Domaine de Bernier Chardonnay, Loire Valley, France.
March 11, 2013
Grapes
100% Chardonnay
Facts
- The Domaine de Bernier is a wine from the Couillaud brothers, who’ve had winemaking in their blood for six generations. I’m also envious when I read things like that! My wife for example, has U.S President Ulysses S. Grant as one of her ancestors.
My family tree? Nonexistent! I mean it’s there (obviously), but I’ve got no “cool dead relatives” on my side of the family! I guess the buck stops with me…! :) - The three brothers (Bernard, François and Michel) are more well known for their property in the Muscadet region of the Loire: Chateau de la Ragotière.
They purchased the property in ‘79, but winemaking at that property dates back to the 14th century. After the purchase was finalized, they discovered an old cellar in the chapel with wines dating back to 1947. - The winery isn’t exactly certified organic, but they do use all organic processes in the production of their wines….which is the case with a lot of European wines!
- The Domaine de Bernier Chardonnay is 100% “estate-bottled”, meaning they don’t buy grapes from other vineyards. All the grapes in the bottle are sourced from their own land.
- The wine is aged “sur lie” [sur lee], meaning it’s aged whilst resting on its dead yeast cells. This may sound slightly disgusting, but it imparts a yeasty/toasty flavor, giving the wine another dimension of complexity. It’s a process that’s widely used throughout the Loire Valley.
- For more information on Domaine de Bernier, visit their website.
The Most Interesting Wine Snob in the World.
March 1, 2013
Fess Parker Viognier, Santa Barbara, California.
February 25, 2013
Grapes
80% Viognier (VEE-ohn-yay), 13% Marsanne, 5% Grenache Blanc, 2% Roussanne
Facts
- After just getting back from my time spent in Texas, and tasting a few Viogniers that the wineries had to offer, I was reminded how much I love this grape!
I’ve always found that Viognier has a tendency to be forgotten about by the vast amount of the wine drinking public (me included), but truth-be-told it’s probably my favorite white grape…when it’s made right….
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Born in Texas, actor Fess Parker moved his family to Santa Barbara in the early 1960s. Fess initially decided to only plant a few acres of vines, beginning in 1989 with five acres of Riesling. After Parker’s son Eli spent a few years working alongside winemaker Jed Steele, the plantings increased and the project took on a life of its own.
- It’s before my time….but Fess Parker is best-known for playing Davy Crockett in the Disney TV mini-series of the same name. Ol’ Fess unfortunately passed away on March 18, 2010, at his home in Santa Ynez, California; and if you look closely on each of the Fess Parker wine labels, you’ll see a logo of a raccoon skin hat, in homage to Parkers’ early acting career.
- Viognier, Marsanne, Grenache Blanc and Roussanne are all examples of white Rhone grapes (i.e. grapes planted and made into wine in the Rhone region of France); and are more-often-than-not blended together. Therefore; if you ever hear the lingo “Rhone blend,” and someone is referencing a white wine, this is the type of blend they’re talking about.
- The nose/initial taste of Viognier can sometimes mislead people into believing the wine is going to be sweeter in nature than it actually is. A great number of producers choose to leave Viognier in contact with its skin during fermentation – and since these skins contain a certain “oily” component – Viognier can often have a viscous/oily texture.
- For more info on the Fess Parker winery, visit: www.fessparkerwines.com
“I Like Wine” The Latest Hit from C Money.
February 23, 2013I still can’t decide if I love this or hate it. I think it could have done with being half the length; but for the most part it was a good attempt at sending a wine-related video viral. Sidenote: It’s PG13, so don’t show it your kids!
Posted in Funny | Tagged I Like Wine, I Like Wine C Money, I Like Wine video | 1 Comment //Fresh Market Wine Tasting to Benefit Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
February 23, 2013
What
Wine tasting to benefit Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Tickets are $25 and all monies to go to JDRF. Sample over 40 wine samplings, each paired with appetizers. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.
Where
The Fresh Market, Mandarin
12795 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32223.
904.880.7889
When
Thursday, March 21, 2013
8:00 PM – 10:00 PM
27th Annual Sandestin Wine Festival
February 23, 2013
The 27th Annual Sandestin Wine Festival will take place April 18 – 21, 2013. The Sandestin Wine Festival has been named the “Best Annual Event” by Destin Magazine, and is known as the Best event in the Visit South Walton Beaches Wine and Food Festival area.
Four days of unique events open up a wide range of experiences from attending wine dinners with celebrity chefs, participating in preview events throughout the year, and taking part in wine tastings that showcase over 800 wines.
Guests have the chance to learn more about wines and sample from a vast selection in all varieties, styles, and price ranges. All wine lovers have the chance to meet winemakers, ask questions, and acquire hard to get selections. Guests at the Sandestin Wine Festival also have the opportunity to immediately purchase their favorite selections at the Retail Tent at a discounted rate.
For more info on the Sandestin Wine Festival, visit: www.sandestinwinefestival.com/
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