Wine of the Week, May 25, 2013

PACIFIC RIM ORGANIC RIESLING 2011

COLUMBIA VALLEY

WASHINGTON STATE $13.99

In addition to Pacific Rim's DRY RIESLING, RIESLING, and SWEET RIESLING, all of which we have here at Harney's, and with which you may already be familiar, the vineyard has now  produced a fourth Riesling, one made from organic grapes. A word about organic. In this case, it means that the grape vines have been grown by the method of organic farming, without the use of industrially produced chemicals, including fertilizers and pesticides. However, it does not mean that the wine is sulfites-free. First of all, sulfites are a naturally occurring result of the fermentation process; it is inevitable. Secondly, sulfites are an effective anti-spoiling agent which are added by the vintner (wine maker), especially and extensively, to white wines, less so to red wines. If you are one of the unfortunate 5% of the population which is allergic to sulfites, reading the label on a wine carefully is important. Labels typically read: no sulfites detectable (meaning that the amount of sulfites is almost non-existent), or no added sulfites (the only sulfites are those naturally occurring), or contains sulfites (the vintner has added sulfites to preserve the wine, giving it a longer shelf-life). That said, Pacific Rim Organic Riesling has delightful aromas and flavors of jasmine, apple, and citrus; it is medium-sweet, with refreshing acidity. It is a perfect complement to Asian cuisine, and to light summer dishes.

 

WINE OF THE WEEK, May 19, 2013

LEESE-FITCH CABERNET SAUVIGNON, CALIFORNIA 2011 $10.99

What a wonderful Cabernet Sauvignon from California! So many Cabernets from California have become cult wines, which, I feel, are overpriced. While they may be good wines, we are paying for the name as we do for so many products throughout the retail world. An expensive price doesn't necessarily guarantee satisfaction. Harney's has many good Cabs for under $20. Leese-Fitch is medium-bodied, has a creamy texture, and exhibits flavors of dark currants, blackberry, with hints of coffee, chocolate, and cedar. I like a more pronounced taste of wood in my Cabs, but at $10.99, I forgive the vintner (wine maker). Please consult the June edition of Ring Brothers Newsletter for some tips that possibly will enhance your enjoyment of wine. 

WINE OF THE WEEK (5/12)

                                    SIMI CHARDONNAY 2011

                            SONOMA COUNTY CALIFORNIA $12.99

The Chardonnay grape is planted in more grape regions of the world than any other grape. It accounts for a wide variety of wines, including Chablis, Pouilly Fuisse, and Champagne, and it lends itself to a wide variety of styles, from unoaked to buttery and creamy. In training new staff members here at Harney's about what wines to recommend to people, I invariably say Simi Chardonnay, which, vintage after vintage, is a predictably good wine. It is dry (not sweet), balanced (meaning harmonious), and offers aromas and flavors of pear, green apple, and tropical fruit, with a slightly creamy mouth-feel, and just a hint of oak. It is particularly complementary to seared scallops, to Shrimp Scampi, and to chicken dishes.

WINE OF THE WEEK, May 05, 2013

WASHINGTON HILLS, WASHINGTON STATE LATE HARVEST RIESLING 2011 $8.99

I prefer dry (not sweet) wines, but some people enjoy sweet wines, so I've chosen this Riesling (pronounced REEsling) as the Wine of the Week. It is called late harvest: a technical term, signifying that the grapes were afforded extra time on the vine in order to develop further sugar and to deepen and intensify flavor. Its alcohol content is low, 11% - a big red is around 14% - because the fermentation process (yeast + sugar=alcohol) was stopped early so that the yeast did not turn all the sugar into alcohol. All wine, even the driest reds, have some residual sugar, just as all wine contains some residual sulfites, a naturally occurring result of the fermentation process. Contrary to popular belief, no wine is entirely free of sulfites. Read the label carefully on an organic wine. It should say either: no sulfites detected, or no added sulfites. 5% of the population is allergic to sulfites. Generally, sulfites are added to white wine as a stabilizer, to give it a longer shelf-life. In most cases, the tannins in red wine act as a stabilizer. Washington Hills, Late Harvest Riesling, is medium-sweet, with intense flavors of honeyed apricots and peaches. Serve it well-chilled, circa 55 degrees. Uses: I suspect that it would overpower any food, so why not enjoy it on its own out on the deck or as an after-dinner drink, or, perhaps make a wine spritzer: ice, 4oz. wine, 2oz club soda, a slice of fruit as a garnish. The screw cap closure, which, I feel, will be universal in the not-too-distant future, makes it convenient. There is, however, no romantic pop with a screw cap.