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California Dremin’

April 30, 2010 by Ivy Kupec  
Filed under Inspired Posts, Monthly newsletter, Sean Chaudhry

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May is finally here!  The birds are chirping.  Gardens are coming together, and that sweet smell of spring unfolding into vibrant summer is beckoning.  From Cinco de Mayo to Memorial Day, we have a month that takes us outdoors again.  By the end of May, we will be watching Indy cars zipping around their famous track, smoky barbecues that treat us to an assortment of zesty summertime foods, and swimming pools re-opening and looking fresher and cleaner than ever.  Is there anything more exhilarating than that first dip into a summer pool with clean, clear water that feels as cold as ice, making your skin tingle all over?  But that is the May we love and anticipate during our coldest days of winter.

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.

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Worldly Wine:’Bottled Poetry’ in Time for Valentine’s Day

February 1, 2010 by Ivy Kupec  
Filed under Ivy F. Kupec, Monthly newsletter, News Release

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“What I need to live has been given to me by the earth. Why I need to live has been given to me by you.”

~Author Unknown Read more

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World Class Wine from World Cup Territory

January 24, 2010 by Ivy Kupec  
Filed under Monthly newsletter, News Release, Sean Chaudhry

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Whether you haven’t given a thought to World Cup 2010 or have monogrammed underwear for the US team or some other personal favorite, it’s the perfect time to pay tribute to South Africa, host of this year’s games and home to some of the world’s finest wineries.

South Africa, which has been producing wine since the 1600s mostly for domestic use, has gradually gained worldwide attention, and the heart of its wine industry lies in Stellenbosch.  With its Mediterranean climate of hot, arid summers and crisp, wet winters, Stellenbosch winemakers were initially known for luscious Cabernets and region-unique Pinotage blends, but now their whites are also drawing fans.  With the Cape Fold mountain range nearby and a wide range of soils, Stellenbosch has developed quite a following among wine lovers.  Soccer fan or not, this month’s Club wines are definitely something to cheer about.

Vinum Africa 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon, Stellenbosch
For wine with a hands-on appeal, one need look no further than Vinum Africa, which picks and sorts all of its grapes by hand. Aged partially in French and American oak barrels, the Cabernet develops a deep, vibrant cherry red that’s fruit-forward and very drinkable. Think Old World Cabernet structure mixed with New World flavors. Rich, spicy and inviting aromas introduce a palate that is layered and generous. The oak influence compliments, rather than takes over, producing natural fruit components and flavors of cigar box, blueberry, spice, cherry, currant and mocha.  The finish has a fresh note of minerality, making it overall a wine that is lovely by itself or equally satisfying with a succulent steak or other hearty meal.

Vinum Africa 2008 Chenin Blanc, Stellenbosch
Here is a Chenin Blanc that consistently gets great mentions because of its unusual elegance.  Chenin Blanc makes up approximately one-fifth of the grapes grown in South Africa, and Vinum Africa has made it a mission to showcase this grape at its best.  The nose reveals white petals and citrus crispness mixed with light vanilla and
cinnamon. The palate offers more layering with bright lime and gentle spices that brings to mind a lingering intensity of fruit and finishes with a mineral resonance. If you are less familiar with Chenin Blanc, this is a wonderful example of its complexity as well as its versatility.  Because of its citrus tones, this wine goes perfectly with seafood, but is also a good match with other white-wine foods.  Chenin Blanc is good now, but also ages well, too.

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