Wine Life - Houston

Last night, we enjoyed a #TempranilloTuesday   at home with grilled   pork chops and a bottle of the 2011 Malabrigo  by Bodegas Cepa 21 from the Ribera del Duero region of Spain.  Only 5,000 bottles of this wine were produced.  It is made from 100% Tempranillo grapes, also known as Tinto Fino, sourced from the clay and loam soils of the Castrillo de Duero village. This vineyard area is one of the highest elevations and coolest parts of the Ribera del Duero wine region which gives the grapes a longer time to fully ripen while allowing them to retain their acidity. More elegant than some Ribera del Duero wines, this well-structured dry red has a full body, good acidity and silky tannins with blackberry and licorice flavors, a hint of smoky cedar and a long, spicy white pepper finish, very delectable and highly recommended. Although the wine was delicious with our meal, after opening and tasting the wine, I wished I had served it with Texas brisket. The f...

Sparkling Wine of the Week:  André Clouet Champagne Grand Cru "Silver" Brut Nature   My husband purchased this bottle for us at Spec's in Midtown Houston when he was out shopping for some wine and spirits gifts for a few coworkers over the holidays. The Champagnes of André Clouet are favorites at our home so he snapped this up when he saw it. This small production sparkling wine comes from the Champagne village of Bouzy which is known for its high quality Pinot Noir. The grapes for this wine were sourced from the sunnier mid-slope section of the Grand Cru vineyard. There is no sugar added to this 100% Pinot Noir wine and it is aged in neutral oak barrels. Creamier and a bit fuller-bodied than many sparkling wines, this wine is dry and crisp with fresh bakery aromas of brioche over apricot and light cherry notes. Similar flavors with a touch of citrus in the lingering mineral-laced finish. Though enjoyable alone, it c...

Sparkling Wine of the Week- Ruinart Champagne Blanc de Blancs If you read this often then you know that I am very partial to the non-vintage  Ruinart Champagne Blanc de Blancs . It is now the splurge offering by the glass at Liberty Kitchen & Oysterette in the Uptown area of Houston. I've enjoyed it at the bar with the Chesapeake crab balls a few times while waiting for a table. As it is offered by the bottle as well, my husband and I enjoy sharing it with the raw oysters, the sushi of the day, the tuna poke and the whole lobster as well.  Always recommended, this crisp, mineral-driven sparkling is a favorite with Liberty's fresh seafood menu.

Sparkling Wine of the Week:  Champagne   Duval-Leroy Brut On New Year's day, my husband and I cook some version of the traditional southern meal that my family has always enjoyed. Every year we serve p ork for continued good health, cabbage or some type of greens for prosperity and black-eyed peas for good luck. A tradition that we have added is the serving of bubbles to start the meal for a bit of added enrichment. This year we popped open a magnum sized bottle of   Champagne   Duval-Leroy Brut   to greet our guests, many of whom opted to continue with it throughout the meal.  A blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, this wine has predominantly nutty aromas and flavors over lemon custard with a lingering mineral-laced finish. Approximately $65 for the magnum bottle.

Sparkling Wine of the Week: Pierre Péters Champagne Cuv é e de R é serve Blanc de Blancs  Always a favorite in our home , this sparkling wine was sourced from Grand Cru vineyards located in the commune of Le Mesnil sur Oger in the Cote des Blancs sub region of Champagne. The belemnite chalky soil of the area helps maintain acidity while adding a chalky mineral nuance to the wine.  A pale straw color in the glass, this wine has aromas of baked pear with citrus, it has a creamy texture with refreshing acidity. It is dry with crisp citrus flavors and a light toasted note with a long mineral finish.  A preferred choice with cold seafood platters but easily enjoyed anytime, approximately $60.

Sparkling Wine of the Week:  Andr é   Clouet Champagne Ros é   No. 3 Grand Cru Brut This wine was given to me by a friend that joined us for dinner over the holidays. I can assure you that  he was well-received  when I opened the door and saw the bottle. The Champagnes of  Andr é   Clouet are favorites at our home.  This high-quality small production sparkling wine comes from the Grand Cru village of Bouzy located in the Champagne region of France. It is made from 100% Pinot Noir sourced from the prime mid-slope section of the vineyard. A pretty pale pink color, this wine is dry and refreshing with aromas of raspberry and orange zest with a light floral note. It has similar flavors with a bit of yeast and gingerbread in the lingering mineral-laced finish. The wine is the perfect hostess gift, approximately $50.

Sparkling Wine of the Week:  Mumm Napa Brut Prestige *   A b lend of mostly  Chardonnay and  Pinot Noir with some Pinot Gris and Pinot Meunier made in the traditional method, this is Mumm Napa's signature sparkling wine.  Fruitier and a bit rounder  than most Champagne, this bottle of dry bubbles offers fresh apples and citrus  with a bit of yeast and a light toasty note with a lingering finish. This is the perfect wine with which to greet your holiday guests at the door , a pproximately $22.  *Media Sample

Are you looking for a sparkling wine, white wine or dessert wine for your holiday meal? Wines of Alsace created a Thanksgiving wine pairing plan to make your day both easier and more delicious.  Check out their chart and my suggested wines before you head out to do your holiday wine shopping.  Lucien Albrecht Cremant D'Alsace Brut NV  - Wine-Thoughts sparkling wine of the week. The grapes for this dry, sparkling wine were hand picked and the wine was produced in the traditional method with a minimum of 18 months aging on the lees. Crisp and refreshing with light notes of green apple and citrus; perfect for appetizers, the cheese course and beyond. I have enjoyed both this style and the ros é   version many times. This wine was a media sample. Suggested Retail Price: $21.99 2013 Frey Sohler  Reserve  Pinot Blanc Vin D' Alsace-  This dry white wine has light aromas of honeysuckle with fruity flavors of pear and melon. It is ligh...

Sparkling Wine of the Week:  Desiderio Jeio Brut  Prosecco *   This non-vintage sparkling wine is produced by the Bisol family in northeastern Italy from 100% Glera grapes. The family has been producing wine in the Valdobbiadene region for over 400 years.  This DOC Prosecco wine is dry and refreshing with fruity aromas of peach and sweet citrus with a light floral note. It has flavors of green apple and melon with a soft lingering finish.  Perfect with weekend brunch at home,  approximately $15.  *Media Sample

Sparkling Wine of the Week: 2012 Schramsberg Blanc de Blancs - This  north coast   California sparkling wine is made in the traditional method from Chardonnay grapes sourced from cool climate vineyards. It is partially fermented in barrel for added  complexity  and small lots undergo malolactic fermentation before blending for a creamier texture. This wine spends approximately two years aging on its lees before it is disgorged which helps the wine to maintain its fresh taste.  Crisp, dry, refreshing with classic aromas of green apple and lemon with honeysuckle hints and a clean, mineral-laced finish. Perfect with hot buttered popcorn on movie night at home, approximately $40.