Wine Leads the Forefront: Carbon Zero

There is little doubt that the Earth's climate is changing.  As weather patterns differ year to year, the need for a solution has become gleamingly evident.  World leaders are beginning to back initiatives, scientists have traced the origins and identified solutions, and every person has been empowered with environment saving tactics.  There could be no industry threatened more by a climate change than wine- and that is more than enough reason to move to Carbon Zero.

Grapes grown to make wine can be affected by climate change more than any other crop.  That is why it would make the most sense for wineries to do whatever is possible to reduce effects to the environment.  The least all of us can do is accomplish Carbon Zero, or Carbon Neutrality.  This is when you are able to reduce your carbon emissions, and then offset the rest.  Common forms of carbon reduction are limited energy usage and use of alternative or sustainable energy sources such as solar panels, windmills, and biofuels.  Examples of offsets are tree planting, purchasing of carbon credits, or investment in a carbon project.

Many wineries are getting involved in this initiative.  The first in the world was Grove Mill of New Zealand, since 1988.  The second and first in the US was Parducci Winery in California, which was purchased by a sustainable producer, Mendocino Wine Company.  Others are out there and growing in numbers.  But winery owners should not look at this as just evolution, but also survival.

Fortunately many other industries are getting involved.  You can too.  Check out carbonfootprint.com for more info.

(Image courtesy of flickr)

What is Organic and Biodynamic?

There is heavy interest and curiosity when it comes to organics and biodynamics, especially regarding wine.  There are many wineries that have been practicing, and many others scrambling to get certified.  But what exactly is organic and biodynamic wine?

Let's start with Organic Wine.  According to the FDA, this is defined as "a wine made from organically grown grapes and without any added sulfites".  The organically grown grapes, soil, and vines must be free of pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, genetic alteration, chemical fertilizers, or synthetic chemicals of any kind.  After the grapes are gathered and pressed, the juice must be handled organically as well, with no preservatives (sulfites) added.  The grapes themselves contain naturally occurring sulfites, as all living things do.  These, along with very sterile fermenting, storing, and bottling techniques will assure the wine's potential to age.  There are also wines which are labelled "Made with Organically Grown Grapes" in which they use organic fruit and add sulfites.

Now on to Biodynamic Agriculture- this envelopes not only organic practices, but adds much more.  The philosophy centers around the belief that the farm itself is a living organism, in which all parts: plants, animals, soil, and farmers coexist and depend on one another.  Recycling nutrients, crop rotation, and astronomical calendars are thrown into the mix of harmony.  It is the single most natural and pure interaction possible in man's relationship to nature.

All of these practices must be approved by certifying agencies in order to be labelled as such, with Demeter USA as the lone biodynamic certifier.

You can find a list of all known Biodynamic Wine producers on ForkandBottle.com

(Image courtesy of flickr)

Local Tourist attends Wine 101

Not only was the Windy City Wine Guy/ Gals' Guide Wine 101 class a success, but it was also attended by Theresa Carter, the Local Tourist!  Her website features all the best Chicago has to offer: Restaurants & bars, shopping, best things to do, and anything going on in the Windy City!  I am glad she enjoyed our tasting and hope to see her and all other locals at our future events.  Thanks Theresa!

Bottle Shock Boycott

A few months ago I viewed a trailer for a new wine movie, Bottle Shock.  It looked like a very interesting dramedy and since it's release in August, the reviews have been good, especially in regard to Alan Rickman's performance.  The movie is loosely based on the happenings surrounding a blind tasting in Paris involving both French and American wines in 1976.  The American wines heavily beat the French and rendered instant global credibility.  In Napa Valley, however, they are not ready to rend credibility to these storymakers.  Many of the growers and winemakers in the valley have been around long enough to know the true story.  They are boycotting the movie due to it missing one of Napa's most valuable and influential men- Miljenko "Mike" Grgich.  He is an 85 year old Croatian American and was the winemaker of the 1973 vintage Chateau Montelena Chardonnay that made history and won the Judgement of Paris white wine category.  He later started his own winery with Austin Hills (of Hills Bros. coffee) and named it Grgich Hills.  This is a huge slap in the face to almost all Napa citizens who revere Mike Grgich and will be staying in the valley to produce wines for us all to enjoy- unlike the Barretts (current owners of Montelena).  They are selling to Michel Reybier of Cos d'Estournel.  It seems as though Bottle Shock is their last swipe at Grgich and they will be out of the biz.  Look for the new movie- Judgement of Paris, to give a more accurate portrayal.

Champagne is Sparkling Wine, But...

1. I know many of us have asked for Champagne before and expected to get the house bubbly.  The fact of the matter is American marketing has tried to turn the word champagne into a generic for sparkling wine.  But Champagne is something much more prized and special. 

For any wine to be called Champagne, it must come from the Champagne region in France.  This is no different than Chianti or Cognac.

There are many factors which help this region produce the world's greatest sparkling wines.  The grapes are grown in a northern climate and maintain a high amount of acidity which is essential to the ageing potential and production of sparkling wine.  The grapes are able to mature because the forests and chalk topsoil keep moisture and warmth in.  The chalk soil underneath along with the fossil content provides much of their nutrients, flavor and character.

The wine making process in champagne, méthode Champenoise, starting with hand picked grapes gives the wine more character.  The grapes are then fermented into still wine and later blended and fermented a second time in the bottle, making the bubbles.  The bready yeasty tastes come from aging on lees, the yeast cells killed off during fermentation.  The processes of riddling, disgorging, dosage, and ageing finish the refined product.  Now you know why Champagne is so tasty and coveted.

Champagne prices are continually rising due to high demand and the rise of the Euro.  There are great inexpensive replacement sparkling wines on the market so try all of them- you may find one you like more than Champagne.

1. Prosecco.  This northern Italian grape produces some light crisp styles and great buys such as Riondo Prosecco, which can be had for less than $14/bottle.  For other Italian alternatives try Asti made from Moscato and Spumante.


2. Cava.  This is normally made in the traditional method near Barcelona, Spain, using mostly local varietals.  It is still light but has great yeasty flavors.  Less than $10 will nab you a bottle of Cristalino.


3. Cremant.  This is a generic term for French sparkling wine created outside the Champagne region.  Baumard Carte Turquoise from Loire can be had for about $15.


4. Sekt.  This is one of my favorites.  German sparkling wine made in a full style.  NV Alice from Pfalz made from Reisling can be a steal under $10.


5. American Sparkling.  There are so many good ones like Argyle-I met the owner, Rollin Soles, and he is a cool guy.  Visit him if you are in Oregon!- ($20), Iron Horse($24) and Schramsberg($25) from California, and Gruet from New Mexico- I love their Blanc de Noirs, a great sparkling rose under $15.

Enjoy these sparklers any time and save Champagne for celebrations.  My wife and I celebrate anniversaries with 1999 vintage Dom Perignon.  Select your wines, make your moments, and enjoy life!

 (Image courtesy of Flickr)

In Memory of Robert Mondavi

I wanted to take the time to write a post dedicated to a great man, Robert Gerald Mondavi.  He was not just a great Italian American wine icon, but he was a family man, philanthropist, and the greatest contributor to American wine advancement.  He lived a long storied life which lasted almost 95 years and ended this past May 16. 

Mondavi dedicated his life to wine, especially American.  From his early days with his brother Patrick and father Cesare at their Charles Krug Winery, he tried to evolve American wine techniques.  When he finally broke from the family and created his namesake winery, he was able to create high quality wines with knowledge gained from world leaders in France and Italy.  Through his connections he created the first Franco-American wine, Opus One, with Baron Philippe de Rothschild and eventually partnered with Frescobaldi in purchasing Ornellia in Tuscany.  This created foreign money, interest, and investment in American wine and the further globalization of the business was starting to be realized- with Robert Mondavi at the forefront.

Many reasons led to the Mondavi family selling off their public holdings in the company, but this did not stop Robert from being an ambassador for the winery and the industry.  His stance on good living with the combination of diet, wine, and culture held a standard for new generations to live by.  His efforts and money donated to create California wine and culinary institutions will always be beneficial and appreciated.

The family did manage to get back into the wine business.  Robert and son Tim along with other family members started the label Continuum, a Cabernet Sauvignon blend first bottled in 2005.  It received high scores (WA 95, WS 93) and is a small batch production- only 1300 cases made.

I highly suggest reading his biography, Harvests of Joy.  It is a joy to read about the life, troubles, and journeys of Mr. Mondavi.

Merlot Kicked "Sideways" by Pop Culture

Yet once again American Pop Culture has deemed a fictional movie as expert opinion- the French grape varietal Merlot continues to lose popularity due to it's villianous depiction in the 2004 hit movie "Sideways".  Not only have sales dropped, but every sommelier and waiter (waiterrant.com has a great blog about it) from San Fran to NYC has had to put up with questions and remarks from that same movie.  Now the WCWG has to step in and shed some light on this subject.

As far as the grape varietals lauded (Pinot Noir) and trashed (Merlot and Cabernet Franc) in the movie, all are capable of not just creating great wines and memories, but have strengths and weaknesses.  Learning more and trying them is the key to enjoyment.  I loved Paul Giamatti's portrayal of Miles as much as anyone, but it was still just fiction.  Miles refused to drink Merlot during a funny famous rant and labeled Cab Franc as "insipid" (this is seldom remembered because it wasn't in rant form), but what most do not know is his favorite wine, a bottle of 1961 Chateau Cheval Blanc, is made from both varietals.  Use your experts, not the movies. 

Another thing most do not realize about the movie is how the grapes themselves mirror the characters.  Pinot Noir is Miles.  Both are thin-skinned and if given proper care and nurturing can blossom into great products.  Merlot is Jack.  Both are silky and smooth but can be shallow and overmarketed.

The WCWG loves the movie.  The exploration of wine country, the male bonding, and all the laughs are well worth the purchase price.  Wine as a part of culture and beverage has been growing for years but movies such as this have only enhanced it.  Sideways made me want to run to the west coast and live among any of the wine country areas.  A Good Year and Under the Tuscan Sun made me want to fly to Europe and remain making wine and working the land.  Watching 007 James Bond in his tux and reciting his favorite champagne vintages makes any man want to be a spy.  Everyone is searching for the good life and wine can help bring some of it to you.

Introducing: WindyCityWineGuy

Wine.  The fermented juice of grapes has been a great sensual pleasure for thousands of years.  The soldiers of ancient armies have drunk it in victory.  Royalty has fawned over and collected it.  Now it is easily available to all of us.  The WCWineGuy does admit: too many producers, varietals, styles, vintages, and viticultural areas have complicated it.  How is the normal Joe and Jane expected to keep up?  And with all of the competition and ease associated with other beverages, such as beer and liquor, why should we try?  Because not only is wine most apt at tantalizing but nothing enhances the taste of  food more.  It seems we only need someone to walk through the air of pomposity and reintroduce this tasty drink to us!

I know the wine critics come up with outrageous smells and tastes but let's face it: We are all different.  Genetically we are not the same.  We do not all like the same smells, tastes, sights, or other sensations.  Along with that, our sensors are going to pick up different responses and there are going to be others with more apt or trained senses.  Where does that leave those of us who find it difficult to pick up sensations?  Believe me, I am here to help you: If you have not given in to the pleasure of food and beverage it is never too late.  I want to give the know-how, the tools, and the information to see, smell, and taste.  We are about to delve into the fun side.

 But let's just remember this: it is all about trying different things, having fun, and finding what you like!  Stay tuned and keep up with the posts- I promise you'll like it!

(Image courtesy of Flickr)