 As spring arrives, in my kitchen we move away from hearty braises and root vegetables to fresher fare. These are simple salads and grilled meats – and the wines I reach for tend to display the same reserve; simultaneously vibrant and earthy, snappy with the scent of green, yet heartwarming against the chill of dusk.
2007 Austrian Gruner-Veltliner
This indigenous grape of Austria is a chameleon that creates wines from lean and racy to robust and lavish, with an aromatic character that evokes spring. The area most famous for Gruner Veltliner is the Wachau, though neighboring Kremstal and Kamptal contain many ambitious producers to watch.
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2007 Alzinger Steinertal
Smaragd Wachau |
2007 Brundlmayer Alte
Reben Kamptal |
2007 White Burgundy
One of the issues with the finest wines has been the “shadow effect,” where one highly touted vintage (such as Burgundy 2005) obscures the tremendous nature of subsequent vintages. The 2007 white wines from Burgundy offer a beguiling combination of freshness and depth.
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2007 Chablis Les Clos Grand Cru
Domaine Fevre |
2007 Puligny Montrachet Caillerets
Premier Cru Domaine de Montille |
2005 Napa Valley Cabernet
Napa Valley burst onto the fine and rare wine world radar with a triumphant showing at the Judgment of Paris in 1976. Since then, the region has grown in renown as winemakers continue to explore the incredible diversity of the region. Many varieties excel in Napa’s unique climate, but Cabernet Sauvignon remains the backbone. The established vineyards continue to produce classic wines, but a few newcomers caught my eye in 2005.
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2005 Maybach “Materium” Cabernet
Sauvignon Napa Valley |
2005 Meteor Vineyard Estate
Cabernet Sauvignon Napa Valley |
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Springtime in Napa
No longer the slow season in Napa Valley, late winter and early spring burst with activities collectively known as the Mustard Festival. Centered around the wild mustard bloom, the festival celebrates food, art, entertainment and the region’s exceptional wines. Events commence January 30 with Mustard Magic, hosted by the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone, and run through late March.
The Undiscovered Auction
Looking for an adventure and a chance to bid on some truly fine wine? Investigate the Justin-Siena High School Wine Auction on March 27 at the Villagio Inn and Spa in Yountville. The school fundraiser – often called one of the best-kept secrets in wine country – attracts rare and highly rated wine lots for live and silent auction.
Auction Napa Valley
The world’s premier charity wine auction, offers bidding lots of rare bottlings, exquisite vertical collections, barrels and more – often accompanied by luxury accommodations, gourmet dinners and other enticements. The annual highlight for many serious wine collectors, this year’s event, co-sponsored by Flexjet, is scheduled for June 3-6. The 2009 event raised $5.2 million for a wide range of charitable causes. |
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