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Turkey Wines with Laurette
November 21, 2009 (Sat)
from 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts
Cost: Complimentary
Event ID #283502
Event Details
Wine OR Wine & Food
Winestone
"TURKEY WINES WITH LAURETTE"
According to a record, three years after arriving in Plymouth, MA, the pilgrims learned how to make and serve native wine with their first Thanksgiving feast. I do not know what the wine was like back then but what I do know is that we shall be thankful for the fact that we have so many wonderful wines to choose from and these are some ideas!
NV Jean Louis Denois, Brut, Blanc de Blancs $20
Where: Limoux, France
Grape: Chardonnay
Limoux is a small town and appellation located in the eastern Pyrenean foothills in southern France. The region's vineyards are located in much higher altitude, which has cooler climate, thus a perfect condition for white wine grape cultivation. In fact, Limoux has been devoted to the production of sparkling wines for centuries and the locals claim that fermentation in bottle to create sparkling wine was developed here long before it was practiced in Champagne. Made by Champagne family in the Traditional Method, this is a festive bottle to kick off the feast as an aperitif and with a wide range of appetizers.
2008 Bodegas Pedro Escudero, Fuente Milano, Verdejo-Viura $11
Where: Castilla y Leon, Spain
Grape: Blend of 50% Verdejo and 50% Viura
Located along the Duero River northwest of Madrid is the historic Spanish wine region of Rueda. Up until 1970's, the region was known for sherry-style oxidized wine made from Palomino grape. However, things changed in 1972, when Rioja-based Marques de Riscal and a renowned enologist Emile Peynaud saw the potential to produce fresh white wine from Verdejo, Viura and Sauvignon Blanc. The region's chalky soil and continental climate with cool summer nights help the grape to develop aromatic flavors while retaining acidity. Located in the heart of Rueda, Bodegas Pedro Escudero produces this delightful wine from Verdejo and Viura. Offering lively fruit of grapefruit, green apple and lemon complemented by bright acidity, this is a wonderful alternative for those who like crisp white as an aperitif.
2007 St. Ludwin, Riesling Kabinett $16
Where: Mosel, Germany
Because of its friendliness with a wide range of food, Riesling is a favorite of many restaurant sommeliers. One unique key point to consider when pairing this wine with food is its sweetness. Depending on the degree of sweetness, it can be paired with anything from shellfish, seafood, poultry, white meat, charcutrie, sweet vegetables and spicy food. German classification in ascending order from light to sweeter style goes: Kabinett, Spatlese, Auslese, Beerenauslese, Eiswein and Trokenbeerenauslese. This is a Kabinett style from a small family estate of St. Ludwin located in the Mosel region of Germany. Showing pure fruit character of yellow peach, apple puree and lime, along with some mineral quality and clean acidity, this bottle would make a lovely companion for your Turkey if you prefer white wine over red.
2007 Fleur de California, Pinot Noir, Central Coast $15
Where: Central Coast, California, USA
There was an enthusiastic and confident young man called, Francis Mahoney. He was determined to produce world-class Pinot Noir that would rival red Burgundies. Knowing that warmer climate and steep exposures of the site produce perfumed Pinot Noir with black cherry and strawberry fruit, Francis and his wife purchased a land along Carneros Creek and built a winery in 1972. After nearly 4 decades since the day he started the journey with this romantic grape, Francis Mahoney is known as the pioneer of California Pinot Noir and still going strong to this day. Partnered with a former winemaker of David Bruce Winery, Ken Foster he produces this charming Pinot Noir with fresh cherry and strawberry fruit followed by smooth texture and a touch of spice.
2007 Alvaro Palacios, Camins del Priorat $25
Where: Priorat, Spain
Grape: Blend of Carignan, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah
Talented and passionate Alvaro Palacios was born to the owners of Palacio's Remondo, a respected Rioja producer, and studied Enology in Bordeaux while working at Chateau Petrus. Believing to be able to make a wine of a cross between Petrus and Grange, Alvaro headed to a remote area of Priorat instead of returning to the family's domaine. Along with Peter Sisseck of Pingus, Alvaro embodies the promise and spirit of "The New Spain" today. "Cammins" means "roads" or "paths" in Catalan language and this Camins del Priorat is Alvaro's entry-level Priorat made from grapes of younger vines. It is ready to drink now with some decanting but it will also improve in next 3-5 years.
2006 Z-52, Zinfandel $15
Where: Lodi, California, USA
Grape: Zinfandel
Since Thanksgiving is an American holiday, why not celebrate with a bottle of all American Zinfandel! Dedication to distinctive Zinfandels, Z-52 was found by Winemaker Philip Zorn and wine executive Bent Shortridge. "Z" stands for Zinfandel and Zorn and number 52 refers to 52 weeks in a vintage year, 52 rows in Agnes' Vineyard, and 52 cards in a full deck. Located in the Central Valley in California, Lodi's sandy clay loam soils, warm days and cool evening breezes contribute to soft and approachable Zinfandels. Aged in French oak for 14 months, this Z-52 features rich fruit of raspberry, dried plum and cranberry, along with hints of black pepper, structured by balanced tannins.
NV Kopke Fine Ruby $13 half bottle
Where: Bottled in Oporto, Potrugal
Grape: Blend of various grapes
Because of the 17th century wars between England and France, British wine shipper had to find an alternative to French wine and turned their eyes to Spain and Portugal. Back then, Portuguese red wines were thin and acidic. They also didn't have the strength to stand the long journey back to England. The answer to these issues was a slightly sweet wine made by addition of brandy. Port is named for Oporto, city in Portugal, and over 80 grape varieties are permitted for the production. Founded by the German diplomat of Cristiano Kopke, Kopke's history dates all the way back to 1638 and it is well regarded among Porto aficionados. This is their Fine Ruby, which would be a perfect bottle to complete the feast.
"TURKEY WINES WITH LAURETTE"
November 21, 2009
Notes by Yoko
According to a record, three years after arriving in Plymouth, MA, the pilgrims learned how to make and serve native wine with their first Thanksgiving feast. I do not know what the wine was like back then but what I do know is that we shall be thankful for the fact that we have so many wonderful wines to choose from and these are some ideas!
NV Jean Louis Denois, Brut, Blanc de Blancs $20
Where: Limoux, France
Grape: Chardonnay
Limoux is a small town and appellation located in the eastern Pyrenean foothills in southern France. The region's vineyards are located in much higher altitude, which has cooler climate, thus a perfect condition for white wine grape cultivation. In fact, Limoux has been devoted to the production of sparkling wines for centuries and the locals claim that fermentation in bottle to create sparkling wine was developed here long before it was practiced in Champagne. Made by Champagne family in the Traditional Method, this is a festive bottle to kick off the feast as an aperitif and with a wide range of appetizers.
2008 Bodegas Pedro Escudero, Fuente Milano, Verdejo-Viura $11
Where: Castilla y Leon, Spain
Grape: Blend of 50% Verdejo and 50% Viura
Located along the Duero River northwest of Madrid is the historic Spanish wine region of Rueda. Up until 1970's, the region was known for sherry-style oxidized wine made from Palomino grape. However, things changed in 1972, when Rioja-based Marques de Riscal and a renowned enologist Emile Peynaud saw the potential to produce fresh white wine from Verdejo, Viura and Sauvignon Blanc. The region's chalky soil and continental climate with cool summer nights help the grape to develop aromatic flavors while retaining acidity. Located in the heart of Rueda, Bodegas Pedro Escudero produces this delightful wine from Verdejo and Viura. Offering lively fruit of grapefruit, green apple and lemon complemented by bright acidity, this is a wonderful alternative for those who like crisp white as an aperitif.
2007 St. Ludwin, Riesling Kabinett $16
Where: Mosel, Germany
Because of its friendliness with a wide range of food, Riesling is a favorite of many restaurant sommeliers. One unique key point to consider when pairing this wine with food is its sweetness. Depending on the degree of sweetness, it can be paired with anything from shellfish, seafood, poultry, white meat, charcutrie, sweet vegetables and spicy food. German classification in ascending order from light to sweeter style goes: Kabinett, Spatlese, Auslese, Beerenauslese, Eiswein and Trokenbeerenauslese. This is a Kabinett style from a small family estate of St. Ludwin located in the Mosel region of Germany. Showing pure fruit character of yellow peach, apple puree and lime, along with some mineral quality and clean acidity, this bottle would make a lovely companion for your Turkey if you prefer white wine over red.
2007 Fleur de California, Pinot Noir, Central Coast $15
Where: Central Coast, California, USA
There was an enthusiastic and confident young man called, Francis Mahoney. He was determined to produce world-class Pinot Noir that would rival red Burgundies. Knowing that warmer climate and steep exposures of the site produce perfumed Pinot Noir with black cherry and strawberry fruit, Francis and his wife purchased a land along Carneros Creek and built a winery in 1972. After nearly 4 decades since the day he started the journey with this romantic grape, Francis Mahoney is known as the pioneer of California Pinot Noir and still going strong to this day. Partnered with a former winemaker of David Bruce Winery, Ken Foster he produces this charming Pinot Noir with fresh cherry and strawberry fruit followed by smooth texture and a touch of spice.
2007 Alvaro Palacios, Camins del Priorat $25
Where: Priorat, Spain
Grape: Blend of Carignan, Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah
Talented and passionate Alvaro Palacios was born to the owners of Palacio's Remondo, a respected Rioja producer, and studied Enology in Bordeaux while working at Chateau Petrus. Believing to be able to make a wine of a cross between Petrus and Grange, Alvaro headed to a remote area of Priorat instead of returning to the family's domaine. Along with Peter Sisseck of Pingus, Alvaro embodies the promise and spirit of "The New Spain" today. "Cammins" means "roads" or "paths" in Catalan language and this Camins del Priorat is Alvaro's entry-level Priorat made from grapes of younger vines. It is ready to drink now with some decanting but it will also improve in next 3-5 years.
2006 Z-52, Zinfandel $15
Where: Lodi, California, USA
Grape: Zinfandel
Since Thanksgiving is an American holiday, why not celebrate with a bottle of all American Zinfandel! Dedication to distinctive Zinfandels, Z-52 was found by Winemaker Philip Zorn and wine executive Bent Shortridge. "Z" stands for Zinfandel and Zorn and number 52 refers to 52 weeks in a vintage year, 52 rows in Agnes' Vineyard, and 52 cards in a full deck. Located in the Central Valley in California, Lodi's sandy clay loam soils, warm days and cool evening breezes contribute to soft and approachable Zinfandels. Aged in French oak for 14 months, this Z-52 features rich fruit of raspberry, dried plum and cranberry, along with hints of black pepper, structured by balanced tannins.
NV Kopke Fine Ruby $13 half bottle
Where: Bottled in Oporto, Potrugal
Grape: Blend of various grapes
Because of the 17th century wars between England and France, British wine shipper had to find an alternative to French wine and turned their eyes to Spain and Portugal. Back then, Portuguese red wines were thin and acidic. They also didn't have the strength to stand the long journey back to England. The answer to these issues was a slightly sweet wine made by addition of brandy. Port is named for Oporto, city in Portugal, and over 80 grape varieties are permitted for the production. Founded by the German diplomat of Cristiano Kopke, Kopke's history dates all the way back to 1638 and it is well regarded among Porto aficionados. This is their Fine Ruby, which would be a perfect bottle to complete the feast.
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