Pinot Noir, the Grape Escape – James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

Pinot Noir is a fascinating grape on many levels.  It is a grape of great legacy and length of cultivation.  The Roman’s called Pinot Noir Helvancia Minor… imagine saying “yes, I’ll have a glass of Hevancia Minor please.”  Pinot Noir is fitting not just because it is in the French but because it descriptive–Pinot meaning “pine” or “pine cone”  for it’s tight clustering and pine cone shape.

Pinot Noir requires a visionary wine grower and maker, steely confidence, willing to persevere the challenge points and dealing with the grapes seemingly “mind-of-it’s-own” moodiness.  Pinot Noir  mutates easily, has very large differences between parent and offspring vines, succumbs to any and all problems that encounter any grape; it’s moodiness because it doesn’t like too much heat, chill, sun or vine coverage.  There are at least 63 clones as recognized in France though it can vary in the US and New Zealand and elsewhere.   While I wrote wine notes in 2004 there were 46 recognized clones.  Pinot Noir is about change and a grape that can mutate easily there have been estimates of up to 1,000 clones.  Pinot Noir can be difficult off vine as well… fermentation, colour retention and boiling out of the barrel.

Pinot Noir has a much stricter range of where it can be grown and that need to be adhered to in order to be an acceptable wine.  The range is primarily California-Carneros, Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast, Anderson, Valley, Santa Rita Hills, Santa Lucia Highlands, Oregon’s Willamette Valley, New Zealand, certain bands in Australia, Chile, Germany, Italy, and of course the mothership Burgundy.

While the popularization of Pinot Noir because of the movie Sideway and it’s central protagonist Miles helps to promote this wine.  The sensitivities of both grape and man are nearly identical.  While many credit the movie with making Pinot Noir more popular many others say that Pinot Noir’s quality declined slightly especially at the lower price point wines and the retrenchment of Syrah and Merlot.

Now think of this difficult wine grape being formed into a difficult wine to make–sparkling wine or Champagne.  Certainly not all wines contain Pinot Noir but those that do it is a testament to goodness and celebration of life.

Pinot Noir is known as both Spätburgunder and Blauburgunder which certainly refers to Burgundy as the central focus of the name–Pinot Noir is also known as Pinot Nero.  If on a blind tasting this varietal would be easily identified as a Pinot Noir grape while other red varietals might not be as easily identified.  And the allure and evocation is written about as being a grape that is the most romantic.  The aromatics of Pinot Noir along with it is capability to create a canvas of complexity; red floral notes, chocolate, herbs, lavender, Eucalyptus, bramble berries, cherry, and even cola notes.

Pinot Noir is a wine that is knowable and memorable and has the capacity to create many magical experiences.

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I am writing a wine book and a big thanks to fellow Twitterers who supplied a consistent number of clones at least at the upper end.  Book writing is a lengthy process but one which I have been doing for the past two years and hoping that my comprehensive book will be done in at least the next couple of years.

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¡Salud!

***

Demystifying Wine…One Bottle at a Time from all wine regions around the world.

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© 2011 James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez — All Rights Reserved. James the Wine Guy also on Facebook, Twitter and most major social medias.

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Trending in Wine – James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

I have been thinking about trending in wine… and not just in the Twitter way.  I have been to many a meeting or discussion and the topic of what wine is trending is often talked about.

Many of the people I speak with about trending are the producers themselves.  Not because they believe in trending wine but how this aspect affects their particular production or vineyard.  More specifically, when the film sideways was released Pinot Noir hit a greater popularity at Merlots expense.

Eric Asimov wrote an article last year called “Is there hope for Syrah” and in this article he points to wine writer Patrick Comiskey who says that the movie Sideways “killed Syrah.”  I don’t think that was what necessarily happened.  I do think that there was an entrant called Mendoza and it’s Malbec that brought to  a larger public wines that were inexpensive, plentiful and emulate it’s Bordeaux brethren that ate into Syrah’s sales.

And sometimes when there are writings suggestion when one varietal is strong or even worse when a varietal has seen better selling days–is in itself a liability and helps to create an environment of wine trending.

I do think there is a wine drinking public who are drinking more wine that ever (at least in the US) and there is still a need to understand what is “in” or not.  I do think many people want to stay inline with the latest “trend” in wine.  And yet wine is not a moveable feast and more specifically viticulture cannot turn on a dime–vines need time to mature before they can be fermented.  And trends are not in line with with has been planted–rather trends set a stage for promoting one wine and unintentionally or intentionally upstage another grape varietal.

And I think as a wine writer and reviewer myself is to not fan the flame of doom.  I do not think Syrah is in decline.  Decline is a powerful word that seems nearly terminal.   Yes, while sales are down the need to educate and talk about Syrah is important.  Syrah is versatile grape and picks up characteristics of it’s home and it’s blending capacity is dynamic–it is a wonderful varietal that could use a few more friends.

I do make a distinction between “trend” and highlighting lesser known wines and regions and brands.  That these highlights of the lesser known is not in the desire to “trend” it—trendiness in wine is unhelpful and more importantly un-necessary.

And lastly I do want to see wine trending on Twitter – This type of trending would be helpful to bringing attention to the wine category in general.  And I do think as more people read and educate themselves about wine the veritas comes out and I do hope the “trending” wine diminishes and awareness takes it’s place.

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¡Salud!

***

Demystifying Wine…One Bottle at a Time from all wine regions around the world.

Read more of my wine reviews:

© 2011 James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez — All Rights Reserved. James the Wine Guy also on Facebook, Twitter and most major social medias.

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#WBC11 Charlottesville, Virginia – A Juxtaposition of the Wine Experience – James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

Wine Bloggers Conference took place this past July 22 through July 24 in Charlottesville, Virginia.  This was the fourth gathering and the first not on the West Coast.  This was an important step to acknowledge the wines in the other 46 states and beyond.   And that is to further say that many wine writers are not just writing about the latest Grand Cru vintage—but many have been focusing on the lesser known varietal, regions and producers.  Hence this conference was important to highlighting Virginia wines.

While I have had wine from Virginia before I knew this would be the largest assortment that I would find anywhere.  I wanted to see first hand how the Virginia wine industry is maturing.  In a short time, Virginia has re-posted itself on the US wine map once again.  Thomas Jefferson—a US President and a passionate wine devotee visioned what Virginia could become—a wine producing state—unfortunately he would not taste that wine. Perhaps there has been no US president like him who was such a wine aficionado.   Jefferson wine legacy is a great provenance for Virginia and now is beginning to enjoy its wine renaissance.

Foot on land and hand on glass is essential to taking a first step in understanding wine and where it comes from.  Virginia is important to know on many levels—a state forging ahead with an intention to make serious wines. Serious wine is a lot of fun to enjoy and without a methodic approach to quality and hand on artistry these wines would not exist.  Virginia’s wineries, for the most part have, collectively worked towards a wine that could be poured on a table anywhere.    And that is a big statement—there are many wine regions working through where they want to be—a lot of sweet goes a long way—or that should be said in the beginnings for a wine region.  For many people it is easier to get into a sweet wine and perhaps graduate to dry wines.

Virginia is well known for Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Viognier and Petit Verdot and they are also producing wines like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Manseng and so fourth.  Foot on ground was essential—I hope that no wine region is just a mere footnote but a place that at least for me is a real experience.  After all, I have not visited a wine country and have ever been disappointed.  The greenness is amazing and while in many wine countries there are elements of green the brightness was intense and very luminous.  I loved the landscape—reminding me of scene from the movie Giant where Elizabeth Taylor’s takes her kids to her family’s farm in Virginia for Thanksgiving.

While I tasted a lot of wine; I never get to taste as much as I would like.  WBC11 was jam packed of events in truly which was just a 48-hour adventure for me (excluded my 15+ hours of taxis, trains, and planes).  I would point to one of my winery visits—Keswick where they are producing everything from Chardonnay, Viognier, Pinot Blanc Merlot, Syrah and Petit Verdot—they were also producing a Verdejo…yes Verdejo.  I was amazed as there are so few acres in the US let alone Virginia.  I think this varietal serves as bell weather of opportunity and possibility.  It is, in one sense, “easier, safer” to produce more widely known grape varietals than those less known.  While Spain is the mother ship of Verdejo—Keswick is a great proving ground that this grape is a good one for Virginia and a great homage to Spain’s Verdejo.

The WBC forum is important to connect wine writers, video producers and reviewers.  While I have meet many people virtually I have met only a small portion in person.  Connecting dots and crossing “Ts” is essential for a well bound community.  While the forum was perfect nothing quite is.  My discovery was a wine community with many facets from producers, manager, wine maker, public relations professional and of course the wine writing community coming together and getting ideas and even fanning the flame of excitement about wine and social media.  There were people who got paid to do their craft; others were dipping their tow in the great wine ocean.  There could not have been enough published content that could convey the experience and hence a physical journey is important and essential.

Speakers Jancis Robinson and Eric Asimov brought many great ideas and comments.  Jancis Robinson who was the keynote speaker said and I paraphrase ‘think of yourself as a wine writer and not blogger.’  That is wine blogger is no longer required—just because one writes online doesn’t make a person less of a wine writer and in fact that should be the preferred term.  I agree with Jancis and Erics comments about wine writing—and I would further that to say that while I see the online and social media world as integral about telling the story of wine—there are many channels and touch points that the online medium presents.  While I do write and review I have worked on creating video content.  The video content and I don’t want to say too loudly vlog—as vlog like blog is not a necessary descriptor.  Why not just use the word video.  Video is a nearly all-touch point media—giving many breathe to content that sometimes just the written word cannot always convey.

Eric Asimov said drink wine—experience wine—don’t spit it—drink it.  I like his emphasis on experience.  I would say that his advice to not write wine notes for a year not a realistic thing to do and I wasn’t quite certain what that would or wouldn’t do.

Fermenting on the many ideas spoken, thoughts shared and interaction with many people—one of things that was most clear is that while wine on it’s very fundamental terms is simple but the rollout to wine consumer is extremely complex—simply put there is no one person who can tackle or address this living organism called wine.  Many people are needed to talk about wine, educate about wine and give wine it’s rightful presence.

 The online writing community both has it’s work cut out for itself and will have to continue to invent and reinvent itself…and what better time in this amazing online world.

After all wasn’t wine one of the first social media’s way before WWW.

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Demystifying Wine…One Bottle at a Time from all wine regions around the world.

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© 2011 James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez — All Rights Reserved. James the Wine Guy also on Facebook, Twitter and most major social medias.

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A Comment: “5 Ways to improve California Wine” – Jon Bonne – Article –

I read Jon Bonne’s article ”5 Ways to improve California Wine” and was thinking it was going to be more technical wish list.

Number one of five was “Take white wine seriously” It seemed to be just a statement about taking white wine seriously– wasn’t certain what audience it was intended?

I then went on to the second point and stayed stuck “Stop the AVAs.” I wasn’t sure who Bonne was addressing?  It seemed like the wine consumer.  And all I could take away was that there are too many AVAs?  I think his point might be the AVA speak before the wines?

There is a lot of slippery slope in point two.  I am not sure how stopping the AVA improves California’s wines–that wasn’t spelled out.

I think like all things and wine included is that AVA doesn’t take the place of quality and it never has–you can have the most revered AVAs but not so good vintage or producer.  AVAs are essential in helping the wine consuming public to have a closer relationship of what they are drinking.  I attended many wine events annually and I am not only there to taste but to take note.  I do a lot of listening and some of the best questions are where is the AVA they are currently consuming.

Wine enthusiast:  ”Where is Potter Valley?”

Wine maker: “Great question…. let me tell you…”

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Without an AVA and with a large state as California the bottle at hand may remain a mystery.  And isn’t demystifying wine in everyone’s best interest?

The AVA will help hone in on regional difference and do ultimately and more importantly will figure in to what the wine buying public will look towards for characteristics that match what they seek in wine.

I quickly went through the other items he listed and didn’t find that they were necessarily were quality improvement measures.

Here is the article.

5 ways to improve California wine   

¡Salud!

***

Demystifying Wine…One Bottle at a Time from all wine regions around the world.

Read more of my wine reviews:

© 2011 James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez — All Rights Reserved. James the Wine Guy also on Facebook, Twitter and most major social medias.

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Winter is for Wine Exploration; Beyond Beaujolais Nouveau – James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

Winter is for wine; actually wine is for the four seasons.  But in winter, wine is more captivating and thrilling.  It enhances the meals and the moments and is camera for the memories and wondrous times with family and friends.

There are many thoughts of what wines are appropriate.  There are no limits but there are wines that I either don’t consider or decrease in the colder months.

But the wine that I never anticipate or look forward to in any way is Beaujolais Nouveau (Gamay).  Some retailers ‘unveil’ this wine with great enthusiasm as an ideal Thanksgiving wine.   But it is this wine that is wholly un-interesting wine that is made into a marketing spectacle.  Beaujolais Gamay is not a showcase wine for Thanksgiving and the holidays—perhaps the marketing angle is that it is a soft, and in my opinion nearly devoid of any significant flavor characteristics, and ‘easy’ red wine to enjoy.  But because this wine has nothing interesting to offer the best way to sell this wine is through “unveiling” and brightly colored labels.  Introducing a novice to this wine would be a way to stop them on a journey to wine.  One might think that all other wines are this un-interesting.  But truthfully there are many varietals that are enticing and that many novices would enjoy consuming.  After all tasting is believing.

The wines for winter are wines that have body, complexity, style and an ability to be evocative; evocative to transport to not just feeling good but a feeling of sterling and starlit evenings.  This year, and as in years passed the winter is about enjoying wines that are complex and evocative.  It is obvious that we do not want to consume wines that are only calorie building.  If I am going to gain some calories each sip will count.

I am enjoy Pinot Noirs from Sonoma Coast and Willamette Valley; Malbecs from Argentina and America; rich and bold southern Italian wines like Negroamaro, lighter and depthful wines like Aglianco, Dolcetto’s from Italy and the US have commonalities and wide ranging differences but are arresting in the per ounce enjoyment they give.

I am looking at Riesling to start an evenings worth of eating; starting by enjoying of zest and bold acids; a highly differentiated from Chardonnay and the old world styles of Alsace bring together the original notion of what these spectacular wines offers and even a vision of what are palettes are seeking.  Alsatian whites are subtle, spicy, high acid, low alcohol and pack a lot of nuances for complete enjoyment.

A rich and bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot can be satisfying and the thicker the tannin the longer time to enjoy the festivities and to slow down and enjoy the wine you have before you.  I have also been enjoying a highly fruited (not to be confused with a berry bomb) like Charbono can bring a meal together or even as a standalone wine can bring great enjoyment.

And lastly tis the season for Champagne and sparkling wine.  There is a vast menu of Champagnes available and I am seeking smaller production wines; not just the obvious marquee label that many gravitate to.  I think many gravitate to a marquee label so those being served this wine have a sense of comfort and enjoy—a social pizza slice that you have had before.  But the artistry is with the smaller producer who for any lack is that the market has not properly understood their wines.  I do like a Brut or Rose this time of year.  I do think the balance of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay help to codify the festivity at hand and bring together the taste of understanding and captures the memories of the season.

I will be blogging on specific wines for the season–more to come.  Happy Holidays!

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A plethora of wine reviews from wines regions around the world. Read more of my wine reviews:jamesthewineguy.wordpress.com © 2010 James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez – All Rights Reserved..  James the Wine Guy also on Facebook, Twitter and most major social medias.

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Beckman Vineyards Santa Ynez Valley Cuvee Le Bec – 2005 – 8.6 – James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

This is a very interesting Rhone varietal blend. This wine contains 53% Grenache, 34% Syrah, 8% Mourvedre and 5% Counoise. This wine presents with a nice acid structure and the blend offers evenness and medium baked red fruit, white pepper, cinnamon and allspice.

¡Salud!

***

A plethora of wine reviews from wines regions from around the world. Read more of my wine reviews: jamesthewineguy.wordpress.com © 2007 James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez – All Rights Reserved.  James the Wine Guy also on Facebook, Twitter and most major social medias.

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Chateau des Annereaux Lalande de Pomerol Gironde – 2003 – 8.2 – James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

Pomerol is infamous for great Bordeaux. Each time I taste a Pomerol I have great expectations and so perhaps I am too biasing each I am about to taste. Chateau des Annereaux was uneven in each phase of tasting. This wine kicked then fell quickly warmed again and then just died once more. Because there are moments of enjoyment and disappointments I do find this to be problematic; for my palette I am asking what is the true characteristic of the wine. And for those believe the “S” word is irrelevant (S=Structure); I have to point out these types of tasting experiences. This wine presents with freshly picked cherry, cranberry, cinnamon dust, cedar and paprika.

¡Salud!

***

A plethora of wine reviews from wines regions from around the world. Read more of my wine reviews: jamesthewineguy.wordpress.com © 2007 James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez – All Rights Reserved.  James the Wine Guy also on Facebook, Twitter and most major social medias.

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Montes Leyda Valley Leyda Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc – 2006 – 8.9 – James Meléndez /James the Wine Guy

A good choice for a stand alone wine or with a food. This is a very approach Sauvignon Blanc with a quality that I did not expect from a Chilean wine. This wine exhibits a focus of kaffir lime zest, granny smith apple, minerals in a stream and white carnation.

¡Salud!

***

A plethora of wine reviews from wines regions from around the world. Read more of my wine reviews: jamesthewineguy.wordpress.com © 2007 James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez – All Rights Reserved.  James the Wine Guy also on Facebook, Twitter and most major social medias.

See James the Wine Guy channel for videos on YouTube:

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Cusamano Sicilicia Nero d’Avola – 2006 – 8.5 – James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

Nero d’Avola is not terribly well known in the U.S. but it should many people think this is an appellation rather than as a varietal. The glass closure is really a vast improvement to synth corks. It is a great value and has a very friendly posture to food. This is a deep, silken red that has bold and approachable acids. Think marinara and other tomato rich dishes. This wine gives wondrous aromas and culminates with tart cherry, cranberry, just picked raspberry, slight cinnamon and fresh fallen leaves. Can be enjoyed as a stand-alone wine.

¡Salud!

***

A plethora of wine reviews from wines regions from around the world. Read more of my wine reviews: jamesthewineguy.wordpress.com © 2007 James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez – All Rights Reserved.  James the Wine Guy also on Facebook, Twitter and most major social medias.

See James the Wine Guy channel for videos on YouTube:

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James the Wine Guy Review Policy – James Meléndez / James the Wine Guy

I do accept wine samples but I do not guarantee that I will review wines and / or publish wine reviews. The review policy is to critically review wines and hence the wines stand on their own merit. Please contact me if you have any queries.

¡Salud!

***

A plethora of wine reviews from wines regions from around the world. Read more of my wine reviews: jamesthewineguy.wordpress.com © 2007 James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez – All Rights Reserved.  James the Wine Guy also on Facebook, Twitter and most major social medias.

See James the Wine Guy channel for videos on YouTube:

www.youtube.com/user/jamesthewineguy