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Colossal Reserva

Origin:  Vinho Regional Lisboa, Portugal

Grape:  Touriga Nacional 30%, Syrah 30%, Tinta Roriz 30%, Alicante Bouschet 10%

Year:  2015

Alcohol:  14%

Price point:  $8

Year Reviewed:  2018

Upon opening this bottle, I knew by the smell that thiswas going to impress.  This ruby wineafforded aromas of Maraschino cherries, kirsch and cherry pie.  Upon tasting, I experienced rich, ripe darkfruit and a well-balanced blend.  Also Iexperience fine spices such as pepper, nutmeg and basil.  Ends with a full long finish.  

This wine has high accolades and is luscious, with blended through flavors that last on the sides of your mouth… making you crave more.   A true steal from Portugal and rated high.  Try it and you will want more.  I will definitely be looking for more wines produced by Casa Santos Lima.

Casa Santos Lima was created to ensure the continuous development of Santos Lima’s wine producing activity first established several generations ago. This activity was first started by Joaquim Santos Lima, who, by the turn of 19th century, was already a great producer and exporter of Portuguese wines. Maria João Santos Lima and José Luís Santos Lima Oliveira da Silva, granddaughter and great grandson of the founder, relaunched Casa Santos Lima in 1990, replanting most of the vines, improving agricultural techniques and modernizing all its productive structure. 

Within its activity of producing and bottling quality wines, the company soon developed a Multi-Brand Strategy, focusing on products with an excellent price – quality ratio.

http://www.casasantoslima.com/en/the-regions/

The Vinho Regional Lisboa area (which was known as Vinho Regional Estremadura until the 2008 vintage) has more DOCs than any other Vinho Regional area of Portugal: a total of nine, of which one is for aguardente (brandy) rather than wine. Many excellent wines are also sold as Vinho Regional Lisboa.

www.winesofportugal.com/en/travel-wine/wine-regions/lisboa/overview/

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Protocolo (organic grapes) 2017

Origin:  Vino de la Tierra de Castilla application, Spain

Grape:  White Blend of 90% Airen and 10% Macabeo

Year:  2017

Alcohol:  12%

Price point:  $10

Year Reviewed:  2018

By now you know I love to learn about grapes that are less heard of but by no means not grown plentiful in Spain.  This white blend consists of Airen and Macaebo.  So what do we know about those varietals. 

Airén is a variety of Vitis vinifera, a white grape commonly used in winemaking. This grape is native to Spain where it represents about 30% of all grapes grown. As of 2010, Airén was estimated to be the world’s 3rd most grown grape variety in terms of planted surface, at 252,000 hectares, down from 306,000 hectares in 2004, where it held 1st place, although it is almost exclusively found in Spain,   predominantly in the Spanish regions of south, central and some parts of western Spain as well.  

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airén

Airén is best consumed as fresh as possible. Airén is widely planted in the La Mancha region of Spain. New wine-making techniques of stainless steel and cold-soak fermentation have made it a little more palatable, but most is still used as either a blending grape to lighten heavy reds or in the production of Brandy de Jerez.

www.winegeeks.com/grapes/154

Airen traditionally used for making Brandy. 

Macabeo, also called Viura or Macabeu (Catalan: [məkəˈβew], French: ) is a white variety of wine grape. It is widely grown in the Rioja region of northeastern Spain , the Cava producing areas south of Barcelona , and the Languedoc-Roussillon region of France .

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macabeo

Macabeo is best consumed young. Besides Cava the best examples of Macabeo come from Rioja, where it is known as Viura, and now makes up 90% of white wine production in that area. It can also be found in large quantities in southern France, particularly in the Languedoc area where it is usually blended with Grenache Blanc.

www.winegeeks.com/grapes/56

For Protocolo, the soil is filled with clay and contains a high limestone content.  Vines are planted on trellises with no fertilizers, herbicides or pesticides on the grapes, hence the grapes can be labelled ‘organic grapes.’   The grapes undergo a short cold maceration and are pressed and placed in stainless steel vessels.  The cold fermentation process helps to retain aromatics of the Macebeo grape.   This wine making process does introduce sulfites.

On the nose, a light fragrant tart lemony smell but clean.

The palate will give you some tartness upfront, yet light bodied and refreshing.  Reminds me of when you are making apple pie with tarter apples and you put them in cold water with lemon to keep the apples from turning brown.  This light lemon flavored apple slice reminds me of the tastes I experience with this wine.   Try pairing with Swiss cheese to bring out the butteryness of both the wine and the cheese.  Glad I found this interesting, moderately priced, refreshing young blend.  Nice with light snacks, starting your party off with some light cheese and cracker appetizers or just enjoying some summertime on the deck.

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Number of US Wineries–Feb 2016

Number of United States Wineries Reaches 8,702

U.S. winery growth continues steady climb, up 5 percent from last year.

by Paul Franson

Feb 2016 Issue of Wine Business Monthly

According to the proprietary database developed by Wine Business Monthly and Wines Vines Analytics, the United States now has 8,702 wineries, up 415 from 8,287 last year, a 5 percent increase. Of those, 7,061 are bonded wineries, and 1,641 are “virtual” wineries. A virtual winery is one that has its own management and winemaking, but produces wine as a guest at a host location. The number of bonded wineries grew from 6,810 to 7,061, up 251 or 3.7 percent.

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Pheasant Hollow Winery

14931 State highway 37

Whittington, IL 62897

618-629-2302

This winery is NOT part of the Shawnee Hills wine trail but was further north just a short jaunt off of Highway 57.  Nice location and grounds and set back in a wooded setting.  They manufacture all of their wines but do not grow any grapes of their own.  They receive many of their grapes locally and are famous for some of their fruit wines, with Black and Blue, being one of the most popular sellers.  (I had to buy it to try it, even though I know it will be very sweet.)  The Black and blue is made from blackberries and blueberries grown locally.  I also tired their Rend Lake Red, an oaked Chambourcin, and the 2011 Cabernet, which was a very lighter style cab.

 

The establishment does offer some light snacks for sale on site.

The lovely tasting room

 

The back drop of the tasting bar.

 

This lovely server was quite knowledgeable on all of the wines.  Tasting fee was only $5.00 for 5-8 wine choices or free if you chose to only try 2 wines.  What a sweet deal!

The winery offered 19 various wines, classified by Dry, Off Dry, Semi-Sweet, Sweet and Fruit Wines.  See their Tasting Guide below.

 

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Feather Hills

410 Thorn Lane

Makanda, IL

618-995-2307

 

–Part of the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail in Southern Illinois

 

Roots date back 30 years from this family owned winery.  As Southern Illinois became more known as a wine growing region, so did Gary Orlandini.  The Feather Family purchased this property in 2017, after Gary’s passing and Renee and Randy Feather are the proud new owners.   All Chambourcin and Viognier are grown right here.  All of their red wines are made from Chambourcin.

 

Winery offers snacks and cheeses for purchases and has a pond and grounds for events.  Most grapes come from their vineyard, although some do come from Michigan (the Riesling).

Some wines are:

  1. 2017 Vidal Blanc—very popular, buttery and great with fish
  2. 2016 Chaucer Blanc—Viognier and Traminette. Traminette gives floral
  3. 2016 Vignoles-a late harvest estate grown vintage
  4. Saluki White-Reisling grapes from Michigan
  5. 2014 Chambourcin Reserve
  6. Amaigam-blend of Chancellor Noir wine and unoaked Chambourcin—a very good seller
  7. Rose-lighter and made from Chambourcin—you will start seeing more Rose’s from Chambourcin
  8. Rosso Gustoso-also very popular and good seller
  9. Saluki Blush
  10. Saluki Red-sugar added to Chambourcin

The grounds of Feather Hills

The entrance to the winery, tasting room and where their wines are made.

 

The back of the tasting bar area.

Saluki Red is a one of the sweetest versions, from Feather Hills of their Chambourcin grape.  Nose gives some spice and cherry with dark plum.

Even though quite sweet for my taste, (note sugar added), I purchase a bottle of this to complement my BBQ on an extremely hot evening.

 

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Blue Sky Vineyard

3150 S. Rocky Comfort Road

Makanda, IL 62958

618-995-wine

–Part of the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail in Southern Illinois

 

In the fall of 2000, the first seeds were planted; since 2005 there doors have been opened.  I love this winery, filled with an exquisite tasting room, knowledge staff, great at handling crowds of people, beautiful landscaped property, outside and inside tables, bread with olive oil and spices and other food choices or simply grab some cheese curds or craft cheese from the refrigerator.   It was Labor Day weekend and traffic in the winery was heavy, yet I was served immediately as there were tastings available at the bar area, wines by the glass sold inside and out and staff running around to please their customers and not have them wait long.

 

I cannot say enough about this winery, as its charm and wine selections reflect Illinois so very well.  The tasting fee was nominal ($ 2.00) and tried some great Chambourcin, Riesling (from New York), Norton grapes. Seyval and Cab Franc (lighter than usual, but interesting). I purchased several bottles and particularly enjoyed the Seyval wine, as it was a 90+ temperature day.  (Illinois is known for grapes that can handle cooler climates such as Chambourcin, Norton and Seyval varietals.)   My wine consultant was very knowledgeable about what grapes were grown on their land and which grapes came from other regions.  The wine cellar is downstairs within this building and this charming young lady understood and worked several aspects of this winery.  Having someone so personable and knowledgeable only makes your wine tasting experience a positive experience.   A must to go visit when down in our state of Illinois, as folks have commented that this is one of the best wineries on the wine trail.

 

 

The grounds at Blue Sky Vineyards.

 

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Shawnee Hills Wine Trail

So a hidden gem or fun long weekend trip to Southern Illinois’ wine region called the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail.  12 +  wineries strong and still growing around the area, this unique area in southern Illinois has some wineries with great charm that you would find in Woodinville, WA.  Several of the wineries have outdoor seating, music on the weekends, lakes and grassy umbrella’d areas to sit outside and sip your favorite choice.  See the map of the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail below.  While you are down there, why not go explore the Shawnee National Forest, or Ferne Clyffe State Park and take a breathtaking, medium effort hiking trail to burn some of those wine calories off.  Another hidden gem in this area is Lake Egypt and a resort called The Resort at Egyptian Hills, where you can rent a chalet and get the nicest folks around to help you with your stay, renting a boat, discovering places around the area, seeing some music concerts on site in summer or enjoying some free water sports of a canoe, kayak or paddleboard.  The Lake is winding and has branches all off of the main rectangular freeway.  You can easily get lost seeing all the homes and boating to all the branches on this large lake.  Slowdown in the no wake areas and be careful not to go where too shallow waters are, to protect your motor, but also to protect the Eagle’s nests in the shallow parts of the lake. 

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Aphaea Cellar masters Reserve Red 2014

Origin:  Western Cape, South Africa

Grape:  Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache, Merlot, Petit Verdot

Year:  2014

Alcohol:  14%

Price point:  $12

Year Reviewed:  2018

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stumbled on this gem at a summer wine tasting event.    A bit hazy with a ruby color with slight orange tints.  Medium intensity on the eyes with the nose giving pleasurable aromas of medium intensities of spice, oak, wet leaves, vegetal, mocha and cedar.  Robust flavors of blueberry, strawberry, cherry spice, (a tobacco cherry pipe flavor), black pepper, and chocolate.  Also flavors mulling around of honey and mocha.  Tons of flavors erupt in this interesting blend, which gives it a nice maturity.  Sweetness is off dry, with very low acidity and medium tannins.  This wine ends with a strong long finish with tingling on the tip of your tongue.  So unique and enjoyable.  Pair with beef, lamb, spicy food, hard cheese or even a heavier pasta dish.  This wine opens up well and after an hour, rounds itself out a bit.

 

 

 

 

 

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Tinto Rey 2017 Rose

Origin: Dunnigan Hills, near Yolo County, CA

Grape: 51%  Tempranillo, 39% Tannat, 10% Verdejo

Year: 2016

Alcohol: 13.5%

Price point: $13

Year Reviewed: 2018

 

51% Tempranillo in a Rose catches my attention on the get go. I love the Tempranillo grape, so what will that bring out in a Rose??   The Tinto Rey Rose is a clear medium salmon colored wine with lighter aromas of strawberries and raspberries.  These Matchbox estate grown grapes are a unique blend that has flavors of sour cherries and ripened watermelon, and the acidity leaves a noticeable gentle tingle on your tongue. This crispness is perfect for a warm to hot summer day.  The medium finish smooths out after a bit with a pleasant touch of sourness lingering. The wine was made by fermenting all three varietals together and then cold fermented in stainless steel. Very good quality and some conversation about some not well known grapes.

So why is Dunnigan Hills a great AVA?

Origin: Dunnigan Hills, near Yolo County, CA

Grape: 51%  Tempranillo, 39% Tannat, 10% Verdejo

Year: 2016

Alcohol: 13.5%

Price point: $13

Year Reviewed: 2018

 

51% Tempranillo in a Rose catches my attention on the get go. I love the Tempranillo grape, so what will that bring out in a Rose??   The Tinto Rey Rose is a clear medium salmon colored wine with lighter aromas of strawberries and raspberries.  These Matchbox estate grown grapes are a unique blend that has flavors of sour cherries and ripened watermelon, and the acidity leaves a noticeable gentle tingle on your tongue. This crispness is perfect for a warm to hot summer day.  The medium finish smooths out after a bit with a pleasant touch of sourness lingering. The wine was made by fermenting all three varietals together and then cold fermented in stainless steel. Very good quality and some conversation about some not well known grapes.  Check out Tannat below and get educated.  Matchbox estates makes a bunch of wines, so try them out also.

Why is Dunnigan Hills such a great AVA?

The Dunnigan Hills AVA is an American Viticultural Area located in the Dunnigan Hills, in Yolo County, California.[3] Located in the northwest portion of Yolo County, the wine region has a Mediterranean climate that is less prone to frost than other parts of the Sacramento Valley. The largest winery in the Dunnigan Hills is R.H. Phillips, which has a 1,300 acres (526 ha) estate vineyard.[3]

Dunnigan Hills AVA
Wine region
Type American Viticultural Area
Year established 1993[1]
Country United States
Part of California
Total area 89,000 acres (36,017 ha)[2]
Grapes produced Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Sauvignon blanc, Syrah, Tempranillo, Viognier

[3]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunnigan_Hills_AVA#cite_note-appellation_america-3

 

 

ABOUT TANNAT

The Tannat grape finds its main home in the Madiran AOP in Southwest France. There, it is used to make full-bodied, rustic and brambly reds, according to our Tannat Wine Reviews. Over the last several decades, Tannat has broadened its horizons and is now grown and vinified in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Italy, Peru, Uruguay and the US. In fact, it has become the most prominent and widely grown varietal in Uruguay and is used in every style from fortified reds to sweet rosés. However, in examining our Tannat Wine Ratings, it is the dry red wine style of Tannat that is held in the highest regard. Depending on where the wine is made and the amount of oak aging it receives, these reds can range from big and tannic with raspberry aromas (typical in France) to elegant yet powerful with blackberry fruit flavors (typical in Uruguay). To find out more about the top rated wines and top value selections, be sure to take a look through our Tannat Online Buying Guide.

https://www.winemag.com/varietals/tannat/

ABOUT VERDEJO

– Verdejo (“Vurr-day-ho”) is an uncommon, light-bodied white wine that grows almost exclusively in Spain. The wine is an outstanding alternative to wines like Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio, with surprising changes in flavors coming with age.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Smith Devereux Red Blend 2016

Origin:  Napa Valley, CA

Grape: 75% Syrah and 25% Zinfandel

Year: 2016

Alcohol: 14.1%

Price point: $17

Year Reviewed: 2018

 

 

Found this interesting wine at a summer wine tasting event. Just a bit hazy medium red ruby wine.  On the nose, it present with a clean, medium intensity interesting aroma of a bunch of unique aromas.  I found it unlike anything else I have smelled.  I get a mix of flora, violets or lavender, almost like a lovely cologne and then some spices with that.

 

This wine presents as off dry, lower acidity, tannins are pungent rich to medium, but not overwhelming. Flavors of red cherry, black cherry, mocha and spice are just a unique experience….you have to try this to understand what I mean here.  I cannot say I have ever had a Syrah and Zinfandel blend, just by themselves.   Have you? The finish is quite beautifully long and stays on your tongue and the teeth and upper lip for some time.  Outstanding quality and unique wine.   Will purchase again.