Break out the Bubbly

Norm's Tasting Notes

by: Norm Bentley

normwine@bellsouth.net

 

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

 

2015 Happy New Year

#nb-48-15

 

"Champagne vs. Sparkling Wine"

Break out the bubbly its almost New Year's Eve!

Over the years I have heard many make the comment, "I don't really like champagne, so I don't think that I will get any this year for New Year's Eve."  When asked what kind of champagne they have had in the past, the answer is often Andre, or some other bulk produced, low price sparkler. Well Andre really is not champagne, its just inexpensive sparkling wine.

 

So what's the difference? Well Champagne is made in the Champagne Region of France and is fermented in the bottle , which is called Methode Champenoise, or in English "Champagne Method".  Andre and other inexpensive sparkling wines are not fermented in the bottle using the Champagne Method, but rather they are fermented in bulk, which is often using the Charmat Method. This is a process which produces a usually much inferior sparkling wine.  But, if you don't want to pay French Champagne prices, look for the words "Champagne Method" on the bottle.

 

There are some really good sparkling wines out there that don't come from France, and can't be called Champagne, but are still very enjoyable. You might find that you actually do like "Champagne".  Below are a few of my favorites:

Schramsberg from California - $25 to $32

Mumm's Napa Cellars from California - $18 to $22

Domaine Chandon from California - $17 to $21

Korbel from California - $11 to $15

Codorniu Cava from Spain - $10 to $12

Santa Margherita Prosecco from Italy - $27 - $23

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

Norm

 

https://www.facebook.com/NormsTastingNotes

http://normwine.blogspot.com/

https://twitter.com/normswine

Available online at:

http://pineisland-eagle.com/

http://cumminghome.com/

WINE – God’s Proof of his Love for Humanity

     

2015 Christmas Special

Norm's Tasting Notes

by: Norm Bentley

normwine@bellsouth.net

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

2015 Christmas Special

#nb-47-15

 

First let me say MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY DINING!

 

Below is a list of suggestions for which wines go best with various foods.
Roasted or Baked Turkey  - Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay

Baked Ham - Rose or light Pinot Noir, or Chardonnay

Grilled Steak or Beef Tenderloin - Cabernet Sauvignon
Lamb Chops or Pork Loin Chops - Merlot
Barbecued Ribs or Spaghetti - Zinfandel
Prime Rib or Roast Duck - Pinot Noir
Lobster, King Crab, Half Shell Oysters - Chardonnay
Oysters Rockefeller or Broiled Fish - Sauvignon Blanc
Shrimp Alfredo or Clams Marinara - Pinot Grigio
Baked Fish, Poached Flounder - Riesling or Pinot Grigio
Cornish Game Hens - Chardonnay or Pinot Noir
Grilled or Baked Salmon - Chardonnay, or Pinot Noir

The following is a top ten list of some of the wines that I have written about earlier this year, as well as their scores.

2014 Wild Horse Viognier – 92

2013 Acrobat Pinot Gris - 92

2013 Rodney Strong Chalk Hill Chardonnay – 93

2013 Ferrai-Carano Chardonnay – 91

2013 Mark West Willamette Valley Pinot Noir – 90

2013 Vanderbilt Reserve Dry Creek Valley Merlot – 89

2012 Ruffino Aziano Chianti Classico – 90

2012 Root: 1 Carmenere – 92

2013 Coppola Diamond Collection Ivory Label Cabernet Sauvignon – 92

2011 Groth Oakville Cabernet Sauvignon - 93

 Whatever special dinner or wine you enjoy this year, I hope you have a:
Merry Christmas - Norm's Score - 100! 

Norm

https://www.facebook.com/NormsTastingNotes

http://normwine.blogspot.com/

https://twitter.com/normswine

Available online at:

http://pineisland-eagle.com/

http://cumminghome.com/

WINE – God’s Proof of his Love for Humanity

 

2013 Steelhead North Coast Red

Norm's Tasting Notes

by: Norm Bentley

normwine@bellsouth.net

 

The North Georgia Wine Advisor

2013 Steelhead North Coast Red

#nb-46-15

 

I like to fish and I like to drink wine, so the 2013 Steelhead Red suits me both ways.  Dan and Katy Leese, owners of Steelhead Vineyards contribute a portion of their bottle sales for the protection of Steelhead and Trout habitats, and also produce some tasty wines.  The North Coast Red is a blend of six grape varieties which come together in harmony to produce a sturdy red which paired well with our two inch thick medium rare fillet, hot off of the grill.

 

The primary grapes in this blend are Zinfandel and Syrah which aid in producing a nice wild berry aroma, which is backed by gobs of ripe fruit suggesting blackberry and plum.

The wine has strong earthy notes that definitely come from the Syrah.  The finish has a moderate taste of toasty oak, and the alcohol content is 14.5%.  This an easy to drink red with enough backbone to stand up to hearty fare such as grilled meat.

 

The Steelhead Red was great with our steak, and would pair well with spicy red-sauced pastas as well.  Some might like this wine with barbecue, but I will stick to my steak, since I prefer sweet Southern Ice Tea with my "Que".  Norm's score is 88.

 

price: $13 - $15

score - 88

 

Norm

https://www.facebook.com/NormsTastingNotes

http://normwine.blogspot.com/

https://twitter.com/normswine

Available online at:

http://pineisland-eagle.com/

http://cumminghome.com/

WINE – God’s Proof of his Love for Humanity