World Wine Production to hit 50 Year Low!

The wine industry has been hit with yet another challenge.  New reports released say that global wine production is expected to drop to it's lowest in more than 50 years.  Italy (23% drop), France (19%) and Spain (15%) are the top 3 producers which all blame extreme weather conditions.  Not to mention, California's recent wild fires have not helped with an additional 1% drop in production for the USA.  This link shares more on the story:  World Wine Production Hits 50 Year Low    (Credit: BBC News)

If I had to offer my own recommendation to support wineries around the world...keep buying wines, try new ones and re-connect with the ones you love.  These challenges will undoubtably continue therefore the resiliency and talent these farmers, wine makers and supporting staff have which brings wine to our tables can only be supported by us, the buyer.

Cheers - Cin Cin - Salud - Prost

Caves D’ Esclans, Whispering Angel ’15 $18

Cotes De Provence, France

With spring moving quickly into summer, it’s rose time once again.  After my visit a few years ago to the Bandol region along the French Mediterranean coast, I found so many wonderful roses to try.  This one happens to be a favorite in our household. 

The aromas of citrus zest, pears, melon and apples blend together for a versatile wine to go with many food pairings, although it’s great on its own.  Its flavors represent a clean, refreshing mouth feel with light flavors of honeydew, strawberries and hints of lemon.  The characteristics resemble a smooth red blended with a refreshing white.  For a Provence rose, you’d think the mineral overtones would be predominant but they’re not.  This paired excellent with an olive oil & herb grilled shrimp over couscous.  With some sliced radishes on the side, dipped in olive oil and sea salt, this wine paired wonderful with everything.

Château Vieux Dominique '10 $13

Bordeaux Superior

For some that know me, my fondness for French wines is somewhat challenged.  In general you need to pay a higher price to gain quality which doesn't always hold true in wines from other parts of the world.

So as I continue to challenge one of my favorite wines shops to recommend an under $20 bottle of French wine that I might like, I think they found one.

My take on French wines is they're very earthy, dry and tannic.  Therefore, I needed to let this assumption go before tasting this wine or I was never going to get over my little hang up.

The nose brought out dark cherries, roasted coffee and hints of smoke and herbs.  With this aroma blend I was soon forgetting my preconceived notions.  On the first sip a heavy alcohol "pop" was there but soon diminished after 15 minutes in the glass.  Flavors of mocha along with cherries and a minor tartness on the tannins left me to believe a short decanting would help. Sure enough, after 20 minutes the tannins somewhat smoothed out and the finish had a nice length to it. Plums seemed to come out now in the flavor profile followed by a subtle roasted coffee on the finish. The tannins seemed to balance well with the flavors however it's not for the faint lover of "easy drinking" style wines.  Full body would be my take on this Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot blend.

For many French wine producers the 2009s were outstanding.  2010 was a bit more challenging year with alcohol levels and tannins being higher.  Given this overall synopsis, this 2010 is quite nice especially being under $20 for a relatively young wine.  It's starting to change my mind. Let's hope for more to do so as well.

Heritage Des Caves des Papes, Cotes-Du-Rhone ($11)

France

Its not often a good bottle from France is moderately priced however this selection truly impressed me. I had no information on the wine prior to buying and the only insight was from one of the wine store’s associates feeling the same as I did…”for eleven bucks, its worth trying.”

I can’t help but like various blends as mentioned in past postings and this one was quite nice complementing our dinner of grilled pork tenderloin, sauté pea pods & baby bella mushrooms & summer tomatoes w/ mozzarella over garlic toast. Sounds good enough to have again tonight with the rest of the bottle!

At first the aromas seemed a bit unpleasant yet after a few swirls in the glass, it began to open up with an earthiness accompanied by a woody scent. A subtle musty and green moss hint was present along with a slight anise tone. I know it sounds like a lot of smells but it really wasn’t that overpowering.

On the taste, a definite fruit forward flavor of blackberries and cherries was present with an faint oaky sensation on the mid palate. The wine finished with an nice spice and hint of smokiness. In general I’d say the vintage was well balanced, medium body with pleasant tannins and very easy drinking. Almost a lighter wine than I would have thought prior to opening.

For those of you curious, the wine is comprised of 3 classic grape varietals from the Rhone region in France. 70% Grenache (which holds the fruitiness), 25% Syrah (which brings on the spiciness) and 5% Mourvedre (which softens the wine).

This is one of the best deals I’ve found in a good French wine.