Good vs "Bad" Vino: How to Tell the Difference

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 Have you ever feverishly opened up a bottle of wine only to take a first sip and almost instantly felt disappointed by the taste?

If your answer is yes, chances are you’ve probably second-guessed yourself on whether the wine was simply not your style or if truly may have had some sort of defect. 

Over the years (and over several bottles of wine!), my olfactory senses have sharpened considerably when it comes to knowing what a wine should NOT smell or look like.  Yet, despite this self-proclaimed savvy-ness, I sometimes find I doubt myself when a wine feels “off.” 

At a recent wine tasting event, a well-known winemaker had to take a few different whiffs, swirls, and tastes of the wine before proclaiming the wine bottle was slightly defective in taste.  So, if even a wine expert can be dubious of his own wine, imagine us mere mortals!

To help decode good vs “bad” vino, I’ve put together this simple list of things to look out for—they’re my tell tale tell all signs that the wine my goblet is better suited for the drain than my divine consumption!

#1.  Less Than Swell Aromas  

Most of the time, you can tell right away from the smell whether or not the wine is ok to drink.  It’s a matter of being on the lookout from what aromas that are blaring out: DO NOT DRINK ME.  Here are a couple to keep in mind:

• Wet dog
• Soggy Cardboard
• Old, worn band-aids
• Dirty farm animals
• Nail polish remover/acetone
• Vinegar
• Burnt rubber
• Cabbage

Do not pass go if you detect any of these aromas!  Likewise, if the wine has NO aroma, do not pass go.  Ditch it down the drain (or if you’re like Mr. Vino, save it to do a red wine vinegar from scratch!) and pop open another bottle without feeling guilty!

#2.  Atypical Color and Appearance

The more you become familiar with a wide variety of wines, the easier it will be to notice when the color and/or overall appearance of a wine is just not right.  For example, I know that Sauvignon Blancs are generally pale yellow to straw green and that Chardonnays are more gold and a deeper, stronger shade of yellow….if my Sauvignon Blanc looks more Chardonnay-ish in color, I know right away that the wine may be past its prime and/or probably not good to drink.  Think about a good friend you’ve known for years.  If he/she starts talking in a different accent or had a radical change in wardrobe choices, you’d suspect something was awry, wouldn’t you?

#3. Bubbles in Your Wine....and it's NOT Champagne

Of course, I adore bubbles in my champagne flute…in my wine glass?  Not so much.  If you detect bubbles or a “fizzy” nature in your wine, be wary.  This usually signifies fermentation is happening in the bottle and you don’t want that.

Got questions or other tips to add? Drop me a line!

Old World vs. New World Tasting

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Next week, we celebrate Columbus Day and pay homage to Christopher Columbus' discovery of the New World.  With this holiday on the horizon, I thought it'd be a perfect occasion to explain, explore, and enjoy the differences (and in some cases, similarities!) of New World and Old World  wines.

First, let's start with a brief primer.  Where wine comes from is most often categorized as either "Old World" or "New World."  Old World wine regions include Europe and parts of the Mediterranean.  New World wines are from newer wine-producing regions such as the U.S., South America, Australia, and New Zealand.

In addition, if you take a look at different wine labels, you'll notice that Old World wines are typically referred to by their REGION (Rioja, Bordeaux, Tuscany, etc,) while New World Wines are typically referred to by their GRAPE (Cabernet, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, etc.).

One of the biggest differences between Old and New World wines is the laws that govern how the wines are made.  In the New World, there are few restrictions and winemakers generally have more flexibility and freedom to craft grapes in the manner they desire.  The Old World, on the other hand, follows a wildly stringent set of rules that specify a wide range of provisions and instructions, including what grape varieties can be planted, maximum yields, which techniques can or can not be used to make the wine, and the use of oak, just to name a few.  They were originally established to ensure the wines maintained a certain quality.  Nowadays, many winemakers feel these rules are archaic and need to adapt given factors such as climate and viticulture changes, as well as advances in winemaking.

Just at Columbus conducted many voyages back and forth, from Old World to New World and back, diversifying and discovering the distinct wines of both worlds, is important for your palate. In my frank opinion, there is no such thing as one "world" producing better wines than the other. And, they may...or may not...taste different! To help illustrate that point, I recently did a blind tasting with Mr. Vino of a Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand (New World) and one from France (Old World).  We also compared and contrasted a Merlot from Washington (New World) with a Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon blend from France (Old World).  Bottom line: all four wines were amazing, just different in structure, taste, and intensity.  They say that has to do with "terroir"...what do you think?

CHEERS!

 

NEW WORLD WHITE: 

Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc, 2012, Marlborough, New Zealand

This showstopper from the New World is one of my all-time favorite sauvignon blancs.  It is elegant and structured with a beautiful balance and notes of elderflower, peaches, and lime zest.  Crisp and light on the palate with a smooth, silky, and refreshing finish, this gorgeous white is perfect to sip on an Indian summer type of day or with appetizers or hors d'oeuvres prior to dinner.  It's also the ideal libation to pair with grilled chicken dishes, simply prepared fish, and sushi.

These A-list grapes hail from estate and grower vineyards in the Rapaura, Fairhall, Renhill, and Brancott sub-regions of the Wairau Valley of Marlborough in New Zealand.  Sauvignon Blanc is considered the country's flagship varietal and constitutes more than 80% of New Zealand's exports.

Cloudy Bay, named after the bay at the eastern edge of Wairau Valley, grows primarily Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir and a few varieties of Gewurztraminer, Riesling, and Pinot Gris.

Wine Notes
Bouquet/Taste: Elderflower, peaches, lime zest

Finish:  Long, refreshing, crisp, and silky
 
Price: Approximately $25

OLD WORLD WHITE: 

Jean-Paul Picard Sancerre, 2011, Loire Valley, France

This Sancerre, from the Loire Valley in France, is made from 100% Sauvignon Blanc grapes.  It is full-bodied on the palate and presents more of an overall roundness and smoothness in taste and less of the crispness and zestiness found in the Cloudy Bay. 

It is also packed with the typical characteristics of Loire Valley Sauvignon Blancs:  fresh cut grass, grapefruit, lime, and citrus fruits.  The sharp minerality and herbaceous style of this Sauvignon Blanc distinguishes it from its New World counterparts, most of which are typically more crisp and acidic.  This Old World wine is an excellent match with white meats and fish, as well as a nice chevre cheese.

Jean-Paul Picard's Sauvignon Blanc grapes are all hand-picked and come from clay-limestone, south-facing slopes of the Grand-Chemarin and Coteaux de Marloup vineyards that have 30+ years old vines. The Picard family has been making wines for more than 400 years in the small village of Bue, an area considered to have some of the finest "terroir" in Sancerre. 

Besides the Sancerre region, other appellations in France that are highly regarded for Sauvignon Blanc are Pouilly-Fume and Bordeaux.  The climates of these two regions are well suited in slowing down the ripening on the vine and allowing more time for the grapes to develop the ideal balance of acidity and sugar levels.  Generally speaking, Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc are typically more spicy, flowery, mineraly, and perfumey while those grown in Bordeaux are fruiter and sweeter in taste.

Wine Notes
Bouquet/Taste: Fresh cut grass, grapefruit, lime, citrus

Finish:  Moderate, smooth and round
 
Price: Approximately $22

NEW WORLD RED:

The Velvet Devil Merlot, 2011, Columbia Valley, Washington

I have to admit that for some reason,  I've snubbed my nose every time I've seen this bottle on restaurant wine lists.  I guess the name kind of scared me away and left a bad taste in my mouth even before I dared to take a sip ...

Well, on a recent date night , I heeded Mr. Vino's "don't judge a wine by its cover" advice, ordered this wine and was pleasantly surprised.  This rich, fruit forward, medium bodied, supple and smooth wine from Columbia Valley in Washington will set off fireworks in your mouth.  

Made from 91% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, this New World wine displays a beautiful bouquet of dark tart cherries, wood, and tobacco and tastes of bittersweet chocolate and dark fruit and berries.  For the reasonable price, it's a wine with character and fierceness.   Pair this wine with heartier winter dishes such as beef bourguignon and roast duck and enjoy!

Velvet Devil is made by Charles Smith, a wine pioneer and perhaps most impressively, a self taught winemaker with a New World meets Old World story.  Born to a Welsh mother and French father, Charles grew up in Northern California.  He discovered his passion for wine after spending several years in Scandinavia managing a rock band and wining and dining at magnificent locales with the rock stars.  After Charles' stint in the music industry came to a close, he returned to the "New World," met a French winemaker who encouraged him to make his own grape "juice" and the rest is history.

Charles Smith wines follow a carpe diem philosophy.  They are created to drink today, not a few years from now.  Best of all, they demystify wine with their marketing of a very simple message:  "it's just wine, drink it!"

Wine Notes
Bouquet: Dark tart cherries, anise, wood, and tobacco

Taste:  Dark fruit and berries, bittersweet chocolate

Finish:  Medium
 
Price: Approximately $11

 

 

OLD WORLD RED:

Hebrard Cotes du Bordeaux Superior 2011, France

I love everything French....and French wines are no exception.  The Hebrard Cotes du Bordeaux Superior is a great example of a reasonably priced, everyday Old World wine.  It's elegant, refined,  has a great aromatic nose, is fruity in taste but more "earthy" than typical New World Wines at the same price point. 

Unlike the Velvet Devil made from 100% Merlot grapes, this wine is made up of 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon and has a more rustic, woody, yet smooth and silky taste.  The bouquet and mouth are spectacular, the flavors are well balanced, but the finish is shorter than I expected.  Nevertheless, it's a friendly wine at a value price and pairs beautifully with grilled meats and/or a beautiful array of cheeses

The Hebrard family name has long been associated with quality wines.  In 1832 they purchased the reputable "Chateau Cheval Blanc," Premier Grand Cru Class A in the prestigious Saint Emilion appellation of France.  More than 150 years later, the family sold the Chateau to an international group. The Hebrard wines are now a collaboration with approximately 30 winegrowers throughout the Bordeaux region. According to Maison Hebrard, they are keenly focused on building and cultivating relationships with winegrowers to maintain the quality and finesse associated with wines of Bordeaux.

Wine Notes
Bouquet/Taste: Cedar, lavender, spicy, clay

Finish:  Short
 
Price: Approximately $13

 

 

Shutdown Sips

It's Day Three of the government shutdown.

It absolutely surreal that nearly everything from Head Start programs benefiting young under privileged young children to National Parks and museums have simply been forced to close their doors indefinitely.  Congress can't come to a resolution so everyone, especially those who need it the most, have to deal with the consequences and suffer....

Here in DC, I have a number of friends who are directly and indirectly impacted by the shutdown. Whether it be government employees, hospitality and tourism folks, businesses with government agencies as clients, everyone and everything is feeling the brunt of this treacherous storm.

Earlier this week, restaurants, including Mr. Vino's place, filled the Twitter-verse with generous and heartfelt tweets touting food and drink specials to those impacted by the shutdown.  I thought it was brilliant and it inspired me to put together a quick list of five amazing wines that won't break the budget during these times of uncertainty.  Each of them delicious and under $10...perfect for when your energy for going out wanes and you desire to sip in the comfort of your own home.

Here's to hoping everything resumes back to business as usual...SOON!  CHEERS.

1.  Thorny Rose Sauvignon Blanc, 2011, Marlborough New Zealand 

courtesy bestwineinny.com

This wine is always stocked in our refrigerator and a spectacular everyday Sauvignon Blanc. If you enjoy crisp, fresh, zesty white wines, this one's for you!  It also presents well-balanced flavors that are not too sweet nor too dry in the mouth and in the taste.

While the collection of Thorny Rose's wines are made from varietals grown in Washington state, these stellar Sauvignon Blanc grapes hail from the Marlborough region of gorgeous New Zealand.  It's no wonder it's so delicious...and VERY easy to drink...without food, or with grilled chicken dishes and grilled seafood.

Wine Notes

Bouquet: Fruity, minerals, tart

Taste: Flowery, fresh, crisp, grapefruit flavors

Price: Approximately $9

 

 

 

 

2.  Clos du Bois Chardonnay, Sonoma, California

 

Rich, buttery and full-bodied, this Chardonnay gives you an amazing bang for your buck.  The creamy texture coats your mouth and showcases hints of green apple tartness and the succulent juice of Bosc pears.

The grapes for this elegant, yet affordable, Chardonnay are a combination of the Clos du Bois' estate vineyards, as well as from more than 100 contract growers from the prominent North Coast of California.  This wine pairs beautifully with a fish prepared with a butter base, pasta with creamy sauces, and a variety of chicken dishes.

Wine Notes

Bouquet: Green apple, pear, vanilla

Taste: Buttery, rich, full-bodied

Price: Approximately $10

 

 

3.  Vina los Valles, 2011, Rioja, Spain

 

This is one of my ABSOLUTE favorite Riojas--regardless of price!  It tastes like a rich, expensive wine and bursts with flavors of raspberries, boysenberries, and dried cranberries.  It is full-bodied, structured and jammy with a fresh, long finish.  The taste of the grapes stays in your mouth for long after you've taken a sip.

This ravishing Rioja is made from 90% organic Tempranillo and 10% Grenacha grapes by master winemaker Miguel Angel Rodriguez.  Vina los Valles cellars occupy a total of nearly 62 acres of vineyards in four different zones of Rioja Alta.  All grapes are harvested by hand and sorted again upon arrival at the winery prior to crushing and fermenting.

Wine Notes

Bouquet: Raspberries, boysenberries, dried cranberries

Taste: Same as above; full-bodied, jammy, fresh

 

Finish:  Long

Price: Approximately $9

 

4.  Mark West Pinot Noir, 2009, Sonoma, California



A lighter, but delightful, red that exhibits subtle vanilla tones and fruity components of berries, plums, and jam.  I find this wine to be "gentler" and smoother than the typical spicy and peppery Pinot Noirs.  This is a wine that pairs well with a wide range of foods as it is not over powering or, shall we say, "in your face."  If you like lighter reds or are still a "I prefer white," drinker, this may be a great starter red wine for you.

I find it challenging to find a good quality Pinot Noir for under $20, however, the Mark West name is synonymous with remarkable Pinot Noirs at reasonable, everyday prices.  For almost 40 years, the winery has created a brand around the tagline, "Pinot for the People."  And, thankfully, that means we don't have to dish out a lot of dough for a light, round wine that is an everyday go-to wine. 

 

Wine Notes

Bouquet: Vanilla, berries, plums

Taste: Raspberries, strawberries, jammy

 

Finish:  Little

Price: Approximately $10

 

 

5. Alamos Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina

 

I always turn to Argentina when I need an easy, inexpensive wine to pair with everything and an everyone, regardless of their wine "tastes."  The Alamos Malbec is popular at my cocktail parties as its smooth, black cherry and blackberry flavors are a hit with both wine "snobs" and wine-o-phytes alike.  Medium-bodied and well structured with strong tannins, this rich Malbec has hints of chocolate and sweet, savory spices and presents a medium finish.  It's a great choice to accompany snacks, tapas, and hors d'oeuvres. 

The Alamos winery touts itself on making wines "that are as good as wines as twice their price"....I think this wine, at just under $10, has accomplished this incredible feat.  A great value wine with a burst of flavors and all around silky, smooth feel.

Wine Notes
Bouquet:  Black cherry, blackberries, earthy

Taste:  Silky, velvety, chocolate, sweet spices

Finish:  Medium

Price:  $9