Wine Reviews Ratings

posted by admin on Nov 4

If you are looking for a European tourist destination, consider the city of Bergamo and Lake Como in the Lombardy region of northern Italy. You can get classic Italian food, and wash it down with fine local wine. It is hardly undiscovered, but that shouldn’t stop you from going. Be sure to read the companion articles in this series that present Milan, small town Lombardy outside of its capital Milan, and the Lake Garda district.

Bergamo was founded by the Celts over two thousand years ago. This medieval city tucked behind ancient walls overlooks the Alps. It is divided into two sectors connected by cable cars; the older Upper Bergamo and the modern Lower Bergamo. Can you guess which Bergamo I prefer?

The large Romanesque Church of Santa Maria Maggiore was started in the Twelfth Century and finished centuries later. The church sits on the old city’s Piazza Vecchia. Bergamo was home to the composer Donizetti, buried in this church. If you like opera visit the Donizetti Museum. The Cathedral of San Vincenzo and Battistero are situated on Piazza Duomo, the heart of the medieval city. Their beautiful neighbor is the Fifteenth Century Renaissance Colleoni Chapel.

Lake Como, a glacial lake shaped like an upside down Y, is Italy’s third largest lake. The village of Varenna is home to Italy’s shortest river, the Fiumelatte and the magnificent Thirteenth Century Villa Monestero convent. Situated in a magnificent park half a mile long, it is now an international cultural and scientific center.

Bellagio lies at the center of Lake Como’s Y. It was a tourist center even in Roman times. Las Vegas has a hotel with the same name, but definitely not in the same league. Make sure to see the early Seventeenth Century Villa Serbelloni surrounded by acres of gardens. The villa is now an international conference center.

Tremezzo is a resort town highlighted by Villa Carlotta, built over fifty years starting towards the end of the Seventeenth Century. Its spectacular grounds include over 150 varieties of azelias and rhododendrons. While you can’t stay at Villa Carlotta, the Grand Hotel Tremezzo is quite classy.

Mountain cuisine is based on polenta, a type of corn bread. Other mountain specialties include free-range chickens, kid, and game. Our companion article I Love Touring Italy – Bergamo and Lake Como provides a sample menu and more information on local wines plus an in-depth examination of tourist attractions. The best Italian sparkling wine Franciacorta is made near Bergamo.

posted by admin on Sep 5

Red wines are known to contain high concentrations of resveratrol, a powerful biological antioxidant. Why are biological antioxidants important?

Oxidation is a type of chemical reaction in which electrons are made available for interaction with surrounding molecules. Consider the rusting of iron. As the surface of iron is exposed to air, water or some other agent that causes a reaction, the iron changes its molecular nature and forms rust. The original iron atom is in the rust. However, the iron atom has transformed from an iron crystal matrix into a more random and weaker rust compound.

Oxidation takes place throughout the human body and is essential to our existence. The case has been made that too rapid or too much oxidation can lead to pathologic conditions in the cells. By taking antioxidants, the speed and extent of the oxidation can be altered in a positive way.

The French people consume a diet high in fats. Unlike other cultures, the French do not suffer the cardiovascular consequences that would be expected to accompany a high fat diet. There seems to be a protection in effect in the typical French diet. Many people now believe that this protection is due to the presence of an antioxidant in the red wine that the French consume with their meals.

Animal studies have shown that resveratrol can prolong life by delaying the aging process. Researchers believe that the aging process is in large part a consequence of biological oxidation.

While people may be directed to consume more red wine, it is currently thought that the individual would have to consume a high daily volume of red wine to enjoy the protection of resveratrol. As a result, many people who wish to have the protection of resveratrol take supplements in order to ingest an adequate amount.

Some people raise the issue of whether or not this red wine antioxidant is safe with regards to side effects. To date, there are no reported cases of resveratrol toxicity. It should be pointed out that red wine has significant calories and alcohol. Both are avoided with this antioxidant.

Antioxidants don’t cure diseases. They alter the velocity and degree of the oxidative processes occurring in the body. Antioxidants are not interchangeable. They are enzyme specific and thus their effect is specific. As more people become aware of the many benefits and research that supports the use of resveratrol, it grows in popularity.

posted by admin on Sep 5

Pinot noir is a type of red wine that is very popular among wine enthusiasts. This red wine is actually the kind of grape that is grown to produce the wine of the same name. This grape is grown all over the world, but it is best known as a product of France.

The grape used is one of the oldest kinds of grape that is grown and made into wine. From the first century AD, this grape began to be cultivated by the Romans for fermentation. The process has been updated over the centuries, but this wine remains a favorite to drink because of its flavor. Pinot noir was introduced to the United States in the early 20th century, and is most commonly grown in California.

As far as flavor, this wine has been described as having a soft, delicate taste. Its flavor compares to that of darker fruits, such as raspberry or black cherry. Depending on the variety, it has also been known to carry the faint aroma of certain spices, such as cinnamon.

Because it is a red wine, people tend to believe that pinot noir will only pair well with certain foods, such as red meat. While it is true that it will enhance the taste of many red meats, such as beef or veal, this versatile wine also pairs with many other foods. Poultry, pork, cheese, and many vegetables all are enhanced by being matched with this wine, providing a balanced meal with many flavors. Pinot noir has such a delicious taste that experimenting with different foods can be an enjoyable experience to determine what else pairs well with it.

Pinot noir is a popular red wine that many people enjoy. Its flavor is versatile, making it a favorite for many meals or to enjoy simply by the glass.

posted by admin on Sep 3

This is our first review of a kosher wine. A kosher wine meets strict growing and production requirements in accordance with Jewish religious law. We are going to open a new column in our website to review kosher, organic, biodynamic and other wines that meet special growing and production requirements. But since this particular wine just made it under the magic $10 limit we decided to review it here. Given its rather special qualities, many people buy this wine without concern for its kosher status. By the way, if you do keep kosher you will be interested to know that this wine is Kosher for Passover and Mevushal, the latter meaning it was flash pasteurized and maybe be served at receptions even if the waiters are not Sabbath-respecting Orthodox Jews.

Rashi Vineyards has properties in Italy and in New York State. They produce some strictly kosher fine Italian wines such as Barolo, the wine of kings and the king of wines. Their vineyards are named for the Eleventh Century Jewish scholar Rashi who was allegedly an extraordinary winemaker. While Jewish and other scholars are still studying his religious commentaries we can’t be sure of his winemaking skills.

I recently hosted a wine tasting and chose this particular wine mainly for its low-alcohol content. It proved to be quite popular. The Joyvin is a fizzy red wine whose label reads Parzialmente Fermentato. I am sure you can decipher this phrase even if, like me, you don’t know Italian. Just like most fine champagnes, this wine doesn’t have any vintage year on the label. But that’s where the resemblance ends.

OUR WINE REVIEW POLICY All wines that we taste and review are purchased at the full retail price.

Wine Reviewed
Joyvin Red K/P M 6.0 % alcohol about $10

Let’s start with the marketing materials. Tasting Note: Dark pink; sweet cherry aromas; very sweet cherry flavor. Serving Suggestion: Kosher appetizers and toasting. And now for my review.

I started by sipping this wine alone. It was sweet and fizzy. The first meal included boxed spinach, broccoli, and potato blintzes (crepes) with sour cream. The wine presented some cherry flavor and good acidity. But frankly speaking, it was a cooler, not a wine.

The second meal involved a middle-eastern dish called Kube (or Kibbe), ground chicken in crushed wheat jackets slow-cooked in a broth. The Joyvin was syrupy and yet refreshing. It was short. I think that you could duplicate this product by buying an upscale black cherry soda and adding alcohol. Don’t get me wrong; this concoction was not entirely negative.

The final meal was an omelet with sides of grilled eggplant and a grilled artichoke dip. With the omelet my reaction was same old, same old. The grilled eggplant did bring out the fruit somewhat. I have no notes for the artichoke dip and the wine; I don’t think they interacted.

Now for the cheeses. With a Brick cheese I noticed some nice acidity. With the Havarti the Joyvin was fruity but really too sweet.

Final verdict. I don’t know what coolers are going for but my suspicion is that Joyvin is way overpriced. But if you like coolers you may find that this is one of the better ones. That’s not my department. And don’t get the wrong idea. Many of the kosher wines that I’ll be reviewing will be fine wines.

posted by admin on Sep 1

If you are looking for fine French wine and food, consider the Alsace region of northeastern France. You may find a bargain, and I hope that you’ll have fun on this fact-filled wine education tour in which we review a local white Riesling winetasted with several meals and paired with imported cheeses.

Alsace ranks tenth out of the eleven French winemaking regions in terms of its acreage devoted vineyards. But don’t be mislead by statistics; little Alsace is a major producer of quality French wine. Its wine growing area is barely 60 miles (100 kilometers) long, and at most 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) wide tucked between the Vosges Mountains to the west and the Rhine River and Germany to the east. But this relatively tiny area is famous for its distinctive wines. Their wine bottles are also distinctive; tall and thin with labels that feature the grape variety, not the usual practice in France. Chaptalization (adding sugar to the fermenting grape mixture) is allowed for many wine categories.

About 95% of Alsace wine is white. The major white grape varieties are Gewurztraminer, Muscat, Pinot Gris, and Riesling, reviewed below. Its secondary white grape varieties include Pinot Blanc, Sylvaner, and Muscat. The major red grape variety is Pinot Noir, reviewed in a companion article in this series.

The beautiful Vosges mountains are located in eastern France near the Rhine River and Black Forest of western Germany. To a large extent they are composed of granite and red sandstone. Their highest point is the Grand Ballon (also called Ballon de Guebwiller) with an elevation of about 4600 feet (slightly more than 1424 meters). The vineyards of its eastern slopes have an elevation of up to 1300 feet (400 meters).

The Vosges mountains are great for tourists. Attractions include beautiful forests, several castles in ruins, and health resorts. If you are so inclined you can hike their usually gentle slopes and are never far from vineyards and restaurants serving delicious foods and local wines. After all, you are on the Alsace Wine Route, at least for the eastern slopes. Don’t forget the winter skiing. The southern Vosges, near the village of Bussang, is home to a lovely fountain exploiting a spring that originates in the Moselle River. I hope you don’t mind that this particular area is just over the border in Lorraine.

Before reviewing the Alsatian wine and imported cheeses that we were lucky enough to purchase at a local wine store and a local Italian food store, here are a few suggestions of what to eat with indigenous wines when touring this beautiful region.
Start with Schniederspaetle (Onion Ravioli).
For your second course savor Brochet d’I a la creme (Pike in White Wine and Cream Sauce).
And as dessert indulge yourself with Strudel aux Pommes (Apple Strudel).

OUR WINE REVIEW POLICY All wines that we taste and review are purchased at the full retail price.

Wine Reviewed

Hattstatty Hatschbourg Riesling 2003 12.5% alcohol about $21.00

Let’s start by quoting the marketing materials.

This wine won a Gold Medal at the 2006 Concours Riesling du Monde. Established in 1998, the Concours Riesling du Monde (Rieslings of the World) competition takes place every year in Strasbourg, Alsace. Rieslings from throughout the world are submitted to an international jury of oenologists and wine critics. This hugely respected competition illustrates the diversity and brilliance of fine Riesling from around the world. And now for the review.

My first meal consisted of home made barbecued chicken in a sweet and sour Thai sauce with Portabello mushrooms and red pepper. The wine was fruity, nice and complex. It was quite a good match and I knew that this would be a quality wine.

The next shot was a commercially barbecued chicken leg (of course not as tasty as my own barbecued chicken) with its skin in a paprika sauce accompanied by, Turkish salad, and Greek olives. I started by sipping the wine alone, as I was afraid that I might have lost the bottle because the wine sat in the fridge for quite some time. No problem. This Riesling wine was fine with an appely taste but in the positive sense. In response to the food the wine got even better. It was quite long and powerful and yet delicate. While I liked the Greek olives and I liked the wine, I did not enjoy the two together. The Riesling’s acidity actually intensified in the presence of the moderately spicy Turkish salad. I finished my glass with overripe cherries. This time the wine went flat, especially with the sweet ones.

The final meal was an omelet with a local Provolone cheese and a side of Turkish salad. The wine was nice and crisp. I tasted a touch of lime. As dessert I had a high-quality chocolate-coated vanilla ice cream bar. The ice cream bar was fine but it did flatten the wine somewhat.

My first cheese was a nutty, fatty, and slightly sour Dutch Edam cheese. My German Edam was well beyond edible by humans, although the spores looked like they were having a real feast. Anyway, in the presence of this Dutch Edam the Riesling was round and fruity, with pleasant acidity. In the presence of an Italian Friulano cheese the wine became sour and flatter.

Final verdict. Great wine, I will buy it again and watch my pairings more closely. This should accompany very well the right gourmet meal.