Summer School for Wine Lovers:  Fermentation
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The Short Class
 July 16th, 2009
Greetings!

Often when we discuss wines we mention fermentation and malolactic fermentation.  What do these terms mean?  Why when buying wine does it matter?  For the answer, we offer our version of Summer School...

Fermentation is basically an organic transformation.  When we talk about fermentation and wine, we are generally discussing the process in which the sugar in the grapes is transformed into alcohol.  When the grapes or the grape juice comes into contact with yeast, the yeast causes the fermentation to occur.  You may remember we have previously discussed that some winemakers use the wild yeasts that occur naturally on the grapes and in the cellar for fermentation.  (As is the case with our very popular Errazuriz Wild Ferment Chardonnay.  If you haven't tried it yet, it is not to be missed!)  In other cases, the winemaker carefully selects the yeasts that will be added to the grapes and juice to cause the fermentation.

Malolactic fermentation is a different type of fermentation that sometimes occurs when wine is made.  It is also referred to as the secondary fermentation.  In this case, the malic acid that is found in the grapes is transformed into lactic acid.  I know this sounds like a bunch of science... but understanding the result helps describe some of the attributes you may like about a wine. 

Malic acid is sharp and tart, lactic acid is soft and round.  Most red wines go through malolactic fermentation, whereas only some whites do.  It is common for Chardonnay to go through malolactic fermentation to obtain that rich, round mouth-feel.  Other wines will go through partial malolatic fermentation to keep more crisp acidity, while gaining some of the roundness.  (Just like the A to Z Willamette Valley Pinot Gris featured this month.) If you like the round, creaminess, ask about white wines that go through malolactic fermentation.  If you prefer more crisp acidity, ask for wines that have not gone through or only go through partial malolactic fermentation.
 
Now that you got it, school can be out for the summer, again!  That will give you lots of time to stop in the store and we can help you select a few different styles to try.   Now on to the wines for Friday night!
Wines for Friday's Tasting:
Domaine de Triennes Sainte Fleur Viognier 2007
$18.99 a bottle, $193.68 for a case, or $16.14 a bottle as part of a mixed case
 
This fragrant Viognier is from the same winery as the rosé we have featured this month.  It is amazing what these Burgundy greats have been able to acheive since they bought this pioneering property in Provence, northeast of Marseille and due east of Aix-en-Provence. In less than two decades, they have transformed this stunning 46-hectare site into one of the top wine estates in Southern France.  Sainte Fleur is explosive on the nose with apricot, honeysuckle and honey aromas.  It has great power and intensity, combined with a beautiful balance between richness, acidity and minerality.  A terrific alternative to Chardonnay.  Try it, we know you'll like it!
Enzo Boglietti Dolcetto d'Alba 2007
$19.99 a bottle, $203.88 for a case, or $16.99 a bottle as part of a mixed case

The dynamic, young Enzo Boglietti is one of the new breed of producers who are electrifying the wine scene of Piedmont in northwest Italy.   Based in the town of La Morra -  and with holdings in some of Piedmont's greatest vineyards - Enzo took over his family's domaine in the early 1990's.  His Dolcetto vineyards are very well-situated to ripen the grapes, and he makes good use of older oak in combination with tanks to create beautiful, concentrated, fruit-forward wines of exceptional quality. This Dolcetto is a big rich wine, with aromas of dark berries and mint.  It is just delicious and is a great introduction to Dolcetto if you have never tried one before!
Lavradores de Feitoria Tres Bagos 2005
$19.99 a bottle, $203.88 for a case, or $16.99 a bottle as part of a mixed case

One of our July Wines of the Month!  Named as one of the 20 "Best New Wineries" by Food & Wine Magazine in 2005, this winery continues to impress.  Tres Bagos is a delicious find from the Duoro region in Northern Portugal.  The vineyards cling to the sides of the valley overlooking the river - it really is amazing to see.  This wine is crafted from a blend of indigenous Portuguese grapes, including Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Tinta Barroca, and Tinta Roriz (also known as Tempranillo).  It is filled with rich red berries and cherries with spice on the finish.  Nicely balanced, it will definitely delight throughout the summer.  The spicy finish longs to be paired with delicious barbecue!  
Our Wine Clubs

Selections for July have been made and they are all delicious!

The Boutique Series
$50 a month plus shipping and handling,
complimentary local delivery

This month's selections includes the very limited production Neal Family Sauvignon Blanc 2008 and the Podere la Vigna Rosso di Montalcino 2006.

Grape Distinctions
$75 - $100 a month plus shipping and handling, complimentary local delivery

This month's selections include two beautiful, contrasting examples of Sauvignon Blanc:  the Alphonse Mellot Cuvee Edmonds Sancerre 2002 and the Vinifera Niveus White 2007.

Cellar Collectibles
$100 - $150 a month plus shipping and handling, complimentary local delivery

This month's selections include two very hard to find Bordeaux blends from Tua Rita in Tuscany, the Tua Rita Giusto di Notri 2003 and the Tua Rita Giusto di Notri 2005.

To enroll or if you have questions about the clubs, email us at info@tewksburyfinewine.com or call 908-439-0007.
 
July
Wines of the Month:

A to Z Winery Willamette Valley Pinot Gris 2007
$15.99 a bottle, $163.08 for a case, or $13.59 a bottle as part of a mixed case

A terrific example of Pinot Gris from Oregon.  The wine is blended from over 18 lots of grapes from different vineyards all within the Willamette Valley.  The wine has a creamy mouthfeel, yet still has bright acidity that balances the ripeness of the fruit.  This is possible because the winemaker allowed only a small portion of the wine to undergo malolactic fermentation.  Malolactic fermentation is what adds the creaminess.  The wine was fermented and aged in stainless steel for six months, so the fruit is bright and crisp on the palate.  It is just delicious and it really is a different white wine you must try!

Domaine Yves Martin Sancerre Chavignol 2007
$21.99 a bottle, $ for a case, or $ a bottle as part of a mixed a case.

This has become my "house" white and I just love it!  It's from Chavignol within Sancerre and without a doubt is an incredible value!!  Domaine Yves Martin is a family run estate, with Karine Lauverjat firmly in command. She is producing classic, medium weight Sancerre that strikes the perfect balance of citrus and melon.  Made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc in a traditional Loire Valley style, the wine combines fruit with minerality beautifully.  With a crisp, dry finish, it leaves you wanting more!  This is a terrific summer wine to be enjoyed as an apperitif, with summer salads, seafood, goat cheese, and chicken, too.


Domaine de Triennes Rosé 2008
$16.99 a bottle, $173.28 for a case, or $14.44 a bottle as part of a mixed case

Another delicious rosé from Provence.  It actually comes from two of Burgundy's greatest names, Jacques Seysses, founder of Domaine Dujac, and Aubert de Villaine, co-owner of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti.  They are the partners behind this pioneering property in Provence.  In less than two decades, they have transformed this stunning 46-hectare site into one of the top wine estates in Southern France.  This rosé is made from grapes pressed following only a very brief period of skin contact which results in a rosé of a very light pink color.  An aromatic nose of red fruits is followed by a round, harmonious and seamless palate. This wine will seduce you by its freshness and elegance.  Before you even ask... yes, it is dry!  Actually, it is crisp, dry, elegant and very refreshing. 

Loios Vinho Tinto 2007
$13.99 a bottle, $142.68 for a case, or $11.89 a bottle as part of a mixed case

Loios is a wine produced in the Alentejo region, located in southern Portugal.  The Loios Vinho Tinto is a blend of traditional red varieties from this region; such as Aragonês, Trincadeira, and Castelão.  After careful selection and pressing, the juice is fermented in stainless steel tanks, perfectly preserving the unique, fresh fruit character of each variety.  This easy drinking red shows an intensely fruity aroma, jammy and meaty all at the same time. Soft and easy going, it is nevertheless able to complement all cuisines.  Perfect with barbecue, tomato based pasta dishes, or even a pizza.

Lavradores de Feitoria Tres Bagos 2005
$19.99 a bottle, $203.88 for a case, or $16.99 a bottle as part of a mixed case

One of the wines featured during Friday's tasting.  The complete description can be found in the column to the left.

We hope you are enjoying your summer.  We'll open the wines for Friday's tasting around 4:00.  Looking forward to seeing you soon, and most importantly, thanks for your continued support!
 
Cheers!
Andrea
Contact Information
Andrea Maranca
One Old Turnpike, PO Box 377, Oldwick, NJ 08858
T:  908.439.0007  F:  908.439.9997     www.tewksburyfinewine.com