The Cellar: Late Summer Values

Friday, August 29, 2014

Steffen Rasch, GoLocalWorcester Wine Writer

Vilacetinho

While this week saw some fantastic weather there is no getting around the fact that cooler weather is on the horizon. If you are anything like me, however, you are still hanging on to every little bit of sunshine. The following are reviews of three fantastic and refreshing wines that I have been sampling lately. All the wines are from regions I believe represent some of today’s best values.

Vinho Verde, Portugal

One of the best values in white wine is from Portugal; more specifically from the region Vinho Verde located in the northwestern corner of the country. There, some the world’s most refreshing white wines are made from a dozen or so indigenous grape varieties including Alvarinho, Arinto and Loureiro. It used to be that the Vinho Verdes available here in the US were all light and simple – you know ‘everyday’ type wines. Today, you can remove the first two descriptors as quality has gone up significantly with prices remaining almost the same. A great example is this week’s feature: the newly released 2013 Grande Escolha from Casa de Vilacetinho; an estate once owned by the medieval Alpendurada Monastery. Vilacetinho’s wines have a long and proud history having been served to Royalty, Heads of States and celebrities for more than 60 years. Made from Avesso, Arinto, Azal and Loureiro the 2013 vintage is as rich in flavor and full in body as the 2012. The wine is brimming with exotic ripe fruits on the nose. On the palate the wine displays delicious apples, peaches and lemons with a refreshing splash of effervescence.

Côtes-du-Rhône, France

Belleruche

Other great values can be found in France’s Rhone Valley. More specifically the wines from ‘Côtes-du-Rhône’, which can be white, red, as well as rosé. The grapes for these wines, which are primarily blends made from Grenache Noir and Syrah (for reds and rosés) and Clairette and Grenache Gris (for whites), can be sourced from the more than 200.000 acres that make up this huge appellation. This week’s featured Côtes-du-Rhône is a rosé from Michel Chapoutier - one of the most highly respected winemakers in France. Since taking over the family business in 1990, Michel has transformed the Estate into one of the leading Rhône Valley producers. Their 2013 rosé is a blend made primarily from Grenache Noir with Cinsault and Syrah. The grapes were pressed directly into the tanks without any extended skin contact (maceration). The wine was then aged in the vats for a few months and bottled at the end of this past winter. On the nose I detect lovely red apples and bright red cherries. On the palate the wine is very easy-drinking, soft and round with ripe red raspberries and a splash of citrus.

Prosecco, Italy

Valdo

The last wine I want to highlight for late summer value is a Prosecco – always a good and economic source of great bubbly fun. Historically, the word ‘Prosecco’ referred to the name of a village as well as the principle grape variety that made the wine. Due to much confusion however, authorities have since separated the terms so that Prosecco when written on the label now refers to the DOC (Denominazione di origine controllata) – i.e. the geographical area where the grapes are grown, as well as the rules and regulations surrounding how the wine is made. The grape is now referred to as ‘Glera’ but is essentially the same grape that has been making this fantastic wine for hundreds of years. This week’s featured Prosecco is made by Valdo, which has been specializing in bubbles since 1926. Hints of candied apples and baking spices appear on the nose. On the palate the candy is removed. The wine is well-made, clean and crisp with ripe yellow apples, green pears and peaches alongside a splash of slightly sweetened citrus on the finish.

Cheers.

Steffen Rasch is a Certified Sommelier and Specialist of Wine. Feel free to email him at [email protected] with any wine-related question or learn about wine in person by signing up for one of his tastings through the Providence Wine Academy.

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Hardwick

Hardwick Vineyard & Winery

Central Mass’s own Hardwick Vineyard & Winery, open March-December, is a close to home treasure that produces 3,000 gallons of wine each year. The winery, which grows 6 varieties of grapes, is built on a quiet road in Hardwick that abuts the Quabbin Reservoir. Located on the property is a majestic 200 year old mansion. This weekend, take the trip to the vineyard to enjoy a wine tasting. Favorites include Massetts Cranberry and Yankee Girl Blush. If you head out on a Sunday; you’ll be in luck—the winery is hosting Sangria Sundays for the rest of the month.

3305 Greenwich Road, Hardwick, MA. (413) 967-7763.

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Westport Rivers

Westport Rivers Vineyard & Winery

Tucked away on the southern coast of Massachusetts, Westport Rivers Vineyard & Winery, located about an hour’s drive from Worcester, is worth the trip. For only $10, you can take home a special edition etched wine glass and enjoy a tasting of up to six of their award-winning wines. While the tasting room is open Monday-Saturday, free winery tours are also offered to the public every Saturday from 1-3pm.

417 Hixbridge Rd, Westport, MA. (508) 636-3423.

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Coastal Vineyards

A relatively young addition to the Massachusetts family of wineries and vineyards, Coastal Vineyards in South Dartmouth opened its doors in 2004. Coastal Vineyards grows eight varieties of grapes on their property, including Riesling, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and more. For a special treat, head over on Sunday for their Ugly Sweater Wine Party featuring acoustic musician Ryan Thaxter. Don your ugliest sweater to get 35% off your purchase—and a chance at a prize.

61 Pardon Hill Road, South Dartmouth, MA.

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Amherst Farm Winery

Head out to one of Massachusetts’s favorite college towns this weekend to check out Amherst Farm Winery. Enjoy a wine tasting set in a cozy 19th century post and beam dairy barn. For only $5 receive a logo glass and a taste of 5 of their 15 wines, including unique flavors like chocolate raspberry, pumpkin frost, cranberry, and more. Bring a picnic and cozy up on their leather sofa by the fire to enjoy your wine with a snack.

529 Belchertown Road, Amherst, MA. (413) 253-1400.

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Nashoba Valley WInery

Take the bite off the winter chill this weekend and take a drive to Nashoba Valley Winery in Bolton. The winery hosts tasting events everyday from 10am-4:30pm For $5, receive a free tasting glass and samples of up to five different wines. Some favorites include Strawberry Rhubarb Wine, Holiday Special Cranberry Apple (a new release in November 2013), and New English Cider. If you are in the mood for something other than wine (if that’s possible), check out their beer selection as well!

100 Wattaquadock Hill Road, Bolton, MA. (978) 779-5521.

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Mill River Winery

Mill River Winery, located in Rowley, is the perfect wine destination for a mini-getaway. Enjoy the gorgeous winter scenery of Western Massachusetts as you wind through country roads to the winery. Mill River’s tasting room is housed in a refurbished cider mill, complete with eclectic décor that provides for an excellent tasting and shopping experience. Try their delicious Naked Chardonnay, a full bodied chardonnay with aromatic notes of lemon zest and pear. If you would like to get a “Dirt to Bottle Tour,” make sure to be at the winery at 2pm or 4pm Saturday or Sunday.

498 Newburyport Turnpike, Rowley, MA. (978) 432-1280.

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Black Birch Vineyard

For only $6, get the full Black Birch Vineyard experience—tasting and a tour! Enjoy the great mix of contemporary and rustic décor of the tasting room and the local culture of this Massachusetts winery. While you’re in, be sure to try their award winning selection of reds and whites.

155 Glendale Road, Southampton, MA. (413) 527-0164.

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Taylor Brook Winery

Located just over the border, Taylor Brook Winery in Woodstock, CT, is a hidden gem. This winery tends to over 2,000 vines of the finest grapes in the region. Head down to enjoy the country hospitality of this great local business, which offers tastings, bottles of their wine, and other great gift items for purchase. For a delicious winter wine, try their Winter Pomegranate.

848 Route 171, Woodstock, CT. (860) 974-1263.

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Obadiah McIntyre Farm

Obadiah McIntyre Farm Winery

The Obadiah McIntyre Farm Winery is located on the Charlton Orchards Farm property. The winery is owned and operated by a family that has been in the business of growing fruit for over 50 years, and began making wine in 1999. They are dedicated to making the best tasting wines around. Every weekend until the end of December, join them for a tasting and see for yourself.

44 Old Worcester Road, Charlton, MA. (508) 248-7941.

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Puttney Mountain Winery

Just over the Vermont border, Putney Mountain Winery located inside Basketville, has been making delicious local wines since the 1990s. All of their wines are crafted from local produce, which makes for the best tasting wine possible. If you’re toting the kids along for the day, the winery also sells juices made from locally grown produce, like their Putney Bubbly Vermont Sparkling Black Currant.

8 Bellows Falls Road, Putney, VT. (802) 387-5925.