Spotlight on a Winery Black Mesa Winery
 The spotlight this month is focused on Black Mesa Winery, which was recently recognized for its doubling of growth over the past several years. The growth came about because of the popularity of Black mesa wines, the tireless work of the Burd family, always improving on quality and always adding new wines to their growing list. Jerry Burd has also taken over winemaking duties at Santa Fe Vineyards and consults with other area winemakers.
Jerry and Lynda inherited the Black Beauty dessert wine when they took ownership of the winery in 2000, but in typical fashion have continued to improve this money maker over the years. Black Mesa has a full line of red, white, fortified and dessert wines in dry, off-dry and sweet categories. Many of the labels feature Lynda Burd's art, which brightens every bottle. Located in Velarde south of Dixon and the Embudo Valley, the winery is not to be missed when traveling north to Taos or south to Santa Fe.
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A Christmas Short Story
Up on the Rooftop
by Jim Hammond
A silent sled sits atop Max Rembrandt's toy shop; the last thing Max and his late father worked on. Now as the anniversary of his father's death draws near, Max wanders the streets of Ruidoso pondering how he can reclaim the Christmas spirit that was all but extinguished by his father's passing. His good friend Robert has an idea, but it requires that sled with Santa and his reindeer to come alive once again. Visit some Christmas magic this season with Up On the Rooftop by Jim Hammond. |
Jim's Pick of the Month
There are many new wines to single out this time, partly because I've been behind in writing about them. My bad
 Agonga 2011 Chenin Blanc/Chardonnay white wine blend from Argentina. These wines go for under twelve bills, but if you want a real bargain, buy it at Smith's food stores where a half case goes for $4.49. How good a deal is this? I bought 1-1/2 cases recently, but they have restocked since then. The name derives from an ancient Inca word meaning stone sentinel. Aconcagua is the highest mountain in the Americas, and the theme of stone lends itself to the wonderfully minerality of this wine. That combined with bracing acidity, melon and citrus flavors enhanced with apple-like notes of the Chardonnay and you have the bargain of bargain wines in my opinion
The Golem Riesling 2011 from Clare Valley, Australia. I was looking  for scary wines for Halloween when I tried this wine at Quarters Westside and it's scarily good, even at $15.95. Well-named, too as the Golem was a creature made of clay and the chalky soil where the grapes are grown reflect that influence in the deep minerality that almost hinges on petrol; a characteristic of many Riesling wines. For a true lover of this grape, however, the nose and palate will be heavenly.
Encanto 2009 Vino Nobile Di Montepulciano DOCG. This wine, not to be confused with Montepulciano (d'Abruzzo), does come from the town of that name; the noble wine of Montepulciano. This one goes for about eleven bills at Trader Joes, and is a classic example of this wine and well-priced. Deep garnet color, earthy nose with spices, smooth dense tannins and dark fruit on the palate, this is a true Italian wine. The DOCG classification is a sign of quality and it is just that.
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Tip of the Month: Wine Tempuratures
The temperature of wines is a key to our enjoyment of them. Too warm and the wine if off-balanced, emphasizing the alcohol. Surprise! A well-made wine should not taste alcoholic. Wines being too warm are a common problem, particularly in warm weather when enjoying wine outside. A wine that is too cold will dampen or mute the flavors of the wine. So how does one know when the wine is at the proper temperature?
A wine thermometer is a device customized for wine and calibrated for the range of wine temperatures. The non-invasive types are the most useful. They are available as wine bracelets that wrap around the bottle and display temperature in Fahrenheit or Celsius, usually with a legend listing types of grape and their range. Also available as digital thermometers that wrap around like a watch (yeah, I found these kinda bizarre) or a hand-held unit that provides a reading after it comes in contact with the bottle. These can get a bit pricey. Older thermometer styles were analog and required opening the bottle to get an accurate reading, but they work just fine. Of course, once one has done this several times the proper temperature can be divined by holding the bottle in one's hand . . . and guessing.
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November Wine Events
Amaro Winery
Live Music
Chain of Fools: November 16, 7pm
Frank Lovato: November 23, 7pm
Anthony Pacheco: November 30, 7pm
Anasazi Fields Winery
Live Music
Joe West and the Santa Fe Revue
Sunday, November 11 3-7pm
>more info and tickets
Black Mesa Winery
Art by the Glass-Design your own Wine Label
Saturday, November 17, 2012 Time: 2-6pm
Estrella Del Norte Vinyards
Weekend Bocce Ball
October - January
>more info
Vivac Winery
BLACK FRIDAY SALE November 23rd
on line & in the Tasting Room, outrageous discounts!
Pecos Flavors Winery
Holiday Gifts and Tastings
Sunday, November 18, 1-4pm
Milagro Vineyards
New Release - Tasting
Saturday, November 17, 11am-4pm
Sunday, November 18, noon-4pm
Carlsbad Winter Wine Festival
Friday, November 30, 4-9pm
Saturday, December 1, 12-6pm
>more info
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If the weather will cooperate it should soon be time to cuddle up in front of the fireplace with family, friends and good wine. The holiday season begins! For holiday wine ideas and more please check out my blog or website.
Sincerely ,
Your Southwestern Wine Guy
Jim Hammond
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Jim Hammond has been exploring wines in North America, Europe and Australia for more than 20 years. A published author, he includes information about wine
in every book. |
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"Wines of Enchantment the Centennial Edition"
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Wines of Enchantment, 2nd Ed
ISBN # 978-1466453432
$12.95
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A Unique Party Idea
Spend an entire evening with Jim, the Wine Maestro, and learn fun facts, such as the difference between a Bordeaux and a Burgundy, or what the ritual of tilting, swirling and sniffing a wine before taking the first sip is all about.
You and your guests will delight in Jim's light humorous and information-packed style when you include a Wine Maestro presentation in your
party plans. |
Wine Trivia
Do You Know the Answer?
The following is true of the Italian wine Brunello Di Montalcino:
- The wine comes from Brunello
- The principal grape is Montalcino
- It must be aged at least three years
- The wine uses a special clone of the principal grape
- All of the above
To find the answer,
click here.
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