It's Wine Time with Susan

As I am writing this article for April I realized spring is in the air here in the Sierra Foothills. The grasses are turning green and the daffodils are in bloom already. With many traditional spring feasts this month, they are bound to be accompanied by good wine. My recommendation for your holiday gathering and spring parties is going to be two different wines. I do suggest you serve both. This way it will please all of your guests based on their personal preference. Imagine serving your Ham with a nice Chardonnay, or your roasted Leg of Lamb with a nice Pinot Noir.

My recommendation for your holiday gathering and spring parties is going to be two different wines. I do suggest you serve both. This way it will please all of your guests based on their personal preference.”

Antica wineChardonnay is a great choice when it comes to pairing with your holiday ham because it will not compete with the sometimes saltiness or honey flavoring of the ham, whether it be smoked or baked. It will not compete with any of your other traditional side dishes either. The Chardonnay should be a lightly oaked one. Here is my suggestion for wine choice no. 1: 2012 Antica Chardonnay. This chardonnay is pure, ripe, yet fine and delicate. I found it to have notes of pear, nectarine and very subtle hints of vanilla. The finish was very pleasant. The price range is $28.00 to $35.00 per bottle. It will go nicely with your appetizer, or perhaps a spring salad with feta and watermelon.

Now for my choice no. 2: can you say Anderson Valley California Pinot Noir? A coastal Mendocino appellation due north of Sonoma County, it is among California’s most chosen spots for cool-climate Pinot Noir, and viticulture playground for producers from around the state. Husch Pinot Noir

2009 Husch Vineyard Pinot Noir runs about $35.00 per bottle. This particular vintage received 94 points. I found it to have concentrated flavors of wild berries, some spice like cardamom, along with coffee. It had mature tannins which completed the wine. This would pair nicely with many things you may be serving for your holiday. I could really see it being nice with some roasted duck or garlic eggplant. A vegetarian meal would pair nicely as well.

Happy Spring!

Susan Hartman is a Northern California based writer and wine aficionado.

April 2014

With so much going on with the weather nationally, I have enjoyed hearing the frogs with the rain that we recently had in the Sierra Foothills, and that all of the grasses are turning green again. In planning a St. Patrick’s Day meal, there are so many wines one could have with Corned Beef and Cabbage. I am only going to do two varietals this time. You might be surprised at how wine’s subtle complexities are a pleasant compliment to the dish’s simpler tastes.

My first selection is a Riesling- Tatomer ‘Vandenberg’ vintage 2010, which sells for a very reasonable $21.00 dollars. Tatomer was founded in 2008. It is a small vineyard located in western Los Alamos, close to Vandenberg Air Force Base. The town of Los Alamos is wedged between the Santa Maria Valley and the Santa Ynez Valley in Santa Barbara County. This wine can be purchased online, or in San Francisco at Arlequin Wine Merchant.

In planning a St. Patrick’s Day meal, there are so many wines one could have with Corned Beef and Cabbage.

The spicy peppercorns, coriander seeds, allspice and clove used to cure corned beef are the perfect flavors to play off of the dry Riesling. Pairing the cabbage cooked in the same juices as the meat picks up a spicy, cured flavor that pairs well with a wine that has apple and rich citrus flavors, like Riesling.

My second selection is going to surprise you; how about Leprechaun Hard Cider.

The price is $7.50 to $9.00 for a 22-ounce bottle at retail. The Founder/Owner of Leprechaun Cider Company is Jake Schiffer. A “Renaissance” is the only word to genuinely describe the world of artisan ciders in the United States today. The time has come for the original American drink to be treasured once again. It is refreshingly crisp and pairs nicely, instead of the traditional stout, with a St. Patrick’s Day meal. It is always nice to mix things up and have your guests talking.

Wishing you all a wonderful St. Patrick’s Day!

Susan Hartman is a Northern California based writer and wine aficionado.

March 2014

Wonderful Time

It's the most wonderful wine time of the year!

This time of year is busy for everyone, with office parties, family gatherings, holiday shopping, and the year winding down. It 's a cold morning as I look out my window and see the frost on our pines and rosemary bushes. Two things come to my mind food and more food. Many people serve a prime rib or a roast; some serve ham or lamb. It is all personal preference and family traditions. The wine I am going to suggest for this Month is a "Cabernet Sauvignon" it is one of the world's most widely recognized red wine grape varieties and pairs very nicely with roasted meats. What is nice is that you can also serve a nice aged Gouda cheese with this varietal. Here are a few Cabernets with varying prices.

The wine I am going to suggest for this Month is a "Cabernet Sauvignon" it is one of the world's most widely recognized red wine grape varieties and pairs very nicely with roasted meats. What is nice is that you can also serve a nice aged Gouda cheese with this varietal.”

St. Supery 2005 Limited Edition Estate Rutherford Cabernet Sauvignon. A Napa Valley cabernet, this wine is priced at $95.00 per bottle. It was rated with 96 Points from Robert Parker and 90 points from Wine Spectator. My tasting notes: The flavors were long and I really tasted anise, tobacco and a hint of dark cherry with this wine. I recommend drinking this wine now through 2014.

2010 Seavey Cabernet Sauvignon, which received a rating of 97 points in The Wine Advocate of Oct. 2013 A little history about the Vineyard; in 1979 William and Mary Seavey purchased the historic estate originally founded by the Franco-Swiss Farming Company in 1881. Located in St. Helen, CA - Napa Valley. Their phone number is (707) 963-8339. Price scan vary depending on if purchased online or from a specialty shop. The price is $ 90.00 per bottle.

In tasting this wine I found it to be full bodied with just the right amount of blackberries and fruit. Firm and engaging tannins. This was a very pleasant surprise! This would pair nicely with a Cabernet au Jus. As a quick recipe combine 2 Cups Cabernet Sauvignon, a Pinch of Salt and ¼ Cup water or beef drippings. Presto, you have an excellent au Jus.

Now for my Grand Finale; Dominus Estate Winery in Napa Valley, CA

The Dominus 2010 Estate bottled wine this vintage is composed of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot. It was rated at 100 points., and was released in June 2013.

My favorite part about this wine was its finish, which is eloquently long. The notes of cedar and plum are a pleasant surprise. This is a higher price point at $149.00 per bottle.

This wine is perfect with with a horseradish cream sauce and prime rib.

Susan Hartman is a Northern California based writer and wine aficionado.

December 2013

Holiday Wine Pairings

As I get ready for the upcoming Holiday Season I reminisce about what some of my favorite things are about Thanksgiving Day. It is a time to reflect on family and friends, thankfulness, and traditions. As I look out my window I can see the beautiful fall colors and the changing foliage which are the signs of the seasons changing. I also see Gimpy now, a large Black-Tailed Buck that lives in my meadow that I rescued when he was a small fawn.

Your guest will not care if they are not perfecto since they will be enjoying your wonderful company and wine. They will be focusing on you and the Thanksgiving meal. Don’t stress!

Now let’s get onto the wine, where it’s going to get fun and exciting. There are many views on what should be served with the infamous Turkey Dinner…. So with that being said, let’s get right into my wine selection and pairings. I am first going to let you know about my wine selections, and then include some pairing ideas. I will also add another option that could work for you if you only want to serve one wine. You will not be disappointed.

For all you white meat and veggie lovers the following is a wine you will enjoy with your Thanksgiving meal. My white wine selection is a 2011 vintage Chardonnay from Stage Leaps winery, which was established in 1893 in Napa, CA. The price point is $ 28.00 per bottle and may be higher online. I found it to have a nice balance with a hint of nectarine and I enjoyed the finish even more. There are also pleasantly soft toasted undertones that release just the right balance of oak. I can only imagine how nice this would be with cranberry/orange relish for your turkey. A wonderful butter leaf and mandarin salad dressed by poppy seed dressing is a nice accompaniment. The great thing about some of the above ideas I mentioned is that many of the items can be purchased at your local supermarkets ready to go, if cooking them is not budgeted in your time. Your guest will not care if they are not perfecto since they will be enjoying your wonderful company and wine. They will be focusing on you and the Thanksgiving meal. Don’t stress!

My other recommendation is a nice Pinot Noir. This selection is the Frank Family Vineyards Pinot Noir 2011. The winery was founded in 1992 and the price point is $31.00. Since the wine is from the Carneros region I know you will not be disappointed. This Pinot Noir also won Gold for their 2011 Vintage at the S.F. Chronicle Wine Competition in 2013. OK, too much history on this wine, moving right along with my tasting notes. The color is a bright ruby red with a black cherry aroma and the finish is very palatable with just the right amount of tannins. Bada Bing Bada Bang…..

You can experiment with this pairing; try Ham accompanied by chestnut-roasted dressing or stuffing. Dark turkey meat and butter glazed green beans, and potatoes mashed or fingerling. You as the host can decide. Also, try a nice butter sauce with fresh chives if time permits. Sweet yams or sweet potato pie works, too! Can you see where I am going with all these possibilities - to make your celebration a hit!

My “Grand Finale” is my selection for only (1) wine that goes well with all Thanksgiving Day foods: Taft Street Winery Rose of Pinot Noir. It placed in the 2013 Sunset International Wine Competition with a Bronze medal, not bad for a Rose wine. As a side note, the price was good at $ 18.00 dollars - now that is bargain for a winner. As I tasted this wine I noticed these characters: It was crisp, and a flavorful wine that was fermented in a stainless steel vat. Was lively in acidity. With notes of strawberry undertones and a little cherry lingering on your nose. The balance was right for this Rose.

Susan Hartman is a Northern California based writer and wine aficionado.

November 2013

HUSCH Vineyards sauvignon grapes
2012 Sauvignon Blanc pairing

As I begin writing this first column, I want to share with you how I became involved in wine. My parents had a restaurant/catering business in the Bay Area so I was lucky to experience many different foods at a very young age. But once I became aware of what you can do with foods and wine, it was like magic! I wanted to experience every varietal possible and started reading books on wine and terroir, as you can never stop learning.

...I am very surprised by how much I enjoyed it. The cost is $14.00 plus tax and is available at most supermarkets. The 2012 Husch Sauvignon Blanc won a Silver medal at the 2013 Riverside International Wine Competition.”

I started working at a small boutique winery in the Sierra Foothills of Northern California as part of the marketing team. This allows me the time to spend with my twin sons and husband. I have also had the pleasure of doing some pruning for another winery. On-hands experience is really one of the best ways to truly appreciate wine. Prior to working at the winery, I joined a Woman's Wine Class. The Italian side of the family has always made wine and it turns out my Great Grandfather also made wine in Russia. Now with that being said, I constantly sample many wines at different price points. As you taste more, your palette can differentiate the nuances of higher priced wine, however, for this article I chose a price point that won't break your bank by any means.

Fall is in the air and our beautiful summer is coming to an end. At this time of the year I think about enjoying a Sauvignon Blanc one more time. I have decided on the sustainably farmed Husch Vineyards 2012 Sauvignon Blanc. Now let me tell you for the price point, I am very surprised by how much I enjoyed it. The cost is $14.00 plus tax and is available at most supermarkets. The 2012 Husch Sauvignon Blanc won a Silver medal at the 2013 Riverside International Wine Competition. For a few extra dollars you can also choose the 2011 Husch Sauvignon Blanc, which won Gold in the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

The wine starts out dry and crisp with an acidity of fruit then finishes with notes of guava. It can be easily sipped alone or is even better paired with a nice goat cheese. I especially recommend an herbed goat cheese. A simple way to achieve this is by purchasing a nice plain goat cheese. Then chop some fresh herbs like flat leaf parsley, chives and dill. If you don't have time for that, cracked black pepper works great too! I like to use Artisan crafted, multi-grain crackers. But don't fret if you don't have crackers, use some sourdough French bread. You may also like to try grilled prawns and asparagus. If you don't have time to grill your asparagus then you can have oven-roasted asparagus. A simple trick is to dress with a little fresh squeezed lemon and again fresh cracked black pepper. Can you see where I am going with this? So now you are layering many of the same components that compliment your Sauvignon Blanc. Grilled prawns also pair very nicely. Or you can sauté your prawns in a lemon butter sauce. The acidity in the wine goes nicely with the prawns. Think "outdoors on a fall picnic" or with friends on your patio.

If you enjoy writing, the nice thing about drinking wine is you can have a wine journal and write what you sense and taste. I tend to take my wine journal everywhere, especially at wine tasting events. If I forget it I actually scan or write notes from my phone. Many of the wine labels now have scanners.

I know there are many excellent wine contributors, critics and blogs. But what you are going to get from my articles are truly my personal appreciation and fascination with wine. Remember to fully appreciate your wine experience, use a wine glass. Plastic cups destroy the wine. You work hard, so enjoy your wine!

Husch Vineyards is a small family owned and operating winery. It is the oldest winery in the Anderson Valley appellation. Husch Vineyards are located in Mendocino County (Northern California) just two and a half hours North of San Francisco. The ideal temperature to serve your Sauvignon Blanc is 43 to 48 degrees.

Susan Hartman is a Northern California based writer and wine aficionado. We welcome her personal reflections on wine to the pages of the Observer.