Erath Pinot Noir ~ Don’t be afraid of the screw cap, you may miss out on a gem!

When you see a screw cap, it’s not uncommon to immediately think “cheap wine”. This is a consumer perception some winemakers have struggled to overcome. In reality, screw caps provide one of the best seals for bottled wines. With the screw cap you don’t have to worry about “corked” and oxidation problems that may occur with a traditional natural cork. Great wines, such as Conundrum and even Plumpjack all use screw caps. Another favorite sealed without a cork is Erath Pinot Noir.    

I first discovered Erath Pinot Noir during a night out with co-workers at Olive & Ivy in Scottsdale, AZ. Prior to this, I had really only tasted Pinot’s from California.  At first sip, I knew this one was different. In general, Oregon pinot’s are lighter in color, and have earthy aromas and subtle fruit character compared to California style pinot’s which are much darker in color, fuller-bodied, and have stronger fruit aromas and taste. 

The ’09 Erath Oregon Pinot Noir has smells of raspberry pie, and fresh, bright flavors on the palate. It does well on its own, but is best with food. We recently enjoyed a bottle with prosciutto and a ‘nutty’ cheese, followed with a thin crust margherita pizza (delicious!). 

Shortly after discovering the wine, I recall ‘finding’ it among the many bottles lined up down the grocery store aisles. I was so excited to see it, and then realized, it was probably there all along and I had probably snubbed it because of the screw cap. Shame on me, I had no idea what a gem was inside!

We enjoyed the wine so much (and so often), it was top of the list of places to visit during our first trip to the Willamette Valley, OR. (read A great day in Willamette Valley, Oregon for other great wines from this region). While at the winery, we discovered several other great wines ~ including their Sweet Harvest Pinot Blanc which was served during our Pinot-Palooza party in 2010.   

Next time you are cruising the wine aisle at your local store, don’t immediately skip over the bottles with screw caps, you may just miss out on a gem! Want to know which wines are topped with a screw cap?  Wine.com features a section devoted entirely to screw cap wines.

What hidden gem have you found in a screw cap? 

How to choose wine from a restaurant wine list

Buying a bottle of wine from the restaurant wine list can be intimidating. Bottles prices in restaurants are expensive and you don’t want to make a costly mistake. Fortunately, there are three simple strategies to help you make the right decision.

Strategy #1: Stick with what you know
Start by looking for bottles of wine you know and love. If you spot something you like and it seems like a good price, get it.

Finding something familiar immediately solves two problems. First, you know you like it, so you don’t have to worry about getting stuck with a lousy bottle. Second, you generally have a better idea if a bottle you know is a good deal or not, so you are less likely to feel price anxiety when you pick a favorite bottle that seems reasonably priced.

Strategy #2: Try before you buy
Asking to try before you buy is a great move if you don’t find something familiar on the wine list.

How can you get a free sample? Look for wines that are offered by the glass. The restaurant will have bottles of those wines already open and most will let you taste a wine or two if it helps you choose a bottle. If you try it and like it you can order a full bottle with confidence.

Strategy #3: Tell your server what you like
If all else fails, tell your server what you like and what price point you are comfortable paying.

Servers are typically very familiar with the wines they serve. They can suggest a wine based on your tastes, budget, and the food you order. 

Sharing a bottle of Layer Cake Primitivo, purchased from the wine list, with friends Kurt and Eve.

"Table wine" doesn't mean bad wine

Don't let the term "table wine" fool you.

Sure, some people think of cheap, mass-produced wine that any self-respecting wine snob would avoid. For us, table wine is often tasty, versatile wine that pairs well with a wide variety of food. Wines that are marketed specifically as "table wine" or simply "white wine" or "red wine" tend to be blends of several grapes that the winemaker has selected for balance and flavor.

Here are three table wines that we always like to have in the house.

Menage a Trois California Red
We always have a few bottles of this in the house because it is inexpensive, goes with almost anything, and is damn good for the price. It's a blend of Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot that is very smooth and drinkable. Did I mention the price? We get ours at the San Diego Wine Company for $6.99 a bottle, but you can also get it at BevMo, Specs, and many other fine liquor stores for a buck or two more.

One word to the wise - this isn't a great bottle to bring over to someone's house. Especially if you are a couple and they are single. People always seem to get the wrong idea.

Lined up and ready for Tuesday's dinner or "third bottle" duty.

Conundrum California White Wine
The name implies it is a conundrum to decide when and how to drink it. It is silky smooth with a little bit of sweetness that is mighty tasty. We've had it before dinner, after dinner, and with all sorts of white wine friendly food. There's a lot going on here with Muscat Canelli, Chardonnay, Semillion, Sauvignon Blanc, and Viognier making up the blend, but it all works. A not so secret secret is Conundrum is a side project of Caymus, a winery famous for big, expensive reds.

We get ours at the San Diego Wine Company for $16.95 per bottle. If you aren't in San Diego, you may want to order directly from Conundrum.

A bottle of Conundrum sits in our fridge, ready to go at a moment's notice

Vincent Arroyo "Nameless"
This table wine is a special treat, both because of its $30 price point and its awesome taste. It's a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Malbec. It's fairly fruit forward, which makes it stand out on its own or pair well with a variety of foods, but has just enough tannin to stand up to your meatier dishes. We shared a bottle with our parents last weekend in memory of Sally's father, Ken. Very tasty.

Vincent Arroyo sells a lot of their wine via futures, meaning you buy it before it's bottled, but Nameless is typically in stock and ready to go. I don't think it is distributed, so best to go straight to the winery.

That bottle of Nameless evaporated!What's your favorite table wine?

Fun White Wines to Beat the Heat

There is no question Chardonnay is at the top of the popularity list for white wines. As the summer heats up, here are a couple of different white varietals to cool off with while hanging by the pool, sitting on the patio, or grilling with family and friends. We discovered these great white wines while exploring California wine regions over the years. The price points are all $15 or less and are fairly distributed. Grab a bottle (or two) and enjoy the summer!

You can find these wines at BevMo and Specs

Ferrari-Carano Fume Blanc ($13)

100% Sauvignon Blanc, 64% stainless steel tanks, 36% older French oak

Cool, stainless steel tank fermentation gives this wine a crisp freshness while the subtle oak character from barrel aging adds great complexity and depth.  This wine has a medium-light yellow color, and has tastes of melon and kiwi, finishing with a splash of citrus. Enjoy with a light salad, herb chicken and vegetables, lightly grilled fish, or even oysters. 

Valley of the Moon Pinot Blanc ($15)

99% Pinot Blanc, 1% Chardonnay, Five months in stainless steel tanks, 12% aged in new and used French oak, 4% aged in French Acacia wood barrels

Rich complex flavors of pear, apple and nectarine.  The finish is lengthy with zesty acidity.  This wine is refreshing, crisp, and very drinkable.  It's light flavor makes it enjoyable with a variety of foods.  Enjoy with a nice chicken salad, or scallops.  It is also a great wine for Sunday brunch. 

Simi Sauvignon Blanc ($12)

95% Sauvignon Blanc, 5% Sémillon, 100% stainless steel tanks

Very clear in color and full of crisp, clean fruit flavors. It starts with a burst of bright citrus, and finishes with a lemon-lime zest. Enjoy with a light salad, some grilled shrimp, or simply while enjoying sunshine out on the patio or by the pool. 

You can find these wines at BevMo

Seghesio Pinot Grigio ($15)

100% Pinot Grigio, 100% stainless steel tank fermented

Bright nose with flavors of sweet melon, pear and peaches.  The rich and creamy mouthful adds complexity and the firm acidity provides a clean finish.  Enjoy this wine with Asian food, grilled pork chops, or before dinner with gruyere-style cheese. 

Husch Chenin Blanc ($10)

100% Chenin Blanc,100% stainless steel tank fermented

Chenin Blanc is one the most versatile grapes used in the wine industry.  This ‘off-dry’ wine has tastes of tropical fruits, and the acidity gives it a hint of zest.  Even ‘non-wine drinkers’ have been known to enjoy this wine.  It is ideal for picnics, or with a fruit and cheese course.   It would also pair well with seafood or spicy Asian cuisine.

Going wine tasting? Follow these top 10 tips

Wine tasting can be a little intimidating or even inebriating for inexperienced wine tasters. To help you enjoy your next tasting room visit, we asked some wine professionals to give us the inside scoop. Follow their simple advice and you are sure to have a great time! 

1. Do your homework
Brandye Alexander at Seghesio Family Vineyards says it is a good idea to do a little planning to ensure your visit is a good one. “Double-check hours, tasting fees, etc. Give yourself a realistic itinerary – don’t cram too many wineries into one day.”

2. Keep your group small
Rick Saunders at Elyse Winery recommends that wine tasters avoid traveling in a group larger than four. A smaller group makes it easier for your host to give you more personalized attention.

3. Don’t wear perfume
Alexander warns wine tasters to avoid wearing perfume. “Perfume will interfere with the sensory experience of wine.” A strong perfume may also bother other wine room visitors.

4. Keep an open mind
Chris O’Connell at Cuvaison Estate Winery advises visitors to keep an open mind about what they are tasting. “If you try new wines, you might be surprised by what you actually like. If you taste a wine you don’t like, it’s okay! That’s what the dump bucket is for.”

5. Share a tasting
Monty and Sara Preiser, publishers of The Preiser Key to Napa Valley, suggest that couples split their tastings as a way to limit their intake while enjoying more varietals. “For example, you might be able to choose four wines per person from a list of ten. In these circumstances, we often prefer to each order four different wines, taste each other’s, and thus experience eight different pours.”

6. Use the dump bucket
The Preisers advocate using the tasting room’s dump bucket for pouring out unwanted wine. “Your pourer will not be offended and will recognize your empty glass as a signal to pour the next taste.”

7. Turn off your cell phone
Constantly checking your cell phone won’t endear you to the wine room staff or even other members of your own party. O’Connell reminds visitors to keep a proper perspective. “You’re in wine country. Put the phone down and look around!”

8. Ask questions
O’Connell encourages guests to ask questions. “Most wine professionals are ready and willing to answer questions about the winery, vineyards, wine making process, etc. It’s amazing what you can learn from tasting room employees.”

9. Take notes
According to the Preisers, “taking notes not only helps you remember what you tasted, but it is frequently a signal to the pourers that you are serious about the tasting experience.” Most tasting rooms will give you a copy of their tasting menu to take notes on.

10. Don’t get drunk
It is never a good idea to get drunk while wine tasting. You could ruin your experience, get a DUI, or worse. Saunders offers some simple advice to avoid overindulging. “Do not drink every drop put in your glass.”

Special bonus tip:
A great wine tasting experience often includes tasting a special wine that isn’t on the regular tasting menu. Our wine experts all agreed that the best way to get a special pour is to be nice, act interested in the wine, and ask politely. You may not be in the market for a $150 bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon, but you might end up knowing what it tastes like!

Note:The advice from Monty and Sara Preiser came from their Budbreak, 2011 edition of The Preiser Key to Napa Valley. Brandye Alexander, Rick Saunders, and Chris O’Connell all shared their insights with us directly.