A German octopus with impressive psychic abilities (at least when it comes to anticipating winners and losers in World Cup 2010) has predicted Spain will be victorious at Sunday’s final match against the Netherlands. This is the first time the team has ever qualified for the finals.  And it’s clear why they have done so — the youthful team plays with an obvious passion that is beautiful to watch. For oenophiles, Spanish wines too are attracting more attention and fans this year as wine producers possess devotion, passion and skill, much like the popularized España strikers David Villa, Carles Puyol or Xavi.

Lucky for me, I recently visited Spain and got to experience some of its great wine stars first hand, such as Perfum De Vi Blanc from producer Raventos i Blanc and winemaker Pepe Raventos.  As we approached the vineyard, a striking circular courtyard surrounded a majestic 500-year-old oak tree, unfortunately toppled by a recent storm.  Considered a winery icon, this tree has witnessed the changes and growth in the Raventos operation since 1497—18 generations of winemakers who have worked the 90 hectares of historic vineyard that lie about 30 minutes west of Barcelona in the Catalunya region.  The clean, contemporary architecture with its mix of large skylights and modern arches hints at the family’s keen interest in tapping modern technology to protect the land through biodynamic viticulture to produce truly remarkable wines.  The Raventos are probably best known for their sparkling cavas, but it was this 50/50 blend of Muscat and Macabeo grapes that “wow-ed” me during our tastings.

Macabeo, also known as Viura, is a hearty grape that is often blended into cavas and has become popular in France’s Roussillon area. The grape produces mildly acidic and young white wines that are light, lively, refreshing and perfect for early use as evidenced in this 2009 Perfum.  The grape, however, that puts the “perfume” in the Perfum is clearly the Muscat, which is known for its distinctive floral aroma. (Interesting fact: Muscat grapes have been found to carry large concentrations of flavonoid antioxidants, even at the same level as red wines, which is good for the heart when drunk in moderation, of course.)

The final result of these two grapes is a blend that, as I have said before, is like no other. Initially, it has a hypnotic floral nose, followed by the fresh and lively florality in taste.  There are hints of melon, pear and citrus that make it a perfect match to a hot summer day.  It has a good balance between the mouth-filling character of the Muscat and the freshness of Macabeo. I challenge you to stop at one glass.  I think it’s impossible.

So with a forecast here in Hinsdale of nearly 90-degree weather Sunday for the World Cup finals, it seems like the perfect time to make sure you have some Perfum chilling in preparation.  Whether the octopus is right or wrong, whether he’s a fan of Spanish wines or not, whether you are indifferent to soccer games or octopus, this is a wine that is just perfect for any hot summer day.

winemaking. However, that is exactly the case at Matetic Vineyards, which is often singled out as one of Chile’s best winemakers, especially when it comes to its Pinot Noir.  Soft, loping alpacas weed the grounds there, and grape skins, cow manure and grass make for the compost that is later used to nurture vines.  This is a far cry from the 1600s when the Spanish brought Chile its first grape vines while staking claim to this wonderful country.  Later, they would try to limit Chile’s wine production, but to no avail.

Considered a New World star, Matetic in particular continues to garner attention and acclaim for its breathtaking wines.  Located in San Antonio Valley, the Croatian Matetic family only started making wine here in 1999, but have a history farming the Chilean land that dates back 100 years.  They are clearly in touch with the land that makes their fine wines, and lucky Hinsdale Inspired Wine Club members get a virtual trip there in June with two of the winemaker’s extraordinary top-line EQ wines – two varietals definitely not traditionally associated with Chile.

EQ Sauvignon Blanc 2008

Twenty years ago, Chile was known only for its reds, but in the unique climate of San Antonio Valley, Sauvignon Blanc has found a very comfortable home.  Cool temps and reddish clay soil that contains decomposed granite and quartz lend a unique minerality to this Sauvignon Blanc.  The nose of delicate tropical fruits and distinct lemon blossoms are a wonderful entry to this light-colored wine. To the palate, it provides a complex experience of minerality and a gentle balance of acidity and soft sweetness of fruity flavors.  Winemaker serving suggestions: oily fishes, ceviche, sea urchins, oysters or sheep cheeses.

EQ Pinot Noir 2006

Matetic Pinot Noir is considered to be among the very best pinot noirs coming out of Chile.  Wine critics, despite generally thinking of Chile as cabernet country, have questioned whether Pinot Noir and Syrah might be its true destiny, recognizing San Antonio Valley as seemingly perfect terroir for this grape and Matetic as a leader.  The 2006 presents as an elegant deep ruby red, calling forth gentle aromas of strawberry jam, plum and even a hint of anise.  The texture is soft and elegant, the acidity well-balanced, and the finish long and beautiful. Winemaker serving suggestions: fish, goat cheese, cured ham, lean red meat, pasta.

So to help celebrate the segue of spring into summer and wonderful American traditions, the Inspired Wine Club brings two all-American California wines – a beautiful red for those steaks or other hearty fare you will inevitably bring to your grill and a summery white that pairs well with fish fresh from the market or shrimp on the “Barby.”

2007 Sean Minor Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa

A deep ruby wine, this Cab is tempered with 13% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot.  The result is an alluring berry mix.  The nose says ripe cherry, cassis, and blackberries.  The flavors continue the berry rush combined with savory spices.  Some will note cedar in it as well.  Thanks to the blending, this fruit-forward, medium-bodied wine has soft tannins and a sweet oak balance that provides a long, lingering finish.

2008 Dry Creek Fume Blanc, Sonoma

This wine is a perfect match for the beginning of summery days with its wonderful fresh-cut grass aromas mixed with herbs, asparagus, gooseberries and even green chiles.  A citrusy treat, this pale gold wine is refreshingly crisp and well balanced with lemon zest, cucumber and mineral flavors. It has a dry, crisp finish, making for a delicate wine that can be enjoyed with the lighter foods that we enjoy so much in warmer weather.

According to the Aussie survey of 1,000 people, only 7 percent could recall the date of Mother’s Day, which happens to be the same at the U.S. celebration (May 9), and apparently, we don’t put on our thoughtful caps when selecting presents for our underappreciated mothers. Most unwanted gift item? Cleaning appliances (aka vacuums), fitness equipment, foot spas, kitchen gadgets, and items purchased obviously at the last-minute.

Mother’s Day Help to the Rescue!

Do I even need to mention this to you again?  Be inspired.  Buy your mother membership to the Hinsdale Inspired Wine Club!  It’s the perfect Mother’s Day gift and it keeps on giving, month after month.  Your mother may like it so much you can do it again next year!

Sure, your mom would like to tour Napa Valley or sit on a sunny terrace in Provence, sipping some refreshing rosé.  Maybe she’d love to enjoy a rich Malbec in the dusty vineyards, watching the sunset in Mendoza.  Those things aren’t necessarily the easiest to give, especially when we have forgotten when Mother’s Day is and/or have waited until the last minute to buy our beloved parent a gift.  (We should know better, but so many things get in the way, right?)

So, here’s a way to capture those travels and wines in one convenient gift – membership in the largest wine club in the Chicago area, boasting more than 400 members. That means more buying power to find better wines and get better values. For $34.95/month (no long-term contract required), members receive:

* Two fine wines each month, valued on average at $50 and selected through a rigorous tasting process

* Informative literature on Wine Club wines, including tasting notes and reviews

* Special discounts on the month’s wine, if you decide to buy more.

* Special alerts on wine specials and store events, and

* 6- and 12-month memberships are available, as well, at $209.70 and $419.40, respectively.

Australians may not know everything, but of the two thirds of “mums” who actually received a Mother’s Day gift last year, 47 percent “weren’t happy with it, with 15 percent saying it was bought at the last minute, the survey indicated.”  Tsk, tsk.  With all that good wine down under, you’d think they’d have a wine club like Hinsdale’s to prevent such a disaster. Hinsdale Cellars, with its Inspired Wine Club, offers helpful, unique expertise and is most likely to introduce you and your favorite Mom to your next favorite wines.

For more information, come visit the store at 12 E. Hinsdale Ave., the Web site at http://www.hinsdalecellars.com or call 630.654.9862.

Wine, not Whines, for Mom

Perhaps talking about Mothers’ Day approximately a month ahead of time would seem a bit premature to some people.  However, as a mother, I have learned that my family doesn’t seem to hear me the first time I say anything unless it’s “hot chocolate chip cookies just came out of the oven…” Even then, I can quickly lose out to a heated Wii game or a captivating episode of The Simpsons.

That said, Mother’s Day is just around the corner on May 9th, and this is one mother who is willing to stand up and speak for the masses: You know what moms like?  We like wine.   Big surprise on a wine blog, right?  Well, but then you must know that the women in your life who also get to be mothers are likely nodding in agreement right about now.

In fact, they are not only nodding in agreement but buying wine as they do so.  According to the Washington Post, women make 57 percent of U.S. wine purchases.  Even more staggering and written in scholarly-speak, scientists from the International Journal of Wine Business Research estimate 80 percent of the wine sold in the United States is to women.  And they know a lot about us, too.  They conclude that women are more apt than men to seek information from wine store employees, a server, sommelier or winery personnel than men.  We actually read those labels and shelf tags that wine guys provide for us, and we tend to love to buy wines with medals and awards. I hate generalizations about any group of people because it can often lead to prejudice, but in this case, I must say I can corroborate those findings.

Mom-Worthy Wine

So, where do you find wine worth your favorite Mom’s time?  She’s obviously dear enough to you that you have suffered through this blog and are now pondering whether a month could possibly be enough time to get her the gift she deserves. The key here is to think about how wines take people on journeys.  A sip of a sensuous Malbec provides immediate transport to vibrant Argentina.  The right kind of Grenache-rich rosé can recall her backpacking experiences in Europe after college that led her to Aix-en-Provence. And a dry Riesling from Australia reminds her of the Outback trip she’d like to take for her next milestone birthday.  There’s a way to capture those travels and wines in one convenient gift, and that’s the Hinsdale Cellars Inspired Wine Club – the largest wine club in the Chicago area, boasting more than 400 members. That means more buying power to find better wines and get better values.

2007 Charles Smith Wines  Eve Chardonnay, Walla Walla Valley, Wash.
As a former rock band manager in Scandinavia, Charles Smith has ensured his wines “rock” also, and this Chardonnay is no exception. Think Granny Smith apples with a hint of lemon, softened by an edge of melon and some honey. This Chardonnay has a remarkable crisp, light and bright taste. It is not your typical Chardonnay. It is indeed luscious, with a thick, creamy mouthfeel, but with just notes of butter and almonds that accent its unusual minerality. It gets its name from the Garden of Eden. Charles Smith believed it was “sinfully tempting” – a silky, perfumy, seductive wine. Of course, it is quite at home in your own garden, too, making it the perfect white to welcome in spring.

2005 Mettler Petite Sirah , Lodi, Calif.
Looking for a change in the red wines you are drinking this spring? This award-winning Petite Sirah may be just the ticket. For those unfamiliar with this lesser-known varietal that originated in France, you will find Petite Sirah is never particularly subtle, and this organic one is indeed a burst of bold, fruit-forward lusciousness. Described as a “deep purple that almost stains the glass,” this wine brings forth its spicy, jammy blueberry and blackberry flavors with an amazing mouthfeel. A pronounced and prolonged finish brings out complex oak undertones and hints of vanilla and coffee. This is a red to brighten those drizzly days when spring can feel more like fall.

• Women make up 52 percent of the adult population.
• Women buy 57 percent of the wine consumed in the United States.
• In 1890, 10 percent of the winemakers were estimated to be women.
• In 1990, women still only accounted for 10 percent of winemakers.

While women likely play a more prominent role in winemaking than this seemingly low-ball estimate, there is no denying that many of the wines they make – most likely because of skills and experience rather than gender – are some of the best in the world. So, in celebration of Women’s History Month, here are five great winemakers who happen to be women that deserve your attention:

Kris Curran
Sea Smoke pinot noir – as featured in Sideways – is one of the most coveted wines with such limited productions that even the winemaker has to pay for her very limited share, and Kris Curran was there making some of its early 2000 vintages. A dog lover with four German shepherds, she chose to major in animal science, rather than enology because the college she preferred to UC-Davis, didn’t have that program. She says, she still got her fair share of chemistry and biology, and her natural proclivity to producing sensational wines is clear. In 2008, she moved on to Foley Wines for new challenges with Pinot Noir, but this is a winemaker who seems to have a golden touch with the vines anywhere she goes.

Laura Catena
Vice president of Argentina’s famous Bodega Catena Zapata, where she does the research that leads to some of the top blends for her father, Nicolás Catena, Laura Catena is also the owner of her own “Luca” label and has written a book about Argentinean wines. Many who frequent Hinsdale Cellars will remember Sean Chaudhry’s forays in Argentina, which included memorable dinners and tastings at Bodega Catena Zapata. A believer in Cabernet-Malbec blends, Catena is producing some of those most notable and luscious reds we have come to love and even expect from Argentina.

Heidi Barrett, California
Robert Parker Jr. refers to Heidi Barrett as the “First Lady of Wine,” and it’s no surprise as she has been the winemaker behind renowned Screaming Eagle, a Cabernet that consistently thrills wine lovers and collectors. Barrett is the only winemaker ever to have received five perfect scores from the top wine critics in the country, and in 2008, she moved onto Fantesca Estate and Winery, a boutique wine producer in Napa Valley, still leading the way when it comes to unique, special California wines.

Ann Colgin
“Superstar” is how many refer to Ann Colgin, who is known for building a world-renowned reputation for California’s small production, hand-crafted red wines. While her Lamb Vineyard wines have drawn special attention, Colgin Cellars wines are all sought-after, often hard-to-find wines. Reportedly, that is because annual production is limited to just 300 cases, with more than 4,000 people on a mailing list, clamoring to have some of her latest efforts.

Celia Masyczek
Former Staglin Family winemaker, Celia Masyczek is now one of the most sought-after consultants in Napa, having earned her fame with high-end Napa Valley reds. Masyczek cut her teeth in winemaking in Medford, Ore., where she grew up as the daughter of a wine collector and home winemaker. After a fermentation science degree from UC-Davis, she may have started her career with an eye toward chemistry, but ultimately she has let her own sense of taste lead her to many noteworthy wines. As freelance winemaker, Masyczek is based at Laird Family Estate and has nine clients. Some of her past and current clients are: Hartwell, D.R. Stephens, Husic, Rocca, Cornerstone and recently Scarecrow from the JJ Cohn vineyard (whose 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon earned a Robert Parker Jr. 98-point rating.).

With winemakers like these, it makes it irresistible to make a toast to them with some of their latest creations. See what Hinsdale Cellars has in store today!

For Antonio Sanguineti, his brilliant yellow Audi wagon that speeds throughout the Tuscan countryside is as much motif as it is automotive in his life full of bold moves, including the bold wines he crafts so carefully and which have earned him the nickname, Il Maestro.

The story goes that his family owned vineyards, but when he was but a child the family fell on hard times and had to sell those vineyards.  The fruitful land was gone, but clearly not the expertise that evolved.  A winemaker without a vineyard is not so unusual these days, and Sanguineti’s palate and gift for making incredible wine blends led him to work as a consultant, often being paid in wine grapes that he hand-selects to make his unusual and provocative limited production wines. Today, his Small Vineyards company is known for its unique wines that focus on quality not quantity.

Sanguineti’s flamboyant personality conveys to his unique Italian wines that garner constant praise.  Lucky for Hinsdale, he is bringing at least five of those wines to town Saturday, Feb. 27^th, 5-8 p.m., for a $20 tasting, that is sure to stun the taste buds. Hinsdale Cellars will host the event that includes: one white, Verdicchio, followed by Chianti, a couple of Super Tuscans, and a Brunello.  (Note: Many credit his il Maestro nickname to his incredible Brunello.)

The evening promises to be a brief, but magical oenological trip to Tuscany certain to bring you back home a bit dizzy from the whirlwind sensory tour.  Afterall, Sanguineti is a man of adventure whose favorite toast is: “May we all die young — as late as possible!”

Tasting fees will be applied to any purchases that evening, and limited reservations are still available for the event. Call 630.654.9862 to save yourself a place.

And while the spirit of the holiday is to pamper your pets and pay homage to the unconditional love they provide so freely, perhaps it’s a time to look to those wines that make every day, Love Your Pet Day and include them in your celebrations of this special occasion.

These days we have wineries that donate proceeds to animal shelters and humane societies. Others host fundraisers for pet-related causes. And certainly, many vineyards are home to cats, dogs and other sorts of pets. While I love a good animal-related wine label, I can’t help thinking of my friend whose only wine-buying advice is that she never chooses wines with animals upon them. She may laugh as she spouts what she herself knows to be nonsensical advice, but it does give one pause. Sure any winemaker can throw a gerbil, parrot, iguana, cat or dog onto the label, but how do we find one that will pair well with tonight’s dinner? Here are just three really terrific pet-labeled wines to get you started…

Woof Woof for Riesling

Not sure if the label on O’Reilly’s 2007 Riesling is an Irish Wolfhound, but its tropical fruit flavors seem a far cry from Ireland. While German Rieslings in the States tend to be sweeter, this Riesling comes from Yakima Valley, Washington, showing much more like the luxurious German Kabinett Rieslings that don’t seem to export much out of Germany. This is a crisp white with a hint of minerality and citrus flavors that will have you recall that perfect summer day when Fido’s Frisbee-catching in the park also caught everyone’s attention. This wine is as great with fondue as it is with grilled fish, and a superb way to remind you that summer will indeed come again.

A Warm Spot for a Washington Red
Here’s a wine that is the cat’s meow among wine critics who praise its sensational drinkability and value. Bergevin Lane 2006 Calico Red Blend, another Washington wine, has scents of cedar and cherry that lead you into this medium-bodied blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Zinfandel and Cabernet Franc. The wine brings forth berry flavors, vanilla and oakiness and is perhaps just the right homage to celebrate your cat’s favorite climbing tree.

Wine that makes the dog dance?
If you are looking for a chardonnay that knows how to have fun, then perhaps the Hoopla 2007  Chardonnay from Napa is the wine for you. Spencer Hoopes has become known for his wine-making trailblazing, and this chardonnay is touted as a great example of his risk-taking in producing interesting, great-tasting wines. It is a fresh wine with flavors that range from green apple, fig, citrus to allspice. The free-spirited pup on the label is indicative of the light-hearted, fun-loving wine that will have you barking for more.

True Love is… The Hinsdale Wine Club!

The scrambling has begun.  Each February, the pressure is on for couples everywhere to find that perfect gift that says I love you more than ever and celebrate St. Valentine’s Day with fervor.  Yes, a dozen red tea roses are special.  Most never tire of a metallic red heart box full of chocolates.  And a meal at a memorable, cozy restaurant is always meaningful.  But alas, while the memories may last, these gifts do not.

In a week or less, roses will be withering.  Only the sweet chocolate smell will remain in a heart-shaped box (unless tough caramels are still there, too).  And the dinner will have long digested.  And what does that say about your love—that it has passed as well?  Well, perhaps this year, it’s time to find a gift that can last at least until next Valentine’s Day:  membership in the Hinsdale Cellars Inspired Wine Club.

“Your words are my food, your breath my wine. You are everything to me.”

- Sarah Bernhardt, French Stage/Film Actress (1844-1923)

The Inspired Wine Club says your love is lasting and that you treasure your beloved like a fine wine that only improves as you age and grow together.  Each month, your beloved will receive two unique, special and truly fabulous wines, which provide you a monthly celebration of love.  Hinsdale Wine Cellar gurus handpick each month’s selections – even traversing the globe to find some!  And as the wine club membership list grows, so too does the wine value as the club’s buying power increases.  Most bottles are estimated at $50, despite a monthly club fee of only $34.95 ($419.40 for all 12 months) plus shipping.

“Love is the condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own.”

- Robert Heinlein, American science-fiction writer (1907-1988)

Happiness is indeed guaranteed with the wide range of wines you and your beloved will experience in the Inspired Wine Club.  Each month, these wines will transport your senses to the world’s most premier vineyards, experiencing an exotic, hot Malbec from Argentina, a tender Provencal Grenache Rosé, a lush Rioja from Spain, a dry Australian Riesling full of minerality, and so much more.  Essentially the Inspired Wine Club provides a passport to broaden wine horizons, including literature, tasting notes and reviews.  Your beloved will also get special discounts on each month’s wine selections upon purchasing more of these great wines and advance notice of other wine specials and events at Hinsdale Cellars.  You might think that this gift is something you could only dream of, but thank goodness, it’s actually right here, right now, waiting for you to select it and make your St. Valentine’s Day remarkably blissful.

“You know you’re in love when you can’t fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.”

- Dr. Seuss, American Writer, Cartoonist (1904-1991)