I have dabbled little (meaning few than a few dozen wines tasted) in New Jersey wines, so maybe I shouldn't have been as surprised as I was to receive an invitation to taste a selection of the Garden State's Blaufränkisch (aka Lemberger, Limberger, Kékfrankos, Frankovka). A fan of Austrian Blaufränkisch, I couldn't miss the chance to taste these wines! The virtual presentation was moderated by the distinguished José Vouillamoz, co-author of Wine Grapes. The entire experience was fascinating, and two wines in particular were stars: the Beneduce Vineyards and the Sharrott Winery bottlings.
Read MoreIt is always a pleasure to taste wines that are hard to come by in this country, especially when it's hard to get out of this country now. I tasted this line-up from Vitis Global last fall, and there was much to like in this diverse array of styles provided by a wide array of grape varieties and producers.
Read MoreI first noticed the Respekt logo on wine labels in late 2011 at an Austrian wine tasting. Established in 2006 and requiring a three year conversion process, the first vintage for which this designation could appear on labels was 2009. The philosophy of Respekt BIODYN is to mentor fellow and aspiring members by establishing a practical and detailed conversion program for each, then to help the converted vinegrower outline a plan for the continuing the practice of biodynamic principles. Overall, the group eschews dogmatism.
Read MoreLoimer NV Rosé Brut Sekt Reserve: This sekt stretches the imagination. A blend of Zweigelt, Pinot Noir and St. Laurent, it would be hard to place it in a blind tasting, even if its fruit purity, fine perlage and long finish clearly place it in a high quality region.
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