Some Peace of Mind with Your Wine?
A sampling of Organic, Biodynamic, Sulfite Free wines from some local wine experts at Organic Vintages and Counter Restaurant and Wine Bar.
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Steven Frenkel and Donna Binder December 28, 2005
Frey Petite Sirah Estate Bottled
Redwood Valley, 2003
Biodynamic®
A lovely clove and nutmeg nose. Big North Coast flavors. Jammy red fruit with loads of pepper, hints of iron. Very spicy and completely captivating.
Petite Sirah, also known as Durif--after Dr. François Durif who propagated the grape from Syrah and Peloursin trying for resistance to powdery mildew in the 1870’s, is a mouthful of tight, dark berries with less tannins that match well with juicy tofurkey and/or free-range turkey but the depth of the wine tends to get lost in traditional hormone laced franken-turkey’s.
Eugene Meyers Gewurztraminer
Alsace, FR, 2003
Biodynamic®
Robust, full bodied yet elegant, its bouquet envelops the nose and its marvelous flavor fills the palate. Sumptuous with exotic dishes and strong cheeses, as a superior aperitif and with dessert.
Gewurztraminers can be cloying or intricate. This is the latter, which will not be lost with food yet will not over-dominate. No residual sugar as this biodynamic wine has been fermented to its full 14% alcohol which is fully balanced with its fruit.
Nevada County Wine Guild
Zinfandel, 2003
Sierra Foothills,CA
Sulfite-free, Organic
This exclusive Norskog (winemaker for Nevada County Wine Guild and Orleans Hill)
mentored vineyard produces strong blackberry and raspberry aromas famous from this
foothill region, followed by a deep finish. This wine demands to be consumed with food
to show its true colors... as it is not a “pop open the cork and let’s play Trivial Pursuit” kind
of wine. The spices and pepper pair well with everything on a banquet table without
demanding full attention from a cypher of over-fruit and a decades worth of tannins.
Frey Organic Cabernet
Sauvignon, 2003
(Mendocino, CA), Contains no detectable sulfites, no sulfites added, Certified USDA Organic
A gracefully balanced wine with black-cherry and plum flavors, good depth, dark ruby color and a hint of eucalyptus on the finish. The grapes were harvested in October 2003 before aging on French oak. Fine chocolate and grilled foods complement this classic wine. The first winery to be certified biodynamic in the U.S., Frey also has the USDA Certified Organic Seal on all releases.
Alcohol: 13.9% by volume. Total sulfite: from BATF analysis, none detected.
Badger Mountain
Johannisberg Riesling, 2004
(Columbia Valley, WA), No Sulfites Added
Delicate floral notes woven through a framework of intense aromas of freshly cut nectarine, white peach, and ripe melon to make an enticing package. The flavors of nectarine, tangerine, cantaloupe, and apples are combined with a hint of honeyed sweetness. The delicate balance is impressive, with the fruit flavors lingering through the crisp, clean finish.
Release Date: 02/01/05, Alcohol 12.0%, Residual Sugar 2.1%, Acidity 0.77, pH 3.00.
The above reviews were submitted by Organic Vintages. Call 1-877-ORGANIC to locate a store near you that has these wines available.
Francois Grinand
(Bugey, France 2003)
This young wine maker began organically farming 8 years ago on a steeply sloped, 4-hectare vineyard. His 50/50, pinot noir/gamet blend brings light and fruity strawberry hints to the table. And though it compliments light and hearty meals alike, it’s not just for dinner. This is ther perfect wine for sipping in the afternoon or before a meal, making it the ideal summer red.
Franck Peillot
Altesse (Bugey, France 2002)
This fabulous and refreshing white from the eastern region of France is made with sustainably grown Altesse grapes, known for their sweet, fruity, and silky mouth feel. Hints of honey and citrus add to a palette that’s both rounded and rich without being heavy. The Altesse is a versatile dinner wine, as it won’t overpower lighter salads and vegetable dishes, while nobly standing up to creamier dishes.
The Francois Grinand and Franck Peillot reviews were submitted by Donna Binder, owner of Counter Restaurant and Wine Bar, where these wines can be found.
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