Summer of Riesling 2014 at Ancona's Wines

You may have noticed something happening in our Staff Pick section over the last few weeks. Our Wine Director, Codey, carved out an entire section for our new favorite varietal, Riesling! I am excited to announce 2014 marks Ancona's first year as a participant in the  SUMMER OF RIESLING. Now, you may be asking yourself, "What the.. What?! A whole season dedicated to Riesling?" -- You betcha! SUMMER OF RIESLING celebrates the great white grape, Riesling. SUMMER OF RIESLING is not just a celebration, but a monumental revolution changing hearts and minds about this remarkable (and often misunderstood) grape. Riesling is, what I like to call, a chameleon varietal. It can range it style from bone-dry to very sweet and can be enjoyed as an aperitif, paired with your favorite meal, or savored for dessert. Versatility is what makes us love this grape -- there is a Riesling to please every palate and suit any occasion. Cheers to Summer and Cheers to Riesling! 

 

"Donnhoff Riesling is impeccably balanced and simply profound. A touch of residual sugar is cut by wonderous acidity for such clarity and sheer pleasure. Magnificent minerality makes appearances between flavors like tart green apple, under ripe peach, lemon zest, and lemon candy. With the 2013 vintage, this iconic winemaker from the Nahe demonstrates how white wine should be made. For the love of indulgence and great white wine, grab a bottle to drink, and a bottle to stash--which will leave you asking just two questions. 'How am I going to forget where I hid the second bottle?' and 'why didn't I buy a third?'"
"Max Ferd Richter Riesling shows just a touch of residual sugar, but it is impeccably balanced by vibrant acidity and a pleasantly low alcohol. Flavors of lime zest, peach, candied lemon, and pure slate mineral all make an appearance on the palate. I juicy and irresistible summer sippin' white. Mouthwatering."
"Pikes Riesling "Hills & Valleys" comes from the cool climate of Clare Valley in South Australia. The Pike family continuously produce quality handcrafted Riesling that receives top accolades. It is clean, precise, and full of green apple and lemon/lime citrus flavors that have beautiful persistency coupled with subtle hints of mineral and wet slate. This is a fantastic, mouth-watering, bargain Riesling."
"Monsters, Monsters Attack! Riesling is a sensational, off-dry Riesling from the Clare Valley that is sourced from two different vineyard sites. The resulting wine is laden with racing acidity, brilliant florals, ripe fruit and a noticeable crispness."

A tasting to benefit Visiting Nurse and Hospice of Fairfield County

Happy Summer! We're celebrating the change of season with a special tasting to benefit Visiting Nurse and Hospice of Fairfield County. Please join Ancona's Wines of Wilton on Saturday, June 21, from 3-6pm to support this wonderful organization. Proceeds from the sale of tasting wines will be donated to Visiting Nurse and Hospice of Fairfield County. Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County has served the community for more than 100 years and has one of the oldest hospice programs in Fairfield County, Connecticut. Founded in 1912, this non-profit agency provides professional nursing and support services, senior care management, physical rehabilitation, health education, community wellness programs and compassionate hospice care for adults and children in the heart of Fairfield County.

Tasting highlights for this Saturday's event include:

2013 Pikes Riesling "Hills & Valleys" is clean, precise, and full of green apple and lemon/lime citrus flavors that have beautiful persistency coupled with subtle hints of mineral and wet slate. This is a fantastic, mouth-watering, bargain riesling at a mere 11.5% alcohol.
2012 Domaine Du Salvard Vin de Pays du Val de Loire Pinot Noir "Unique" is a delicious Pinot Noir that is medium-bodied, cherry-driven, earthy, and fresh. We often hear from both customers and distributors that it is difficult to find really good Pinot Noir under $20 a bottle. This wine is the answer. Simply everything I'd hope for in a Pinot. A spectacular little value.
2012 "Sentinelle" cuvee is the more precocious of the two reds produced at Massiac.  The tannins are more supple and the fruit a touch "sweeter", more forward and less rustic than its companion. The wine is bottled within a year of the harvest.  The blend is usually two-thirds Syrah and one-third Carignan.

Top Summer Value Wines Under $20

As temperatures rise we seek invigorating wines to energize and refresh our palates. Lucky for us, Ancona's Wine Director, Codey, has been busy tasting day and night to bring us cheerful new bottles to help beat the heat. These terrific summer values are full of life, sporting fresh aromas and flavors that make them impossible to resist. This week we're featuring an animated sparkler from Jura, a mouthwatering Riesling from Australia, a heavenly white blend from Kermit Lynch (one of our favorite importers), an aromatic and flavorful Oregon Pinot Noir, and a lush Zinfandel from Chacewater Winery. Speaking of our friends at Chacewater Winery -- their winemaker,  Mark Burch, will visit Ancona's Wines in Ridgefield for a very special open-house style Chacewater Wine Tasting on Wednesday, June 11 at 7:30pm. Mark's exposure to many different wine making techniques over the years has helped him develop his own personal style. Chacewater wines are exceptional because of Mark's creativity and vision. Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to meet the winemaker! This is a free event, to RSVP please call (203)544-8958 or contact jackie@anconaswines.com.

Francois Montand Brut Blanc de Blancs is an unrivaled value. It is a wine with intense aromas of white flowers and citrus fruit. The flavors are creamy and smooth, with lingering aromas, freshly baked bread, golden delicious apples and Meyer lemons. A harmonious wine to start any meal or to enjoy with ceviche, white fish, seafood, or salads.

Pikes Riesling "Hills & Valleys" comes from the cool climate of Clare Valley in South Australia. It is clean, precise, and full of green apple and lemon/lime citrus flavors that have beautiful persistency coupled with subtle hints of mineral and wet slate. This is a fantastic, mouth-watering, bargain riesling at a mere 11.5% alcohol.

Kermit Lynch Vin de Pays Vaucluse Blanc is a made from equal parts Chardonnay and Viognier. The grapes are hand harvested and cool fermented to retain optimal white wine flavors -- Think creme brulee and honey suckle. This little dry white has it all: round-bodied texture, yet tart, stony crispness and a knockout aroma of pear, sun-baked apples, and spicy hints of anise.

Wildewood Wine Company Pinot Noir comes from the low yielding, late ripening 2010 vintage that produced highly aromatic and flavorful Pinots. Cherry, strawberry and rhubarb notes define the aromatics of this wine and are backed by hints of cinnamon and oregano. Bright flavors of cherry, raspberry and ripe tomato are balanced by a layer of earthy mushroom.

Chacewater Zinfandel is a rich, rustic Zinfandel packed with strawberry, red cherry, white pepper and laced with smoky vanilla oak. The lush midpalate is fat with berry characters, finishing with expansive fruit, lingering sweet oak and complex ripeness.

BBQ Friendly Wine - Ancona's top Red, White, and Rosé wines for Summer 2014

Ignite your senses with Ancona's collection of Grilling Greats! These palate pleasing varietals are an ideal match for your favorite Summertime recipes. Fire up the grill and pop the cork on one of these amazing new wines this weekend!

2012 Masciarelli Trebbiano d'Abruzzo is light straw in color with a greenish tint. The aromas are fairly intense with an elegant fragrance of white flowers and pears. It has a light/medium body with flavors of yellow plums, pears and apples. Pair this neat Trebbiano with Grilled Garlic and Herb Shrimp.

Max Ferd Richter Signature Riesling shows just a touch of residual sugar, but it is impeccably balanced by vibrant acidity and a pleasantly low alcohol. Flavors of lime zest, peach, candied lemon, and pure slate mineral all make an appearance on the palate. I juicy and irresistible summer sippin' white. Pair this off-dry Reisling with Lemongrass Barbecued Pork.

2013 Torii Mor Pinot Gris has a rich, forward aroma, with a mix of peaches, ripe pears and smoky-floral notes. The flavors show a nice, refreshing acidity, followed by a sweet and rich quality that frames the same peach-pear fruity notes. Its lush texture is complemented by a long lasting finish. Pair this mouth-filling Pinot Gris with Chili Lime Chicken Kabobs.

2012 90+ Cellars Lot 8 Garnacha is a complete wine, with aromas of forest fruit shrouded in chocolate, vanilla, milk, coffee, nuts and wood spice. The wine has a broad palate of earthy blue fruits and integrated oak; well put together, ripe and nicely open with a lingering spicy finish. Pair this value Grenache with a refreshing Gazpacho.

2011 Klinker Brick Zinfandel exhibits a bright bouquet of wild strawberry and Satsuma plum, intermingled with cedar shavings. Filling the palate with flavors of black cherry and vanilla, supple tannins support good structure. The finish is smooth and long. Pair this fierce Zinfandel with juicy Cheddar Bacon Hamburgers.

2012 Sexual Chocolate is a unique blend of Zinfandel, Syrah & Petite Sirah. The Zinfandel presents a rich, warm feel that could be confused with biting into a chocolate covered cherry, while the Syrah adds a finish that does not linger after the party is over. The Petite is blended perfectly to display aromatics of magic and love. Pair this sinfully delicious blend with Barbecued Pork Ribs.

2013 Bodegas Muga Rioja Rosado has super fresh fruit aromas; on the palate it is full, expressive, and elegant with crisp acidity and a long aftertaste. Pair this delightful Rosé with an endless variety of tapas.

2013 Jean-Maurice Raffault Chinon Rose is considered the finest of the Loire Valley. It is made from 100% Cabernet Franc. This Chinon Rose has a brilliant, pomegranate-red color, bright red-berry and red-citrus fruit, and a long, fresh and succulent finish. Pair this pleasantly tart Chinon Rosé with a fresh Nicoise Salad.

2013 Heitz Cellars Grignolino Rose is perfection on a Summer day. The luminous pink hue and seductive bouquet of this delightful wine remind us why it is known as "the little strawberry" in its native Italy. This is an invigorating, fruity wine with zippy notes of mandarin on the finish. Pair this fresh and flirty Rosé with Grilled Salmon.

Mix and mingle at one of our tasting events! Join us on Wednesday, June 11 as we welcome winemaker, Mark Burch, to our open-house style Chacewater Wine Tasting. Mark's exposure to many different wine making techniques over the years has helped him develop his own personal style. Chacewater wines are exceptional because of Mark's creativity and vision. This free tasting event takes place at Ancona's Wines in Ridgefield. To RSVP please call (203)544-8958 or contact jackie@anconaswines.com.

Don't miss Ancona's Father's Day Single Malt Tasting! Join for a taste of Islay on Thursday, June 12. We will taste through Bruichladdich's impressive selection of exquisite Single Malts and Gin. This free tasting event takes place at Ancona's Wines in Ridgefield. Space is limited, an RSVP is required. Please call (203)544-8958 or e-mail jackie@anconaswines.com  to reserve your spot today.

Wine Review: 2008 Eugen Wehrheim Niersteiner Oelberg Riesling Kabinett

This is a smooth, dry Riesling. It is tart and fruity with prominent green apple and peach flavors. Its residual sugar is balanced by a nice, crisp acidity. This Riesling has loads of food-pairing potential, making it the perfect white to accompany your holiday meal.

Thanksgiving Roundtable

Thanksgiving is quickly approaching. The holidays are always a special time to reflect, spend time with family and give thanks.

My favorite things about Thanksgiving are the oversized balloons in the Macy’s Day Parade, pumpkin pie and the quality time I get to spend with my family. It is not often we are able to get everyone into the same room, let alone at the same table for dinner. However, this Thanksgiving will be a little different. First, I have painstakingly adapted some of my favorite Thanksgiving recipes to be gluten-free. Second, my sister will be hundreds of miles away on some tropical island for her honeymoon. And though she will be missed, her absence this year means two things; left-over pie and more elbow room in the car on the way to my Aunt’s house.

Regardless how your family decides to celebrate Thanksgiving, it is important to remember to surround yourself with loved ones. Many people celebrate in non-traditional ways. I recently was engaged in conversation with someone who mentioned instead of cooking a bird, she fires up the grill to cook steaks. How glorious! This juxtaposition of breaking the stereotypical Thanksgiving dinner choice while keeping a tradition is fantastic. It adds flare to the holiday and certainly makes for it to be a memorable one.

It is commonly assumed white wines are the only ones that should be served alongside turkey. This assumption is terribly un-true! With a wide variety of dishes showing up on Thanksgiving tables people are selecting wines that break this stereotype.

Be adventurous, if you prefer red wines try pairing a Pinot Noir with your Thanksgiving meal. The velvety, light fruit flavors of Pinot Noir will bring out the best in your bird. Pinot Noir also tend to be low in tannins, so it will not overwhelm the delicate flavors of your meal. We are featuring an excellent Pinot Noir from Burgundy in our November Wine of the Month club. It is the 2009 Louis Max Bougogne Beaucharme Noir. Also featured in our November selection for the Wine of the Month is the 2009 Henry Fessy Moulin-A-Vent. This red is produced from the Gamay grape and showcases a lush flavor profile of ripe plum and cassis.

If you are looking for something heartier with a bit of spice, I would recommend picking up a bottle of Zinfandel. Two of my favorite Zins are the 2008 Saldo Zinfandel and the 2007 Seven Deadly Zins. Both received excellent reviews of 90+ points from The Wine Spectator and Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate.

If white wines are more your style, make an effort to stray from your “go-to” grape. If you prefer Chardonnay, try Pinot Gris or Viognier. The 2008 Willm Pinot Gris is richly textured with flavors of peach and apple. If your palate favors a hint of sweetness, try a bottle of Chenin Blanc or Riesling. The 2009 Domaine Pichot Vouvray is 100% Chenin Blanc and offers up sweet citrus flavors with great acidity and texture. The 2009 Dragonstone Riesling has great minerality and is ripe and well developed.

Here’s to making this Thanksgiving a memorable one filled with friends, family and the discovery of a new favorite wine!