The story of Kim Crawford wines is not one that begins in a historical chateau or even in a winemaking family, it is a modern saga of a husband and wife who decided to pursue their strengths, support their family, and start making wine. Kim Crawford was raised in New Zealand's Waikato region where sprawling green meadowlands and dairy farms are plentiful, not vineyards. His wife Erica, native to South Africa, had a background in marketing. Together, the couple established Kim Crawford wines in 1996 after Kim had spent several years working in other New Zealand wineries. At that time, they were considered a 'virtual winery' so to speak as they did not own a winemaking facility or vineyards. Regardless, the appeal of winemaker Kim's first releases with their clean, uncluttered style sent this label soaring and in 1999 this urban family from Auckland built a tasting room in Te Awanga in Hawkes' Bay and then in 2000, bought a winery in Marlborough. They also began purchasing land to secure grape supply since demand for Marlborough wines were at their peak. The rest, as they say, is history for today, Kim Crawford wines are some of the most desirable of New Zealand and their label can be found on many a wine list around the globe.
As pleasantly expected, the 2008 release of their Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc delivers all of that natural fruitiness for which New Zealand wines are known. In addition, it possesses a succulence and richness that is signature Kim Crawford. With a Riesling like sharpness on the nose, this pale green Sauvignon Blanc has a plethora of aromas and flavors.. Scents of tropical fruits, citrus, nettle and herbaceous aromas awake the senses and its palate of firm acidity and minerality greet every sip. Notes of pineapple and grapefruit are evident in each whopping mouthful and it is the wine's acidity that lingers softly. Ideal with seafood, salads chèvre or your chicken entree of choice, there is no mistaking this wine's appeal!
Poet Giosue' Carducci spoke of "generous Barbera," one which makes all who drink it feel invigorated. That liveliness of spirit is what draws me to the varietal and although it lives in the shadow of Piedmont's Nebbiolo grape, Barbera is deceptively intriguing and in my opinion, one of the best kept secrets of Piedmont. Barbera is the second most widely planted red grape in Italy next to Sangiovese and its origins can be traced back as far as the 13th century. The grape reaches its true potential though in the Langhe, more specifically in the DOCs of Asti, Alba and Monferrato. The Scagliola brothers, Maggiorino and Mario, inherited a small estate on a hillside at San Siro in the town of Calosso, in the centre of the Asti province. Although Calosso is one of the municipalities with the most vineyards in Italy, it is thanks to families like the Scagliolas and their commitment to quality that Asti Langhe is being safeguarded as an area of much notability. With meticulous vineyard management and a state of the art winemaking facility, Scagliola's quest for excellence is being realized, spanning their prized Moscatos and their reds. The 'Frem' Barbera possesses all of the brightness of fruit and high acid that one would expect in a young Barbera, coupled with very soft tannins and deep, dark berry fruits. With aromas of wild currants and blackberry, this red has the ideal amount of acidity and depth, giving it the ability to pair with grilled meats or heavy cheeses as well as lighter tomato dishes and fish. Think of all of the delicacy of Pinot Noir and the body of Zinfandel. Elements of fruit jam and menthol linger on this wine's finish and its lively acidity are so inviting that another sip is surely in order! Feel free to age it too if you are so inclined.
Whenever someone at the Shoppe asks us to recommend a white that has body and weight yet subtle or no oak, we always gravitate to the Mâcon. The whites from this region of southern Burgundy frequently offer Chardonnay in its true unadulterated state. Being one of the most versatile grapes on the planet, Chardonnay ranges from lean and bracing with delicate citrus to full bodied and creamy with tropical and exotic fruits. The Mâcon style embraces the former, yet alas, this white varietal has incredible texture, weight and viscosity, even in its pure state. You have probably deduced by now that my preference for the varietal is the French style and Domaine Manciat-Poncet's Saint-Véran is my choice of the moment! Claude Manciat is no novice to the wine world and his reputation in the Mâcon is one of the finest. Claude and his family practice meticulous care in the vineyards as well as in the winery and their wines reflect that. This Saint-Véran comes from a tiny plot of old vine Chardonnay, one with vines over 47 years in age and yields that are 35% lower than the allowable average of the appellation. In addition, the Manciat's are among the few remaining vignerons in the region to continue harvesting by hand. This allows them to ferment whole cluster and extract the maximum amount of flavor from their grapes. With a combination of stainless steel fermentation and cask fruit in new to three year old oak, this white is a harmonious symphony of fruit, acidity and oak. With delicate orchard fruit aromas and mineral tones, the nose of this wine is complemented by a palate of rich, focused citrus fruits, creamy spiced notes and a long, lingering, mineral-driven finish. Not to mention, this white has the ability to pair with just about anything. Beginners or connoisseurs alike, the Manciat-Poncet is the choice for you!
Bodegas Ateca Garnacha de Fuego Calatayud Old Vines 2007 Spain
Journey to Spain's southern wine region of Jumilla and you will find many old vine plantings of Monastrell. Even more rare though, are the extremely old vineyards of Garnacha. The Garnacha de Feugo comes from such a vineyard, one comprised entirely of Garnacha with vines averaging from 60 to 80 years in age. Despite the poor, gravelly soil of this region, the mature gnarled vines, located about 3,000 feet above sea level, produce some of the finest grapes possible in this arid, desolate area. Perhaps that explains the overall intensity and focus of this superbly crafted red wine. The cooperative efforts of the Gil family of Jumilla and importer Jorge Ordonez brought this project to fruition. With only the ripest clusters of berries selected for the bottling, the Garnacha de Fuego is power packed with sweet cherries, dark plum and a wisp of freshly cracked white pepper. Opening with aromas of floral scents, spice box and sweet berry preserves, the palate of this red possesses layers of cherry, raspberry and blueberry fruits with a hint of mineral, anise and delicate spice. The southern Rhone beware, for Jumilla is coming to town!
The story of Kim Crawford wines is not one that begins in a historical chateau or even in a winemaking family, it is a modern saga of a husband and wife who decided to pursue their strengths, support their family, and start making wine. Kim Crawford was raised in New Zealand's Waikato region where sprawling green meadowlands and dairy farms are plentiful, not vineyards. His wife Erica, native to South Africa, had a background in marketing. Together, the couple established Kim Crawford wines in 1996 after Kim had spent several years working in other New Zealand wineries. At that time, they were considered a 'virtual winery' so to speak as they did not own a winemaking facility or vineyards. Regardless, the appeal of winemaker Kim's first releases with their clean, uncluttered style sent this label soaring and in 1999 this urban family from Auckland built a tasting room in Te Awanga in Hawkes' Bay and then in 2000, bought a winery in Marlborough. They also began purchasing land to secure grape supply since demand for Marlborough wines were at their peak. The rest, as they say, is history for today, Kim Crawford wines are some of the most desirable of New Zealand and their label can be found on many a wine list around the globe.
