December 9, 2008

Saint Croix Vineyards Port

This port I bought some years ago when I visited this winery with my mother and sister. At that time I was just beginning to explore wines and didn't know anything about them. I was interested in whites that were "fruity" and any kind of rose. I found this port there and really liked it and was so proud of myself for liking a 'red' that I bought this 1/2 bottle. We've been carrying it around with us ever since. When Anthony suggested we open it I was excited - until he informed me it may have turned into vinegar by now (I think he was just giving me a hard time).
Anthony's little history lesson for me - Port wines are fortified, which means that alcohol is added before the fermentation process is complete, thus leaving the sugars behind. This preserved the wine while also making its alcohol content significantly higher. Apparently it was found that wine could not withstand the rocky and tumultuous trips on trade ships and thus would turn into vinegar. When alcohol was added during the fermentation process the wine became much more stable. The alcohol is added early in the fermentation process for port wines, thus causing them to be sweet with a high sugar content. If the alcohol is added late or just after the fermentation process a dry wine is created.
This port is very sweet but very rich with a wonderful smell and even better taste. Somehow it doesn't overwhelm you with sweetness and though it is smooth it has a little spice to it. Every taste leaves you wanting more.
Saint Croix doesn't list a port on their website any more but retailed it for around $30/bottle in the past. The bottle is a tall, dark 1/2 bottle with a simple, classy PORT label.

December 7, 2008

Alois Lageder Riff Pinot Grigio 2006

Riff is an Italian winemaker and this Pinot Grigio originates from vineyards on the foothills of the Dolomites, which is part of the Alps. I tried it last night and really didn't like it. It had a very flowery flavor and made me think of the color mauve and old ladies in pink lace and southern flower patterns. However, Anthony informed me that I was not allowed to comment on a wine that I had not tried at its optimum temperature. So I chilled it over night. It is better chilled but it is still not going to convert me back to a white wine drinker - which may not entirely be the fault of this bottle. It is still flowery but not so overwhelming and has a bit of bite when it hits the back of your tongue. It could be light and refreshing in the hot summer, especially paired with a light salad.
This wine retails for around $13/ bottle and the bottle is fairly standard dark color with an interesting design on the label, intended to remind one of the substantial amound of dolomite limestone present in the soil in this region.