Reviewing Germany - Tasting the Rheingau

Rheingau is a small but important region which has its vineyards located along
the slopes of both the Rhine and Main Rivers. It is protected from northern cold winds by the Tannus Mountain but the moderating effect of the rivers is the main environmental influence. The soils are a combination of weathered slate and quartz which retain and reflect heat. 80% of the land under vine is planted to Riesling which is typically produced in a fuller body, drier style though some sweet BA and TBA wines are produced as well.

2010 Schloss Vollrads Riesling
Clear, pale lemon color. Clean, medium- intense youthful aromas of lime and citrus blossoms. Off dry, light body, low alcohol, medium acidity and length with citrus flavors. Acceptable, not typical/drink now.

Around the village of Assmanhausen is a long tradition of producing Pinot Noir, known as Spatburgunder, which is considered to be some of the best in Germany.

2007 August Kesseler Spatburgunder
Clear, pale garnet. Clean, medium- intense fully developed aromas of leather, dank earth and baked red fruit. Dry, medium body, alcohol, acidity, tannins and length with an odd brackish water taste. Not recommended.

A bit of a disappointing tasting.

Reviewing Germany-Tasting the Mosel
Reviewing German-Tasting Rheinhessen

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Lust Zinfandel 2007

My husband loves this wine so he purchased quite a few bottles at a recent Michael~David dinner that we had attended. Last night, I decided to open a bottle to serve with dinner. I was making a roasted southwestern pork tenderloin, sweet potato fries (w/ chipolte ketchup) and a salad consisting of baby lettuce (fresh from my garden) with strawberries, red bell peppers, red onions and walnuts tossed with a white balsamic-raspberry vinaigrette. This turned out to be a great pairing. It is a bold wine that really stood up to the strong chipolte seasoning while complementing the fruit flavors. I opened the bottle a 1/2 hour before I served it as I have found this wine to be more enjoyable when I do so. The Lust Zinfandel by Michael~David 2007 was a dark purple color with a ruby rim. It has intense aromas of very ripe mixed berries and baking spices-both allspice and ginger with hints of ...

Introducing Oltrepò Pavese - An Italian Sparkling Wine that You Should Know

Last year, I had the opportunity to travel to Italy to taste the wines of Oltrepò Pavese. I discovered that these sparkling wines are based on Pinot Noir, they are made in the traditional method, like Champagne, and most importantly, they are an Italian hidden gem that bubble lovers across the world need to put on their radar. In the August issue of Galveston Monthly magazine, I introduce these wines to my readers.

World of Pinot Noir in Santa Barbara -on location

Tasting Rombauer Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with Pacific Ocean views. I was given the opportunity to attend the annual World of Pinot Noir event last month which brings together the foremost Pinot Noir wineries and winemakers from around the world in a weekend-long celebration of this enticing wine. Champagne to Bourgogne in France, down under wines from Tasmania in Australia, Pinot focused wineries in South America, and all along America's premium West Coast Pinot regions including Santa Barbara, Russian River Valley, up to Willamette Valley, this is truly a celebration of Pinot Noir from around the world. A Grand Tasting of Pinot Noir at the Ritz Carlton Bacara. Though the house was full ,it was still easy to maneuver to the different tasting tables to sip with the many winemakers on the floor. Attendees have the opportunity to enjoy tasting classes, paired winemaker lunches and dinners, and two Grand Tastings in the refined comfort of the Ritz Carlton Bacara Hotel in ...

Wine Life - Houston

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