12 under 20: The Chardonnays!

Hello friends!

Admittedly, I have never been much of a Chardonnay fan. To be a bit crass, the idea of drinking wine that tastes like licking a buttered barrel never really compared to the idea of savoring fresh red berries or luscious tropical fruits. However, it occurred to me that I needed to be fairer to the Chardonnay lovers out there. There hasn’t been a single Chardonnay on my 12 under 20 list yet…until today.

I endeavored to compile not just one, but a few Chardonnays I have tried recently that I think are an excellent compromise for “Chardonnay people” and my personal tastes. It was really fun to learn throughout the process that not all Chardonnays are buttered toast in a glass and that ultimately, I had the wrong idea. 

 Sonoma-Cutrer Sonoma Coast, 2012 ($19.97 at Total Wine)

This wine is special because it was the wine shared the night some good friends of ours got engaged. Jess, the future bride, is all about Chardonnays and to be perfectly honest, I had her in mind when I felt compelled to do a Chardonnay post. 

This Chardonnay basically has it all: prominent fruits (apples, melons, pineapple), but also toasty oak and a spiciness, blended with soft butter. I had to admit, I really enjoyed this puppy a lot. We shared this wine again at our first time in their new house, pairing with pan-sautéed lemon cod, asparagus, rice with Cajun seasonings, and a mixed green salad.

  14 Hands Chardonnay, 2013 (Can’t find price?! – Assuming under $20)

We got this wine on a whim from someone that didn’t want it (crazy, I know…), so it was a good experimentation opportunity. 

I remember making my husband do a “smell test” to try and figure out what exactly we were smelling when we volatized the esters. Answer: Butterscotch. To me, this wine is all apples and butterscotch. The mouth flavors ended softly and truly favored bright apples with a toast foundation. It is easy to find, and if you like Washington wines this might be a good place to start.

     “446” Noble Vines Chardonnay, 2013 (approx. $11 at Publix)
Because I loved the Noble Vines Pinot Noir so much (check Instagram), I have made a point of trying every other Noble Vines wine I can get my hands on. Publix had a display of just their wines this week and I almost cleaned them out, haha!

The NV Merlot is amazing, their Red Blend is super fun, and their Chardonnay is another butterscotch beauty. The Chard is acidic almost to the point of being effervescent (but not in an invasive way). The taste is full of tart lemon and tangy grapefruit with a silky finish.

      “LIMITED” by Cambridge Cellars, 2013 ($10.99 on California Wine Club, $19.00 regular)

Myself and another woman I work with were recognized at our yearly team meeting for the work that we do. Knowing us well, our supervisors rewarded us with a 6-month wine of the month club (BEST. GIFT. EVER).  This particular club, The California Wine Club, focuses on wines at a great price from small family vineyards you won’t usually find just anywhere. I like the exclusivity of it and I have to say, shipment #1 was a hit!

When I opened up the "LIMITED" BY CAMBRIDGE CELLARS 2013 MONTEREY CHARDONNAY, I was quite pleased with what I tasted. I personally experienced apple cider from the nose and the taste was creamy, peachy, and very easy to sip. I was surprised that I didn’t get really any butter from this Chard – I am going to guess it is steel barrel aged. We paired it with a badia seasoned chicken breast, egg noddles, asparagus, and a lemon hummus butter sauce.

So, a few Chardonnays for you to try. I am going to keep my mind open moving forward in hopes of adding to this list, but for now I have found some Chards I am happy with. I hope you were able to find at least one Chardonnay here that could be an easy, “go-to” Chard for you too!

Cheers!

12 under 20: Hidden Crush Cabernet and Bree Riesling

Happy New Year, readers!

I hope that thus far 2015 is treating everyone very well. As my first wine post of 2015, I would like to share two wines I discovered over the December holiday (man, I do need to get back to the art side of things sometime...). Though these were first time trials, I think these could easily become classified as "go-to" wines.

Hidden Crush Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 - Madera, CA - Avg. $15/bottle
This. Wine.

I discovered this wine while up in Cleveland, OH visiting my grandparents. Our waitress recommended it between two cabs at dinner one night and thence forth, I have been in love. I enjoyed this wine so fantastically that it pained me to turn down another glass (Have to be a responsible driver though).

I am determined to find this wine again and buy many, many bottles. Why, you ask? Easy. This is my perfect cab: It was medium-bodied,  completely red-fruit forward, soft oak, and superficially, I love the bottle design. There was a hint of vanilla on the finish that left a soft, delicate sweetness in contrast to the dash of spice. It was an excellent dichotomy of flavors that left nothing to be desired for me.

Obviously, on the regular I would recommend pairing this kind of wine with grilled burgers or pasta with tomato sauce. I actually had it with a grilled salmon salad that night and thought it was perfectly lovely, so I have to feel this is a versatile pairing wine! Hidden Crush also produces a Chardonnay so be on the look out for that review (if I can find it) down the road!


Bree Riesling 2012 - Qualitswein, Germany - Approx. $12/bottle
A friend gave us this wine as a Christmas gift and I have to say, it surprised me. When I first opened the bottle (such an sleek, modern design...It looks more like a liquor bottle than a wine bottle), I did not immediately smell or taste the sweetness characteristic of most rieslings I have tried. It was very dry to me initially, which I now know is not atypical of German rieslings. I wasn't sure how I felt about it after the first glass, but it was in the following glasses (on other nights, kids) that I realized its true value.

This wine has an light nose of green apple to me. The dry sweetness comes forward with crisp, acidic fruit notes of honeydew melon and a mellow undertone of slate. I think I get a hint of peach from it as well. If you prefer softer white wines (sweet, but not lingering toothache sweet), this would be a great wine for you.

This wine I think absolutely comes alive when paired with foods. We enjoyed it with crock-pot chicken fajitas and with Patak's Mango Curry chicken. This would be a great wine to pair with any Thai or Indian dish, roast turkey, lemon baked rainbow trout, or probably with that salmon salad I had had the Hidden Crush with!

My friends, which wines did you enjoy over the holidays? Which "go-to" wines would you recommend for us to try? 

Cheers!

12 under 20: The Francis Ford Coppola Diamond Collection

Good day, readers!

Bringing you another vineyard chain today, much like previous posts on Cupcake and Oliver. The Francis Ford Coppola Diamond Collection wines can be found in just about any grocery store, so they should be super accessible for you to try! They will typically be mid-to-upper priced on my $20 scale.

My Mom introduced me to this label and thus far, I have been pleased with every bottle I have tried. Specifically and most recently, I have enjoyed the Cabernet Sauvignon, the Pinot Noir, and the Pinot Grigio. On previous occasions, I have also appreciated the Merlot and the Malbec. I still have some tastings to do to cover all varietals in this collection, but today let’s focus on the three I am most familiar with.

The Ivory Label – Cabernet Sauvignon ($14.99 at Publix last visit!)
One thing I learned in the last wine class I took was that for a wine to be labeled as a certain varietal, it must merely consist of 75% of that type of grape. For example, this cab! Though labeled as a Cabernet Sauvignon, this luscious wine is actually only 78% Cabernet Sauvignon grape. The remaining ingredients consist of 10% Segalin, 7% Merlot, and 5% Cabernet Franc grapes. Though that may seem initially curious to come, a calculated combination of different grapes helps the winemaker create a broader spectrum of unique wines for you to consume!

For those that aren’t too familiar, the Cabernet Sauvignon grape is a hybrid of the Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc plants (So cabs are basically a blend from the start, right ;)?)! The Cabernet Franc is a fragrant black grape that adds flavors of pepper and dark berries. The addition of that extra pinch of Cabernet Franc grapes may have been with the intention ever-so-slightly weight this wine in favor of those dark, smooth flavors.

This wine by Coppola’s winemaker Corey Beck is rich like velvet, bold, and spicy. It is aged in French Oak barrels, which accentuates its berry-filled fullness. Deep royal garnet in color, it is easy to feel sophisticated while drinking this wine. I’d highly recommend pairing wine with a well-seasoned steak, braised lamb, or spaghetti and meatballs.

The Silver Label – Pinot Noir ($16.99 at Publix last visit!)
This wine was gone almost instantly when served at our Christmas Day dinner! Unlike its Cab cousin, this wine is 100% of its namesake grape. The way this wine was prepared (grown in a region influenced by cooler bay-temperatures, picked in the early morning, and immediately cold-soaked) I think definitely plays a factor in this wine and is why I recommend you make sure it is chilled prior to consumption. This wine has a lovely nose filled with raspberries and cherries, and the French oak barrel aging comes through on the long finish (so you can enjoy it a little longer :)). This wine was exceptional with our turkey and ham Christmas dinner, but I also envision you would enjoy it with lamb burgers, quatro formaggio pizza, or eggplant parmesan. And now I’m hungry…

The Emerald Label – The Pinot Grigio ($11.99 at Publix last visit!)
This darling is 100% Pinot Grigio grape and professes a Northern Italian style. I am partial to the stainless steel barrel aging when it comes to white wines as I feel it lets the complexities of the grape play first fiddle in each sip, rather than the fiber of the barrel. Steel aging for this wine results in a clean, crisp taste like an Anjou pear or green apple. It is light, refreshing, and a perfect pairing for that scrumptious berry salad, white fish entree, or the alfredo pasta you’re having for dinner.

If you are looking for an accessible label that you can count on to provide you with variety, quality, and the right price…give the Francis Coppola Diamond Collection wines a try. You won’t be disappointed.

Cheers, readers!

12 under 20: Relax Riesling

12 under 20: Relax Riesling
I don’t know what it is with me…My “go-to’s” tend to be either bold, fruity reds or the sweetest of whites! I do know that a lot of my friends out there prefer white wines, so let me make a recommendation that you’re sure to enjoy.

Relax Riesling has, for years, been a solid go-to wine for me when I need something sweet, light, and fruity. I find this wine has the versatility to be enjoyed with melons and peaches on a warm summer day or with goat-cheese stuffed dates and sugar cookies on a cozy winter night (I know this because I enjoyed it with sugar cookies just last night!). Aside from desserts, sweet wines like this are also a wonderful complement to spicy Thai or Indian cuisine, fish entrees, and fruit-filled salads. Any way, you should definitely serve it chilled!

Like its clean, modern bottle, this wine is crisp and fresh. I would expect no less from a popular German Riesling! It is so easily sippable you will forget it’s even alcoholic (until you stand up, of course). This would be a great wine to drink while taking a bubble bath or reading a good book on the couch. And if you’re crafty, think of all the fun things you could do with the gorgeous cobalt blue bottle once you’ve enjoyed the contents!

Relax Riesling is a JOY and very accessible; I typically find this in the wine section at my local grocery store at or under $12. I now know that Relax has three other wines as well, so I know what I’m going to try to find next grocery trip!

Cheers!

12 under 20: Decoy 2012 Pinot Noir

WELL, I have catching up to do if I’m going to give you 6 more 12 under 20’s by December 31^st!

So when we went to Napa back in July, along with Markham we also stopped at Duckhorn. WOW. We did a wine and cheese pairing with them and it was a delightful time (worth the money if you get the chance to go).

Unfortunately, most Duckhorn wines won’t quite make the “under $20” mark for this blog. However, Duckhorn is part of a great ducky family FULL of options that will fit whatever your budget while maintaining their high quality and brand acclaim. Sister vineyards include Decoy, Paraduxx, Migration, Goldeneye, and Canvasback.

12 under 20: Decoy 2012 Pinot Noir

Decoy was the first of Duckhorn’s sister vineyards that we explored (at the store). Husband’s birthday was last week and aside from Chianti’s and Cabs, the man appreciates a good medium-bodied Pinot Noir. We were pairing this wine with a baked, lemon-seasoned salmon, mashed potatoes, and green beans. Most often people would advise pairing a white wine with fish, but for red-drinkers like Husband, the Pinot Noir is an excellent compromise.

The back of the Decoy 2012 Pinot Noir label pretty much sums it up: “The everyday wine for the well-informed.” Consider this post you being informed!

This vintage is 100% Pinot Noir grape, aged in 100% French Oak Aged Burgundy barrels (Luscious!). It was fresh and full of bright, red fruit.  I personally experienced the mouthfeel of cranberries and raspberries and it had a soft, oaky zest to it. This wine was fruity and light enough for those that don’t prefer heavy red wines, but also toasty enough for wine drinkers that enjoy notes of wood and spice.

Their 2013 varietal is sounding more earthy and herbal (lavender, sage, mushroom, white pepper amidst the blue and red berries)…so for those that prefer the warmth and lushness of more fruit, try the 2012 first.

The Decoy Pinot Noir just barely skates under our $20 cap at $19.99 at Total Wine. That tends to be the average price for this wine, though the Internet says some lucky wine aficionados might be able to find the 2012 as low as $15 at some retailers. 

Cheers, readers!

12 under 20: River Road Pinot Gris & Markham Merlot

Time for another installment of 12 under 20: my selections for 12 wines (or wine brands) to enjoy as "go-to" wines under $20. The wines I want to share today, spots #5 and #6 in the series, are two of my hands-down favorite wines from this summer.

12 under 20: River Road Russian River Valley Reserve Pinot Gris

This wine comes to us from the Russian River Valley in Sonoma, CA. I had the distinct pleasure of visiting Napa/Sonoma in July and am a little sore, despite a great trip, that we missed this vineyard. Next time!

This wine is unoaked and aged in 100% stainless steel. It is crisp and full of fruit (peach and citrus). The maker's notes suggest a hint of minerality, but to me, it is hardly noticeable in contrast to the the clean, refreshing fruit playing first fiddle. Chicken dishes, cheeses, melons or peaches, salmon or white fish...you can pair this wine with so many different dishes or even just enjoy on it's own (as I've been known to do ;))! It has been my go-to white wine of the season.

At Total Wine, this baby goes for $13.99. www.riverroadvineyards.com

12 under 20: Markham Vineyards Merlot
When in Napa, one of the vineyards we happened across was Markham Vineyards. Truth be told, we had not heard of it before, but our accommodations gave us a free wine tasting there as part of our package. We popped by Markham's tasting room between our appointments at Silver Oak and Duckhorn and frankly, we left California more impressed with Markham than any of the wineries we visited. A true diamond, but one you can actually afford!!

The group favorite from this tasting experiences was the Merlot. It was lush with layers of cherry and raspberry and an undertone of vanilla oak (I'm serious - You can taste the subtle vanilla). A few extra notes of dark coffee give it a really full, rich flavor. It is intense, but ohhhhh so good. Do your filet mignon or dark chocolate dessert a real favor by pairing it with this wine.

This wine just makes it into our 12, because on Total Wine it's listed for $19.97. We have found it at Costco as well for around $16.99. We signed up for the Wine Club at Markham SPECIFICALLY because of this wine, if that tells you anything (Members get 30% off!). www.markhamvineyards.com

If there are any two wines I can convince you to go invest in right now, it is these two. You will not be disappointed, no matter the occasion that arises. Enjoy!

12 under 20: Oliver Winery

12 under 20: Oliver Winery

At IU, we were very priviledged to have a WONDERFUL little gem of a winery not that far from campus. Oliver Winery is a known Bloomington hot-spot, a great place to take parents and friends for a wine tasting, a tour of the wine making process, or even just a picnic by their pond.

Oliver Winery was founded in the 1960s by IU law professor William Oliver, who was crucial in the passing of legislation allowing for small wineries to open in Indiana (Indiana Small Winery Act, 1971). His son took over the company in 1983 and it remains a family business today. They have expanded rapidly, particularly in the last 30 years, with distribution now in over 14 states (you can always order online if the wines are not sold in your state) and case sales exceeding 270,000 in 2008.

Now that spring is finally here, let me share with you my top Oliver recommendations to be enjoyed in Spring and early summer. 

•  Creekbend Traminette - $16.00
•  This semi-dry has hints of tropical fruits and green apple.  It is floral with a hint of spice, which has it pair really well with ethnic foods, like Asian or Mexican (I imagine this wine would also be great with Indian food), or with a cheese plate appetizer!
• Creekbend Chambourcin Rose - $12.00
•  This wine is all strawberry for me. An off-dry Rosé aged in stainless steel barrels, this wine is full of fruit and is perfect for pairing with appetizers, pork dishes, or fresh berries!
• Blackberry - $12.00
• The literal sweetest wine on this list, this wine is 100% fresh Oregon blackberries. The blackberries are fermented just as you would ferment a grape, and a dash of natural cane sugar preserves the sweetness. You have to have a sweet tooth for this one, but it is SO worth it.
• Gewurztraminer - $10.00
• This is my husband and my favorite Oliver wine. We have a bottle in our wine cabinet right now! This wine is soft, easy, and perfectly sippable. It pairs excellently with Thai, Indian and other spicy exotic foods. Another semi-dry, this wine is floral and has a sweet finish.
• Beanblossom Blush - $9.50
• For spring, you need a Zinfandel! The Beanblossom Blush is a semi-dry with strawberry, peach, and floral notes, and it is delicious.

As it turns out, 3 of my 5 were also on Oliver’s “Five Fabulous Wines for Spring” blog post!

Oliver has a special place in my heart because it was the location for many wonderful memories throughout grad school. It is where I bonded with my classmates, took my parents when they came to visit, and was part of my husband's (then boyfriend) visit when he traveled 9 hours to surprise me for my birthday. 

Oliver Winery is my go-to for when you need to send a wine (or a case) to a friend for their birthday, when you need a special wine for an anniversary, or as a Thank-You to your Matrons of Honors (I speak from experience). Anything they offer is worth it (and there are volume discounts!), but if you’re jazzed for Spring and you want a wine that captures the season, start here and let me know what you think. 

As a note, I know I'm offering 5 affordable wines for you here under one label, but since "12 under 20" is my blog series, I can bend the rules a little bit. ;) ENJOY!

"Let us celebrate the occasion with wine and sweet words." - Plautus

12 under 20: Mark West Pinot Noir

12 under 20: Mark West Pinot Noir

Welcome to my Go-To #3...Mark West Pinot Noir!

Mark West makes a lovely Pinot Noir that I just discovered last weekend at the recommendation of my friend Gennie. It is easy drinking, filled with great fruit (notably cherry, raspberry), and a hint of spiciness. It's very smooth, the tannins are soft, and it is a beautiful garnet color. I can say with 100% confidence that it pairs well with homemade pizza. :)

Mark West is located in Sonoma County, California where they have been making wines for over 40 years. I'm hoping, on my trip there in May, that I'll get to have a visit. I'm forever going to associate this wine with laughing, honest sharing, and solid quality time with a good friend. Wines are definitely for sharing!

At Publix, this baby sells for $14.99!

Cheers!

12 under 20: Dr Heidemanns Riesling QbA

Well readers, since my last 12 under 20 post on Cupcake Vineyards, I attended my very first "Wine 101: The Fundamentals of Wine Tasting" class at my local Total Wine. It was an awesome experience and I feel like I learned a lot in just 2 hours for only $20. Clearly, $20 and under is a theme for my overall life, not just my blog!

This class reviewed proper temperatures at which wine should be stored, the different classifications of white and red wines, the "rating" system for evaluating wines, and of course the tastings themselves, which we got to evaluate on our own. I still have a lot to learn (most specifically, I need to get a handle on discerning the flavor styles) but I am more enthusiastic than ever to keep learning.

#2. Dr Heidemanns Riesling QbA

This fantastic little Old World riesling is new to me as of the aforementioned class. It was enjoyed immensely by all in our party (ladies and gentlemen alike) and was only -$9.99-.

Dr Heidemanns is renowned as one of the finest estates in Mosel, Germany. The family-owned and operated winery dates back as far as 1156, so they have had extensive experience crafting a great wine.

This semi-dry (sweet) wine was fermented in stainless steel barrels and holds no characteristics of oak. Sweeter wines tend to be fuller in body, but lower in alcohol, making them easier to sip on rather than necessarily just pair with food. It's low in acidity and fruitful with notes of apple and pear (The description they gave said peach flavors, but I personally experienced more pear than peach). This would be a great wine to sip chilled on your back porch in summer while eating fresh fruit or enjoy on date night with a spicy thai dish.

As a note, this Riesling has a Stelvin (screw) cap instead of a cork. This method of capping a wine can actually prolong a wine's life better than a cork. Many finer wines are switching to screw caps for this reason, but the cork will not completely be done away with -- The machines required to fashion the Stelvin caps are incredibly expensive which can be a hard sell, especially if you are not sure how a screw cap vs. a cork will affect the bouquet and flavors of your particular wine.

Chill your white wines at a temperature between 48 and 53 degrees. Also, 80% of what you taste in wine is what you smell, so be sure to breathe in the bouquet (aromas) before you sip!

For $9.99 at Total Wine, you honestly cannot go wrong with this Riesling. It's sweet (but not in a 'hurts your tooth' kind of way), fruity, refreshing, and would pair well with many different aperitifs.

Welcome to my list of favorite "go-to" wines, Dr Heidemanns Riesling QbA!

12 under 20: Cupcake Vineyards

My 2014 New Years resolution is to become a novice level sommelier. At this time I am not doing this through an official school, but through monthly wine tasting classes at various locations to lay the foundation for my knowledge. Maybe in the future I will consider actually going to school to get certified! 

I know this is not art related, but I'd like to start a mini series called 12 under 20. Over the next year, I'd like to highlight 12 of my favorite "go-to" wines for under $20. When you are a wine enthusiast, people frequently ask "What wine is your favorite?" That's not always the same thing as "What is your go-to wine?" meaning that wine that you can count on on a Tuesday when you're in your pjs watching TV. My husband asked this question of Thomas Arvid and it inspired this series. 

So let's get started!

#1. Cupcake Vineyards

I can confidently say Cupcake Vineyards is one of my favorite, most consistent go-to brands. One of their distributors was having a promotion years ago at the Bloomington Kroger and easily made smitten with the idea of this creative brand, I went home with multiple bottles. They pulled me in with their decadent name and scrumptious descriptions on the back of the bottle. They kept me with the variety, comforting mouthfeel, and food friendliness.  

Cupcake has a wine for every occasion, every palette. From the "tangy and creamy...lemon chiffon cupcake," their Sauvignon Blanc, to the "chocolate mocha and blackberry cupcake," their Shiraz - You will not be disappointed. Other mouth watering varietals include:

- Reds - Red Velvet, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Petite Sirah, Shiraz, Pinot Noir
- Whites - Angel Food, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc
- Celebratory - Moscato d'Asti, Prosecco

*Bold indicates wines I have tried...thankfully I still have some yet to try!

And I had yet to mention, all for under $12! At Publix, I regularly find this brand on sale for $9.99. So stop reading, stop reading now and go buy yourself a bottle! (Please drink responsibly ;))

Cheers, readers!