By Rick Riozza
Come this time of year most wine columns cover the spookiest bottles of wine around. We’ve done a lot of that during the last ten years—so much so, that’s it’s scary to even think about writing about those wines and labels again.
And seeing that the Halloween scene is still a bit iffy around these parts, we’ll relieve the stress of it all and simply write on three wines that have come across our desks this fall season for easy entertainment.
So we start with some Italian bubbles which are the ideal partner for a very happy hour, a celebratory cheer for a special occasion, or the right pairing choice to match your romantic Italian meal. Valdo Floral Spumante Brut Rosé, at only $16 a bottle, is one of the most reasonable and inexpensive ways to serve Italy-in-a-glass and cheer-up the table.
Some have called this delicious and exciting rose bubby, “the shimmering gem from Italy!” And for those who care, this Italian sparkling wine breaks all the rules of local winemaking tradition with wit & grace. That is to say, this Italy-in-a-glass sparkler is a blend of grapes harvested in the Veneto [VEN-it-toe] region in the north, and, Sicily in the south! Allora!
Valdo is a blend of Nerello Mascalese, a notorious Sicilian native grape whose vineyards are located approximately 1,000 feet above the sea level on the lower slopes of the Etna volcano, and, Glera, mainly known as the “Prosecco Grape”. Both grapes are harvested during September, and the blend results in a sophisticated quality wine that presents a pleasant bouquet and charming aromas of red and black berries. The palate is fresh and elegant with concentrated notes of raspberry and flowers. And there is a great mouthfull filled with fine bubbles.
Next, we are highlighting a couple of kiwi wines that every wine enthusiast will be eager to try. Those of you who adore the Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir from New Zealand already know that Villa Maria is New Zealand’s most awarded winery. Established in 1961, the family-owned wine producer began the process of embedding sustainable practices from vine to bottle many years ago – long before the topic became mindful to the consumers.
In 2012, their long-standing efforts in the field were rewarded by government and industry organizations when the company received the prestigious Supreme Green Ribbon Award at Parliament for its contribution to protecting the environment as well as being named New Zealand’s most sustainable business.
Organic winemaking is a journey Villa Maria has been on for over two decades. Partnering with nature and cultivating wines using organic practices have allowed them to produce wine that is true to the earth, and to take care of the land we all share. But more than just being kind to the planet, organic winemaking fully encapsulates their key values in innovation, creativity, quality and sustainability.
Villa Maria is now pleased to announce their first range of fully premium organic and vegan friendly wines called EarthGarden. The exciting new EarthGarden range that we sampled included the Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2020 and the Marlborough Pinot Noir 2019. The winery has written: “From the lively soils that ripen our grapes combined with our minimal intervention, EarthGarden is the purest expression of Marlborough and Hawke’s Bay terroir—the land, soil, climate and environment and a true reflection of the natural flavor of the grapes. Our organic winegrowing practices mean we’re able to craft wines with lifted aromatics and flavors that are fresh, fruit-forward and alive—just as nature intended.”
I will say that both these sippers were delicious & vibrant & juicy; each one bursting with classic varietal flavors:
Villa Maria EarthGarden Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2020 ($20) Organically grown with wildflower gardens between the vineyard rows and regenerative viticulture to keep New Zealand’s soils healthy and ecosystems thriving. The Sauvignon Blanc has airy aromas of citrus fruits, lime and grapefruit that leap from the glass. The flavors on the palate showcase fresh herbs, lemongrass, and passionfruit. The intense fresh fruit concentration is balanced with zesty acidity and is perfectly thirst-quenching. A classic kiwi Sauv blanc.
The winery recommends this wine as suitable for plant-based diets, to try with fresh summer salads featuring vibrant lemon zest, roasted hazelnuts or green herb accents.
Villa Maria EarthGarden Marlborough Pinot Noir 2019 ($24) This is a dark and dense wine with notes of spiced plum, wild blackberry, and black cherry. Complexities arrive that include black tea, black pepper and dried lavender. Some wonderful tannins give the wine some great structure, with a nice smoky and earthy finish. Not your usual bland kiwi pinot; a well-made quaff.
The winery recommends this wine will pair well with New Zealand lamb; it is also rich enough to enhance slow cooked beef cheeks. For a plant-based alternative, try with mushroom or truffle-accented dishes to accentuate its earthy character. Cheers! & Bon Appétit!
Rick is your somm-about-town. He can be reached at winespectrum@aol.com
