May the "Fuerza" be with you- Fuerza Tempranillo 2006, Mendoza Argentina

I just found a delicious Tempranillo from Mendoza. Argentina that is, not Spain. Old world style Tempranillo from the New world but with a twist. This Fuerza 2006 Tempranillo is like the Luke Skywalker of Argentinian Tempranillos; young and bright and ripe, yet beginning to smooth out around the edges as it ages. Let this darkly-hued Tempranillo lead you out of the dark side and into the realm of deliciousness. Cassis, blackberry, and anise on the nose with gripping tannins that smooth out as they roll down your throat. Fruit-forward with high acidity, this wine stands up to Chorizo or any spicy grilled meats. They never had it so good on Planet Tatooine! And for $3.99 what more could you want? But you better find yourself a Corellian Corvette (and a Wookiee co-pilot) to get you to Trader Joe's before it is all gone...Signed, A Star Wars Geek:-)

Wine Blogging Wednesday #54 - Passion for Piedmonte

Rain. Working past midnight. Mini migraine. And now my wine homework is based on Old World wine when all I wanted was a familiar, easy drinking friend? Ick. Warned that Italian wines can be a little on the food slutty side, I was armed with a delightful pasta con polpete, house made fettuccine slathered in a piquant sauce and studded with tasty meatballs. So the evening wouldn't be a total loss. Having swung by the Wine Mine, where they assured me this would be tasty, I brightened. The selection they picked for me in answer to the question, "Okay, so what is your favorite wine from Piedmonte? I mean, that's in stock right now." The bottle they picked for me was a 2005 Produttori del Barbaresco Nebbiolo delle Langhe. I popped the cork and immediately a lovely wine smell emanated from the bottle. In the glass, the wine was bright garnet. I Vinturi'd, swirled and was greeted by red fruit and baking spice. Sipping, I got red berry flavors and anise. The pleasant tannins were grippy as baby starfish. Tasty on its own, it went beautifully with the pasta dish. Then I thought, assertive fruit, soft tannins? Cheese! I happen to have a gorgeous Vermont white cheddar. A few slices of that salty delight paired with the wine, softening and lifting the finish. Wow! I love this wine! At $17.99 I thought it was extremely reasonable for something so tasty that started its path into my arms in the unforgiving Euro. One of the purported origins of the word Nebbiolo is thought to mean "fog" as in coming from the fog, so named for the Langhe region's weather. Fog-o-menal, I say. Delicious wine I will seek out in the future. All in all, a good Wine Blogging Wednesday like going to a party I thought I was too tired to enjoy where the guest of honor's charisma makes me glad I made the effort.

If this makes you curious to learn more about the Italian region of Piedmonte, please check on the Wine Blogging Wednesday host's blog here. Thanks David Mc Duff for introducing me to a new friend!

Wine Blogger supports local winery--Two Mile Wines, Berkeley, CA

I know, what a surprise. While I support the wineries of Napa Valley and Sonoma County, which are practically in my backyard, I am really happy to find a winery right here in Berkeley, CA. Two Mile Wines is a local collective of wine aficionados who craft their wines in a small warehouse in Berkeley with fruit sourced from Sonoma, Napa, Livermore and the Central Coast.

Berkeley, CA has a reputation of being a “foodie” city, thanks in part to Alice Waters, organic farmer's markets, Berkeley Bowl and the divine restaurants of the Krikorian Empire (Sea Salt, Lalimes, T-Rex) and now we have our own winery to match. According to Justin Bramwell, one of the collective members, and today's spokesperson, Two Mile Wines want to produce food-friendly wines that are fruit forward and well-balanced. The wines also incorporate some local history. In fact, 'Two Mile' refers to the two mile dry zone that existed on the UCBerkeley Campus during the Prohibition era.

I got to try three wines that day even though they produce six.

2006 Dry Creek Syrah $38
The fruit for the Syrah comes from Unti vineyards in the Dry Creek Valley region of Sonoma County. Pungent nose of blue fruit, dark red fruit with a bracing note of coffee with a meaty overtone. Gripping tannins which smooth out into a cherry leather finish. Very full-bodied with a strong linger. This was selling right out of the warehouse.

Jacob's Landing 2006 Bordeaux Blend $28
(66% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 1%?, from Dickman Ranch in Southern Napa)
The name of this wine comes from Capt. James Jacobs, who 1854 built a small wharf known as Jacob's Landing at what is now known as the Berkeley Marina. Capt. Jacobs was one of the first was first local shippers carrying cargoes across the SF Bay and Jacobs Landing is where it all began. But what about the wine? The nose on this one is pure perfume with floral, herbaceous, eucalyptus notes. The palate is rich with notes of eucalyptus, cherry and spice. This wine might just transport you to a better place...

2006 Livermore Valley Petite Sirah $34
Fruit from the hot Wente Vineyards, close to the 13^th hole at the golf course! This has a strong nose of tar with that barnyardy aroma covering red and black fruits with a bit of cocoa. Inky and opaque, very full-bodied and tannic with a spicy steak sauce finish. This was fermented in new American oak and neutral French and the oak is very well-integrated.

The wines I tasted were very full-bodied, fruit forward and strongly tannic, yet elegant with a good balance of the elements. Unfortunately the 2007 Viognier and the 2006 Sangiovese were not available to taste but you can purchase them by becoming a member of their wine club (quantities limited.)

So go explore these bold, locally-crafted wines, learn a little local history, and get a tour of the facility. And if you happen to be in the hood around harvest time stop by and help with the crush. Two Mile Wines wants to be your community winery. Plus, they are real friendly and love to tell you the stories of the wine.

Visit them at : 2816 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley, CA 94702 510)868-8713. They are usually open for tastings Saturday afternoons. And, they will give you a discount if you buy a bottle or a case.