DOC, DOCG, IGT and VdLT:Italian Wine Label Alphabet Soup

CB Chianti is a DOCG Wine 

As in France, and most of Europe, Italian wines are classified based on where the grapes were grown and the wines produced. Unlike the United States, Canada and Australia, Europe emphasizes geography over varietal. While this may be frustrating for the new world consumer, there is a reason for this system. Sense of place is very important to the Europeans. Many vineyards have histories dating back hundreds if not thousands of years. During this time, the owners and consumers have developed a relationship with the land, the culture and the foods. All of these factors meld into one seamless experience. Some areas have developed a reputation over time as producing quality wines. It is therefore important to protect the reputation these regions have taken so many years to develop. Possibly the most famous of these names in Italy is Chianti. When someone sees Chianti on the label, they have a right to know what they are getting. 

Rose Vs White Zinfandel: 

what is the difference and which one should I drink???

As a wine agent I often get asked, what is the difference between Rose wine and White Zinfandel?? To most people, it’s just a name difference. However, the difference is very large. When I conduct sampling I get two general type of reaction. First, I love Rose. The second reaction is "YUK!", that sweet, jammy, candy like liquid they call wine. What this second group typically expresses is their dislike of White Zinfandel. What is a wine agent to do?? Here is my attempt to clarify.

A bit of background. Rose wines have been made in Europe for over 2000 years. White Zinfandel, since 1973 as a result of a surplus of juice that a producer wanted to turn into cash.

What is the difference?

The short answer, is that while both wines are made in much the same way; White Zinfandel is sweeter and pinker than most roses which tend to be dry and range in color from onion skin to deep-salmon to candy apple red. This sweetness explain in part the popularity of this wine in North American. At the time, the American palette was favorable to sweeter beverages.

The long answer: Rose wines have been made in France for centuries. Wine Writer Tom Stevenson postulates in the Sotheby’s Wine Encyclopedia that Rose has been made for more than 2600 years. The best come from Tavel in the Rhone Valley and Bandol in Provence. Rose is made from many different old world grapes, but some of the most commonly used grapes in French Rose are Grenache, Mouvedre, Syrah and Cinsault.

The White Zinfandel Story

White Zinfandel, which was first made in California by Bob Trinchero of Sutter Home Winery, was the result of a fortuitous accident. And, as the name clearly states, is made from Zinfandel grapes. In an effort to create a richer Zinfandel from his vineyards in Amador County, Trinchero removed 550 gallons of juice from the fermenting tank to allow a higher skin to juice ratio. The theory was that this would make the resultant Zinfandel wine “richer” (Think Kool-Aid here…the less water to powder…the richer the flavor).

But Trinchero had a problem, he now had 550 gallons of white juice on his hands and no place to put it. So he made wine and sold it in 1973 and 1974 under the name White Zinfandel; while the wine had its trademark pink color it was also dry. In 1975, a “stuck fermentation” (the fortuitous accident) resulted in a higher than normal amount of residual sugar being left in the wine, and the rest is history. It is estimated more than 10 million cases of White Zinfandel are sold each year. While it has been somewhat vilified by wine snobs, (Adult Soda Pop) it should be remembered that many wine drinkers today first started with White Zinfandel and graduated to more complex varietal wines. I personally make a habit of shaking the hand of any White Zinfandel drinker…after all that means they are not drinking beer or spirits! In addition, the creation of White Zinfandel help to save many of California’s oldest Zinfandel vineyards from being re-planted.

The rest of the long answer: 

The best Rose’s are dry, and range in color from a very pale vin gris color to deep red. They are made in three ways:

1. Bleeding: Black grapes are allowed to press themselves under their own weight. The resulting juice is fermented and results in a very fresh flavored, fruity rich wine.

2. Pressing: Black grapes are pressed just long enough for the juice to take on the color of rose. The result is not as rich as bleeding.

3. Limited Maceration: Made in the same way as red wines, but the skin contact with the juice is cut short to create the appropriate color and flavor profile.

This year has seen an explosion of Rose wine made in the Okanagan Valley with many different styles are being expressed and all wine lovers (including men) should find something to their liking in these hot days of summer. C.C. Jentsch Cellar, a new winery on the Golden Mile in Oliver, just release its first rose wine called “The Dance”. The name was coined by owner Chris Jentsch (pronounce with a “Y” not a “J”) who was sampling the maturing wine and simply said, “every time I taste it, I just want to dance”. The wine is a Bordeaux style rose, it is crisp, dry, with a pronounced fruity aromas produced from the 5 classic grapes that makes a classic Bordeaux blend. The tasting notes from the winery are as follow:

The Dance 2013 (Rosé)

Cabernet Franc 26%, Cabernet Sauvignon 20%, Malbec 2%, Merlot 50%, Petit Verdot 2%

Crafted through the Saignée method, small portions of each varietal were bled from cold-soaked musts and combined to create this rare and complex 5 varietal Bordeaux-style blend. Intense aromas of passion fruit, guava and wild cherry burst from the glass and are echoed on the palate with a savoury element from the extended lees contact, making this a dry rosé from our boldest reds.

Alcohol 13.9% Acid 5.8g/L Residual Sugar 0.1 g/L

C.C. Jentsch Cellars wines can be found in many of the valley’s wine stores, if not, request it, you will not be disappointed. Other wines from C.C. Jentsch Cellars are, a 2012 Viognier, a 2012 Bordeaux style blend called “The Chase”, a 2013 Gewurztraminer and a 2012 Syrah. In its short history the winery is already garnering accolades both abroad and in the valley. To know more visit, www.ccjentschcellars.com or next time you are travelling in the south Okanagan look for the Rabbit and the Tiger on the side of the road.

C.C jentsch Cellar of Oliver BC wins prestigious awards at the 2014 Decanter awards.

What is Decanter?

Decanter magazine is - quite simply - the world’s best wine magazine. Read in over 90 countries, Decanter is required reading for everyone with an interest in wine - from amateur enthusiast to serious collector. Their experts recommend 4,000 wines a year, so whether you’re looking for affordable Australian Shiraz for the weekend, or premier cru Burgundy to lay down, Decanter will find it for you. A special ceremony was held in London last night (june 24, 2014) to reveal what 33 wines out of 15,000 entries scooped International Trophies at the 2014 Decanter World Wine Awards. C.C. Jentsch Cellars, a new winery in the fast growing wine region of the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia, pick up 3 awards from its first vintage. ( www.decanter.com)

CC Jentsch Cellars Viognie r 2012

Medal: Bronze

Style: Still - Dry (below 5 g/L residual sugar)

Alcohol level:14.1%Color:  white

Grape composition: 100% Viognier

Tasting notes: A fragrant honeysuckle nose with peach notes, along with a complex palate of delicate aromatic flavours of ripe peach, mango and jasmine continuing into a long finish.

C.C. Jentsch Cellar The Chase 2012

Medal: Bronze

Color: Red

Style:Still - Dry (below 5 g/L residual sugar)

Alcohol level:13%

Grape composition: 35% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot 12.5%

Tasting notes: Bright red and black fruit nose, with depth and complexity. Medium bodied juicy and floral, with black fruit and licorice, smooth ripe and soft tannins. Modern style well done.

CC Jentsch Syrah 2012

Medal silver Colour: Red Style: Still - Dry (below 5 g/L residual sugar)
Alcohol level: 13 %Grapecomposition: 94% Syrah, 6% ViognierTasting notes: Very floral nose of damson, peach, ripe red cherry, bramble. Lots of bright red fruit with damson, blueberry, with some savoury and spicey, pepper, clove and coconut on the finish. Complex long and characterful.

The Story of C.C. Jentsch Cellars.

The winery Over 63 acres of the prestigious Golden Mile Bench in Oliver, BC are home to C.C. Jentsch Cellars where the Jentsch family has been farming fruit since 1929. Amber Jones, head Winemaker, is crafting Chris Jentsch’s estate-grown fruit into five premium labels that are almost as hard to pronounce as his last name, he jokes. Viognier, Gewurztraminer, Syrah, ‘The Dance’ (Rose) and `The Chase` establish the portfolio. Both ‘The Dance’ and `The Chase` are Bordeaux-style blends, but not just your typical three-grape brew, they boast 5 of the 6 classic Bordeaux varietals: Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot. All of these luscious wines come from sun-soaked, mature, Okanagan fruit and with a very reasonable price tag.  The new tastingroom doors are  open  starting May 1st, 2014! Look for the Rabbit and Tiger and stop by and try the wines at 4522 Hwy 97 between Oliver and Osoyoos. Open daily! The Story Chris Jentsch is a man, a husband, a father and a farmer. He grew grapes for decades when he and a group of friends pondered what they would do differently if they could go back 40 years…and the answers were all the same - take more risks. This stayed with Chris and fueled the fire to turn his estate grown fruit into good, honest wine. That’s the story, no frills or gimmicks, just a guy taking risks. Chris is down to earth, kind, and lives life “one day at a time”. The Name Like most people you probably assumed that C. C. were Chris’ initials? Me too! Actually, they stand for his middle name, Carl, and his wife`s middle name, Coelho, which means rabbit in Portuguese. Chris' branding describes his life, or more accurately, the most important part of it- his love and devotion for his wife, Betty. For 30 years, Chris believed that both he and Betty, born in 1963, were the same Chinese Zodiac sign - the Rabbit. One day, a Korean restaurateur explained to him that the Chinese New Year starts in February, and suddenly he realized that he had been a Tiger all along. Chris illustrates all of this in his branding and the names of his wines: ```The Chase`, and `The Dance`, are all themes coming from the pursuit of, and desire for the one woman I have loved for so many years. And one day I am going to catch her...”

Penne with Tomato-Sage Sausage Sauce

I am a fan of Italian Sausage; I have attempted to make my own with reasonable success. I am always looking for ways to use them. I always have some in my freezer for those mid week days when my family need a quick and tasty meal. The following recipe meets those criteria. 15 minutes? Yes, probably, after you prep everything and prep wont take long.  You won't be disappointed and you will find your family asking for more.

Pad Thai

A few years ago my wife and I took our kids and my mother in law to Thailand. I have been a fan of Thai food for many years and I was really excited at the thought of eating the real thing. Well I was not disappointed. I loved walking through the back alley of Bangkok and see how the average Thai lives. It was feast for the eyes with display of fresh produce every where. Wherever we went there were food stands offering an array of Thailand’s best dish.