you to pick up a bottle of Erath Pinot Noir and taste it for yourself.

About the Red Hills & It's History

2008-01-27T22:12:00.000-08:00

View of the Chehalem Valley near Newberg, OR

Not unlike "France" Oregon straddles the planet’s 45th northern parallel and is similarly characterized by long, foggy, rainy winters. And like the French countryside, Yamhill County’s gently rolling hills and lush green valleys are dotted with quaint villages and covered by bountiful vineyards.

The Chehalem Valley begins just southwest of Portland near Oregon’s northern border. The valley part of the "Willamette" region stretches south more than 100 miles below Eugene, flanked on the east by the Cascade Mountains and on the west by the Coast Range. The topography blocks some of the rain that blows in from the Pacific. French Canadians planted grapes here in the 1850s. As early as 1900 the area was predicted to be eventually known as the "Burgundy of the West"

Welcome to Pinot Crush

2008-01-27T14:55:00.000-08:00

To help you get started, here are a few examples of great Willamette Valley Pinot noirs, from value-priced releases all the way to upper end limited production vineyard designated bottlings. Prices listed below are the most current releases; in many cases, wineries release their new vintages during in the fall. Check with the winery or a retailer for current vintages and prices.

St. Josef’s Winery

Joe Fleischmann and his family produce award-winning Old World style wine priced affordably so it can be enjoyed everyday, as is the European custom. The St. Josef’s Winery 2004 Pinot noir runs $10. St. Josef’s Winery is located halfway between Portland and Salem at 28836 S. Barlow Road in Canby. The tasting room is open 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. every weekend. Closed January. (503) 651-3190

Mid Range Pinot Noir -- $12 - $25/bottle

Broadley Vineyards

One of the southernmost wineries in the Willamette Valley, Broadley has been making both estate and vineyard designated Pinot noir since the 1980s. They’ve just released their Broadley Vineyards 2005 Pinot noir Willamette Valley at $20. Broadley Vineyards is located northwest of Eugene in Monroe at 25158 Orchard Tract Road. The tasting room is located in Monroe at 265 S. Fifth (Hwy 99) and is open by appointment. (541) 847-5934

Carlton Winemakers Studio

Unique in Oregon, the Carlton Winemakers Studio is a multi-winery facility where several vintners share equipment to make great Pinot noir and other varietals. The Studio also produces its own label, and the Carlton Winemakers Studio 2003 Pinot noir Willamette Valley is a great bargain at $17. Carlton Winemakers Studio is located just off Highway 47 between Carlton and Yamhill at 801 N. Scott Street. The tasting room is open daily, February through December, from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., and in January by appointment only. (503) 852-6100.

R. Stuart & Co.

Rob Stuart has been making wine in the Pacific Northwest – for other wineries – since the early 1980s. Several years ago he struck out on his own, converted an old granary into a winery, and started making his own wines. The Rob Stuart & Co. 2005 Big Fire Pinot noir at $18 is a great example of wines blended from grapes representing some of the Willamette Valley’s top vineyards. R. Stuart & Co. is located in downtown McMinnville at 845 N.E. Fifth. Tasting room is open from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday. (866) 472-6990

Vineyard Designated Pinot Noir

Bethel Heights Vineyard

One of the early proponents of vineyard designated wines, the Casteel family has produced wines from various “blocks” of their estate vineyard for years. If you’d like to splurge a bit, try the Bethel Heights Vineyard 2004 Pinot noir Flat Block Reserve at $40. Bethel Heights Vineyard is located northwest of Salem in the Eola Hills at 6060 Bethel Heights Road N.W. Tasting room is open 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. weekends from September through November, by appointment December through March, and Tuesday through Sunday during the summer. (503) 581-2262

Archery Summit Winery

Archery Summit came onto the scene in the early 1990s with guns blazing, charging what were then unheard-of prices for their vineyard designated Pinot noirs. The wines proved to be worth it, and helped set new price standards for Oregon Pinot. You can spend as much as $150 for their estate wine, but for half that you can get a peek at upper end Pinot with the Archery Summit 2004 Red Hills Estate Pinot noir at $75. Archery Summit Winery is located south of Dundee off Hwy 99W at 18599 N.E. Archery Summit Road. The tasting room is open by appointment. (503) 864-4300