Winter WinedUp
The WinedUp, Winter 2014-15
It’s hard to believe we were just sharing the perfect patio wine and now the New year is upon us.
And here’s the WinedUp for the colder part of the calendar:
Wine: Old Vines Zinfandel
Producer: Sivas-Sonoma
Region: Sonoma, CA
Vintage: 2011
Grape: Zinfandel
Alcohol: 14.5 %
Zinfandel is a great winter wine. The heavier body and higher abv are perfect for warming up cooler winter nights. This is a creation of a 4th generation Cali winemaker, Don August Sebastiani, Jr –so you know it has a great family history. This wine is dense and lush, with good tannins along with ripe fruit reminiscent of plums & currants. There’s a nice oak backbone too. Try it with braised short ribs and hearty ragus, or just by itself with some nice aged provolone & salami.
Seen at Canal’s, Joe Canal’s & Wine Legends, Wine Warehouse stores, -about $16-17
Wine: Phantom
Producer: Bogle Vineyards
Region: Clarksburg, Lodi & Amador Counties, CA
Vintage: 2011
Grape: Proprietary Red Blend of Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon & Mourvedre
Alcohol: 14.9 %
Those of us of a certain age remember the purple-clothed Phantom of Sunday comics. This deep purple wine is as least as mysterious. There are berry fruits: blackberry, boysenberry, a hint of blueberry. A little cherry in there as well. This year’s Phantom aged in American oak for over 2 years indicated by the vanilla & cedar notes in the nose. The mouthfeel storms your palate and yields a rich and balanced finished. Take this one to the neighborhood holiday party and enjoy the kudos!
Seen at Wine Works, Wine Legends, Canals/Joe Canal’s, Victors, Total and Roger Wilco/Pennsauken. About $16-18
Wine: Cask Fermented White
Producer: Bodegas Muga
Region: Rioja, Spain
Vintage: 2013
Grape: Viura, Malvasia
Winter Whites need to be a little heavier, heartier and more complex to accommodate winter foods.
Oaked Chardonnays have a lot of appeal now, as well as Chenin Blanc. One of my favorites is a White Rioja. It also works well in a spicy winter Sangria for a party punch. Muga is terrific Rioja producer. There are green apples, honey & citrus notes in the nose with a nice kick of oak in the finish. This is a great appetizer wine too. Seen at Canals, Joe Canals, Roger Wilco, about $12-13
About this column:
I’m a male, over 25 and I drink mostly reds and interesting whites. Every time I think I know a lot about wine, I learn how much there is to learn and I like that. I have no affiliation to the wines/spirits wholesale or retail business, so this will always be TheWineUp and not the pitch. All opinions are my own.
Please send your questions and comments to thewinedupinSJ@gmail.com
Looking forward to the next glass…
