| March 2014 | ||
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March 26, 2014
Why does Jason Carlen love Musto Carmelitano Aglianico del Vulture?
Kristin Donnelly of Food & Wine put Jason Carlen, Sommelier and Beverage Director at Spiaggia, to the test. Find a favorite wine that costs less than $17. His response is a selection that is lesser known but absolutely worth the search!
What: Musto Carmelitano Aglianico del Vulture, Serra del Prete, DOC
Why: “This wine is Italy’s answer to Côtes du Rhône. It comes from the uncelebrated region of Basilicata, which is located in the arch of the boot of Italy. The vines are grown on the volcanic soils of Monte Vulture, where Aglianico thrives. The wine is untouched by oak, it is aged for a mere six months in stainless steel to preserve its freshness. It smells of black pepper, thyme, sage and black tea. In the mouth it possesses lean and mean tannins with flavors of wild blackberries, licorice and dried Mediterranean herbs. It would be perfect with a rich salmon or a piece of porchetta.”
March 23, 2014
Terroirist Interview with Chris Williams
David White: What would people be surprised to know about you?
Chris Williams: I like to sew. Sometimes I bring my sewing machine out to the winery to work on projects like covers for the fermenters and the occasional window coverings. I like the process of sewing. It’s very methodical and requires accuracy and patience.
David White: What’s the oldest bottle in your cellar? The most expensive?
Chris Williams: The oldest bottle in my cellar is a 1976 Hugel Gewurztraminer Vendanges Tardives given to me by a friend who shares my passion for aromatic whites. I plan to drink it with her soon. I don’t have too many old bottles in my cellar because I can always find reasons to drink them.
David White: What’s your favorite wine region in the world — other than your own?
Chris Williams: I would have to say Alsace. I really appreciate the Alsatian history of a focus on aromatic white wines and Pinot Noir, cultivated in a patchwork of soils and interesting terroirs.
Chris Williams is the winemaker at Brooks Winery in Amity, Oregon. Get to know him better; read more from the Terroirist Interview with Chris Williams.
March 12, 2014
FEATURED: Architect, Wife of a Diplomat, Winemaker - Who is this Woman?
Architect, mother, wife of a diplomat: Anabelle Sielecki wears many hats, but for the last 12 years she's been occupied as proprietor of Mendel Wines, a small-scale winery in Mendoza, Argentina, focused on producing high-quality wines in a limited volume. Sielecki founded the vineyard and brought Roberto de la Mota on board, son of Argentina's "Winemaker of the Century," Raul de la Mota. Together, they've set out to carefully cultivate their grapes and craft their wines into reflections of Mendoza's unique terroir.
March 06, 2014
FEATURED: Spain's Secret: Terra Alta and Vinos Pinol
The Piñol family has been making wine for four generations in the Terra Alta region, a small DO at the southern tip of Catalonia, Spain. The family is devoted to expressing the heritage and terroir of this neighbor to Priorat, and is one of the few wineries making wine from the Morenillo grape, a virtually extinct indigenous varietal. And the result is more than mere novelty.
