Boise Coop Wine Shop

• March 9, 2010
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In 1879, with only fifty dollars in his pocket, Giacomo Peirano, a grape farmer from Genoa, Italy, immigrated to San Francisco, CA, in the hopes of fulfilling the American dream of striking it rich with gold during the historic Gold Rush age. Soon realizing the days of really collecting a big share were no longer in sight, he decided to take whatever he had left of his fifty dollars and moved to Lodi, CA.

At the time, Lodi was the home of many mining camps. Recognizing the excess of miners, yet the lack of merchants in the region, Giacomo, who was hungry and quickly running out money, scrounged up whatever cash he had left and opened up a mercantile store where miners could get all sorts of daily supplies and necessities. The idea turned out to be an ingenious money maker and before he knew it, Giacomo was on a boat back to Italy to reunite with his adoring wife to be, Maria. It was on this trip that he came across an idea which, unknown to him, would become the most important family jewel for centuries to come. Along with his smitten bride, Giacomo brought with him Italian Zinfandel vine cuttings from his family’s vineyard. Upon his return to Lodi, he purchased 300 acres of land. He proceeded to propagate and then plant the Zinfandel vines, creating one of the first vineyards in Lodi. The vines expanded to cover seventy-five acres of the farmland. Tending to them like they were his children, he spent long hours in the vineyards diligently working to help the fruit reach its optimal level of ripeness. He hand pruned and harvested every vine with precision care. Quickly, caring for the grapes became a family affair. Maria watched over the mercantile business, which helped to pay for the vineyards, while Giacomo was out in the fields with his five young sons Charles, William, George, Fred, and Frank. This was the beginning of a family tradition that would last for generations to come.

In 1992, Lance Randolph, the fourth generation of Peirano to farm the 300 acre estate, began making Peirano wine simply for himself and to prove Lodi could produce desirable wines. After considerable praise for his ability to make elegant wines, he decided to start bottling and selling Peirano wine using his estate grown grapes. Since then, Peirano has won numerous awards for producing top of the line wine using many of the old techniques valued by Giacomo Peirano.

The history of Peirano Estate Vineyards is a tale deeply rooted in Lodi history and the importance is felt by every member of the Peirano family. Legend has it that Lodi was named after Giacomo’s famous racer horse, Alta Genoa, he brought from Lodi, Italy. Over the years, the vineyards have grown to not only include the same naturally rooted, head trained Old Vine Zinfandel imported to the United States by Lance’s great grandfather, but Cabernet Sauvignon, Viogner, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat Canelli, Merlot, Shiraz, Tempranillo, Petite Sirah, Barbera, Syrah and Malbec as well.

Michael Smith is the Western Regional Manager for Peirano Esatate, and he’s visiting Boise this week and wanted to stop by the Co-op Wine Shop this Thursday, March 11 to offer free samples of a number of their wines and chat about this exciting property. Six different wines to try, all priced to be something you can drink on an every day basis at a very reasonable $11.99 a bottle. Here’s the line-up:

2007 “The Other” White Blend
Aromas of apples, pears, tropical fruit, and a whiff of bubble gum are complemented by hints of coconut and vanilla. Lush flavors of fresh ripe pears, apples, tropical fruit and homemade lemon pie lead to a long, totally seductive, finish.

2007 Chardonnay
Aromas of vanilla, lemon meringue pie, and tangerines are complemented by hints of buttery notes entice a sip. The mouth fills with tropical fruit, homemade lemon pie and vanilla, which round out the wine and leave a lingering finish.

2007 Merlot
Aromas of rich ripe cherries, blackberries with hints of toast, and vanilla coalesce into a single sensation of olfactory bliss. The mouth is filled with an array of flavors, including cherry, plum, cranapple, sweet raspberries and strawberries with lingering hints of cocoa and cinnamon, while supple tannins leave a pleasing finish. Each juicy sip is more comforting than the last always leaving the palate to want more.

2007 Malbec
The color of this wine is a vibrant deep purple/garnet. The aromas are spicy and peppery with hints of red hots, strawberries and cloves. The flavors are forward with bing cherries, dark fruit, balanced acidity and moderate tannins. The wine is ready to drink, but will continue to age over the next 5 to 8 years.

2007 Cabernet Sauvignon
The rich, dark color of this wine catches you from the first pour. It exhibits a rich deep burgundy hue with perfect clarity. The aromas are a compendium of dark fruit – blackberry, black raspberry, and currant – with elements of toasty oak, chocolate, dark roasted coffee bean, sage and spices. A sip fills the mouth with blackberry pie, with hints of rich, ripe black cherries, sweet oak and white pepper, while maintaining absolute dryness and firm, yet supple, tannins. This delicious Cabernet is ready to drink now and will continue to age gracefully for the next 6 to 8 years.

2008 Petite Sirah
The senses are tempted by an array of black raspberry, spice, coffee, cocoa, cola and white pepper. The palate is filled with ripe boysenberry, black raspberry, plum and sweet black cherry and firm tannins, with a hint of smoke and dark chocolate. Enjoy this wine along with a nice grilled steak, baked potato with all the fixings, and good friends. This is a wine that can please now, as well as age out for many years to come.

Join us with Michael Smith this Thursday, March 11 from 4:30 to 7:00 pm to learn more about and enjoy a free taste of the wines from Peirano Estate.

Four Great Buys from California

• March 4, 2010
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A second generation Californian, Derek Benham grew up in an agricultural environment in the great San Joaquin Valley. While working summers on his Dad’s farm, he began to dream of building his own wine company. After graduating from UC Berkeley in 1982, Derek went to work in sales for a small winery near Lodi. Eventually, he assumed the role of General Manager, and learned all aspects of running a wine company, culminating in the sale of the winery to La Crema Winery. In 1990 Derek founded the Codera Wine Group and created the Blackstone Merlot brand. After seven very successful years he sold the brand in 2001. When he started the trio of brands that make up his new venture, the Purple Wine Company, he brought Alex Cose on board. Alex bailed out on his banking job back in 1992, and after winemaking stints at Joseph Phelps and Peter Michael, he signed on Derek in 2002. His goal each year is to produce the best quality wine available, all the while maintaining our commitment to value, believing quality wine doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg. Together the are the driving force behind Rock Rabbit Winery, an homage to the down-under style, Avalon, a winery that produces only Cabernet Sauvignon, and Mark West, specializing in affordable Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

2008 Rock Rabbit Sauvignon Blanc, $8.49
This Sauvignon Blanc is based on the New Zealand white wine style which offers everything not typically found in California wines—flavor, style and value. Sourced from vineyards high above Santa Barbara and the coastal vineyards just outside of Monterey, each contributes its own unique quality. Stainless steel fermented the wine sees no oak and reflects the fresh, crisp, ripe flavors of pure fruit.
2007 Avalon Caberntet Sauvignon, Napa, $14.49
One-eighth the size of Bordeaux, Napa Valley is responsible for some of the world’s most expensive wines. Avalon’s, however is not one of them. They’ve taken the ego out of the equation to bring you a world class wine at a darn good price. This 2007 offers aromas of raspberry, blackberry, mint and black cherry. Vanilla and short bread notes from oak aging bring balance and frame the ripe berry flavors. Napa Valley terroir shows through with strawberry, raspberry and a faint root beer note with quintessential Oakville dark cherry. The tannins are fine and chalky, and there’s an earthy mineral not that adds complexity. Overall, it’s supple, elegant and richly flavored—a classic Napa Valley Cabernet.
2008 Mark West Pinot Noir, $10.49
The medium ruby-hued 2008 Pinot Noir (100% Pinot Noir) offers notes of pomegranates, plums, cherries, underbrush, and herbs in a round, tasty, authentic style. Its lightness and softness are endearing, and the price is nearly unbelievable. There are plenty of domestic Pinot Noirs and French red Burgundies priced five to ten times higher that are not as good as this effort from Mark West. It should drink well for 1-2 years.
2008 Mark West Chardonnay, $9.49
The crisp, elegant 2008 Chardonnay exhibits abundant aromas of white peaches intermixed with hints of honey and wet rocks. Medium-bodied with a zesty finish, it will offer pleasure over the next year.

Couer d’Alene Cellars

• February 25, 2010
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Coeur d’Alene Cellars was founded to create top quality Rhône varietal wines from the best quality fruit found in the Columbia, Walla Walla and Yakima Valleys of Washington State. Owned by Kimber Gates and her parents, Dr. Charlie and Sarah Gates, and their family, it now produces over 3,400 cases each year and has nine current releases. Since its inception in 2002 CDA Cellars has had an excellent response to its wines. The state of the art winery is uniquely located in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, close enough to the award winning vineyards of Eastern Washington to be able to hand harvest fruit in the morning and hand sort it to fermentation tanks before the sun sets.

2008 No. 6 White, $14.99
This unique, off-dry wine blends Viognier’s floral aromas and fruity flavors with the round notes of Semillion and the crisp acidity of Riesling. Refreshing on the nose with notes of bright apricot and banana, the palate is clean and round with flavors of peach and honey. The crisp minerality and acidity balance the off-dry fruitiness and enhance the long clean finish. Great with any pork dish, turkey, cured meats, creamy sauces and citrus salads. Also, great as an aperitif with hors d’oeuvres.
2008 Chardonnay, $18.99
Okay, not a Rhône variety, but great fruit from Stillwater Creek and Lonesome Springs Vineyards makes this Chardonnay an excellent expression of the outstanding terrior of Washington State. Fruit notes of poached pear, bright quince, and a hint of peaches and cream are complemented by butterscotch, vanilla, and soft, toasty oak. Enjoy with shellfish, light meats, sausage spaghetti with white sauce, and flavors of dill and clove.
2008 Viognier, $18.99
The winery’s seventh vintage highlights how well Viognier thrives in the Eastern Washington climate. Gentle vinting techniques preserve the intense fruit and floral character of this Rhone varietal. Warm French oak undertones on the palate lead to a long and creamy finish. It pairs nicely with lighter Asian and Mediterranean dishes, seafood, poultry and spices of thyme, ginger, lemongrass and nutmeg.
2007 No. 6 Red, $18.99
A Columbia Valley blend of Syrah with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, the No. 6 is a lush, yet approachable, deep dark red with lots of raspberry and plum aromas. Dark fruit flavors of cherry, plum blueberry, and smoky chocolate balance full-bodied tannins and a soft-smooth finish.
2007 Cloud Nine Red, $20.00
This wine combines Syrah with Viognier and Mourvedre grapes from some of the best vineyards throughout the Columbia Valley including the Horse Heaven and Rattlesnake Hills AVAs. It offers classic ripe Syrah aromas of blueberry, bing cherry, licorice, spice, and a soft elegant palate. Try it paired with grilled chicken, herb-stuffed salmon or pork dishes.
2007 Syrah, $26.00
To make this luscious wine, Coeur d’Alene Cellars combines fruit grown in four premium vineyards from distinct, unique appellations of the Columbia Valley. The result is a complex, complete wine of exceptional quality and intensity,  highlighting the Washington State Syrah experience. The intriguing herbaceous bouquet leads to ripe, red stone fruit flavors (berry, cherry, plum) with spicy notes of chocolate, cedar, lavender, smoke, and a trace of truffle. Barrel aging for 19 months lends a smooth and smoky finish and good structure and fine grained tannins promise great aging potential. Pair with dishes containing beef or lamb, bacon, and spices such as cumin, coriander, allspice, fennel or fresh herbs.

Four from Italy

• February 18, 2010
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2008 Masi Masianco Pinot Grigio & Verduzzo, $11.99
The Boscaini family have been the owners of the Masi vineyards for six generations. Something of an icon in the Venetian region, the are best known for their classic Amarone, but have also pioneered the creation of what they call Supervenetians. This Masianco is a blend of two grapes, Pinot Grigio (75%) and the native variety Verduzzo (25%). The appassimento process (laying grapes out for partial drying after harvesting) is a Masi speciality. To produce Masianco, the Verduzzo grapes (already picked slightly over ripe) are ripened further in exactly this way. This unusual process retains elegance while adding more roundness, body and richness, characteristics which complement the fine aromas and the elegant fruity notes of the Pinot Grigio. Masianco is an ideal aperitif and goes well with the typical dishes of today’s cuisine: hors d’oeuvres, fish and grilled white meats.

2006 Mazzei Castello di Fonterutoli Badiola, $15.49
The history of the Mazzei family is closely woven to the winemaking history of Tuscany, as well as that venerated region’s political and cultural past. The first recorded mention of the Mazzei family—originally from the winemaking area of Carmignano—was noted in documents traced back to the early 11th century. Today under the guidance of Lapo Mazzei, who oversees the property with the help of his sons, Filippo and Francesco), they remain devoted to winemaking, with an eye towards innovation and an abiding respect for the land. Castello di Fonerutoli, source of some of Italy’s most prestigious wines, is a historic property embracing an entire tranquil, centuries-old hamlet just south of Castellina in the heart of Chianti Classico. The estate has been in the hands of the Mazzei family since 1435 and is considered by many to be the definitive wine producer in the Chianti Classico region. This Badiolla is produced with Sangiovese (70%) and Merlot (30%) grapes, taken from the highest altitude vineyards bearing the same name. It boasts excellent structure and smoothness, a wine with a great personality and versatile at the same time.

2006 Marchesi di Barolo Ruvei Barbera d’ Alba, $16.99
The Cellars of Marchesi di Barolo are located in the village of Barolo, overlooking the castle of the Marquis Falletti. In fact, the building which today houses the winery also belonged to the Marquis Falletti and became, upon the extinction of this prestigious dynasty, the site of the charitable foundation called Opera Pia Barolo. The estate is rich in history with the Marquise Giulia Colbert di Maulèvrier heading the state until her death in 1864. With that the line of the Falletti of Barolo came to an end, but her legacy was perpetuated by the still-extant charitable foundation Opera Pia Barolo. At about this very same time, Pietro Abbona was born and, in 1895, began working in the family’s winecellars in Barolo. Thanks to his hard work, tenacity and skill, he was eventually able to acquire the cellars of the Marchesi di Barolo estate, along with the vineyards and the La Volta Castle. Today Marchesi di Barolo remains a family business. Since 2006, it has been under the direction of the family of Ernesto Abbona .

2007 Mazzei Zisola Nero d’Avola, $25.00
Zisola comes from the Mazzei family property in southeastern Sicily, just outside the historic town of Noto. Celebrated for its Baroque architecture, Noto is nestled in one of the most beautiful and spectacular areas of the region and is protected by Unesco as a world heritage site. Here, in this alluring spot rich in history and culture, the Mazzeis have pioneered an ambitious project to fulfill the potential of this area. The thumbprint that appears on Zisola’s label is that of Francesco Mazzei who, together with his father Lapo and his brother Filippo, is dedicated to placing their mark of uncompromised quality on this exciting viticultural region. Made from the indigenous Nero d’Avola grape, this wine is a limited-production, elegant Sicilian red wine of great complexity, concentration and aging potential.

A Taste of Argentina

• February 2, 2010
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This Friday and Saturday we are featuring four Argentine wines from the portfolio of Sun Valley based Tastevin. These are unique offerings ranging from a surprising sparkler to the more expected Malbec.

Reginato Blanc de Blancs, $12.49
Jose Reginato, joined by his son Pepe, has been crafting some of Mendoza’s most sought-after, limited-production, boutique bubbly since 1986. Unlike many other “factory” sparkling wine producers in Mendoza, the Reginato family personally manages the entire process, from grape to bottle, to handcraft these dry, refreshing bubblies. They manage the vineyards, select the grapes, harvest at the optimal time, make the base wine, and do secondary fermentation at their own winery. When you think of a partying wine, you want something bubbly, light, refreshing, but certainly not boring or tiresome. The Reginatos feel the same way, so they pack lots of fresh fruit flavor onto a crisp, refreshing frame that will keep you sipping. This eclectic blend of 70 percent Chardonnay and 30 percent Chenin Blanc is sure to please.

2007 Luca Chardonnay, $28.00
Laura Catena grew up in a wine-making family in Mendoza. Although she now splits her time between Mendoza and San Francisco (where she is a Emergency Room Physician, university professor, mother of three, and accomplished tango dancer!), Laura’s heart remains in Argentina and winemaking. She had a vision of creating a new breed of Argentine wines: small quantities, artisan quality, and true to their individual terroirs. A true pioneer of small-grower relations in Mendoza, Laura’s incredible, limited production wines come from some of Argentina’s best fruit from low-yield, high elevation, family-owned vineyards. Luis Reginato, the winemaker at Luca Winery, is a highly trained, experienced, and respected vineyard consultant and winemaker who receives high praise from wine critics and is definitely a winemaker to watch. The winery is named after Laura’s first-born son.

This Chardonnay was sourced from vineyards with an average elevation of over 4700 feet and scored an impressive 92 points in the Wine Advocate. It offers enticing aromas of lemon creme, baking spices and some tropical notes. The aromas carry through to the palate, and are joined by hints of tropical fruit, spiced baked pear, and a stony/mineral quality that creates a stylish wine that seems part New and part Old World. Pairs well with most fish, lobster, crab, chicken, and even many pork preparations. Particularly recommended with dishes using sauteed wild mushrooms or butter sauces.

2007 Susana Balbo Malbec, Signature, $22.00

Known to many as the “Queen of Torrontes” or the “Evita of Wine”, one thing is certain: Susana Balbo is reputed throughout Argentina and the world for her incredible winemaking skill, experience, and passion. Susana has been making wine since she earned her enology degree in 1981, and she has probably produced a wider variety of wines than any other winemaker in Argentina. She has made wine in Australia, California, Chile, France, Italy, South Africa, and Spain, and she spends a month each year in a different wine region of the world studying with local winemakers and growers. Her Signature wines are the ultimate expression of her skill and artistry. Top barrel selections from her overall production are complex and powerful, yet with an elegance and finesse that only Susana can achieve quite so perfectly.

This Malbec (blended with 10 percent Cabernet) explodes with aromas of blackberry, black cherry, and violets framed by hints of oak and mint. The wonderful aromas are mirrored on the palate, and they are joined by ripe plum fruit and a hint of toasty vanilla and bittersweet chocolate. This is a ripe and rich style of wine, but the Cabernet adds structure, reigning in the fruit and focusing it into a long finish. A wine that truly struggles between its fun and serious side, the Wine Advocate rated it at 91 points. Pairs well with a wide range of foods from beef and pork to game birds or even meat-based pastas.

2007 Tikal Patriota, $17.99

Tikal is owned by Ernesto Catena and is named after his son. Ernesto spent his childhood in the vineyards of Mendoza among wine-growers and local pundits. Since then, he has experienced a kaleidoscope of cultures, living in New York, Buenos Aires, Berkeley, Cambridge (MA), Milan and London. But his heart remains in his homeland of Argentina (where he now lives), with its natural beauty of mountains, streams and vineyards, its wines, and its people who hold a special passion for living. There are few wine brands that reflect the sensibilities of their owner more than Tikal. A skilled horseman, fashion designer, software developer, and book editor, Ernesto pursues all that gives pleasure in life. This hedonism (in the best sense of the word) shows through in the wines. It is a style meant to provide enormous pleasure rather than provoke contemplation; an expression of emotion rather than intellect.

The Patiota is a 60/40 blend of Bonarda and Malbec. it’s a gorgeous deep purple hued wine with aromas of ripe bing cherry and berry fruit. Like swallowing a whole bowl of mixed ripe berries at once. Big body yet very balanced, with luscious layers of raspberry and cherry that quickly move to an intense dark chocolate finish. Pairs well with grilled meats such as beef and pork, smoked ham, and even pizza with meat toppings. Incredibly fun to drink, this one garnered a 92 from the Wine Advocate.