Have You Met "BO?"

"I am the next big thing," declares "Bo," AKA the grape varietal Bonarda that is making a major splash in today's wine industry.

 

 

 

So without further adieu, let me introduce to you our new friend, Bo! Bonarda comes to us from the region of San Rafael, Argentina. It is originally from France, where it is referred to as Douce Noire. Bonarda is currently Argentina's second most planted variety after Malbec, and was once the #1 most widely planted. After a few years of allowing Malbec to take the spotlight and declare itself as Argentina's King, Bo is back and is returning for its throne!

 

 

 

So why did Bonarda take a break from the spotlight for so long? Well, the reason has to do a lot with marketing. Over the years, the plantings of Bo have gone from 500,000 to 47,000 acres. While Bonarda was still trying to find its niche in the market, Malbec's popularity was reaching all-time highs. However, unknown to many, for many years Bonarda has been the traditional table wine of Argentina. It is the last varietal harvested there and is aged for little or no time, and intended to drink young. Now Bonarda is hitting the Florida markets hard and can even be found in Publix locations at an extremely affordable price!

 

"Friends don't let friends drink Malbec," says Bo.



Bonarda has some very interesting profile characteristics. The very young, no oak-aging wines such as "EH19" are extremely perfumed and earthy on the nose. With younger vines, they tend to really capture the essence of the upper portion of the soils and rock. Late to ripen, this juice tends to have high sugars and high acids, and pairs very well with everyday foods.

Moving along, there is "Via Blanca," which is a softer version of EH19. This wine comes from vines which are a bit older so it's profile is more developed and mellow.

Ending with "Iccarini," a true master of the most elegant qualities captured in Bonarda. With only 6 to 8 months aged in oak, there is a subtle hint of oak that rounds out the entire wine. For those skeptical of this seemingly newcomer, Bo... try this wine and you will be a believer!

Bonarda is a fun, young, consumer-friendly wine meant for drinking now. The price point is reasonable, and the quality is high. Bo truly is the next big thing!

 

 

Don't forget to join FRIENDS OF WINE Wednesday, April 10th as we gather for our last tasting of the semester.

 

CHEERS!

Ferllen: A Taste of Argentina

Argentina's wine industry is the fifth largest wine producer in the world!

Historically, this country had been more concerned with quantity over quality when it came to production. However, in recent years there has been a shift with winemaking as Argentina is now placing a higher emphasis on quality in terms of their winemaking processes. And in referencing their shift to quality, Ferllen wines are at the top!

Ferllen Winery was founded in 1912, after a move to Mendoza, Argentina from Bordeaux, France.
For a long time, the presence of wines from the southern hemisphere was ignored by many winemakers. One may not think of Argentine wines without mention of Medoza, the leading producer of wine in Argentina. In recent years, Malbec has become this region's most popular planting. As Andres, the Wine Director of Ferllen explained, Mendoza is not the only region of Argentina producing such high quality wines. He recommended consumers keep their eye on wines coming from the region of Patagonia as well. The region is growing as producers plant more cool climate varietals like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

The tasting began with a Chardonnay. When most consumers think of Chardonnay, you may first recall those from California. While typical California Chardonnay may be considered heavy, full of oak characteristics like vanilla or butter, Ferllen Chardonnay is quite the opposite. It was both elegant and easy to drink. It was fermented on the lees, or as the French would say "sur lie." This process contributes a complexity to the wine and adds additional depth, especially on the finish.

Next we tasted a Torrentes which was very perfumed on the nose

and sweet over the tongue. This wine was composed of grapes from both Argentina as well as Rioja. The class was then lead through the Ferllen Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Malbec. At the end of the tasting, we were able to try Ferllen's Special Edition label which is composed of Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon. This is an incredible wine, and if you have not been able to try it, it is definitely recommended you keep your eye out for it!

 

There are only two seminars left for this semester's FRIENDS OF WINE tastings! If you have not been able to join us yet, we hope you make it to one of our last!

A Tour of Italy with Batasiolo Wines

This week we welcomed "Batasiolo" wines from Italy! Italy is one of the most famous winemaking regions in the entire world. Additionally, Italy is known for growing more varietals than any other country- you could actually have a completely different wine each day of the year! With so much to explore, Friends of Wine was lucky to experience some delicious tastes of a few of the great wines that Italy has to offer.


Ricardo March, US Director for Batasiolo and FIU Alumnist, (that's right, go Panthers!), lead our seminar this week and gave us insight into Italy's beautiful world of wines. His passion was as infectious as his knowledge for Italian wines was extensive.

He began the tasting of Batasiolo wines with "Gavi" which is often referred to as Cortese di Gavi, that is located in the southeast part of Italy's Piemonte region. Gavi's dry white wine is made from the cortese grape, and is regarded as one of Italy's best. This straw-yellow wine with greenish highlights and fresh, elegant taste would pair perfectly with oysters, as we agreed at the seminar.

Next, students were lead into the southwest section of Piemonte with a Dolcetto D'alba. Dolcetto is a red wine grape whose name translates to "little sweet one." These wines should be drunk young as they do not undergo any aging process. Its nice level of tannin and acid content makes it ready for drinking in the spring following the harvest. This is a perfect everyday red wine, as it is very silky over the tongue and easy to drink.

Lastly, Ricardo was kind enough to share with us two Barolos, the "King" of Italian wines! The grape used to produce these wines is Nebbiolo. The DOCG (which means "Controlled Denomination of Origin") require Barolo wines to age for a minimum of 3 years, two of which must be in wooden barrels. These beautiful wines are meant to last around 20 years. As they age, their tannins will soften. Barolo wines often acquire an earthy, truffly, and chocolate-like characteristics.

As if tasting these wines wasn't enough of a gift, Ricardo generously distributed several bottles of these prized Batasiolo wines to the students in attendance. Hopefully they will pop the cork to commemerate a special day, as these wines are definitely something to celebrate!

CHEERS!

 

 

 

If you had to miss out on this wonderful journey through Italy, please join us next time as

 Friends of Wine

explores Argentina!

 

 

FIU Friends of Wine craft beer tasting with Brown Distributing

Last night our guest speaker was Dave Crisafi from Brown Distributing. Dave took us through an extensive lineup of craft beers within the Brown portfolio. Our good friend Matt Weintraub, the new BREW FIU Research Assistant let us hold our seminar in the BREW FIU lab and treated us to BREW FIU beer bread as a pairing with the beers....when in Rome....

Matt Weintraub, BREW FIU Research Assistant

can't have beer without peanuts

Dave Crisafi, Brown Distributing
Dave took the class on an educational tasting of craft beers; and just like a wine tasting, we started with the lighter beers and sipped our way to the heavier, darker beers; Pilsner, Wheat Ale, Belgium Ale, IPA, Imperial Red IPA and ended with a dark milk stout. 

Brown Distributing craft beer lineup

BREW FIU beer bread

chocolate and beer pairing

the pour

Friends of Wine Presents "GODIVA"

The famous story of Lady Godiva is the inspiration behind the Godiva Chocolatier name.

In the 11th century, Lady Godiva and her husband Lord Leofric lived in Coventry, England. Lord Leofric was a powerful ruler who was unsympathetic to the citizens of his kingdom. Lady Godiva, however, was a woman of great generosity who had dedicated her life to the impoverished and stricken.

When Lord Leofric imposed a heavy burden of taxation upon his subjects, Lady Godiva protested. In response, Lord Leofric set forth this challenge: If his wife rode naked through the streets, the taxation would be lifted. Lady Godiva was a modest woman, but she immediately agreed to this challenge to help her fellow townspeople... Thus explaining the now legendary Godiva logo.

The Godiva tasting is all about indulgence, richness, pleasure and luxury. As guests arrived, they were greeted with a welcome cocktail. This welcome cocktail consisted of chilled Godiva Chocolate Raspberry Vodka infused with fresh strawberries. Our spread of food included homemade brownies, biscotti, angel food cake, chocolate kisses, and our very special chocolate covered strawberries. The atmosphere was fun and laid back, as we had our "hostess-with-the-mostess" SouthFloridaFoodandWine.com's Christine Najac. She has a distinct affinity for the flavor combinations of Godiva. This certified Sommelier who also serves as our resident mixologist, wrote all the recipes which were served at this event.

Now that we can close the chapter on this year's South Beach Wine and Food Festival, our doors are now open to many more guests who were unable to attend our wine seminars due to planning and prepping for SOBE. A big welcome was made to all of our new attendees, who we hope continue to join us on our voyages through food, wine, and everything fun in between!



In case you were one of the unlucky ones who were unable to make the "Godiva Extravaganza", we would love to share with you our Cocktail Menu for that evening and encourage you to try them at home and with friends! A little Godiva makes any night a special night... Cheers!

Chocolate Raspberry Martini

Chilled Godiva Chocolate Raspberry Vodka

Infused with fresh strawberries

3-Layer Godiva Chocolate Cake Cocktail
Godiva Chocolate Vodka
Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur
Godiva Chocolate Liqueur
rim glass with melted chocolate and coco-sugar
garnished with whipped cream

Godiva/Oreo Cocktail

Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur
Godiva Chocolate Liqueur
Godiva Chocolate vodka
rim glass with melted chocolate
garnished with an Oreo cookie

Butter Pecan Godiva Caramel Milkshake
Butter Pecan Ice Cream
Half & Half
Godiva Caramel Liqueur

The next Friends of Wine meeting will be Wednesday, March 6th at 6:30pm featuring

CRAFT BEER!

Ellman Family Vineyards

Ellman Family Vineyards is a small production of premium wines from Napa and Sonoma, specializing in Pinot Noir and Bordeaux Blends. They truly create high quality wines from only the finest of grapes. Neil Ellman, owner and proprietor, visited us at Friends of Wine and lead us through an intimate tasting where he shared every step of the process from when he first decided he'd turn his love for fine wine into owning his own production facility.

Each of the Ellman Family Vineyards wines are named after a family member. This family-style spirit was surely visible during his presentation, as Neil was so open, honest, and easy to talk to. Wine can be mystical and mysterious at times, but he lead us through the entire winemaking process and allowed students to interact and ask questions, eliminating any confusion. So far, Ellman Family Vineyards produces 100% Pinot Noir and a couple Bordeaux style blends. What sets these wines apart from some others is attention to detail and complete handcraftsmanship. At EFV, their grapes are all handpicked and passed through a "sorting table". The sorting table is a process in winemaking which not every winery does, that ensures only the top quality of grapes (those without raisoning, rot, or debris) enters the final product. In addition to attention to detail, another factor which makes these wines so desirable is availability. Right now, the total production of all EFV wines is a mere 750 cases a year! And in South Florida, these wines are only available at high-end restaurants (keep your eyes peeled at Michy's and Capital Grille).

 

As with any industry, change is inevitable. It is always important to evolve with society, culture, and of course the economy. Neil Ellman states that his goal for the future of Ellman Family Vineyards is to eventually reach 5,000 cases annually. Also, he is thinking about one day dabbling in the whites department, and may even venture to do a rosé  or port.



TASTING NOTES:

"Amanda" Pinot Noir 2010- Their first Russian River Pinot with fruit from Amber Ridge, a top class vineyard in the Russian River Valley. A combination of bright fruit notes and jammy pie on the nose, maintaining a full mouthfeel.

"Alexis Skye" Pinot Noir 2010- Fruit from the Sonoma coast, influenced by coastal fog and cool Pacific air; a perfect environment for Pinot Noir. Dark fruit, blackberry, with hints of minerality over palate.

"B.B" Napa Red 2009- 60% Canerbet Sauvignon and 40% Merlot. Red rasberry and fleshyfruit with hints of chocolate both in flavor and silkiness.

"Jemma" Napa Valley Proprietor Blend 2009- Profound flavor, intensity and depth, with a large backbone of Cabernet Sauvignon. Dark and inky in color, heavy tannins balanced by finely structured acid. Dark coco, toasty oak, and vanilla.

 

 Our Friends of Wine team thanking Neil Ellman with a "Ceritificate of Appreciation".

Friends of Wine "Meet-and-Greet"

What a turn out!!! Friends of Wine sure did start the semester off on the right note with over 30 bodies in the Carnival Center present for our first tasting.

 

 

 

 

Christine Najac, a certified Sommelier, wine educator, and Director/Publisher of SouthFloridaFoodandWine.com lead our wine tasting. Here is a look at some of the wines our palettes took a tour of:

 

Chrtistine began with the basics, "how to taste" and then incorporated the flavors and textures of various cheeses to discover how they can transform the taste and perception of wine.

 



She then turned the floor over to the students, asking them to lead the group through a tasting of wine.

 

 

 

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Friends of Wine "Meet and Greet"! It seemed everyone had a wonderful time, and not a drop of wine went to waste!If you had to miss out this time, you are always welcome to attend our upcoming meeting which will be Wednesday, February 13th at 6:30pm. Please remember the tastings are $5 prepay with Delio in Advising, or $7 at the time of the event.

CHEERS!